Singer Sarah Engels has won Germany's preliminary for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and will represent the country in Vienna. She triumphed over eight other contestants with her song 'Fire'. Host Hazel Brugger drew attention with a new blonde hairstyle.
On Saturday evening, the show 'Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale' aired on ARD in Berlin to select Germany's entry for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. 33-year-old singer Sarah Engels from Cologne won with her song 'Fire', which aims to empower women to follow their dreams. An international jury from 20 countries first narrowed nine acts down to three, after which the public voted, giving Engels the most votes.
The event was hosted by Swiss comedian Hazel Brugger, 32, and Barbara Schöneberger, 51. Brugger appeared with her hair slicked back in a very light blonde, differing from her usual natural style and surprising observers. To open, the hosts performed a medley of famous ESC songs, including Nicole's 'Ein bisschen Frieden'. A highlight was a parody of Stefan Raab: both appeared with snow-white teeth and thick sunglasses, referencing Raab's 2000 entry 'Wadde hadde dudde da?'. Raab is no longer involved in the selection process this year.
Germany has had poor results at the ESC over the past decade, except for Michael Schulte's fourth place in 2018. Recently, Isaak placed 12th in 2024 and the duo Abor & Tynna 15th in 2025. Engels, however, excels in competitions: she reached the final of 'Deutschland sucht den Superstar' in 2011, participated in shows like 'Let's Dance', 'The Masked Singer', and 'Dancing on Ice', and has 1.8 million Instagram followers. She was married to Pietro Lombardi from 2013 to 2019.
Unlike previous years, the Südwestrundfunk (SWR) leads the process instead of the Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR). The 2026 ESC will take place on May 16 in Vienna, as Austria won in 2025 with JJ and 'Wasted Love'. 35 countries are participating, though some are boycotting due to Israel's involvement and actions in the Gaza Strip.
