Following the ESC appeal, ARD removes Stefan Raab from the ship.
In the world of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), Germany is set for a change as the South West Broadcasting (SWR) takes over the reins from the North German Broadcasting Corporation (NDR) for the 2026 preliminary round.
The influential figure of Stefan Raab, known for his creative touch and mass-appealing entertainment, has been a staple in German ESC history. Raab's contributions include bringing unforgettable moments to the contest, such as Lena Meyer-Landrut's triumph in 2010 and his own fifth place finish in 2000. However, reports suggest that Raab will not be involved in the 2026 preliminary round.
SWR has made it clear that they are on the hunt for songs with the potential to be internationally successful at the ESC and beyond. The decision to organize the preliminary round without Raab or RTL was confirmed by SWR, with the collaboration between SWR and ARD being discussed.
The specifics of the German representative for the ESC are yet to be announced, causing a sense of mourning among fans. The new ESC preliminary round will take place in a single show aired on the ARD channel in late February 2026, as stated in the tender.
The end of the collaboration between ARD and Raab came after one year, following the multi-part format 'Chefsache ESC - Who will sing for Germany?' which reached a wide audience and generated media attention. The joint ESC experiment with Raab has now ended, paving the way for SWR to take charge.
The collaboration between ARD and RTL in the 2023 ESC increased viewing figures for both the German preliminary round and the ESC final in Basel. It remains to be seen if the 2026 preliminary round will follow a similar trajectory.
Stefan Raab's absence from the 2026 ESC preliminary round marks a significant shift in the German ESC landscape. Raab's contributions to the contest, including his spectacular successes and controversial moments, have shaped German ESC history.
Sources: - dwdl.de - esc-kompakt.de
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