A Sparkling Boost: Germany Enlists Ruslana as a Judge for “Das Deutsche Finale 2026”

A Sparkling Boost: Germany Enlists Ruslana as a Judge for “Das Deutsche Finale 2026”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany’s national broadcaster SWR pulls out the heavy artillery for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna: Ruslana, Eurovision 2004 winner, will serve as a judge in "Das Deutsche Finale 2026" and help choose Germany’s next entry. Germany achieved remarkable success in 2025 with the song “Baller” (in English: “Shooter”) performed by Abor & Tynna, which became a hit and ranked fifth in Spotify streams. The country has no plans to ease off the gas. The German national broadcaster, SWR, announced this morning a dazzling new addition to the jury panel that will select Germany’s entry for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna: none other than Ruslana. The Ukrainian star, who brought her country its first-ever victory in 2004 with “Wild Dances”, is joining the international jury of Germany’s national selection contest. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Searching for the Voice to Conquer Europe The choice of Ruslana is no coincidence. In recent years, Germany has been looking for songs with individuality, charisma,...
Read More
Germany: The Entry for Eurovision 2026 Will Be Chosen on February 28th

Germany: The Entry for Eurovision 2026 Will Be Chosen on February 28th

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany’s national broadcaster SWR revealed that “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026,” where the country’s entry for Eurovision 2026 will be selected, is set for February 28th. Germany’s national broadcaster SWR announced today (Wednesday) that the German national selection show, “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026,” will be held on February 28th, at 20:15 CET. The event will air via ARD and will also be available for streaming through ARD Mediathek. By the end of the live broadcast, Germany’s representative and song for Eurovision 2026 - set to take place in Vienna, Austria - will be revealed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany Isn’t Playing Around This year, Germany’s selection process includes multiple stages, among them songwriting camps organized by SWR. During these camps, artists aspiring to represent Germany have been collaborating with well-known and experienced producers and performers, all with one clear goal - to secure Germany’s best Eurovision result in years, or possibly...
Read More
Encouraging Message from Germany: Behind the Scenes of the Dramatic Battle Over Israel’s Participation

Encouraging Message from Germany: Behind the Scenes of the Dramatic Battle Over Israel’s Participation

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026: Germany continues to signal its support for Israel ahead of the dramatic discussion on its participation in Eurovision 2026 - What is the encouraging message conveyed from countries that were previously considered opposing Israel's participation? At the start of one of the most tense days for Eurovision fans in Israel, a statement arrives that allows a moment of breathing room - but also sharpens the extent of the uncertainty. Germany, one of Europe's most influential countries and a prominent partner of the EBU, confirms that in recent weeks it has invested extensive diplomatic efforts to ensure Israel is not expelled from the competition. However, alongside the overt support, its messages point to a complex reality, where behind the diplomatic smiles there is still no certainty regarding the outcome - an outcome that may affect not only Israel, but on the entire Eurovision Song Contest. This statement comes as the public in Israel and around the world...
Read More
Drama: Will Germany Withdraw From Eurovision 2026 if Israel Gets Expelled?

Drama: Will Germany Withdraw From Eurovision 2026 if Israel Gets Expelled?

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); This Thursday the discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is expected to take place, and according to reports – if Israel is disqualified, Germany is expected to boycott Eurovision entirely and not even broadcast it. The discussion on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is scheduled for Thurdsay as part of the European Broadcasting Union’s General Assembly. After many rumours regarding the position of the German national broadcaster ARD, and its vague response on the matter, a new report from Reuters now confirms that if the upcoming discussion leads to a vote that results in Israel’s expulsion, Germany will boycott Eurovision and will not broadcast the contest at all. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Reuters report comes after a period of ambiguity from the German national broadcaster, which has even chosen not to comment on the report itself. Many political figures in Germany have expressed strong support for Israel’s participation; the German Chancellor, Friedrich...
Read More
The Eurovision Icons Kessler Twins Have Passed Away

The Eurovision Icons Kessler Twins Have Passed Away

by Rachel Geron Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Kessler twins, who represented Germany at Eurovision 1959 and became international icons, died together at the age of 89 after choosing to end their lives through joint assisted dying. The twins Ellen Kessler and Alice Kessler, who earned international fame as singers, dancers and actresses - and as Germany’s representatives at the Eurovision Song Contest 1959 — have passed away. The two died at the age of 89 in Grünwald, near Munich, through a pre-arranged assisted death. According to a statement by the German Society for Humane Dying (DGHS) to Bavarian Radio, the twins had planned their own deaths over a long period of time: “The Kessler twins have been involved with assisted death for a long time”. It was also stated that the twins had been members of the organization for years and had personally chosen the date of their death. A lawyer and a doctor held preparatory conversations with them and later arrived at the sisters’ home to...
Read More
German Education Minister: “Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Is an Antisemitic Act”

German Education Minister: “Israel’s Expulsion from Eurovision 2026 Is an Antisemitic Act”

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany reaffirms support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 as Education Minister Karin Prien calls any expulsion “an antisemitic act” contradicting the contest’s spirit of unity and cultural dialogue. Germany continues to firmly support Israel’s participation in the contest. German Education Minister Karin Prien stated today (Thursday) that she strongly opposes Israel’s removal from Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna, Austria. According to her, excluding Israel because of its government’s actions would be an antisemitic act that undermines the cultural values and dialogue on which the competition is based. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); “Germany must continue to support Israel’s participation" Karin Prien declared unequivocally: “Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 is a completely antisemitic act. Therefore, I fully agree with Germany’s insistence and its threats regarding Israel’s participation”. Her remarks stand among the strongest diplomatic statements recently made by senior European officials. Prien added: “The values of enlightenment and acceptance require maintaining dialogue and avoiding punishment of artists and creators for their governments’...
Read More
German National Broadcaster Ends Collaboration with Stefan Raab Ahead of Eurovision 2026

German National Broadcaster Ends Collaboration with Stefan Raab Ahead of Eurovision 2026

by Neta Geffen Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); After just one year, Germany’s national broadcaster ARD announced it will not continue its partnership with Stefan Raab for the Eurovision 2026 national final - but left the door open for future cooperation. Germany’s national broadcaster ARD has officially announced that it will not renew its collaboration with producer and musician Stefan Raab, who co-produced "Chefsache 2025" for Eurovision alongside RTL last year.The decision follows a year that was considered a television success but did not achieve the main goal - winning Eurovision 2025 held in Basel. ARD’s Program Director Christine Strobl explained the reasoning in an interview: “We entered into this partnership because we wanted to win. Now, a year later, to say: ‘Okay, it didn’t work out, we’ll just keep going anyway,’ doesn’t feel right”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); SWR Takes Over the German Selection Responsibility for choosing Germany’s representative for Eurovision 2026 has now been transferred to SWR, one of ARD’s regional broadcasters.At...
Read More
Bernd Meinunger, One of Eurovision’s Greatest Songwriters, Died at Age of 81

Bernd Meinunger, One of Eurovision’s Greatest Songwriters, Died at Age of 81

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, who penned some of Germany’s most iconic Eurovision classics, has passed away at the age of 81. The German lyricist Bernd Meinunger, one of the most renowned figures in Germany’s Eurovision history and the author of huge hits such as “Ein bisschen Frieden” and “Reise nach Jerusalem”, passed away yeaterday (Friday) at the age of 81. Meinunger died at his home in Grunwald after struggling for years with severe health issues. He passed away following a prolonged battle with a bacterial infection that began after knee surgery around four years ago. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Who Was Bernd Meinunger? Meinunger was best known as the longtime collaborator and creative partner of legendary Eurovision composer and producer Ralph Siegel. Together, the two created many of the most famous Eurovision songs ever submitted by Germany - Meinunger wrote the lyrics while Siegel composed the music. Siegel paid tribute to his late friend in an interview, saying: “He...
Read More
German Chancellor Draws a Red Line: If Israel Is Expelled from Eurovision, Germany Must Withdraw

German Chancellor Draws a Red Line: If Israel Is Expelled from Eurovision, Germany Must Withdraw

by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); "Scandal": German Chancellor Friedrich Merz vows that Germany will withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is expelled, stirring diplomatic waves and reshaping the balance of power in the European contest. What would happen to the Eurovision Song Contest if one of Europe’s strongest countries decided to withdraw? German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly backed Germany’s withdrawal from the competition if Israel is expelled. What does this suggest about the leverage of countries like Germany compared to others — such as Spain and the Netherlands — which recently declared they would boycott the contest if Israel does participate? The Chancellor’s new statement shifts the balance of power, but does it carry practical weight within the competition’s framework? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany’s Position and Merz’s Statement In a clear and assertive interview with German media, the Chancellor stated: “If Israel is expelled, I will support our non-participation.” This is one of the most striking political statements made by a senior European leader in...
Read More
Is the German Public Opposes Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026?

Is the German Public Opposes Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026?

by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Is Germany with Israel or against? An in-depth analysis of a new survey examining the political implications of Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 and its perception among the German public. As the debate across Europe intensifies over Israel’s place in Eurovision 2026, Germany finds itself at the heart of the storm. In a country where historical and cultural ties with the Jewish people are deeply charged, a heated public discussion is taking place regarding Israel’s participation. Against the backdrop of mounting boycotts in countries like the Netherlands and Spain, and amid heated discussions within the EBU, it comes as no surprise that the issue has also taken center stage in Germany. The national broadcaster in Germany has previously expressed support for Israel’s participation in the contest, but what does the German public truly think? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Germany Still Standing with Israel? A new survey conducted in Germany by the national broadcaster ARD reveals...
Read More