Bold commitment: Stefan Raab takes the lead in finding a German representative for Eurovision 2025, promising to take responsibility if Germany doesn’t win.
Stefan Raab, one of the most famous and influential figures in German television and music culture, returns to the Eurovision spotlight with a dramatic declaration and unprecedented commitment – “If Germany doesn’t win Eurovision 2025, I am responsible.” Raab announced to his colleagues in German television that he is taking full responsibility for success, or failure, in leading Germany to victory in 2025, after being absent from the competition for more than a decade. This dramatic statement confirms Germany’s deep desire for a better result, as we reported when the new format for the German Eurovision pre-selection for 2025, “Chefsache ESC”, was revealed. In May, Germany confirmed its participation in the competition.
Stefan’s Personal Challenge – To Win
Raab’s comeback to the Eurovision world comes through a new television program called “Chefsache ESC”, which will be broadcast in prime time on the German national broadcaster, ARD. This program will include four dramatic evenings in February and March 2025, during which the singer who will represent Germany on stage in Basel will be chosen.The revelation about Raab’s goal in re-participating in Eurovision comes from the head of the German Eurovision delegation, Alexandra Wolfslast: “Stefan sees this as a personal challenge,” she noted. “He said himself – ‘I’m responsible if we only come in second place’ – that’s an impressive statement.”
Raab has a rich history in Eurovision that began in 1998, when Guildo Horn ranked seventh with the song “Guildo hat euch lieb” (in English: “Guildo loves you”) written and composed by Raab. In 2000, he appeared on stage in Stockholm and also produced the song “Wadde hadde dudde da?” (in English: “What do you have there?”), reaching fifth place. Raab is particularly remembered for initiating the Eurovision pre-selection “Unser star für Oslo”, which was won by Lena Meyer-Landrut, who then won Eurovision itself with her song “Satellite“. The following year, after Lena was chosen again in an internal selection, he initiated her private Eurovision pre-selection “Unser song für Deutschland”, in which the song “Taken by a Stranger” won, with which she reached tenth place. In 2011, he was chosen to host Eurovision held in Germany.
“He Needs Freedom to Act His Way”
Raab’s involvement in choosing the German representative is prominent not only in leadership but also in his unique and uncompromising approach. “It’s absolutely his show,” added Wolfslast. “We need to let him do things his way, otherwise it won’t have the same impact.” According to her, Raab holds full power to decide how they will lead the competition, and in Wolfslast’s words: “We have a saying in Germany – ‘Too many cooks spoil the broth’. Often in Eurovision, there are too many managers and everyone wants to express an opinion, so it’s good that there’s one clear figure behind the process.”
Due to Raab’s direct involvement, Wolfslast is focusing on managing the relationships between the German national broadcaster ARD and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and taking a step back from the technical leadership of the competition.
Singer Selection Process – Audience Choice Only
As we previously reported, the Eurovision pre-selection “Chefsache ESC” will take place over four broadcasts, with the first three broadcasts including 24 singers who will be judged by Raab and a professional judging panel. However, the decision on the identity of the winner who will represent Germany at Eurovision will be made by the German audience alone. Unlike in recent years, Raab has decided from the early stages to forgo an international judging panel in the competition, and the local audience will make the decision entirely.
The grand finale of the program, in which Germany’s representative for Eurovision 2025 will be announced, will take place on March 1st and will be broadcast live on the German national broadcaster ARD, hosted by the famous presenter Barbara Schöneberger.
“If He Wants to Win, He’ll Do Everything to Make It Happen”
Wolfslast summarizes Raab’s determined intentions for victory at Eurovision 2025 and adds: “I’m sure he will do everything in his power to bring Germany to victory.”
In the Eurovision arena, Germany faces a fascinating challenge with Stefan Raab at the center of attention – a figure who is not afraid to take full responsibility and lead with unparalleled passion. Will the man who led Germany to victory in the past manage to recreate the magic? Or will the disappointment be as great as the expectations? The tension is building towards the upcoming season of “Chefsache ESC” in which the German public will determine the fate of the next representative. Get your screens ready – the stage is set for rare moments of drama.
Germany in Eurovision 2024
“Always on the Run” is the title of the song performed by singer Isaak, who represented Germany in the grand final of Eurovision 2024. The song was selected through a national selection process. Germany finished 12th in the final with 117 points, achieving 10th place among the juries and only 19th place in the public vote.
Source: Eurovision.de
Eurovision 2025: This will be Germany’s 68th participation in Eurovision. Germany joined the competition in 1956, was one of the seven founding countries, and has won twice over the years. Germany’s last victory was in Eurovision 2010 with the song “Satellite” performed by singer Lena Meyer-Landrut.
