Germany's selection process for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 kicked-off today with an official announcement made by the national broadcaster Das Erste in collaboration with Pro Sieben and Popwellen. Germany will use once again their successful format Unser star für Baku in order to determine who will win their Eurovision ticket to Azerbaijan. Former jury chairman Stefan Raab decided to withdraw from this position and appointed Thomas D as his replacement.

Das Erste, Pro Sieben and Popwellen will continue their successful collaboration in order to select the German representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. Unser Star für Baku will be produced by a well known German production company named Brainpool. Germany's national final will take place in spring 2012.

It was also announced that Stefan Raab will be replaced by Thomas D as the jury chairman. Raab explains his decision : "I'm very happy to hand over the jury leadership to to Thomas D. He brings everything that is needed in this role: entertainer qualities, eloquence, charm and of course a lot of musical experience. I'm sure that the young artists in the show will entrust themselves to him. He is also better looking than me!"

Thomas D is one of the most acclaimed German artists. He won the prestigious Echo award five times with his band Die Fantastischen Vier. "I've always wanted to be a president! Being part of this massive musical project is a fantastic task, which I am so excited about and which I take very seriously. I'm also better looking than Stefan Raab!" , says Thomas D.

Candidates can start registering their applications for next year's German national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. The auditions will take place in Köln and will be broadcasted by Das Erste and Pro Sieben.

Germany won the Eurovision Song Contest twice. Nicole's Ein bißchen Frieden won the big trophy of the 1982 edition of Europe's favorite TV show. Lena scored the second and last German victory with her song Satellite.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2012 will take place in Baku on May 22^nd, 24^th, and 26^th.