 |
|
|
Support Scooch!
Download 'Flying The Flag (For You)' at iTunes and help get Scooch back into the UK singles chart!
|
|
|
|
|
About Germany...
|
 top of page
|
|
2005 Result
Points in Semi Final: N/A
Position in Semi Final: N/A
Points in Final: 4
Position in Final: 24th
2006 Contest: Big 4 - Directly qualified to Final
|
top of page
|
|
History (1956 to 2004)
Germany's previous appearances: 48 year(s) out of 49
Years participated: 1956-1995; 1997-
Best result: 1st (1982)
Together with France, Germany has made more Eurovision appearances than any other country, participating in 47 of the 48 contests to date. The only gap is 1996, when the country failed to get through the pre-selection stage - the sole occasion that such a process has been used. Ironically, the intended German song was one of the best it has come up with in recent years, with Leon's hi-energy 'Planet of Blue' sounding modern and fresh compared to many of the German entries before or since. On the other hand, German displeasure at their unjust ejection helped precipitate the introduction of 'Big 4 ' status for Germany, France, Spain and the UK, thus preventing any of the 'big beast' Eurovision nations from missing out again.
Considering the number of occasions that Germany has appeared, its record of Eurovision success is unspectacular. The country has won just once, in 1982, but did so very easily with Nicole and her beautiful song 'Ein Bisschen Frieden'. As 'A Little Peace', the song went on to international success, including spending two weeks at No.1 in the UK. Scarily, that was the last time a Eurovision winner scored a UK No.1 - even Johnny Logan in 1987 and Katrina in 1997 had to make do with a No.2 and No.3 respectively.
Back to Germany, the country's recent record has been mixed. Returning in 1997 after its enforced absence the previous year, Bianca Shomburg's 'Zeit' was tipped to do well, but could only finish 18th. Trying something completely different, Germany sent Guildo Horn in 1998, memorable for him clambering all over the set if not for his singing talent. Still, it was great fun, and the televoters rewarded him with 7th place. Normal service resumed in 1999, with a song written by the prolific Ralph Siegel, the composer of Germany's winner in 1982, among many others. 'Reise nach Jerusalem' was sung in a mix of German, Turkish and English, and was probably the strongest German entry since Nicole; it came close to winning, but eventually had to be happy with 3rd place - not bad for a song that only got to represent its country when the original winner of the National Final (Corinna May's lovely 'Hör den kindern einfach zu') was disqualified as a result of being released by a different singer in 1997.
In 2000, Germany went for humour again, with Stefan Raab - who had written Guildo's song two years earlier - performing a song himself. Once again, it was well-rewarded, finishing 5th. Interestingly, Raab qualified for Eurovision ahead of Corinna May, back for another go with the powerful 'I believe in God', after her abortive effort the year before - however, finishing 2nd, she once again missed out on representing her country.
In 2001, Corinna May had a year off, and Germany sent Michelle, a helium-voiced singer who made 'Wer liebe lebt' sound like the theme from 'Alvin and the Chipmunks'. Still, someone must have liked it, as it finished 8th; perhaps it was a vote for originality, given the novelty of a song not written by Ralph Siegel or Stefan Raab?
After a good run of top ten places, hopes were high for victory in 2002, with Corinna May finally getting to go to Eurovision with an extremely strong song - 'I can't live without music' - once again written by Ralph Siegel. Though it was the pre-Contest favourite, the performance on the night just didn't work - it seemed awkward and stilted, and the song finished a very disappointing 21st. Never one to give up, Ralph Siegel came back in 2003, this time with the orange-haired, wide-mouthed Lou. It was debatable whether the song or Lou herself was most frightening, but the televoters were unimpressed and 'Let's get happy' ended up a relatively disappointing 11th. Deciding that enough was enough, Germany's 2004 national final was restricted to successful chart acts, with techno group Scooter among the popular names taking part. The eventual winner, Max, secured a massive hit in Germany with the soulful and fresh 'Can't wait until tonight', but had to be content with 8th place at Eurovision. Still, it was enough to qualify Germany for the 2005 Final on its own merits, rather than by virtue of its 'Big 4' status.
|
top of page
|
|
This year's entry
Position in Semi Final draw: N/A
Position in Final draw: 17
What I said prior to the Semi Final:
"A pretty girl with no surname? That has to be a TV talent show contestant then! Sure enough, 22-year-old Gracia (Baur) was a participant in Germany's first series of 'Pop Idol' ('Deutschland sucht den Superstar'), and now gets to represent her country after winning the national final 'Germany 12 Points!' with her song 'Run and hide'. There is something Shakira-esque about Gracia's vocal style, though the song itself is really rather a racket - while undeniably contemporary, it is one of those tracks where the chorus and verse sound like they should belong in completely different songs. Interestingly, the composer is David Brandes, who ends up with two songs in this years contest having also written (in my opinion, the far superior) 'Cool vibes' for the Swiss entrants Vanilla Ninja. Overall, 'Run and hide' is not the worst entry in this year's Contest, but it is difficult to see it making much of an impression. 'Run and hide' also has the unenviable distinction of being the most scandal-hit entry of 2005, allegations of chart manipulation causing the song to be expelled from the German Top 40 - quite a rumpus ensued, given that the song's place in the National Final was as a direct result of it being a Top 40 hit."
|
top of page
|
|
What I predicted...
My prediction for Semi Final: N/A
My prediction for Final: 22nd to 24th
What I predicted prior to the Semi Final:
"Scandal or no scandal, it's hard to imagine that 'Run and hide' would have secured a place in the Final, had it been participating in the Semi Final first. Indeed, in 2004 the bottom placings of the Final scoreboard were occupied almost exclusively by pre-qualified entries - all the rubbish songs that the televoters would have voted off beforehand, had they had the opportunity. One suspects that Gracia may suffer a similar fate this year, and she could be an outside contender for the dreaded 'nul points'. Televoters may well, I suspect, run and hide."
|
top of page
|
|
What you thought...
Final Poll Ranking: out of 39 ()
(Updated 22 May 2005; change refers to movement over final week)
In the run up to the Contest, 27,998 visitors to this site voted for their favourite song in the Soult.com Eurovision Poll (up from 5,000 in 2004!)
|
top of page
|
|
What actually happened...
Not quite 'nul points', but not far off, with Gracia picking up just 2 points each from Moldova and Monaco for her efforts, her 24th (and last) place managing to rob Stone and Stone (1995) of their place in history as Germany's worst ever Eurovision placing. To be fair, it was a pretty poor perormance of a pretty poor song, with Gracia's introductory yelp ("You'd better run and HI-IIIIIII-IDEEEEEEEE!!!!") acting as a warning to televoters across Europe.
|
top of page
|
|
What the bookies thought...
 | Germany to win: | 21/05/05 (prior to Final) | 50-1 |
| | 19/05/05 (after Semi Final) | 40-1 |
| | 19/05/05 (prior to Semi Final) | 66-1 |
| | 16/05/05 | 66-1 |
| | 15/05/05 | 66-1 |
| | 08/05/05 | 66-1 |
| | 02/05/05 | 66-1 |
| | 24/04/05 | 33-1 |
|
|
With just 4 points going Gracia's way, the bookies had no need to run and hide from anyone who had bet on Germany winning at 50-1. If anyone actually had bet on Germany winning, of course.
(Odds quoted here were those offered by Coral.co.uk. 'F' indicates favourite, 'JF' joint favourite.)
|
top of page
|
|
Links
 http://www.gracia-baur.tv/
 http://www.ndrtv.de/grandprix/
|
top of page
|
|
Notes (see 'History' above)
- The 1956 Contest (where each country had two songs) is counted as a single appearance;
- Countries eliminated in the 1993 preliminary heat (EE, HU, RO, SK) ARE NOT counted as making an appearance in that year's Contest;
- Countries eliminated in the 1996 preliminary heat (DE, DK, HU, IL, MK, RO, RU) ARE NOT counted as making an appearance in that year's Contest;
- Countries eliminated in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Semi Finals ARE counted as making an appearance in that year's Contest.
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Your comments (55)
From kiki, Greece
Added 18:15:55 2006-02-12
Thanks a lot for the 12 points!I really liked this song!I was afraid that it is going to win!In 2006 we the Greeks we are all welcome you to Athens!See you!
From Lala, GERMANY
Added 13:23:40 2005-8-28
the song was terrible...but i didn't like greece,ukraine or spain, too.the best song was israel or hungary.
From ema, CROATIA
Added 21:3:0 2005-8-9
this song sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ivan mikulic(croatia 2004)'s song is much better than this song
From Moritz v. Faber Du Faux, GERMANY
Added 20:12:30 2005-7-10
You don't seem to have understood what this one's about: Gracia was nominated because of her good looks, that`s all. S far s I m concerned, I'm so infatuated with that girl that I don't give a damn at all about her music. In marked contrast to Madonna, Britney Spears and all the rest, THIS girl is of outstanding beauty, whereas the aforementioned female singers are merely unmusical. It takes more than being unmusical these days (although it helps)
From Maria Vella, MALTA
Added 16:51:40 2005-6-17
I liked Germany's song. I don't know why it came in the last place. Hope that you will get a better placing next year Germany...
From Noah, MOLDOVA
Added 2:0:55 2005-6-5
Ok, first of all sorry for not writing earlier...i just forgot, i guess...
Don't listen to this people. This song was GREAT, guys, don't you ever think other way. I liked it so much and it deserved a top 5 position. For sure.
Europe should follow your example. I'm so ashamed that Moldova gave just 2 points to you and 12 to Latvia... Sorry Gracia!
Keep on rockin'!!!
Charlotte x, UK, Bravo!
From Christian Nielsen, DENMARK
Added 12:8:18 2005-5-31
Common folks. The only real scandal about Germany´s performances was the fact that it got 4 points at all. From start to the end it was nothing but torture and torment to hear Garcia´s ridicules attempts to "break" her voice, which sounded more like a seal with the flu.
I love many of Germany´s previously Eurovision performances but for the first time in my life I felt like vomiting inside.
So dear Garcia, for your own good and for our health. Please, stick to the song title and RUN AND HIDE Far Far away from any further mucical attempts in your life
From Charlotte x, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 18:35:3 2005-5-27
OMG! I cant believe you were last Germany! I love this song, the singer and her outfit .. it was gorgeous! I'm so sorry that you didnt do better =(
From giedre, LITHUANIA
Added 17:35:29 2005-5-24
l like this song because the singer have a good voice.
=]
From savina, BULGARIA
Added 13:20:13 2005-5-24
i could not understand why germany decided to send gracia to take part in the contest.you have sooo many other good singers and bands..
From european_serb, --
Added 1:1:43 2005-5-24
yeah yeah yeah... what a great...amazing...fantastic ...blah blah blah song! I think Germany should try to be more Germany. Gracia tried to be an American star! Pity so many countries go and sing in English...why? They go to represent their own country.... the world could hear sth different for instance...not only 'i love u' ..'fire' ..'run' etc...sorry!
From RAIN, MOLDOVA
Added 18:51:21 2005-5-23
Why not stick to heavy metal? You are so much better at it.
From Hugo, SPAIN
Added 12:12:2 2005-5-23
Wow, I'm so sorry this songs had he lowest position, it was my favourite!! It sounds so powerful and uplifting! Gracia's voice was rather off key in the chorusesw, in my opnion, but this somehow fits the mood of the song. Congratulations anyway, Germany =) I'm more sorry for this result than for my own country's one, Spain.
From Lotta, SWEDEN
Added 17:1:41 2005-5-22
=( I loved this song! I knew it wouldnt be one of the top favorites but no way that it was the worst one! =O
It was a lot better than Swedens 'Las Vegas' and it should at least have finished as one of the 15 best songs
From lisa, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 16:11:7 2005-5-22
the chorus of this song = pain in the ass
From Timothy, BELGIUM
Added 9:45:12 2005-5-22
Oh my God!
This was an absolute farce!!!!!!!!!!
her performance wasn´t that strong as i expected, but never ever in my life, she deserved LAST!!!!!
And look who are the others on the Bottom.
Outch, the final scoreboard is rubbish, think about a new Eurovision People!!!
From Marion, GERMANY
Added 9:19:35 2005-5-21
They will never like the german entry, no matter what this country send.
Fact is: Gracia isn´t a winner with that one, but to say "worst entry ever" or "german always sends rubbish" etc. just show your prejudices.
"Run&Hide" will sure not be at the bottom, because Gracia is to smart and to good in singing. Rank 8-12 is possible and woul be great.
All the best for you.
From Jen, UNITED STATES
Added 8:31:54 2005-5-21
I really like this song!! I also liked the French song..but good luck to Germany, I hope they win! Gracia has a beautiful, strong voice :)
********************************
YAY GERMANY! :D
America loves you!!! <3
From ben, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 18:10:16 2005-5-20
terrible
From David HJ, UNITED KINGDOM
Added 21:46:51 2005-5-19
There's a lot going on in this one isn't there? I've always liked Germany's entry as they seem like the UK that they don't really take it that seriously. Previous entries have been ludicrous and hilarious. This one, well I'm not quite sure are they serious or not? Whichever I think they could be nul points on the night My guess 23rd or 24th
From Rafał, POLAND
Added 16:41:45 2005-5-19
sorry Germany!
Don't make me laught with this teenie-winnie song.
Your song is simple pitful.
Do you really want to show it???
But there is something more tragic... our polish performence.
So this year Poland and Germany have little chances to get some top positions.
But I wish You Good luck because I like Germans
From mushroom, LITHUANIA
Added 9:58:47 2005-5-19
I love this song!!! I think it is best song in the eurovison this year. good lock Gracia1!!!:)
From Timothy, GERMANY
Added 8:9:50 2005-5-19
As far as i can see now, Gracia will go far better than some of the Fanfavorits with their trashy numbers! Go Germany!
From Charlotte , SWEDEN
Added 22:22:12 2005-5-17
Terrible! More noise than music. I really like Germany and I liked Max last year, but this is truly disappointing!
From Kieran, IRELAND
Added 14:2:56 2005-5-16
This starts off very well and I like the verse. But when she gets into the chorus I want to shut my ears and stop listening. The way she sings (or should I say "warbles") the chorus makes it lose its appeal.
|
|
top of page
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Germany
![Official 2006 Double CD now available to order at Amazon.co.uk [external link in new window]](/eurovision/images/furniture/2006cd_120x215.gif)
![[external link in new window] Valid CSS!](/eurovision/images/w3c/vcss.png)
![[external link in new window] Level A conformance icon, W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0](/eurovision/images/w3c/wcag1A.png){kind=small}
