Lou

Louise “Lou” Hoffner (born 27 October 1963) is a German pop singer, known for representing Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest 2003. She performs in the Schlager genre. 

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Lou Hoffner was born on 27 October 1963 in Waghäusel, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She grew up in a large family where music was a part of everyday life. 

Despite her love of music, Lou initially pursued a conventional career path. She trained and worked as a pharmacy assistant, but music remained her true calling. In her spare time, she sang wherever she could. She performed in local venues, including her sister’s pizzeria and at regional festivals and beer tents. By the mid-1980s, Lou had joined a cover band called Party Gang, serving as the lead vocalist. She toured with this band for about 15 years, entertaining audiences across Germany and abroad with lively cover versions of popular songs. This long period of live performance helped Lou hone her stage presence and vocal skills. In 1999, she independently released her first album, PartyGang Live, showcasing her versatility in both English and German songs. These early experiences on stage built her confidence and prepared her for larger competitions on the national stage.

Path to Eurovision Song Contest

Lou’s first major break came when she entered Germany’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2001. Performing the upbeat song “Happy Birthday Party,” written by Eurovision veteran Ralph Siegel with lyrics by Bernd Meinunger, she competed under the name “Lou & Band”. Her performance was well-received, and she finished in third place in Germany’s 2001 national final. Although she did not win the ticket to Eurovision that year, this attempt brought her national attention and proved her talent on a larger stage. It was a “narrowly missed” opportunity for Lou, as she came very close to victory with that Siegel-penned song.

Determined to try again, Lou remained active in the music scene. In late 2002, composer Ralph Siegel, famous for his long history of German Eurovision entries, approached Lou with a new song tailored for her. The song was “Let’s Get Happy,” a peppy, feel-good pop track that perfectly matched Lou’s cheerful personality. Lou agreed to perform it, and in March 2003 she entered the Countdown Grand Prix 2003, Germany’s national selection for Eurovision. This time, she won the competition on 7 March 2003, securing her spot as Germany’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2003. “Let’s Get Happy,” composed by Siegel with lyrics by Bernd Meinunger, became Germany’s entry for the Eurovision final in Riga, Latvia. It was a dream come true for Lou, fulfilling her childhood ambition to sing for her country on the Eurovision stage.

Eurovision 2003 and International Recognition

At the Eurovision Song Contest 2003, Lou performed “Let’s Get Happy” with her signature enthusiasm and a vibrant stage act. Her bright orange hair and ear-to-ear smile made her a memorable figure that night. The song’s uplifting message – encouraging people to forget their worries and be optimistic – resonated with the audience. In the final scoring, Lou finished in 11th place out of 26 contestants, earning 53 points for Germany. This result was a respectable mid-table finish, and she tied for 11th position with the entry from Ireland.

In the aftermath of Eurovision 2003, Lou made media appearances and performed on various television programs. She even returned to the German Eurovision stage a few years later in a non-competitive role. 

Continued Music Career After Eurovision

After her Eurovision success, Lou Hoffner continued to build her music career with new releases and live performances. In late 2003, she released the album For You, which included “Let’s Get Happy” and other pop tracks. Maintaining momentum, she then shifted towards recording more songs in German. She signed with the Goodlife Records label and, in 2004, released a German-language album titled Ich will leben (“I Want to Live”). This album and its singles, such as “Dankeschön” and “Ich werd’ dich lieben,” marked a shift in direction from the English-language pop of her Eurovision entry to a focus on Schlager and pop songs in German. The change reflected her versatility and helped her appeal to the domestic Schlager music audience, which prizes sing-along melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

Live on stage

Lou remained active on stage as well. In the mid-2000s, she expanded her professional work beyond music by delving into acting. Notably, she starred in the stage play “Love Letters” alongside German actor Claus Wilcke. This theatrical role showcased her talents in a non-musical setting and added another dimension to her career. Meanwhile, she never gave up live singing. She occasionally toured Europe performing with a cover band, delighting audiences with popular hits just as she did in her early career. By 2007, Lou had developed a live act heavily centered on Schlager music, performing at festivals and events around Germany. Her shows featured upbeat German songs that kept fans dancing and singing along, reinforcing her reputation as a vibrant live entertainer.

In the following years, Lou Hoffner continued to release new music, albeit at a more relaxed pace. She came out with the album Blaue Nacht in 2011 and followed up with Gefühl On The Rocks in 2013. These later albums contained modern Schlager tracks and ballads, adding to her discography of studio recordings.

Personal Life

Throughout her career, Lou has kept her public persona positive and down-to-earth. Off stage, she is known for her warm personality and dedication to her craft. In June 2013, Lou reached a personal milestone when she married her long-time manager, Gerhard Steinle, in a ceremony in Reilingen, Germany. This union was a happy occasion that highlighted the close support system behind her artistic endeavors. Lou’s marriage to her manager also underscored the family-like environment in which she manages her career, having worked with him for many years.