EDITORIAL – The average media consumer thinks that the NDR (Norddeutscher Rundfunk, responsible regional broadcaster to arrange the national ESC selection annually since 1996, for the ARD – Germanys EBU broadcaster) is still in shock numbness after nominating and dropping Xavier Naidoo a few weeks ago. We, the ESC-Fan-Family, know that there are a bunch of creative people working very hard trying not to drop a clanger on the ESC again – and that takes its time.
The oikotimes.com thought that can help a little by taking a closer look to (baseless) rumours and own suggestions who will be Germany’s next nominee.
Helene Fischer – 31 years old singer, entertainer and moderator is a surety for moving the mass. She combines flawless “German Schlager” with danceable beats. “Bild” (one of Germany’s biggest but most controversial newspapers) got a clear statement for Fischer by a readers-poll. Helene Fischer is one of the best-selling artist in Germany. Because 80-year-old grannies love her as much as 8-year-old school-kids. In discotheques or at weddings, people dance and party the music. But she is not loved by everyone. The Germans say that they don’t eat out at McDonald’s, don’t read the “Bild” and don’t listen to Helene Fischer. But all of those three are very famous and successful (not necessarily good, but successful) … Is she too well-known for ESC as some people say? ESC is the vastest music-contest in the whole world, there can’t be an artist too well-known. In German speaking countries the media outreach would be enormous and ESC would have the highest viewing figures since years. It would be interesting to see if she bears up the other European countries and the very special competition. Another question is if she would sing German or the “mainstream” language.
Die Kassierer – A cult band from Bochum/Germany. From 1985 this drunk Trash-Punk-Band tours from gig to gig and singer Wolfgang Wendland chant (with the audience) about alcohol, living on well-fare, sex and party. The day Naidoo’s election was published a group formed wanting to bring “Die Kassierer” to ESC. The group collected 33.000 authentic signatures for this goal. After Naidoo’s deselection the fans got mad about the idea. At least the band submitted a song yesterday – the internal dead line of NDR. The title is called “Wer merkt das schon?” (Who recognises it anyway?). “Die Kassierer” might have some problems with the ESC-nudity-rule because Wendland likes to perform completely naked. There is not so much to “worry about” but it could be interesting if they make it to Stockholm.
Lena formally known as Lena Meyer-Landrut won the ESC for Germany in 2010. A few months earlier she was an unknown student in a German grammar school in Hannover. She won the casting show “Ein Lied für Oslo” were the German EBU-Broadcaster ARD and a private TV-Station PRO7/SAT1 worked together for the first time in such an intensive way. Stefan Raab was the host and spin doctor of this format after revolutionising the German ESC with a not so stiff idea of being part in the ESC-Family. The recall of the cooperation ARD – PRO7/SAT1 in 2011 – after Lena made a 10th place – was the beginning of the pile of broken glass Germany has to sweep at the moment. 2010 was just right for Lena. Europe needed a lively school-girl in a little black dress singing a light song with an English accent like Kate Nash. Germany was proud about the second ESC-victory but everybody thought Lena will just be a little gear-wheel in the history of ESC. Well, she reinvented herself without leaving the good things behind. The school-girl became a media-woman. After dropping Xavier Naidoo as Germany’s ESC-candidate there were rumours that Lena could be a hot aspirant. Why can’t she participate a third time? She is in good company. Peter, Sue & Marc and Fud Leclerc participated four times as artists. And Johnny Logan won three times (two times as artist, one time as composer). Enough goals to reach for smart Lena.
Andreas Bourani – If NDR seeks a clear, soulful, big, male voice he would be the right artist. With his 32 years he is slightly younger than Naidoo but became a national superstar at the soccer WM 2014 where Germany won. His song “Auf uns” (a cheer to us) was sung by the national team before every game and in every pub in Germany. It was part of the victory. That stays in mind of many Germans. And there is another advantage of Bourani: He has a clean record… But can he catch Europe with his velvet voice?
Ann Sophie – Germany’s last year’s participant twitted after Naidoo was expelled: “Ok then. Seems that I have to go again.” She is a very humours person but were in bad luck by becoming member of the “Nil-Point’s-Club”. Good thing is, she can only end up better…
special thanks to Marco Boehm (Germany)
