The Südwestrundfunk (SWR) is preparing a three-hour live show to select Germany's ESC entry for 2026. The broadcast is scheduled for February 28 at 8:15 p.m. on Das Erste and will be produced by Kimmig Entertainment. The aim is to end Germany's lack of success at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 will take place on May 16 in Vienna, marking its 70th anniversary. The SWR is taking responsibility for Germany's selection for the first time and is planning a comprehensive preparation. Since autumn 2025, a multi-stage selection process has been underway, including songwriting camps, expert juries, and an international market research study simulating an ESC vote. Applicants must offer international appeal, media experience, and a professional environment; artificial intelligence is excluded.
Tina Sikorski, the new ESC delegation chief at SWR, promises "great performances" and the "perfect act that will make Germany shine at the 70th ESC." The former managing director of the Initiative Musik is set to address Germany's chronic lack of success. Last year, Abor & Tynna placed 15th in Basel with "Baller," seen as a solid result, but the pre-selection drew 3.55 million viewers, the highest since 2016.
ESC 2026 is overshadowed by controversies: Spain, Ireland, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia are boycotting due to Israel's participation, leaving 35 countries. Switzerland's 2024 winner Nemo returned his trophy, while Conchita Wurst (2014) is stepping back for career reasons. EBU Director Martin Green emphasizes: "The ESC remains a place where voices, cultures, languages, and music merge." The EBU plans not to drown out protests with artificial applause.
Critics question the production by Kimmig Entertainment, known for shows like the Bambi awards but less for modern pop formats. Rumors swirl about a possible application from Sarah Engels, which could hark back to earlier trashy ESC eras. The finalists are to be announced in January.
