This morning, German broadcaster NDR officially confirmed that Vicky Leandros, winner of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1972 for Luxembourg with 'Aprés toi', will be one of up to three contestants in the national preselection to the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. Comedian Olli Dittrich is the second participant.
The female singer, who also took part in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967 and came fourth with 'L'amour est bleu' is of Greek origin, but lives in Germany. “I am sure that my Greek friends will understand that I would like to sing for Germany”, Vicky said in German tabloid Bild. “Musically, the Germans do not deserve to end up last”, she said, referring to Gracia Baur who finished last this year in Kyiv. “I know that it is a certain risk for me to participate, but I have the power, the energy and the courage to master that. I am anxious to give it a try!”. Vicky Leandros, who celebrates 40 years in the music business, just recently released a greatest hits album with updated versions of her biggest successes, including a new version of 'Aprés toi'.
Comedian Olli Dittrich, who recieved rave reviews for his TV comedy show Dittsche, is the second contestant. The singer and drummer in the country-band Texas Lightning said on NDR's Eurovision homepage: “To participate in this contest is a childhood dream come true. My boyhood heroes were Uwe Seeler and Udo Jürgens. One of them won the football championship for Germany, the other one won the Grand Prix Eurovision. I did not know whom to follow suit for a long time, but now I made my mind up: sorry, Uwe.”
The German national final will take place on 9 March 2006, as part of a special TV gala celebrating 50 years of Eurovision Song Contest. NDR already pointed out that there will be a maximum of three contestants. There were no details given yet about the songs or a possible third contestant.
