Südwestrundfunk (SWR) has officially commenced the search for Germany’s representative at the Eurovision Song Contest 2027, inviting professional acts and songwriters to submit their entries online. The application window is open until September 21, 2026, as preparations for the contest, set to take place in Bulgaria, begin.
SWR seeks Musik-Acts for Eurovision Song Contest 2027
The preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2027 are now underway. Südwestrundfunk (SWR), the German broadcaster, is actively seeking professional acts with songs that blend artistic credibility with creative excellence for its national final, “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale”. To ensure a broad and diverse pool of talent, SWR is not only reaching out to performing artists but also specifically targeting songwriters. The application process for this exciting opportunity has officially begun, with submissions being accepted online until September 21, 2026. The ESC, known as the world’s largest music competition, captivates millions of viewers annually far beyond Europe’s borders. In 2027, the contest is scheduled to be held in May in Bulgaria.
Newcomers and established acts called upon
The call for applications is specifically directed at the music industry and various musical scenes, with a focus on finding the ideal combination of a musical act and a compelling song. Given the demanding nature of both the Eurovision Song Contest and the German national final, it is crucial that applying artists possess significant stage experience, outstanding vocal qualities, and a professional business environment. SWR is keen to discover not only established acts but also highly talented newcomers with distinct personalities, including those from musical niches. The broadcaster explicitly encourages artists who are bold, unusual, and unique on stage to apply, particularly those who can stand out in an international context.
The best compete in Das Deutsche Finale
Within the ARD network, SWR, in collaboration with Hessischer Rundfunk (HR), takes the lead role in organising the German ESC final and broadcasting the Eurovision Song Contest. The current application process builds upon the valuable experiences gained from the ESC 2026 selection. A multi-stage procedure will be used to select the acts that will compete in “Das Deutsche Finale”. These chosen acts will then perform in a live show, each featuring individual stagings. “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale” is provisionally scheduled to be broadcast in February 2027 on Das Erste and via the ARD-Mediathek, although specific details for the final are yet to be finalised.
Expert team from the music industry accompanies the process
Both the application process and “Das Deutsche Finale” will be supported by an external team of experts from the German music industry. For the ESC 2027 selection, this esteemed team includes: Jules Kalmbacher (music producer, songwriter), Pele Loriano (songwriter, producer, ESC strategy consultant), Florian Müller (Publishing A&R with international focus), Celina Spanier (independent music manager), and Lilly Behling (artist and label manager).
Interested acts and songwriters can submit their applications online directly to SWR. Artists wishing to participate in the German national final can apply here.
