The leader and the plus-size model associates on ESC's assignment
Amidst the bustling city of Cologne, one might mistake Germany for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) victor of the previous year, given the influx of celebrations and ESC fervor everywhere. Except for Barbara Schöneberger, who graced the stage in a sleek black dress, setting the tone for the night as the host of this year's preliminary round.
As the anniversary of the ESC's return to Germany, Schöneberger took center stage, her sequins and tulle dreams temporarily put aside to honor the occasion. However, the TV studio where the preliminary round took place was a sight to behold, sparkling in its majestic splendor with a grand stage, catwalks, a huge video wall, and two designated podiums for live band performances.
Stefan Raab, the newly appointed RTL boss and ESC mastermind, exuded ambition for Germany's Eurovision glory, endeavoring to make the country shine in the Eurovision stadium. Raab's efforts to unveil Germany's next Eurovision champion saw a record-breaking 3281 applications, leading to the survival of 24 contenders competing in up to four shows to secure their ticket to Basel.
In the first phase, Max Mutzke, Guido Horn's ESC eighth-place rival in 2004, returned as a guest juror to revisit Raab's ESC history and pay tribute to its rich past. The competition featured a diverse range of acts, from soul singer Cage's rendition of H.E.R.'s "Wrong Places" to Abor & Tynna's mystical rendition of Adele's "Skyfall."
Jonathan Henrich and Feuerschwanz, the renowned medieval rockers, impressed the jury with their Jvke and medieval metal covers, respectively, setting themselves apart and truly demonstrating the endless possibilities of the ESC. Despite a few contestants falling short, Raab assured the viewers that every contestant had a chance to prove themselves, delaying the decision-making process until the very end to ensure the best possible outcome.
The eagerly anticipated "Aura effect" remains a mystery, as Raab's guidelines for replicating Lena's 2010 success prove challenging, requiring the sparks of excitement to ignite quickly. As the competition continues to unfold, Raab's leadership skills and the talent of the contestants will be put to the test, with hopes rising that Germany will once again claim its place among the Eurovision royalty.
Barbara Schöneberger, known for her love for music and fashion, likely opted for a simple black dress to host the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) preliminary round in Schöneberger, showcasing her ability to handle the spotlight gracefully. The Schöneberger Hall, where the ESC preliminary round was held, has previously hosted numerous music events and was likely chosen for its excellent acoustics and capacity to cater to the large Eurovision audience. With Eurovision being a global platform for music, it's likely that the winning act will represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel.
