Nicole, Germany's only Eurovision Song Contest winner, will not participate in the festive 50 years of Eurovision gala surrounding this year's German national final on 9th March. The singer was not content with presenting just a shortened version of her winning song Ein bisschen Frieden. Meanwhile, all three songs of the German final are on rotation on ESC Radio.
The singer voiced her anger in Germany's leading tabloid Bild: “They wanted to shorten Germany's only winning song by one and a half minute. I would let down the viewers, would I agree to that.” Nicole went further by saying she felt being treated respectlessly by the broadcaster: “Nobody listened to my suggestions. They way they are treating winners is typically German. But I do not let them sell myself at less than the fair value.” ARD's Jan Schulte-Kellinghaus responded: “It is much to our regret that Nicole does not take part in the show. We had long conversations and offered her all sorts of things.”
Vicky Leandros, Thomas Anders and pop-country band Texas Lightning will compete for the ticket to Athens in this year's German national final. The show, which is going to air on 9th March from 20:15 CET on ARD, also contains a festive gala celebrating 50 years of Eurovision. Guest stars include: the Olsen Brothers, Dana International, Brotherhood of Man, Michelle, Corinna May, Ingrid Peters, Lou, Joy Fleming, Dirk Bach, Georg Uecker and Hape Kerkeling (who will perform a special song). TV comedian Thomas Hermanns wil host the event.
All three songs competing in the German final are on rotation on ESC Radio from today, which gives Eurovision fans from all over the world a chance to listen to the songs even before the actual preselection. You can listen to ESC Radio using the following link.
