The ARD has presented nine music acts in Hamburg that are competing to represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2026 in Vienna. The candidates were selected by experts, an international jury, and the public. The national final will take place on February 28.
The Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna in May 2026, and Germany is seeking its representative. Nine diverse acts from across the country have qualified, including established names and rising talents. The selection occurred through an internal process involving evaluations by music industry experts, an international jury, and public votes.
Sarah Engels (33) from Cologne, a finalist on 'Deutschland sucht den Superstar' in 2011, performs 'Fire,' a song encouraging women to follow their dreams. 'I love taking on new challenges. But this is a whole different level,' she said. Malou Lovis (26) from Wettringen, winner of 'The Voice of Germany' 2023, presents the ballad 'When I’m With You.' Molly Sue (25) from Laboe processes personal fears in 'Optimist (Ha Ha Ha).'
The duo Ragazzki – Marti Fischer (35) from Lower Saxony and David 'Miirtek' Starosciak (33) from Rhineland-Palatinate – brings Italo-pop with 'Ciao Ragazzki.' 'Being able to fully stage the project visually on such a stage is an awesome opportunity,' Starosciak emphasizes. Myle (25), a German-American from Ravensburg, opts for guitar-heavy pop with 'A OK.' Wavvyboi (27) from Liechtenstein celebrates diversity in 'Black Glitter.'
The band Dreamboys The Band, consisting of four women – Jo The Man The Music, Philippa Kinsky, VILLFORTH, and Nina Caroline – sings indie-pop 'Jeanie' about strengths. Laura Nahr (25) from Magdeburg describes generational feelings in 'Wonderland.' Bela (23) from Munich debuts with 'Herz' about finding a place in another's world.
'Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026' airs on February 28 at 8:15 p.m. on Das Erste, hosted by Barbara Schöneberger and Hazel Brugger. An international jury selects the top three, and the public decides the winner. The SWR leads production in cooperation with BR and HR.
