Overview
- ARD’s lead broadcaster SWR scheduled “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026” for February 28.
- The selection reverts to a single televised final, replacing the multi-show format produced with Stefan Raab and RTL this year.
- Artists will be announced in January following an internal process that paired acts with international producers and involved assessments by music experts, an international jury and audience representatives.
- SWR has assumed lead responsibility for Germany’s ESC participation from NDR, with coordinator Tina Sikorski saying the goal is to find the “perfect act” for Vienna.
- Industry outlet DWDL reports that Kimmig Entertainment will produce the 2026 national final, noting the company’s previous work on Germany’s 2018 and 2019 selections.