A total of 3,281 artists have applied for Germany’s national selection, “Chefsache ESC,” for Eurovision 2025. Among them, 1,198 submitted original songs. New details on the selection process and event dates were revealed!
The German national selection, “Chefsache ESC”, a collaboration between the national broadcaster ARD, RTL, and renowned music producer Stefan Raab, has been confirmed as the process to choose Germany’s Eurovision 2025 representative for Basel, Switzerland. Recent announcements revealed impressive statistics: 3,281 applications were submitted, including 1,198 original songs—a record in the history of Germany’s Eurovision selection. For comparison, only 572 songs were submitted last year, marking a significant increase in participation this year.
The live broadcast of “Chefsache ESC” will air on March 1 via ARD, hosted by the well-known presenter Barbara Schöneberger. The competition drew a wide range of participants, from solo performers to bands. Among the submissions were veteran artists with established careers alongside promising young talents representing diverse musical genres. Notably, the oldest applicant is 83 years old, while approximately 20% of the entries came from bands, reflecting the event’s musical variety.
Competition Structure and Voting Process
The national selection will feature 24 participants competing in two quarterfinals. Between 12 and 14 contestants will advance to the semi-final, from which nine finalists will emerge. Stefan Raab, along with other experts, will serve as a judge during the first three broadcasts. However, the ultimate decision on who will represent Germany at Eurovision in Basel will rest entirely in the hands of the public. Unlike previous years, Raab decided to exclude an international jury, opting instead for full reliance on domestic audience voting.
Important Dates for “Chefsache ESC 2025”
Details about the selection process schedule have also been revealed. The quarterfinals will air on RTL, while the grand final will take place on Saturday, March 1, at 20:15 CET on Das Erste. Barbara Schöneberger will host all four shows, as she did last year.
- Quarter Final 1: Friday, February 14, 2025.
- Quarter Final 2: Saturday, February 15, 2025.
- Semi Final: Saturday, February 22, 2025.
- Grand Final: Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 20:15 CET.
In a previous report, we highlighted Stefan Raab’s dramatic return to Eurovision. As one of Germany’s most influential figures in television and music, Raab declared, “If Germany doesn’t win Eurovision 2025, I’m responsible.” After more than a decade away from the competition, Raab pledged to take full accountability for either Germany’s success or failure in Basel.
Germany’s bold approach, record participation, and musical diversity highlight its serious intent to secure a win at Eurovision 2025. With meticulous preparation, Raab’s involvement, and public engagement at the forefront, “Chefsache ESC” promises an exciting and competitive selection process. Germany appears determined not just to compete but to triumph in Basel.
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.
