Stefan Raab Leads Germany's ESC 2025 Selection with Bold Choices

The first round of 'Chefsache ESC 2025' sees seven acts advance as Raab champions creativity and aims for Eurovision victory.

Stefan Raab, returning as the lead figure in Germany's Eurovision selection process, oversaw the first round of 'Chefsache ESC 2025,' a four-show competition airing on RTL and ARD.
Seven acts advanced to the semifinals, including Düsseldorf singer Julika, folk-metal band Feuerschwanz, and TikTok music streamer Jonathan Henrich, showcasing a mix of styles from covers to original songs.
Raab emphasized his goal of securing a Eurovision win for Germany, following a decade of poor results, with only one top-five finish since 2015.
The jury, featuring Raab, Elton, Yvonne Catterfeld, and guest Max Mutzke, praised standout performances, such as Cage's rendition of 'Wrong Places' and Abor & Tynna's theatrical cover of 'Skyfall.'
The competition continues with the next round on February 15, leading to the March 1 finale, where the public will vote on who represents Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel on May 17.