The “Eurovision Song Contest – the German Final 2024” decided who will represent Germany at the ESC this year. As the favorite of the jury and audience, 29-year-old Isaak Guderian was able to prevail against the competition with his energetic song “Always On The Run” in the live show on Erste on Friday evening.
In addition to the former street musician and “X-Factor” participant, eight other acts introduced themselves to the audience and the international jury: 24-year-old Hamburger NinetyNine (24) presented his feel-good indie pop song “Love On A Budget”. Leona (20) was Max Giesinger’s (35) favorite and presented her ballad “Undream You” with a lot of emotion. There was “retrofuturistic electropop” from the duo Galant with “Katze”. Things got romantic with “Scars” by Floryan (28), the winner of the preliminary round “I want to go to the ESC!”.
The 23-year-old Dutchwoman Bodine Monet brought back memories of Shakira (47) with her song “Tears Like Rain”. Producer and composer Ryk (34) took part in the ESC preliminary round for the second time, this time with the highly dramatic song “Oh Boy”. Marie Reim (23), daughter of Matthias Reim (66) and ESC icon Michelle (52), of course presented a catchy hit called “Naiv” – and with the friendly support of stripping dancers. At the end, the already established Max Mutzke (42), who reached eighth place at the ESC 20 years ago, took to the stage with his vocally strong song “Forever Strong”.
For the grand finale, all participants, participants and presenter Barbara Schöneberger (49) and guest Florian Silbereisen (42) performed an Abba medley.
As with the actual ESC final, the decision on the winner was determined via two votes. One half resulted from the points awarded by an international jury: Isaak received 74 points, Max Mutzke and Bodine Monet each received 55 points and Galant received 52 points. Isaak commented on his lead in disbelief with the words: “I’m shitting myself!” But the TV audience also had a say – and made his victory perfect. He was also the favorite for the spectators.
Also taking part in the humorous live show were multiple ESC participant Mary Roos (75), influencer and birthday girl Riccardo Simonetti (31) and singer Alli Neumann (29). The “I want to go to the ESC!” coaches Conchita Wurst (35) and Rea Garvey (50) also stopped by. The metal band Lord of the Lost, which competed for Germany at the ESC in 2023, also passed on their experiences and encouraged the musicians: “It was great fun and we would do it again at any time – even if we knew we were up end up in last place.”
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Malmö, Sweden.
