Conchita Wurst and Rea Garvey reveal details about their series “I want to go to the ESC!” and look at the criteria for success at the ESC.
Conchita Wurst (35) and Rea Garvey (50) will appear in the six-part docutainment series “I want to go to the ESC!” (from January 25, 2024 in the ARD media library) as coaches looking for talent for the German preliminary round of the Eurovision Song Contest. Who will be allowed to perform at “Eurovision Song Contest – The German Finale 2024” on February 16th and who will possibly be sent to Sweden as the German representative will ultimately be decided by the audience on Thursday, February 8th (10 p.m. in the ARD media library and on NDR ).
In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the two musicians look at the show’s field of candidates and the reasons for Germany’s recent poor results at the ESC. In addition, Conchita Wurst, the 2014 ESC winner, reveals how success was possible and whether another ESC appearance is conceivable.
Why were you interested in the new “I want to go to the ESC!” show?
Rea Garvey: I love working with Conchita and I’m a big fan of the ESC. The ESC live experience was definitely on my wish list and when the offer came, I was immediately hooked.
Conchita Wurst: I was so excited about this new format because I love the song contest and because I also love working with creative people. “I want to go to the ESC!” is the perfect mix of these two aspects!
Things didn’t go well for the German acts at the last ESC editions. What do you attribute this to?
Rea Garvey: I don’t think there is just one reason for all the performances that weren’t successful at the ESC. Sometimes it’s the song or the artist that doesn’t resonate with the audience, or the standard was very high and good songs and performances got lost among even greater songs. I believe that a great song sung well is still the best way forward. And when Germany took this path, it worked, for example with Lena Meyer-Landrut and Michael Schulte.
Conchita Wurst: The ESC is just totally unpredictable. This is also the secret of the competition’s success, because you don’t know how people in the countries will ultimately vote. And you can’t plan or predict it in any way – so all countries are the same and face the same challenge of convincing viewers. And let’s be honest: after Udo Jürgens, Austria had to wait 48 years until it worked again.
Were you surprised that any of the acts didn’t get a better spot?
Rea Garvey: Yes, sometimes I was surprised at the points Germany received and thought they deserved better. But I’m used to sitting in a show and having the feeling that I absolutely know how the audience thinks and votes – only to be surprised…
Conchita Wurst: I was surprised that Malik Harris didn’t get more points. When I saw him perform for the first time at the German Final 2022, I was totally enchanted and thought it was such a shame that he couldn’t bring home a better placement. Because I think he’s a totally outstanding artist and guy.
What can Germany learn from other successful countries?
Rea Garvey: I think the most important thing is to approach the show with an individual performance and an exceptional song, without looking at the others. Nobody likes “copy-paste” at ESC (even if it is sometimes successful). I think the performances that grab attention because they are different are the best.
Conchita Wurst: Probably most likely the concepts from successful countries, how they come up with their national contributions, i.e. which path they take in order to let the audience have a say at an early stage as to who will move on to the next round. And with “I want to go to the ESC!” Germany is probably already well on its way in this direction. I think our format offers the opportunity for nice surprises – and you definitely need the courage to surprise on the way to song contest victory! Just like authenticity, because on the ESC stage with all the cameras, the audience feels the tiniest bit of uncertainty, and that is then transferred to the voting. But I think Germany is on the right track.
Abba star Björn Ulvaeus has suggested that Germany should return to the German hit at the ESC. What do you say, do you see opportunities for the genre?
Conchita Wurst: Of course! Anything you like is allowed. As long as it’s authentic, anything can work!
You won the ESC in 2014. What was your recipe for success?
Conchita Wurst: Hyperfocus! I think that was the main ingredient, seasoned with a huge dose of absolute joy in what I got to do – and by that I mean the entire experience, the entire preparation. The planning, the refining, the many interviews and traveling to the different Eurovision parties to present my song. The entire journey to the ESC final stage!
Why would you advise musicians to take part in the ESC?
Conchita Wurst: The ESC is the largest peace project in the world. Music connects us all. If you like listening to music, you can’t be a bad person. And of course the ESC is also a fantastic springboard. An incredible opportunity to introduce yourself to an international audience of millions and, ideally, to start your own career or expand it beyond borders.
What criteria did you use when selecting the talent for “I want to go to the ESC!” important?
Rea Garvey: If someone catches my attention as a person and as a singer, they are already doing a lot of things right.
Conchita Wurst: They should be authentic, the personality must shine through every fiber, the talents need that certain something that, famously, cannot be described – and of course voice!
How would you describe the field of candidates, what talents are there?
Rea Garvey: There are people who simply wanted to find out whether they had what it took to sing for Germany. Some are huge ESC fans and just want to be connected to their favorite music festival. Some come to learn from the experience and others come because they are simply convinced that they are the best. It’s a colorful mix!
Conchita Wurst: I would describe the field of candidates as very diverse and full of variety. In my opinion, it represents the German music landscape well with all facets and tastes, and I believe there is something for everyone!
What is your connection to the ESC?
Rea Garvey: The ESC is a family event where my own family in Ireland and Germany are happy to sit in front of the TV and take it all in. It’s a combination of so many elements: music, entertainment, performance, shock, confusion and celebration!
Would you take part in the ESC (again) yourself?
Rea Garvey: Who knows…? (laughs)
Conchita Wurst: I would take part in the ESC every year in any capacity – except to be a candidate again myself. I’ve already won!
What are your absolute favorite acts from past ESC editions?
Rea Garvey: Since I was involved in the selection of Lena Meyer-Landrut and Michael Schulte, I really celebrated their performances. Last year I went to Berlin to see Måneskin, who also have an amazing ESC performance. But there are too many good acts to name them all. Perhaps especially worth emphasizing: Salvador Vilar Braamcamp Sobral ComM, who was simply incredible – and of course Johnny Logan!
Conchita Wurst: My top three acts from the last decade are probably Loreen – 2012 and 2023! – Australia’s wonderful and incredibly talented Sheldon Riley 2022, and Spain’s Ruth Lorenzo, who was in Copenhagen with me in 2014. And I also count a German one as one of my absolute favorite acts: Joy Fleming with “A song can be a bridge”.