The NDR took on the feedback of having not enough variety in the show and presented us with a well rounded selection of 8 candidates from folk to pop to metal. Unfortunately they also decided to hop on to the TikTok Train after Sam Ryders success, but Germany selected: Ikke Hüftgold (with 52% of the votes).
This way the national selection started with 9 acts. However, Frida Gold unfortunately had to drop out of the competition due to sickness. If this is true or the well established band did not want to risk the probable chance to lose to Ikke will likely never be known.
The NDR had received backlash from Eurovision Fans for the timeslot allocated to the event (10.20pm instead of the primetime 8.15pm highlights the value the NRD puts into the selection), however, having Barbara Schöneberger once again host the show with who knows what kind of wake-me-up-pills was painful. Shout-out to Barbara for once wearing a very classy outfit (once she got rid of the gold coat).
Alongside her filling the gaps between acts were Florian Silbereisen (cringy „Volksmusik“ Singer), Ilse DeLange (Common Linnets 2014, who disappeared after about a third of the show, resulting in Twitter tweets saying they would have left too given the chance) and a Conchita lookalike Riccardo Simonetti (a German influencer). Every part of the show involving them (excl. Ilse) was a cringe-fest, from inappropriate flirting to referencing drugs and adult movies.
Focussing on the acts.
The opening artist was Singer-Dancer TRONG with his k-popish song „Dare to be different“. It was a good opener, the dancing was well executed. In the end he did not quite connect with the audience.
Next up was René Miller, a songwriter dabbling in singing with the song „Concrete heart“. For his performance he stole Julia Samoylovas 2018 rock and tried to alleviate his act to new heights, not quite managing.
Anica Russo came next with „Once upon a dream“. Her performance (especially the staging and her gorgeous dress) was really well done but ultimately it did not catch the attention of voters.
Lonely Spring took us back to the early 2000 teenage RomCom-era with „Misfit“. Unfortunately the voters did not want to be transported back to their younger days.
When Will Church started his song „Hold on“, it felt really good and I had said upon the release that I could see him winning, though I preferred different songs. So fortunately for me, he really screwed up the high-note towards the end, ruining his chances with the public even if he ended up being the jury's favourite.
Next up was Patty Gurdy with her Hurdy-gurdy. While I was looking forward to this, her „Melody of hope“ fell rather flat, especially vocally.
Second to last Ikke Hüftgold performed his Ballermann Song "Lied mit gutem Text“. Thanks to every ESC deity, the international jury did not get it and there just were not enough calls for him.
The winning performance was „Blood and Glitter“ by Lord of the Lost. While the jury only had them in 4th place, the televote was enough to catapult them to the well deserved top spot. This performance has everything we need at Eurovision: red latex, glitter, fire and a group that is genuinely nice and respectful towards the other artists.
Highlights of the evening were Katja Ebbstein in the audience (she looked rather uncomfortable to be put in the spotlight), a duet from Isle with German country-rock band the BossHoss and having multiple ESC acts appearing as spokesperson for the juries (from Gjon's tears to SuRie to Blind Channel Singer Joel Hokka).
The ESC-medley performed by all acts was a nice touch. It was good to see Malik Harris, telling us, that 0 points did not hinder him having a successful tour afterwards.
Controversy about the Jury vote being to different from the televote started immediately after the show. Though the Jury likely voted on the videos rather than the live performance. Going forward the jury should vote on a live performance just like the audience. Regardless of that I am happy that we had a jury and very pleased with the result.