Germany

Ben Dolic will not represent Germany

Today, Ben Dolic made an announcement on Instagram about his participation in the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. He will not represent Germany in the contest. That means, German television (ARD) has to look for another participant. Whether the country will have a national final or not is not known. “I enjoyed every moment of the Eurovision journey and appreciate everyone who believed in me and has been there every step of the way!This will truly be a chapter in my life that I will always cherish and look back at! My career has taken a different direction!I’ve grown so much as an artist and there is still so much more that I want to achieve. I have decided not to participate at the Eurovision next year! It has been a hard and a difficult decision to make, but the right one at this moment in time. Thank you all for being with me on this beautiful ride and giving me your love and support! And to the one who will be chosen to represent Germany in Rotterdam 2021!I wish you all well from the bottom of my heart! Enjoy the journey!” Dolic was supposed to represent Germany in the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Violent thing”. We will never know what the result would have been, but in the betting odds he was doing pretty well.

Ben Dolic

About Quick Facts NameBenjamin Dolić Born04 may 1997 Nationality Slovenian National SelectionInternal In Eurovision2020 Rotterdam (canceled) SongViolent Thing (2020, cancelled) Biography Ben Dolic (born May 4, 1997 as Benjamin Dolič in Ljubljana) is a Slovenian pop singer. Ben Dolic’s musical career began at the age of twelve when he took part in Slovenia’s Got Talent. He reached the semi-finals of the competition with his interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”. He sang in the boyband D Base, who released several singles in Slovenian. In 2016 they took part in the Slovenian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest. After moving to Switzerland at the age of 18, Dolic now lives in Berlin. With his participation in The Voice of Germany 2018, Dolic became known to a wider audience. He became 2nd. Following this success, he went on tour in Germany and Austria. In 2020, Benjamin Dolic was supposed to represent Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Violent thing”. Due to the cancellation of the contest, it didn’t happen. In May 2021, he represented his country of birth, Slovenia, in the ProSieben Free European Song Contest with the song “Stuck In My Mind”. Entries Violent thing Country🇸🇮 Slovenia Year2020 LanguageEnglish LyricsBorislav MilanovPeter St. JamesDag Lundberg MusicBorislav MilanovPeter St. JamesDag LundbergJimmy ThorénConnor Martin Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/hAobDQ9GbT4

Jenifer Brening

© EBU/Andres Putting About Quick Facts NameJenifer Brening Born15 December 1996 Nationality???????? German National Selection1 in 360 2018 (San Marino) In Eurovision2018 Lisbon SongWho we are (2018, with Jessika) Biography Jenifer Brening is a German singer, born in Berlin. She uploaded cover videos of top international hits to YouTube. In 2010 she took part in the regional singing competition Heidenheim sucht den Superstar and took the first place there. Brening also took part in Bravo-Star 2011. She took part in the Sat.1 talent game show The Winner is … in 2012. In 2014 she took part in Deutschland sucht den Superstar. In February 2013 Brening’s EP “My sky” was released. Brening’s first solo single “Not That Guy” was released on December 31, 2013. With this, she won the EMMAward 2014 as Best Newcomer. Brening’s second solo single “A New Me” was released only a few days later 2014, her third single “Alive” shortly after. All three songs were available as downloads. In 2015 first self-written single was released under the label KHB Music followed by “Miracle” in 2016, for which she was nominated in the Pop category at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards. In November of that year, Brening released her debut album “Recovery”. In 2018, she participated in the Sammarinese national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest with the song “Sorry” and “Until the morning light”. However, when Sammarinese rapper Irol withdrew, she replaced him as the featured artist in Jessika‘s entry “Who we are”. They won and represented San Marino in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest. In 2020, during the first COVID19 lockdown, Jenifer released the single “Wonderland” in cooperation with Nico Rosentahl. Entries Who We Are (with Jessika) Country???????? San Marino Year2018 LanguageEnglish LyricsMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening MusicMathias StrasserZoë StraubChristof StraubStefan MoessleJenifer Brening BackingsLeni SommerBasti SchmidtCarlota de Bastos CarreiraJoana de Lima Results Semi Points: 28Position: 17Running order: 4 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/66D0pKVdA-4

Sandro Nicolas

About Quick Facts NameAlessandro Rütten Born04 October 1996 Nationality🇩🇪 German National SelectionInternal selection 2020 In Eurovision2020 Rotterdam (cancelled) SongRunning! (2020, cancelled) Biography Sandro Nicolas is an American-Greek singer. He was born and raised in Heinsberg, Germany. His father is American and his mother is Greek. He started playing drums and guitar lessons and from the age of 15 he started writing his own songs. In 2015, she took part in the talent show Das Supertalent. In 2018 he participated in the eighth season of “The Voice of Germany” (the German version of “The Voice”). He performed Shawn Mendes’ song “In My Blood”, making all four coaches rotate their chairs.In 2019 he participated in the “New Wave Festival” in Sochi, Russia, representing the United States, finishing 6th. From there, he started using the pseudonym and artistic Sandro Nicolas.He may have grown up in Germany but speaks fluent Greek because of his Greek roots and Greek education.On November 29, 2019, the Cyprus Radio Foundation announced Sandro Nicolas as its representative for the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen, due to the cancellation of the contest. Cypriot broadcaster CyBC decided not to invite Sandro for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. Sandro himself changed his stage name in Sammy Clay, but is currently known as TYLR or Tylrfromheaven. Entries Running! Country🇨🇾 Cyprus Year2020 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlfie ArcuriSebastian RickardsOctavian RasinariuAlessandro Rütten MusicAlfie ArcuriSebastian RickardsOctavian RasinariuAlessandro RüttenTeo DK Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/Jl_qEw_4OK0

Alex Swings Oscar Sings!

About Quick Facts MembersAlex ChristensenOscar Loya Active2009 Nationality🇩🇪 German (Alex)🇺🇸 American (Oscar) National SelectionInternal selection In Eurovision2009 Moscow SongMiss Kiss Kiss Bang (2009) Biography Alex Christensen Alex Christensen, born on April 7, 1967, in Hamburg, Germany, is a famous composer, music producer, and DJ. He is also known by the names Jasper Forks and Alex C. Alex became well-known in the early 1990s with the music project U96. Their song “Das Boot” reached number 1 on the German charts in 1991. Growing up in Hamburg-Wilhelmsburg, Alex attended Buddestraße School and trained as a shipping clerk. He started his music career in 1987 with his first production, “Drums in Your House.” In 1990, he wrote “Ritmo de la Noche” for the project Chocolate, earning his first Gold Record. After several hits, he achieved major success with U96. In 2007, Alex had another number 1 hit with “Du hast den schönsten Arsch der Welt,” sung by Yass. This song was popular in Germany and Austria. He also produced songs for famous artists like Right Said Fred, Tom Jones, *NSYNC, and Sarah Brightman. Oscar Loya Oscar Loya, born June 12, 1979, in Indio, California, is an American singer and musical theater performer. He grew up in California and discovered his love for music and performing at a young age. Oscar’s big break came when he moved to Germany and began performing in musical theater productions. After Eurovision, Oscar continued to work in music and theater. He released his debut solo album “Beast” in 2013, showcasing his versatile voice and style. The album included a mix of pop, dance, and ballads, highlighting his wide range of musical talents. In addition to his solo work, Oscar has been involved in various musical theater productions across Europe, performing in shows like “Hair,” “Cabaret,” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” He has also collaborated with other artists and producers, expanding his presence in the music industry. Oscar and Alex participated for Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 2009. They performed the song “Miss Kiss Kiss Bang” as part of the duo Alex Swings Oscar Sings! They finished 20th in the final but earned a lot of attention for their energetic performance and catchy song. The two recorded one album together, “Heart 4 Sale”. Dita von Teese On stage at the Eurovision Song Contest, Alex Swings Oscar Sings! was accompanied by Dita von Teese. Dita von Teese, born Heather Renée Sweet on September 28, 1972, in Rochester, Michigan, is a famous burlesque dancer, model, and actress. Known for her glamorous and vintage style, she helped revive the art of burlesque in the modern era. Dita began her career as a fetish model and performer, eventually becoming a global icon. She has appeared in numerous magazines and has performed worldwide. Dita is also known for her marriage to musician Marilyn Manson from 2005 to 2007. Besides performing, she has launched lingerie lines and written books about beauty and style. Entries Miss Kiss Kiss Bang Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2009 LanguageEnglish LyricsAlex ChristensenSteffen Häfelinger MusicAlex ChristensenSteffen Häfelinger Backings? DancersDita Von Teese?? Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 35Position: 20Running order: 17 https://youtu.be/veeOUiB6ojk?si=NXH5Sq4qR9V0TmGm

Aarzemnieki

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersJöran SteinhauerGuntis VeilandsKatrīna DimantaRaitis Viļumovs Founded2013 Nationality🇩🇪 German (Jöran)🇱🇻 Latvian National SelectionDziesma 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongCake To Bake (2014) Biography Aarzemnieki, (Foreigners), is a Latvian folk and pop band. The group was first formed in 2013 by Jöran Steinhauer, a German musician who has been living in Latvia. Steinhauer initially gained popularity in Latvia for his viral YouTube video where he performed a farewell song for the Latvian Lats, the currency which was soon to be replaced by the Euro. The line-up of Aarzemnieki included Jöran Steinhauer (lead vocals, guitar), Guntis Veilands (guitar, keyboards), Raitis Viļumovs (percussion), and Katrīna Dimanta (violin). Each member contributes their own unique musical skills to the overall sound and style of the band. Following their initial success on YouTube, Aarzemnieki submitted a song for Latvia’s national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2014. To everyone’s surprise, their catchy folk-pop song “Cake to Bake” won the national final, which led to them representing Latvia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Although they didn’t manage to make it to the final, the song was a radio hit in Latvia and got quite a lot of airplay around Europe. After their Eurovision appearance, Aarzemnieki continued to make music and perform throughout Latvia and abroad. The band performed in Setúbal, Portugal, at a Eurovision event in September 2014. Under the name of ZIEMASSVĒTnieKI they presented four Christmas songs in December of the same year. In July 2016 the band released a new single, “Cauri Grobiņai”, now with Jöran, Marcelo Semola, Matthew Medd and Mārtiņš Kits as the band members. A month later, the song “Viktorija” was released. It was followed in December by “Tomēr braucu mājās”. The band provided subtitles in 4 languages at the video of this song. In March 2017, the new song and video “Draugavpils” was released. In June of the same year the band performed together with Fool’s Garden. In the end of the same month, they performed at “J’aime La Vlie”, a Eurovision event in The Netherlands. On the 17th of August 2017 their album “Visi Kopā” was released. Roberts Kits had now joined the band. In 2019 there was only one performance of the band: at the Wine Fest in Sabile. It was the last performance of Aarzemnieki together so far. However, Jöran Steinhauer kept on doing solo projects. Despite their Eurovision experience, they continue to remain a grassroots band, regularly performing at festivals, and local events. Entries Cake To Bake Country🇱🇻 Latvia Year2014 LanguageEnglishLatvian LyricsGuntis Veilands MusicGuntis Veilands Backings– Results Semi Points: 33Position: 13Running order: 2 Results Finals Points: –Position: –Running order: – https://youtu.be/h0D1Ya3NBQs

Elaiza

© Albin Olsson About Quick Facts MembersElżbieta SteinmetzNatalie PlögerYvonne Grünwald Founded2013 Nationality🇩🇪 German🇺🇦 Ukrainian National SelectionUnser Song Für Dänemark 2014 In Eurovision2014 Copenhagen SongIs It Right? (2014) Biography Elaiza is a German folk-pop band known for their distinctive neo-folk sound, which blends modern pop elements with traditional Eastern European folk. The band was formed in 2013 and originally consisted of three members: Elżbieta Steinmetz, Yvonne Grünwald, and Natalie Plöger. Elżbieta Steinmetz, who goes by the stage name “Ela,” is a singer and songwriter with Polish roots, a factor that heavily influences the band’s sound. Yvonne Grünwald plays the accordion, and Natalie Plöger is the contrabassist. Later on, Steinmetz and Grünwald continued as a duo, with Plöger departing the band. Elaiza’s breakthrough came in 2014 when they won the German national finals for the Eurovision Song Contest. Their song “Is It Right” represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest held in Copenhagen that year. The band’s performance in the international music event significantly increased their profile in Germany and Europe more broadly, leading to a successful debut album, “Gallery,” which was released the same year. Elaiza is recognized for their vibrant and energetic performances, coupled with soulful lyrics and a unique musical style that blends modern pop with traditional influences. The band’s music often explores themes of love, life, and identity, and their work is characterized by Steinmetz’s powerful vocals, Grünwald’s expert accordion work, and a strong folk-pop sound. Elaiza had released two albums, “Gallery” in 2014 and “Restless” in 2016. The 2nd album was followed by a tour through Germany. At the same time, the band released two new singles, “Hurricane” and “Real”. However, before the band went on tour, Yvonne left the band. She was replaced by Laura Zimmermann. The band kept on touring through Germany in 2017. In November of that year they won a German Songwriting Award. In 2018, they did an acoustic tour. They even performed at the German embassy in Kenya and Ethiopia. The acoustic tour continued in 2019. Although the band did not officially split up, they didn’t perform anymore since March 2019. Entries Is It Right? Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2014 LanguageEnglish LyricsElżbieta SteinmetzAdam Kesselhaut MusicElżbieta SteinmetzFrank Kretschmer Backings– Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 39Position: 18Running order: 12 https://youtu.be/BFuGH2Kp9dI

Roman Lob

About Quick Facts NameRoman Lob Born02 July 1990 Nationality🇩🇪 German National SelectionUnser Star Für Baku 2012 In Eurovision2012 Baku SongStanding Still (2012) Biography Roman Lob, born in Cologne on 2 July 1990, grew up with a sister in Rott, a district of Neustadt (Wied). After graduating from secondary school, he trained as an industrial mechanic at an auto supplier in Troisdorf until January 2011, where he was subsequently taken on as a permanent employee. Roman learned to play the piano from his grandfather, who played the organ in church. He tried his hand at the guitar and bass. In the music group of the Neustadt secondary school, he rediscovered singing for himself. At 13, he first performed with a school music group. In 2005, he founded the band Painful Poison with two friends, where he played the drums. He was the lead singer of the metalcore band Days of Despite, founded in 2007, and of the project Three of a Kind, which he founded in 2009 with two members of his first band. He first gained wider recognition as a contestant in the fourth season of the casting show “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” in 2007. There, he dropped out – having made it to the top 20 – due to laryngitis. However, Dieter Bohlen offered him a wildcard for the next season of the TV show in 2008. He declined in favor of his ongoing training as an industrial mechanic. With the alternative rock band Rooftop Kingdom, Lob had several appearances in the Rhineland as a singer. Lob had already unsuccessfully applied to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2008, together with Axel Fischer, under the name G12 P – Germany 12 Points, with the song “When the Boys Come”. In the fall of 2011, Lob applied for the casting show “Unser Star für Baku”, the German pre-selection for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, organized by ARD and ProSieben. Even before the final, Lob was considered the favorite and ultimately prevailed. Lob won in February 2012 with the song “Standing Still”. This qualified him for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, which took place on May 26, 2012, in Baku. He also received a record contract with Universal Music. In the online charts of iTunes and Amazon, the song “Standing Still” immediately rose to the top position the day after the final of “Unser Star für Baku”. “Standing Still” reached number 3 in the German charts and also placed in Switzerland and Austria. On April 13, Lob released his first studio album “Changes”. As a representative of one of the five largest EBU contributors, Lob was directly qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. He achieved eighth place with 110 points. On March 21, 2013, Roman Lob was awarded the music prize Echo in the “Radio-Echo” category. Lob is the lead singer of the Kölschrock band StadtRand, which has existed since the beginning of 2014. From October 2016 to July 2018, he played one of the main characters of the revue as a singing soloist in the production “The One Grand Show” at the Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin. In November 2018, the band StadtRand released a new single, “Orjenal”. The song reached the final of TopJeck, a contest organized by Radio Köln. The song was followed by “Halver Aach” in February 2019. In October 2019, after a German tour, they released a new single and video, “Hin und widder”. In January 2020 Stadtrand released an EB, “Fründschaff”. After several live stream performances, not live due to COVID19, the band came up with a new single in October 2020: “Heimweh noh dir”, followed by “Wenn do laachs” in March 2021. On 11 March 2022 a new solo single of Roman was released: “Feels like home”. But also Stadtrand released new music, in October, “Ahle kess”. After a tour, they released a new song in October 2023: “En Kölsches Leed”. Entries Standing Still Country🇩🇪 German Year2012 LanguageEnglish LyricsJamie CullumSteve RobsonWayne Hector MusicJamie CullumSteve RobsonWayne Hector BackingsAlexander LinsterMarc AwounouTobias SchmitzThomas Fietz Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 110Position: 8Running order: 20 https://youtu.be/cScJPH20P3A?si=iCSmttWeqXBZk5Is

Lena Meyer-Landrut

About Quick Facts NameLena Johanna Therese Meyer-Landrut Born23 May 1991 Nationality🇩🇪 German National SelectionUnser Song Für Deutschland 2011Unser Star Für Oslo 2010 In Eurovision2011 Düsseldorf2010 Oslo SongTaken By A Stranger (2011)Satellite (2010) Biography Lena Johanna Therese Meyer-Landrut, widely known as Lena, was born on May 23, 1991, in Hanover, Germany. She is a renowned German singer who catapulted to fame after representing Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo, where she won with the song “Satellite.” This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, as both “Satellite” and her debut album, “My Cassette Player” (2010), debuted at number one in Germany and achieved platinum status. Lena’s rise to fame began when she participated in the talent show “Unser Star für Oslo,” a national competition organized to select Germany’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her performances on the show, including her winning song “Satellite,” garnered widespread acclaim and established her as a favorite among the audience. Lena’s success in Eurovision brought her international recognition and set an all-time chart record in Germany, with three of her songs simultaneously occupying the top five positions on the German Singles Chart. Following her Eurovision triumph, Lena continued to build on her success with a series of successful albums. Her subsequent albums, including “Good News” (2011), “Stardust” (2012), “Crystal Sky” (2015), and “Only Love, L” (2019), all achieved significant commercial success, entering the top two of the German Albums Chart. Several singles from these albums, such as “Stardust” and “Wild & Free,” became top ten hits across German-speaking Europe, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling female German artists of the early 2010s. In addition to her music career, Lena has been a prominent figure on television. She has served as a coach on nine seasons of the reality competition series “The Voice Kids” and has been an expert panel member for the Eurovision Song Contest on multiple occasions. In 2017, Lena joined the cast of the fourth season of “Sing meinen Song – Das Tauschkonzert,” the German version of “The Best Singers.” The accompanying compilation album from the show topped the Austrian and German Albums Chart. Lena has also ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to characters in various audiobooks and animated films, including “A Turtle’s Tale” (2010), “Tarzan” (2013), “Trolls” (2016), and “Wonder Park” (2019). She has also been a brand ambassador for L’Oréal, promoting their hair coloring and skin care products. On June 16, 2023, Meyer-Landrut released a new single titled “What I Want” from her upcoming sixth studio album. The album, “Loyal to Myself,” is set to be released on May 31, 2024. Prior to the album’s release, she also released the singles “Straitjacket” and the title track. Entries Taken By A Stranger Country🇩🇪 Country Year2011 LanguageEnglish LyricsGus SeyffertNicole MorierMonica Birkenes MusicGus SeyffertNicole MorierMonica Birkenes BackingsNikeata ThompsonGeorgina PhelpAvelina Princess Boateng?? Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 107Position: 10Running order: 16 https://youtu.be/KqZprvpWlcE?si=TedjwLSYsUjsBIfh Satellite Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2010 LanguageEnglish LyricsJulie Frost MusicJulie FrostJohn Gordon BackingsAnji HinkeCheri KedidaGrace RischMaya Saban Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 246Position: 1Running order: 22 https://youtu.be/7pL9vdpSvnY?si=1PzTQ3mpXo8vpPEH

Jamie-Lee Kriewitz

© Thomas Hanses/EBU About Quick Facts NameJamie-Lee Kriewitz Born18 March 1998 Nationality🇩🇪 German National SelectionUnser Lied für Stockholm 2016 In Eurovision2016 Stockholm SongGhost (2016) Biography Jamie-Lee Kriewitz is a talented German singer and songwriter who was born in Hanover and grew up in the town of Springe. They developed an interest in music at a young age and began singing in a choir when they were just six years old. They later started writing her own songs and performing at local events, gaining a small but dedicated following. In 2015, Jamie-Lee auditioned for “The Voice of Germany” and quickly made an impression with her unique style and powerful voice. They were eventually chosen by coach Michi Beck of the hip-hop group Die Fantastischen Vier and went on to win the competition with her performances of songs by artists such as Adele and Lana Del Rey. Following their win, Jamie-Lee signed a record deal with Universal Music and released their debut single “Ghost” in December 2015. The song was a huge success, reaching number one on the German charts and earning their a nomination for Best National Single at the 2016 Echo Awards. In May 2016, Jamie-Lee represented Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest withtheir song “Ghost.” Jamie-Lee unfortunately reached the 26th and last position in the Eurovision Song Contest. In the same year, Jamie-Lee released their debut album “Berlin”, which also hit the album charts in Germany. They won a Napster Fan Award for Top Individual Artist. In 2017, Jamie-Lee were nominated for an Echo Music Prize in the category Artists Pop National. Jamie-Lee have since released several more singles, including “Wild One,” “Berlin,” and “Heartbeat distance” and have collaborated with other artists such as Michael Schulte and Liont. They have also performed at a number of music festivals and concerts throughout Europe. On 26 February 2021, their single “Seoul” was released. In May 2022, they released “Oh-oh”. In addition to they music career, Jamie-Lee is also known for her unique and colorful style, often incorporating Japanese-inspired fashion and anime-inspired makeup into her looks. They recently came out as non-binary. Entries Ghost Country🇩🇪 Germany Year2016 LanguageEnglish LyricsAnna Leyne MusicAnna LeyneThomas BurchiaConrad Hensel BackingsTina FrankHelen KaiserAnna LeyneRay Lozano Results Semi Points: –Position: –Running order: – Results Finals Points: 11Position: 26Running order: 10 https://youtu.be/bHDHi37bboE