SWR appoints A Eurovision Winner to lead Germany’s Eurovision project after Sarah Engels’ disappointing result in Vienna.
Did Germany’s disappointing performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna trigger a major overhaul? Germany was represented this year by Sarah Engels with the song “Fire“, finishing in just 23rd place. The disappointing result prompted serious self-reflection within the German delegation and has now led to a dramatic leadership change.
After a 12-year absence, Torsten Amarell, who served as Germany’s Head of Delegation between 2010 and 2015, will return to lead the Eurovision project for the German national broadcaster SWR. His previous tenure marked one of Germany’s most successful periods in the contest, including the country’s victory in 2010 and two additional top-ten finishes in the following years.
Although Germany finished near the bottom of the scoreboard during the three years that followed, and Amarell’s first tenure ended on a painful note with Germany finishing last in 2015, both that result and the entries that preceded it have since achieved cult status among Eurovision fans and continue to enjoy lasting popularity across the Eurovision community.
The German national broadcaster SWR welcomed Amarell’s appointment with great enthusiasm, while he also expressed his excitement about joining what he described as a prestigious organization. SWR only assumed responsibility for Germany’s Eurovision project last year, and Amarell’s extensive experience is expected to become a valuable asset as Germany looks to return to success at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Germany at Eurovision 2026
“Fire” was the song performed by singer Sarah Engels, who represented Germany in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 on May 16th in Vienna, Austria. which finished in 23rd place with 12 points, was co-written by Engels together with Dario Schรผrmann,ย Luisa Heinemann,ย Raphael Lott, andย Valentin Boes. The song was performed entirely in English.
Eurovision 2027: This will be Germany’s 70th 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.
