As German tabloid Bild claims, Thomas Anders, former lead singer of Modern Talking, will be the third participant of the German preselection to the Eurovision Song Contest. Anders will have to compete against former Eurovision winner Vicky Leandros and the country-pop band Texas Lightning.
Thomas Anders was a part of the commercially successful German pop band Modern Talking during the 80s and a brief reunion phase. In 2004, he was one of the jurors in Stefan Raab's casting show DSDSGPS, which led to the nomination of Max Mutzke for the German final. According to Bild, he is going to sing a “soft ballad”.
As revealed yesterday by Bild and confirmed by NDR this morning, the two other contestants of the national final on 9 March 2006 are Vicky Leandros, who performed for Luxembourg in 1967 (4th place) and 1972 (winner) and TV comedian Olli Dittrich's country band Texas Lightning.
Vicky Leandros said in Bild: “Mister Dittrich is an excellent comedian, who is also making real good music together with his band. And Thomas Anders is a dear collegue. I am looking forward to our contest already. It is especially import for the three of us that a high-class song will be sent to Athens for Germany.”
UPDATE: Broadcaster NDR confirmed Thomas Anders as third participant in the German selection for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest. In a national selection, each artist will perform three songs. Several former Eurovision Song Contest participant will perform. A live orchestra will be present.
