In a major shift for Germany’s Eurovision strategy, public broadcaster ARD, private channel RTL, and renowned producer Stefan Raab have teamed up to organize Germany’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. This unique collaboration, which was confirmed earlier today, marks the first time since 2012 that a German Eurovision selection show will involve both a public and private broadcaster.
Details of the revamped selection process will be revealed at a press conference at the Swiss Embassy in Berlin on October 31. Stefan Raab, a Eurovision veteran and German music icon, had initially proposed a comprehensive new approach to selection earlier this year, suggesting that all major broadcasting groups—ARD, ZDF, RTL Deutschland, and ProSiebenSat.1—work together to elevate Germany’s Eurovision presence. While only ARD and RTL are involved so far, Raab’s involvement is expected to bring fresh energy and creativity to the selection process.
This new collaboration also ends Germany’s partnership with Bildergarten, which had produced the national selection for the past three years with NDR. This move signals a departure from past formats and a commitment to a fresh vision for Germany’s Eurovision efforts in 2025.
Germany’s recent Eurovision performance was notably improved in 2024, when Isaak represented the country with his song “Always On the Run.” Isaak’s 12th-place finish with 117 points marked Germany’s best result since 2018, fueling optimism that a new selection approach could propel Germany to even greater heights in 2025.
With Stefan Raab’s creative touch and a historic collaboration between broadcasters, the upcoming national selection show promises to bring a renewed sense of excitement and possibility for Germany’s Eurovision fans and participants.
Image Source: EBU/Alma Bengtsson | Source: Eurovision.de
