Recommendations have been presented by the Committee of the Regions.
Stefan Raab, a prominent figure in German Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) history, will not be involved in the selection process for the 2026 competition. This decision follows a joint agreement between Raab and RTL, the broadcaster he previously collaborated with, to discontinue their partnership for the 2026 selection.
Raab's departure signifies a significant shift in the German ESC landscape, as he has played a crucial role in the contest's history. He orchestrated the preliminary round in 2010, which led to Lena Meyer-Landrut's triumph and Germany's first ESC victory since 1982. Raab also served as the chief juror in recent years, a position he vacated for 2026.
In an ironic twist, Raab himself secured 5th place in the ESC in 1999 with the song 'Wadde hatte dudde da?'. However, his return to the selection process in 2025 did not yield the desired victory, as the sibling duo Abor & Tynna only managed to secure 15th place.
The ARD, a different broadcaster, will oversee the German preliminary round for the 2026 ESC. The Southwest Broadcasting (SWR) will be responsible for the preliminary round for the first time, and the event is expected to be broadcast at the end of February on the ARD's First channel.
The format for the German preliminary round next year will be streamlined, with a single preliminary round on the First channel, instead of the format with several shows. No cooperation with Stefan Raab or his channel RTL is currently planned for the 2026 selection process.
The next ESC will take place in May 2026 in Vienna. The German representative for the contest will be chosen through the ARD's selection process, without the involvement of Raab or RTL. The specific partners cooperating with ARD for the preliminary round have not yet been decided.
Despite his withdrawal from the public eye in 2015, Raab made a comeback in front of the camera in September 2024. His influence in German ESC history remains undeniable, and his successful image in the contest continues to be celebrated.
Notably, Guildo Horn, who participated in the ESC in 1998 with a song composed by Raab, finished in 7th place. Raab's impact on the German ESC is evident, and while he may not be directly involved in the 2026 selection process, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the contest.
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