- Young audience enjoys captivating debut of ESC spectacle
Gear up, Eurovision fanatics! Stefan Raab's preliminary show for the 2025 contest kicked off with a bang, attracting 2.14 million viewers and a 9.2% market share. Although it couldn't outshine ZDF's crime drama "Die Chefin," the show seized the 14-49 age group with a triumphant 21.0% market share.
This spectacle marked the start of a four-episode series, "Chefsache ESC 2025 - Wer singt für Deutschland?", with a star-studded jury, including Stefan Raab, Yvonne Catterfeld, Elton, and guest juror Max Mutzke. The actual German representative will be chosen in March, with audience votes determining the winner in the finals while the jury has the power in the semi-finals.
The opening show featured twelve brave contenders battling with original and cover songs to secure a spot in the preliminary show semi-finals. Raab, Catterfeld, Mutzke, and Elton unanimously chose Julika, Benjamin Braatz, Cage, Feuerschwanz, Abor & Tynna, Cosby, and Jonathan Henrich to continue their journey.
A total of 24 acts, hand-picked from 3,281 applicants, will compete in the preliminary show. Don't miss the next live episode today, February 15, on RTL (also available on RTL+), and catch the ESC songs semifinal airing on February 22. The grand "Chefsache ESC 2025" final will take place on ARD on March 1, with the final Eurovision Song Contest from Basel on May 17 at 9 pm on Das Erste.
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Enrichment Data:Our research reveals the following detailed dates and channels for the upcoming "Chefsache ESC 2025" episodes:
- Heat 1: February 14, 2025, from 20:15 to 22:55 CET, online on RTL+ and physically at EMG Studio 8, Köln[4].
- Heat 2: February 15, 2025, from 20:15 to 22:55 CET, online on RTL+ and physically at EMG Studio 8, Köln[4].
- Semi-Final: February 22, 2025[2][3].
- Grand Final: March 1, 2025[2][3].
These dates and channels are referenced in sources provided specifically in [2], [3], and [4].
The Commission will closely evaluate the performances in each episode of "Chefsache ESC 2025", ensuring adherence to Eurovision Song Contest rules. Stefan Raab's preliminary show on ZDF sparked much interest, but competing with popular shows is a 'chefsache' for the broadcaster. Despite the tough competition, the show managed to captivate a significant portion of the 14-49 age group.
