Review: “Das Deutsche Finale 2026” (Germany)

Germany will select its Eurovision 2026 entry via “Das Deutsche Finale”.
9 artists will compete in the selection.
The final will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2026.
The results will be based on public votes and jury votes.

In this post, I will review the 9 competing songs:

#1. BELA – “Herz”

• It is a guitar-driven Deutsch-pop anthem with a slight rock and hip-hop edge.
• The song starts with a solitary, clean electric guitar riff that sets a contemplative mood.
• The first verse is intimate, with BELA using a breathy, lower register. The tension builds through a steady rhythmic pulse.
• The first pre-chorus introduces a driving drum beat and light synth textures that lift the energy.
• The first chorus is a wide, anthemic hook. It’s melodic and easy to sing along to, with a focus on the emotional weight of the lyrics.
• The second verse adds more layers of percussion and a more assertive vocal delivery. His singing is more breathy.
• The bridge is a classic rock-pop breakdown, stripping back to a heavy bassline before a final, soaring explosion.
• Overall, it feels very “German radio,” which is both its strength and its weakness. While it’s incredibly likable, it might lack the “wow” factor needed to grab an international audience in three minutes. Note that it feels like the song doesn’t use its duration effectively.

#2. Dreamboys The Band – “Jeanie”

• It is a mid-tempo 80s-inspired indie-pop synth song.
• The song starts with a shimmering Juno-synth melody and a funky, grooving bassline.
• The first verse features a relaxed, almost nonchalant vocal delivery that feels effortless and “indie”.
• The first pre-chorus is a rhythmic transition with “airy” backing vocals and a subtle cowbell rhythm. It is based on beautiful harmonies.
• The first chorus is a simple, feel-good hook centered around the name “Jeanie.” It’s an instant earworm. It suggests a pleasant mixture of their voices.
• The second verse is based on bass and keyboards, but maintains the same energy.
• The second chorus is mostly about their vocals.
• The bridge is simple with laid-back production.
• Overall, it’s a very nostalgic song that taps into the current retro trend. It’s infectious and positive, but might be perceived as a bit too “lightweight” for the high-stakes Eurovision stage. A fun entry, nonetheless!

#3. Laura Nahr – “Wonderland”

• It is a dark, cinematic pop masterpiece with orchestral elements.
• The song starts with a haunting, minor-key piano melody and the sound of wind, creating an immediate atmosphere.
• The first verse is sparse, focusing on Laura’s crystalline and powerful vocals. The melody is mainly based on piano playing.
• The first pre-chorus introduces deep orchestral strings and a slow, methodical drum beat that adds cinematic weight. She is supported by backing vocals.
• The first chorus is a grand, melodic explosion. It’s dark, lush, and incredibly dramatic. The melody changes into a bit more “quirky” direction. The production is more of an electronic indie. The chorus is the longest part and the most enjoyable one.
• The second verse incorporates a more modern electronic framework, making it feel contemporary. It is built on a constant mid-tempo beat.
• The second chorus starts with fading vocals. It is danceable and very radio-friendly.
• The bridge is the climax of the song, featuring a massive vocal run and a wall of sound that feels like a film soundtrack. It is mostly on pure instrument and vocal delivery.
• Overall, this is a high-concept entry. It feels incredibly expensive and professional. It has the “drama” that juries usually reward, and Laura’s vocals are top-tier. A very strong contender. Well done!

#4. Malou Lovis – “When I’m With You”

• It is a soulful, mid-tempo indie-pop ballad.
• The song starts with a warm acoustic guitar and Malou’s signature raspy, velvety voice.
• The first verse is delivered with a storytelling tone, feeling very raw and honest.
• The first pre-chorus is a gentle melodic climb with subtle vocal harmonies.
• The first chorus is a smooth, sophisticated hook that showcases her impressive vocal texture. It’s not about “big notes” but about “big feelings.”
• The second verse adds a rhythmic snap and a more prominent bassline.
• The bridge is powerful, built on an organic build-up of instruments that leads into a stripped-back final chorus.
• Overall, it’s charming and authentic. Malou has a “star quality” that is hard to ignore. It feels like a commercial hit that could easily cross over to international charts. It has some global quality that can convert into a popular song like “Snap”. However, such songs won’t necessarily do well in Eurovision.

#5. Molly Sue – “Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)”

• It’s a self-empowerment pop ballad
• The song starts with a surprising vocal sample and a rhythmic, clicking percussion.
• The first verse is based on piano playing. Molly sings with a warm, velvety, and accurate voice.
• The first pre-chorus is a fast-paced electronic build-up that heightens the tension.
• The first chorus features classical elements, relying on strings and piano. She isngs wthi part with a wide range of voice, from lower to higher notes
• The second verse is pretty similar to the first one, but also features a soft, slow tempo.
• The second chorus proceeds smoothly with backing vocals, multi-layered melody, and infectious “ha ha ha” hook.
• “Thebridge” features a rhythmic breakdown with “shouted” lyrics and chaotic synth stabs.
• Overall, with the right staging, it could be a dark horse, but it might be too niche for the general public. Sending such a “simple” song can be risky, but also well-received by the jury.

#6. MYLE – “A OK”

• It’s a radio-friendly mid-tempo pop ballad, with light indie influences
• The song starts with a catchy acoustic guitar strum and a light, breezy whistle melody.
• The first verse is light and rhythmic, delivered with MYLE’s effortless charm. He sings warmly and pleasantly.
• The first pre-chorus is a classic pop transition that builds excitement for the hook. It is mainly based on the acoustic guitar.
• The first chorus is a major-key, sing-along anthem. It feels instantly familiar. The backing vocals create a “hugging” sound.
• The second verse is based on a very modest production; the melody is based on guitars and drums. The second pre-chorus is a warm-up to the chorus.
• The second chorus goes more emotionally, he sings more poweruflly and the backing vocals generate a musical dialogue with his lead voice.
• The bridge features a clapping section and a more laid-back vocal breakdown.
• Overall, it’s a very pleasant, safe entry. It’s a high-quality production, but it might lack the “uniqueness” required to stand out in Vienna. On the other hand, it is a very typical choice for Germany.

#7. Ragazzki – “Ciao Ragazzki”

• It is a high-energy pop-rap track with Italian influences.
• The song starts with a punchy drum fill and a heavy, distorted bassline. The introduction is mainly about the “Ciao Ragazzki” phrase.
• The first verse is fast-paced, with a gravelly and energetic vocal delivery. One of them is rapping. The arrangement is playful and humorous.
• The first pre-chorus is a driving rock build-up that signals the stadium-ready hook.
• The first chorus is repetitive on the “Ciao” hook. It’s built for a live crowd.
• The second verse is more melodic and blends several genres, including disco.
• The second chorus is bolder, relies more on dance club elements, and uses electric keyboards.
• The bridge features a heavy guitar riff and a high-energy vocal scream that adds a lot of attitude.
• Overall, it’s a fun, personality-driven entry. But it is really shallow and focuses on only one specific element. I found the writing of it quite lazy. It is a typical joke song, which usually annoys me,

#8. Sarah Engels – “Fire”

• It is a dance-pop song.
• The song starts with a pulsing electronic beat and a soaring vocal run from Sarah.
• The first verse is sung with a rhythmic, sassy delivery over a deep 808 bass. The melody is based on ticking sounds as well.
• The first pre-chorus is a classic EDM build-up with rising synths and heavy percussion, as well as processed backing vocals.
• The first chorus is a massive drop with a soaring, repetitive hook. It’s very “Eurovision-ready.” The melody is based on drums, synth, and electronic keyboards.
• The second verse progresses quite similarly to the first one. However, the melody is mostly based on a more modern production.
• The second chorus is an ethnic pop with a bold sound. However, it is too “by the book” and does not surprise us.
• The bridge features a dance-break section that is clearly designed for a big choreography moment on stage. It is mainly instrumental.
• Overall, this is a “mainstream” bid. It’s polished and Sarah is a seasoned performer. It has huge staging potential. On the other hand, there is the risk of playing the “aafe” girly pop card that leads to the bottom 6 in the final

#9.wavvyboi – “Black Glitter”

• It is an atmospheric, dark-wave alternative track with Emo-pop undertones.
• The song starts with reverb-heavy guitars and wavvyboi’s ethereal, high-pitched vocals.
• The first verse is sparse and moody, creating a “shimmering dark” atmosphere. The voice immediately pulls the listener’s attention.
• The first pre-chorus introduces a deep, rumbling synth that adds a layer of mystery. The melody is based on electronic guitar and keyboards.
• The first chorus is an expansive, atmospheric hook. It’s more of a “vibe” than a traditional pop chorus. It is finalized with an electronic guitar distortion, breaking the softness presented in the first half.
• The second verse is already a piece of glam rock, as wavvyboi sings it with a thinner and raspier voice. The rate is higher, and the energy is shifted.
• The second chorus starts just after the second pre-chorus. It is more of a stadium rock song, performed with powerful vocals. The backing vocals make it sound more commercial.
• The bridge is an emotional climax with intense vocal layering and a more aggressive instrumental finish.
• Overall, it’s a wonderful artistic creature. It’s unique, mysterious, and stands out sonically from everything else in the selection. It could be the “dark horse” that no one expected. The general sound is very 2010’s coded.

My Personal Ranking

1. Laura Nahr – “Wonderland”
2. wavvyboi – “Black Glitter”
3. Molly Sue – “Optimist (Ha Ha Ha)”
4. Dreamboys The Band – “Jeanie”
5. Sarah Engels – “Fire”
6. Malou Lovis – “When I’m With You”
7. MYLE – “A OK”
8. BELA – “Herz”
9. Ragazzki – “Ciao Ragazzki”

My Prediction

Overall, it is a diverse selection. There’s no clear standout, which might be what makes it more interesting. On paper, it looks like the contenders might be Laura Nahr, Ragazzki, and Sarah Engels. However, I can see Molly Sue or wavvyboi pulling a dark horse card.

Who is your favorite to win “Das Deutsche Finale 2026″?

Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.