Ahead of Eurovision 2018, Germany narrowed its pool of Eurovision hopefuls to just six finalists: Xavier Darcy, Ivy Quainoo, Ryk, Natia Todua, voXXclub and eventual winner Michael Schulte.

Now, as the German broadcaster gears up for Eurovision 2019, it has revealed that eight to ten acts will make the final of their national selection. (It doesn’t yet have a name, but we’re guessing it’ll be something along the lines of Unser Lied für Israel).

The detail about participant numbers comes from Eurovision.de’s recently uploaded post, “All the information about the German ESC preliminary decision 2019”.

Germany at Eurovision 2019

Back in May, ARD confirmed that they would use the same national selection format that led to Michael Schulte winning Unser Lied für Lissabon. It gave Germany its second-best Eurovision result in almost 20 years.

And in July the broadcaster opened applications for the Eurovision jury, a vital part of the selection process.

Based on the idea that the tastes of the Geman public generally match those of overall Eurovision voters, ARD is looking for a panel of 100 people to help screen and shortlist the artists and songs for Germany’s Eurovision 2019 entry.

The broadcaster will use statistical analysis to ensure that a representative selection of jurors.

Thomas Schreiber, ARD Entertainment Coordinator, said: “Who dares to take responsibility? Who wants to decide which candidates should take part in the German preliminary round? Who thinks they can find the song with the biggest hit chances for the Eurovision Song Contest? We look forward to the people who reflect the taste of European television viewers and join us on the Eurovision trip 2019!”

In addition to the Eurovision jury, a jury of 20 to 30 international experts is involved in the selection of candidates.

The opinions of the two juries will result in a total of 20 applicants advancing to the next round and a one- to two-day professional music camp. There they will work with successful musicians and vocal coaches to prepare a possible ESC performance.

It’s not just a holiday. At the end of the camp, each of the contestants will produce a video, which will once again be submitted to the two juries.

In the end eight to ten finalists will meet at the end of the year for a songwriting camp in Berlin. They’ll work with internationally renowned composers on crafting their Eurovision song.

Do you think Germany can match its Top 5 finish in 2019? Do you think they’ve found a good formula? Let us know down below!

Photo: Eurovision.tv (EBU)