Proposals have been previously put forth by the Committee of the Regions.
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in 2026 is set to take a new turn, as the event will be held in May in Vienna. This change in venue marks a significant year for the competition, and in Germany, the selection process is undergoing a transformation as well.
Stefan Raab, a prominent figure in German ESC history, largely withdrew from the public eye in 2015 but returned to the camera in September 2024. However, it appears that Raab will not be involved in the German preliminary round for the ESC in 2026.
For the first time, the Southwest Broadcasting (SWR) will be responsible for the German preliminary round. Previously, the North German Broadcasting had been in charge of the preliminary round for decades. The specific partners for the 2026 preliminary round have not yet been decided.
The preliminary round for the ESC in 2026 will be broadcast at the end of February, and it seems that the traditional multiple-show format will be abandoned. Instead, the German preliminary round is likely to have only one show, making the selection process more streamlined.
The industry association GEMA has reportedly sent a letter to its members about the changes in the German preliminary round format for 2026. The responsibility for the German preselection for the ESC 2026 will be taken over by SWR without Raab and RTL's involvement. The preselection will be organized by SWR as a single final event broadcast on ARD.
Raab was reintegrated into the German ESC selection process in 2025 to improve Germany's chances of success. In the previous year, the sister duo Abor & Tynna emerged as the winner from the preliminary round led by Raab. However, despite Raab's goal of victory, the siblings only reached 15th place in the ESC. Raab is no longer expected to serve as the chief juror for the German preliminary round in 2026.
Stefan Raab has been considered one of the most important actors in German ESC history. He composed the title 'Guildo has you love' for Guildo Horn, who finished seventh in the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson in 1998. Raab also organized the preliminary round and selected Lena Meyer-Landrut for the ESC in 2010, who brought Germany its first ESC victory since 1982.
It remains to be seen who will take the stage in 2026 to represent Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest. The changes in the selection process are sure to bring excitement and anticipation as the countdown to the ESC in Vienna begins.
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