In Germany’s unique structure it wasn’t until the semifinals that we heard the potential Eurovision songs from the artists, the semifinal featured 14 songs, whittling it down to nine for the final.
Germany has been talking a big game ahead of this year’s contest. After years of, not always deserved, terrible results the broadcaster has said the nation is out to win and has partnered with a private network to produce its national selection show.
The show opened with a bang with Feurschwanz a medieval metal band took the stage to perform “Knightclub”. Benjamin Braatz followed performing his acoustic song “Like You Love Me” in an abrupt mood shift. That was followed by rock band Cloudy Jane’s religious symbolism and sexual “If Jesus Saw What We Did Last Night”. Before a third band COSBY, with a poppier sound performed “I’m Still Here”.
The next set of three featured more shifts with metalcore band From Fall to Spring bookended by piano driven darker pop from JALN and Jordan Heinrich.
Abor and Tynna’s “Baller” offered strings and dance before it was back to pianos with LEONORA’s “This Bliss” and Julika with “Empress” two songs that could have fit a smoky chilled lounge. LYZA continued the trend of women vocalists with her “Lovers on Mars” but this being driven by the guitar.
Moss Kena ended the run of women and took us to ballads with his “Nothing Can Stop Love” and gallons of smoke. The Great Leslie was another shift with the rock band perhaps trying for a Maneskin look but with Lena’s British accent in “These Days”. Cage ended the show with “Golden Hour” boldly starting with the opening note acapella in an R&B number.
The semi-final was judged entirely by the jury which was Stefan Raab, a writer on Satellite and host of Eurovision in 2011; Yvonne Catterfeld, a singer in Germany who was also on the jury for its 2010 selection; Elton, who hosted Germany’s 2023 final and Max Giesinger, a very popular musician in Germany.
The nine songs that advanced were:
Feuerschwanz – Knightclub
Benjamin Braatz – Like You Love Me
COSBY – I’m Still Here
Abor and Tynna – Baller
LEONORA – This Bliss
Julika – Empress
LYZA – Lovers on Mars
Moss Kena – Nothing Can Stop Love
The Great Leslie – These Days