DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR (original title)

UFA SHOW & FACTUAL GmbH • Show • RTL
This is the DSDS jury 2026

From rap to party hits: head judge Dieter Bohlen brings star rapper Bushido and Ballermann queen Isi Glück onto the jury

New spectacular jury power for Dieter Bohlen! In 2026, RTL will once again be showing DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR. And now it’s clear who will be sitting next to Dieter Bohlen on the jury panel for the 22nd season: Bushido, Germany’s most polarizing and successful rapper of his generation, and Ballermann star and party queen Isi Glück. Together with DSDS head judge Dieter Bohlen, they will use their vast experience in different music genres to judge the singers at the auditions. The new season is scheduled to be broadcast in spring 2026 on RTL and in advance on RTL+.

Inga Leschek, CCO RTL Germany: “Dieter Bohlen, Bushido and Isi Glück – three strong characters, three worlds, one jury. This special constellation of pop titan, rap credibility and pop love is coming together for the first time and promises fresh impulses and exciting stories. Produced by a new, dedicated team at UFA Show & Factual, we are looking forward to a new season full of musical hero’s journeys.”

Dieter Bohlen: “Bushido and I will definitely have completely different opinions on certain music genres. For example, I can’t imagine that Bushido likes pop music. I don’t listen to hard rap all day either. I just like great ballads, great melodies and great voices. And with Isi Glück, we also have a successful Ballermann singer on the DSDS jury. I hope we get along well!”

Bushido: “DSDS has shaped generations – we all remember those moments that went straight to the heart. Or simply cool and quirky characters. Now being part of this jury myself is more than just a show for me. It’s an honor. At a time when everything is changing rapidly, I want to help find real voices – people with stories, with struggles, with heart. I have accompanied many who are living their dreams today. Now is the time to show new talents the way. Not just for the applause – but for something that lasts.”

Isi Glück: “Not only do I enjoy throwing good parties, but I also know the event industry like the back of my hand by now. I hope that we find a superstar who will continue to perform at events after the season! It’s a great honor for me to be able to search for Germany’s new superstar together with Dieter Bohlen and Bushido. I can hardly wait for the filming to finally begin. I’m hoping for lots of varied and entertaining candidates and lots of good humor.”

Singers aged 16 and over can still apply for the 22nd DSDS season. More information at dsds.de

DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH on behalf of RTL. The editorial responsibility at RTL lies with Anna Katharina Kurz (Executive Producer), Tilman Henke (Producer) and Carolin Kaletta (Head of Producers) under the direction of Markus Küttner (Head of Entertainment at RTL).

All seasons of DSDS at a glance

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 21 Toggle

The 21st season is just around the corner: DSDS filming has begun

Filming for the new season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR started on April 25, 2024. And for the first time, an amusement park serves as an impressive backdrop: With its varied themed areas and daredevil roller coasters, Europa-Park in Rust is the perfect stage for spectacularly staging the castings.

Pop singer Beatrice Egli, rapper Loredana, singer Pietro Lombardi and DSDS head judge Dieter Bohlen (from left)
Pop singer Beatrice Egli, rapper Loredana, singer Pietro Lombardi and DSDS head judge Dieter Bohlen (from left)

On the first day of filming, DSDS head judge Dieter Bohlen, pop singer Beatrice Egli, rapper Loredana and singer Pietro Lombardi were full of anticipation for the new season, in which the age limit has been dropped – all candidates aged 16 and over can now take part and appear in front of the jury. The 15 new episodes, including a live finale, will be broadcast on RTL and RTL+ from fall 2024.

Dieter Bohlen: “At DSDS, we are always on the lookout for unique locations for our jury castings. That’s why I’m delighted that we’re now at Europa-Park in Rust for the very first time. I just hope that the candidates don’t go on a rollercoaster before their performance – that could end badly for us as the jury. The park stands for world-class entertainment and surprises at every turn. We want to achieve all of this for our viewers with our candidates. It will be the most varied casting ever.”

Beatrice Egli: “I won’t forget this day in a hurry. My journey began right here over ten years ago. So it was a very special moment for me when I sat down at the jury panel for the first time today. I’m just soaking it all up and looking forward to seeing lots of interesting and talented candidates.”

Loredana: “The atmosphere here on set is just mega. You can tell that everyone is really looking forward to the new DSDS season. We are a cool team on the jury and complement each other perfectly. I’ve already seen some strong performances – the viewers have something to look forward to.”

Pietro Lombardi: “Even on the first day of filming, I can tell you that this is going to be a very special season. At last there are no more age limits. There were already some older contestants there today who really gave their all and really delivered.”

Christian Jährig is the 2024 superstar!

The audience has clearly decided! With a strong 75.61 percent of all viewer votes, Christian Jährig (30) from Reichertshofen was chosen as the winner of the 21st season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR last Saturday evening, beating Nissim Mizrahi, Philip Matas and Tom Mc Conner with his winning song “Auf Eigenen Beinen” in the grand live final hosted by Laura Wontorra.

DSDS winner Christian Jährig
DSDS winner Christian Jährig

An average of 1.83 million viewers aged 3 and over (MA: 8.9%) tuned in. Among viewers aged 14-59, the final achieved a market share of 11.8 percent (1.01 million), and 11.6 percent (0.47 million) among 14- to 49-year-olds.

DSDS winner Christian: “I can only thank everyone for this great result. I now hope to make even more music and open my heart to everyone else.”

As ‘Superstar 2024’, Christian will receive 100,000 euros in prize money and a record deal with TELAMO, the new label partner of GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR A SUPERSTAR. The label, which belongs to BMG, will release the final songs of the season and a Christmas album entitled “Deutschland sucht den Superstar X-Mas”. The album with cover versions of the biggest Christmas hits will be available everywhere on 29.11.2024.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 20 Toggle

DSDS turns 20: The anniversary season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR

On Saturday, January 14, 2023, 8.15 pm, Europe’s most successful talent show DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR will enter its anniversary season on RTL. Including the DSDS jury dream team: Dieter Bohlen, Pietro Lombardi, Katja Krasavice & Leony. Together they will be looking for the greatest and most entertaining singing talents in 2023.

DSDS anniversary jury: (from left) Leony, Katja Krasavice, Pietro Lombardi and Dieter Bohlen
DSDS anniversary jury: (from left) Leony, Katja Krasavice, Pietro Lombardi and Dieter Bohlen

Great voices, extravagant free spirits and all that with an entertainment factor20 and a wink – that’s DSDS. Plus a Dieter Bohlen as we know and love him: from gentle tones to merciless criticism and cult slogans. In short: everything that DSDS fans love is back. And for the anniversary, a look back and a reunion with beloved DSDS cult candidates.

The jury castings for the final DSDS season were recorded in Cologne, Munich and Hamburg. With their golden CDs, Dieter Bohlen, Pietro Lombardi, Katja Krasavice and Leony secured four casting candidates a direct ticket to Mallorca. The following applies to all other talents: those who receive one of the coveted recall slips will be allowed to prove themselves again in Mönchengladbach in order to secure a place in the foreign recall to Mallorca. However, only the best singers among them will continue on from the Balearic island. In Thailand, first in Bangkok, then on an island off Phuket, they will get their last chance to sing their way into the hearts of the jury and thus into the DSDS live shows. Which ten talents will be allowed to perform on the big stage of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR in 2023? Who will be Germany’s new superstar?

For the anniversary season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR, Laura Wontorra will host the three live shows. She will also go behind the scenes during the jury castings to capture the mood and will be on hand to help the talents and is sure to elicit a secret or two from them.

Laura Wontorra presents the live shows
Laura Wontorra presents the live shows

Start of the anniversary season on January 14, 2023

RTL will show the first episode of the anniversary season exclusively on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 8:15 p.m. Episodes 1 & 2 will then be made available to stream on RTL+. All other programs will be offered as a preview of the next episode on RTL+ when they are broadcast on TV.

In total, DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR 2023 will consist of 20 episodes: Eleven casting episodes, which will also be broadcast in primetime on Wednesdays (from January 18, 2023) in addition to the Saturday evening slot, before six recall episodes are shown on Saturdays and the anniversary season of DSDS 2023 celebrates its grand finale with three big Saturday night live shows.

DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR is produced by UFA Show & Factual GmbH.

Sem Eisinger wins GERMANY SEEKS THE SUPERSTAR 2023

DSDS winner 2023: Sem Eisinger (29) from Frankfurt
DSDS winner 2023: Sem Eisinger (29) from Frankfurt

Congratulations, dear Sem! With 54.81 percent of all viewer votes, Sem Eisinger (29) from Frankfurt was voted the winner of the anniversary season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR on Saturday evening. In the grand live final, hosted by Laura Wontorra, he beat Monika Gajek, Lorent Berisha and Kiyan Yousefbeik.

An average of 2.35 million viewers (MA: 10.4%) tuned in. Among viewers aged 14-59, the DSDS final achieved a market share of 13.5 percent (1.38 million), and 14.9 percent (0.78 million) of viewers aged 14-49.

DSDS winner Sem Eisinger:

“I’m in absolute emotional chaos. Of course I’m happy and sad at the same time. DSDS was an incredibly wonderful time, which is now unfortunately over. I got to know wonderful people and took them into my heart. The fact that the viewers have now voted me a superstar is not only the ultimate for me, but also for my family, my friends and not least for my dad.”

As ‘Superstar 2023’, Sem receives a contract with Universal Music and a 100,000 euro prize. He will also go on tour with Dieter Bohlen. His first single “Don’t Let Me Go”, produced by VIZE, has been available to download and stream on all popular platforms since Friday.

In front of the jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Pietro Lombardi, Katja Krasavice and Leony, around 1,500 viewers in the studio and an audience of millions on their screens, the Top 4 sang one last time on the big DSDS show stage in Cologne in the live final of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR. Monika Gajek (21) from Salzgitter, Lorent Berisha (19) from Dierikon (Switzerland), Sem Eisinger (29) from Frankfurt and Kiyan Yousefbeik (25) from Hanover gave their best once again to impress with their skills. At the end of the evening, the viewers alone decided: With 54.81 percent of all viewer votes, they chose Sem as the winner of GERMANY WANTS A SUPERSTAR 2023.

The voting results of the final at a glance:
54.81 percent Sem Eisinger
18.52 percent Monika Gajek
13.88 percent Lorent Berisha
12.79 percent Kiyan Yousefbeik

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 19 Toggle

A deep dive with heart and depth: this is DSDS 2022

Great emotions and extraordinary voices alongside bizarre performances – in short: everything that viewers love is to be found on DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR. On Saturday, January 22, 2022, 8:15 p.m., the 19th season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR starts on RTL. With Florian Silbereisen, Ilse DeLange and Toby Gad on the jury, DSDS will not only be more musical than ever – with their warm-hearted but also tough judgments, they are guaranteed to cause a rollercoaster of emotions not only for the singers …

This season, the castings will take place where life pulsates – in the middle of the market square. With their dreamy and charming ambience, Wernigerode and Burghausen will serve as the backdrop for all episodes of the jury castings this year. Everyone gets a chance – and everyone can watch, as the candidates sing in front of the jury in a glass cube. The search for the new superstar – more transparent than ever. From pop to rap, from oldies to hard rock, the singers know how to surprise the audience. Laughter, tears and goosebumps guaranteed.

Also new at DSDS: Whoever gets one of the coveted recall slips here can prove themselves again in front of the jury at the end of the respective casting episode in order to get a ticket to the foreign recall in Apulia. However, only the best 25 singers will get a place in the recall in Italy. With their golden CDs, Ilse DeLange, Florian Silbereisen and Toby Gad secure three casting candidates a ticket to Italy at the first audition.

RTL will show the journey to the new superstar from Saturday, January 22, 2022, 8:15 p.m. in 10 casting episodes, two of which will also be shown on Tuesday (January 25 and February 1) in January/February, before four recall episodes start and DSDS 2022 ends with four live shows. The recordings will be available in advance on RTL + from episode 2 onwards.

DSDS with a new super jury: Florian Silbereisen, Ilse DeLange and Toby Gad will be looking for new talent on DSDS in 2022

The new DSDS jury: Toby Gad (r.), Ilse DeLange and Florian Silbereisen.
The new DSDS jury: Toby Gad (r.), Ilse DeLange and Florian Silbereisen.

THE German show host & pop singer, a pop & country singer who is popular across generations and a globally successful star producer – this jury is as diverse as the new RTL! Florian Silbereisen, Ilse DeLange and Toby Gad will sit on the jury of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR in 2022.

When DSDS begins the jury castings for the 19th season in the summer, they will start their first working day as a jury team. Whether pop, country or pop: there’s guaranteed to be a lot of music and heart here. Together, Florian Silbereisen, IlseDeLange and Toby Gad evaluate the candidates for the 19th DSDS season and set off in search of the one: Germany’s superstar 2022.

Show host, pop singer & actor Florian Silbereisen:
Gold, platinum, various No. 1 albums and hits – Florian Silbereisen is just as at home in the music world as he is on the big show stage. In 2020, he has already shown as a guest judge in three live shows that he and RTL are a perfect match – now the 39-year-old has come to stay!

Pop & country singer Ilse DeLange:
16x platinum, 3x gold, five No. 1 albums – in her home country of the Netherlands, Ilse DeLange has long been an integral part of the music world. And the warm-hearted pop & country singer has also touched millions of hearts in Germany with her second place at ESC 2019 (“Calm After The Storm” / The Common Linnets). With her loving nature and great talent, she will enrich the DSDS jury in 2022.

Star producer and songwriter Toby Gad:
John Legend, Beyoncé, Fergie, Madonna, Selena Gomez, and many more. – Toby Gad is the maker of the world’s most successful artists and hits. Gold, platinum, diamond, plus No.1 hits in the US & UK Billboard charts and various Grammy Award participations pave the way for the Munich-born artist, who has lived and worked in the USA since 2000. His greatest successes include Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy” and John Legend’s “All Of Me”. Now all singing talents at DSDS have the great opportunity to be discovered by one of the most successful music producers in the world.

Kai Sturm, RTL Head of Entertainment: “We want to create more campfire moments for young and old again. The new DSDS should be colorful, entertaining – and full of passion! We are therefore delighted that our three jurors have agreed to take part. With Florian Silbereisen, Ilse Delange and Toby Gad, we have not only succeeded in uniting concentrated music expertise in the jury, but also in giving DSDS a fresh makeover that brings even more passion and empathy and certainly doesn’t miss out on the fun.”

Marco Schreyl to host the 2022 DSDS live shows

Marco Schreyl: “Who would have thought it! My grandma was right: you always meet twice in life! It’s nice that she’s right.”

When DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR kicks off the live shows for the 19th time on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at 8:15 p.m., HE will once again host the Saturday evening: Marco Schreyl. For many viewers, he is a familiar face on the big DSDS stage, having hosted the big music show for seven seasons (2005 to 2012), seasons 3 and 4 together with Tooske Ragas. Currently, the 48-year-old is primarily the anchor of Punkt 6 / Punkt 7 / Punkt 8. Now the accomplished all-round talent is also making his comeback on the big RTL show stage. Marco Schreyl: “Being back on the DSDS live show stage after almost 10 years will be exciting, working with this warm jury will be special and supporting the best singers of this season will be a pleasure!”

Head of Entertainment Markus Küttner: “I am delighted that Marco Schreyl is back on the DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR team. His RTL career started with this show and it’s great that he will now be welcoming viewers back to the big DSDS stage. Together with our likeable and incredibly competent jury and our top singing talents, he will deliver the best family entertainment on Saturday evening.”

The 19th season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR kicked off in January, and since then show host, pop singer and actor Florian Silbereisen, pop & country singer Ilse DeLange and star producer Toby Gad have been thrilling an audience of millions week after week in their search for Germany’s greatest singing talent. After the foreign call in Apulia, in which 16 talents are currently still competing for a place in the live shows, RTL will present the final journey to Germany’s new superstar in four live shows from the MMC Studios in Cologne-Ossendorf from Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 8:15 pm. Tickets for the four live shows are available HERE.

Harry Laffontien is Superstar 2022

Congratulations, dear Harry! Harry Laffontien (21) was voted the winner of the 19th season of DSDS on Saturday evening. With 73.1 percent of all viewer votes, the artist from Hiddenhausen won the grand live final, hosted by Marco Schreyl, among the best four singers of DSDS 2022.

DSDS winner Harry Laffontien: “This is absolutely amazing! I feel like the greatest person on earth right now. I would like to thank all the people who called. It’s only thanks to them that I’m the new superstar! I really never expected this and will do everything in my power to give people lots of love and music back.”

An overview of the voting results from the DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR 2022 live show can be found here at rtl.de.

As “Superstar 2022”, Harry Laffontien will receive a contract with Universal Music and a 100,000 euro prize. His first single “Someone To You”, which was written and composed by Toby Gad, has been available to download and stream on all popular platforms since Friday.

In front of the jury consisting of Florian Silbereisen, Ilse DeLange, Toby Gad and guest judge Joachim Llambi, 1.400 viewers and an audience of millions watched the Top 4 sing in the live final of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR in Cologne: Melissa Mantzoukis, 18, bank clerk from Ingolstadt, Amber van den Elzen, 20, student (Marketing Management) from Gemert/NL, Harry Laffontien, 21, artist/inflatables from Hiddenhausen and Gianni Laffontien, 17, artist/inflatables from Hiddenhausen gave their best once again on the big show stage to impress with their skills. At the end of the evening, only the viewers decided: With 73.1 percent of all viewer votes, they chose Harry as the winner of GERMANY WANTS A SUPERSTAR 2022.

The voting results of the 19th DSDS season:

Semi-finals in %
Harry 34.13%
Amber 17.66%
Melissa M. 15.66%
Gianni 15.47%
Dominik 10.28%
Melissa T. 6.80%

Final – Top 4 in %
Harry 49.01%
Amber 21.17%
Melissa M. 16.73%
Gianni 13.09%

Final – Top 2 in %
Harry 73.10%
Amber 26.90%

GERMANY WANTS A SUPERSTAR starts on January 22

On Saturday, January 22, 2022, 8.15 p.m., the 19th season of DEUTSCHLAND SUCHT DEN SUPERSTAR starts on RTL with a jury like never before: Alongside German show host Florian Silbereisen and Holland’s successful singer/songwriter and multi-platinum ESC winner Ilse DeLange, Toby Gad, the man who produces global stars such as Beyoncé and Madonna, will be judging the talents’ skills.

This season, the castings will take place where life pulsates – in the middle of the market square in Wernigerode and Burghausen. Everyone gets a chance – and everyone can watch, because the candidates sing in front of the jury in a glass cube. The search for the new superstar – more transparent than ever. From pop to rap, from oldies to hard rock, the singers know how to surprise the audience. Laughter, tears and goosebumps guaranteed.

RTL will show the journey to the new superstar from Saturday, January 22, 2022, 8.15 p.m. in 10 casting episodes, two of which will also be shown on Tuesdays (January 25 and February 1) in January/February, before four recall episodes start and DSDS 2022 ends with four live shows.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 18 Toggle

The DSDS dreamboat sets sail!

On Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 8.15 pm, GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR A SUPERSTAR starts with the auditions on the Rhine ship Blue Rhaposody, which sails through the wildly romantic section of the Middle Rhine Valley – past the world-famous Loreley, the green vineyards and numerous castles. In this beautiful landscape, the singers between the ages of 16 and 30 give it their all to win the coveted recall slip from the jury.

From September 14 to 27, 2020, the ship sailed through the Rhine Valley to Duisburg and repeatedly picked up singers who faced the critical eyes and ears of the jury and hoped to get the coveted recall slip. The Blue Rhapsody’s stops were: Oberwesel, Boppard, Braubach, Koblenz, Andernach, Linz am Rhein, Königswinter, Cologne, Düsseldorf and Duisburg.

The floating DSDS location was accompanied by the hotel ship ‘Oscar Wilde’, on which the crew and the jury stayed during the trip.

Only around 100 singers will receive the coveted call sheet and will then have to compete in the Quickpick of the German Recall in Cologne, where they will sing in rows of 5 in front of the jury and be reduced to the best 44 singers.

The jury consists of pop titan and head judge Dieter Bohlen, pop singer Maite Kelly and singer Mike Singer.

The 22 episodes are broadcast every Tuesday and Saturday at 8.15 pm on RTL. RTL shows the journey to the new superstar in 13 casting episodes, seven recall episodes, a live semi-final and a live final.

DSDS will come of age in 2021 – but is guaranteed to remain as fresh and crisp as ever. In addition to a wide variety of vocal performances, the exciting and emotional stories of the singers about love, joy and defeat will provide great entertainment.

The recall at Bronnbach Castle

The best 44 candidates will go to Bronnbach Castle, a former Cistercian abbey founded in Wertheim in 1151. Here, the candidates compete in two episodes in front of the three-person jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Maite Kelly and Mike Singer. The candidates sing in small groups in the abbey and, for the first time, even in a cowshed on the grounds. The best 27 singers make it through to the foreign recall.

The foreign call in Greece

Traditionally, the filming of the DSDS recall always involves a long-distance trip to exotic countries. This was not possible in 2020 due to the pandemic. The recall was therefore filmed in Greece from mid-October 2020. Here, the infection figures were still at a comparatively low level and there was no travel warning from the German Foreign Office. On October 18, the time had come and the jury, the 27 candidates and the 82-strong crew flew to Mykonos.

The Cyclades island captivates with its white houses with blue doors and windows in picturesque alleyways, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea and windmills. In this dreamlike setting, the candidates sang in front of the three-member jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Maite Kelly and Mike Singer.

The DSDS recall in times of pandemic

In order to carry out the production safely, the production team strictly adhered to the hygiene concept. The entire team and the contestants were tested for Covid 19 before departure, and the contestants were also quarantined beforehand. Daily tests of the judges, contestants, producers, vocal coaches etc. were also part of the daily routine in Greece, while the crew wore masks at all times.

Michael Wendler is taken out of the program

Pop singer Michael Wendler was part of the jury in the first episode of DSDS. The DSDS auditions, in which Michael Wendler was a jury member, were recorded in summer 2020. The first episode was broadcast on January 5, 2021. After spreading conspiracy theories about coronavirus, the collaboration between Michael Wendler and RTL was terminated in fall 2020. The broadcaster had already clearly distanced itself from the singer’s statements at the time, but initially decided to broadcast the episodes that had already been recorded at the time. After Michael Wendler made new, unacceptable statements in January 2021, RTL cut him out of the show completely, even if this resulted in visible dramaturgical gaps for viewers. The detailed statements can be read here.

DSDS live shows without Dieter Bohlen: Maite Kelly and Mike Singer on the jury for DSDS semi-final and final

The two live shows of the current DSDS season will take place without Dieter Bohlen, who has unfortunately canceled at short notice due to illness. The jury will therefore consist of Maite Kelly and Mike Singer.

RTL Head of Entertainment Kai Sturm: “We very much regret Dieter’s cancellation due to illness and wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. The nine finalists will now have to sing for victory without Dieter’s company. They are well prepared for this. Maite and Mike have done a very good job so far and will also manage the live shows on their own.”

Ute Biernat, CEO UFA Show & Factual: “First of all, I would like to thank Dieter Bohlen, also on behalf of our entire DSDS team, for his commitment and all his energy over the many years of DSDS since the first season – Dieter has shaped the format like no other. Unfortunately, Dieter will be absent on Saturday due to illness. We wish him a speedy recovery! Together with RTL, we are currently working hard to bring the next two live shows to the TV screens in the usual entertaining way.”

Thomas Gottschalk on the DSDS jury

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 17 Toggle

Start of the 17th season of "DSDS" on January 4

The new journey begins: from the street to the big live stage of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”. Many talented singers have taken this step in recent years and developed into superstars in an incomparable DSDS journey. Just like the former 400-euro jobber Pietro Lombardi, who applied in 2011, won and is now living his dream of superstardom. The successful singer will be back on DSDS at the start of 2020, as the popular jury of Dieter Bohlen, Pietro Lombardi, Oana Nechiti and Xavier Naidoo will continue to judge the talents in the new season. A concentration of specialist power in terms of music, singing, performance and charisma.

The 17th season starts on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at 8.15 pm. It will continue immediately on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, from which point the episodes will be shown alternately on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 8.15 pm.

Dieter Bohlen promises: “As far as the vocal quality is concerned, I would say: It’s definitely one of the best seasons we’ve ever had because we really have a lot of people who can sing really well. But there will also be a lot of laughter, which is very important to me because we are making an entertainment show. I don’t want to give too much away, but the recall in South Africa was really funny. You couldn’t have planned everything that happened. There were waves and suddenly the set was gone, or I rolled over once, that looked brutal. The castings were also funny, there were a lot of bizarre, crazy people.”

This year, the jury castings took place in Ludwig’s Festspielhaus in Füssen with a view of the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle, in Königswinter near Bonn on the Drachenfels and in Hanse Gate Hamburg on the Elbe.

Only 126 candidates will receive the coveted recall slip and compete in the recall in Sölden, where they will be reduced to the best 26 candidates in the spectacular location, the ice Q Restaurant (known from the James Bond film “Spectre”) at 3,000 meters above sea level.

This year, the foreign call of the 17th DSDS season takes the Top 26 candidates to the most beautiful end of the world, South Africa. Along the beautiful Garden Route, in the Tsitsikamma National Park, the metropolis of Cape Town and the wine-growing region of Stellenbosch, the Top 26 candidates will be battling it out to make it through to the live shows.

Even after 17 years, DSDS is still one of the most successful show formats on German television. The 16th season of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” (5.1.19- 27.4.19) was the most successful season since 2016 with an average of 3.78 million viewers aged 3 and over. The market share among 14- to 59-year-olds was 18.0% and 19.4% among 14- to 49-year-olds. DSDS was in first place among young viewers (14-59 and 14-49) 18 times (out of 21 shows) in Saturday evening primetime.

Alexander Klaws becomes the new host of DSDS

He was the first winner of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”: Alexander Klaws. 12.8 million viewers watched his victory in the final in March 2003, where he prevailed against Juliette Schoppmann. Now, seventeen years later, the celebrated musical star is returning to the DSDS stage and will host the four live shows starting on March 14, 2020.

He succeeds Oliver Geissen, who has hosted “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” for five seasons since 2015.

Alexander Klaws (36): “DSDS launched an incredible career for me. I am very proud and happy to now return to this stage as a presenter.”

Start of the DSDS live shows

The top 7 contestants of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” will compete in a total of four live shows on the big DSDS stage from Saturday, March 14 at 8.15 pm. Alexander Klaws, the DSDS winner of the first season and celebrated musical star, will host the live shows.

From the first show onwards, viewers will be able to vote by phone and text message to decide which singers make it through to the next round. And for the first time, the jury also has a voice: Each juror has a newly designed golden CD on their lectern, which visibly symbolizes 5% of the vote. If the juror thinks that a performance was particularly good, they can present the person with their golden CD. The judges’ percentages are added to the audience’s vote at the end of the show. The new golden CD rule only applies in the first three live shows. In the final, only the viewers will decide!

In each live show, the person with the fewest votes will leave the show until the four best singers battle it out for victory in the grand live final on April 4, 2020, from 8.15 pm.

The special challenge for the candidates in the first live show is to create their own style for their solo performances. Ramon, for example, who uses old hits in a modern way, wants to impress with his own signature. Marcio, freed from old constraints, wants to win fans with a colorful, dazzling and expressive appearance. Lydia has always been ‘different’ and the “queen of outfits” and remains true to this in the first live show. Joshua, the fighter, wants to score points with his down-to-earth attitude and rich voice. Paulina wants to win the hearts of the audience with her positive charisma, her bell-like voice and modern pop hits. Chiara knows what she wants and shows her Italian temperament. Ricardo, on the other hand, wants to show that he is the most modern live show contestant – and the best dancer of them all! Viewers can look forward to seeing in which outfits and how the candidates perform their songs to bring their own new style to the stage.

Ramon Roselly becomes Germany's new superstar!

Ramon Roselly (26), was voted the winner of the 17th season of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” on Saturday evening. The building cleaner from Zschernitz won with 80.82 percent of all viewer votes in the grand live final with the best four singers on DSDS.

As ‘Superstar 2020’, Ramon will receive a contract with Universal Music and a 100,000 euro prize. His first single “Eine Nacht”, which was composed and produced by Dieter Bohlen, has been available to download and stream on all popular platforms since Friday, as have the final songs of his fellow contestants.

Ramon Roselly: “I really love you all. I am incredibly proud and happy that you have all supported me so much, friends, family, fans. It’s just an amazing feeling to be standing here as the winner of ‘Deutschland sucht den Superstar’. It’s indescribable!”

In the final, Ramon performed his winning song “Eine Nacht”, the hit “Tränen lügen nicht” by Michael Holm and the song he sang at the very first jury audition. “100 years is still too short”. Ramon already won over the jury back then with this old hit by Randolph Rose. Dieter Bohlen said: “I haven’t heard anything of this quality in the last 16 years.” From then on, the pop titan turned out to be a big fan of Ramon and showered him with praise over the course of the season: “You are something very special,” said Dieter Bohlen and “You have a recognizable voice, a feeling. Mega!” Although Ramon has been passionate about singing since he was 6 years old, he had never had singing lessons or a public performance before DSDS. Until a few years ago, the staunch pop fan and his family were on the road with various circuses as showmen and performers. The family has since settled down, even if Ramon still lives in his caravan because he feels most comfortable there. The 26-year-old earns his living as a building cleaner.

Four great singers competed in the live final: Joshua Tappe (25), customer consultant from Holzminden, Paulina Wagner (22), student from Cologne, Chiara D’Amico (18) student from Frankfurt and Ramon Roselly, (26) building cleaner from Zschernitz, first sang a newly rehearsed song. The first decision was then made: Paulina Wagner had the fewest audience votes and had to leave the competition. In the next round, the remaining three candidates sang their respective season highlight. Once again, the viewers voted and Joshua Tappe had to leave. Chiara D’Amico and Ramon Roselly finally made it through to the final round. Both performed the final song “Eine Nacht”, composed by Dieter Bohlen.
The jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Pietro Lombardi, Oana Nechiti and Florian Silbereisen had no voting rights in the final. The viewers alone chose the likeable pop singer Ramon Roselly as the winner with 80.82 percent.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 16 Toggle

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - From January 5, 2019!

The new jury consists of pop titan and successful producer (over 200 million records sold) Dieter Bohlen (64), who has been head judge for 16 years, Xavier Naidoo (47), who is not only Germany’s most successful musician, but also has many years of experience as a songwriter, producer, music lecturer and TV entertainer, producer, music lecturer and TV entertainer, singer and former DSDS winner Pietro Lombardi (26) and professional dancer and Let’s Dance star Oana Nechiti (30), are currently sweating in 35 degrees and 85 percent humidity in the Land of Smiles, where filming will continue until 12.12.18 the filming takes place.

Against a spectacular backdrop in Phang Na Bay, far away from civilization in the dense rainforest of Khao Sok National Park and on paradisiacal dream beaches, the jury is on the lookout for the new 2019 superstar. But before these episodes are broadcast in March 2019, DSDS will start with the jury castings on Saturday, 5 January 2019 at 8.15 pm. From Tuesday, January 8, the other shows will then be shown on Tuesdays and Saturdays alternately at 8.15 pm. The jury castings were recorded in Königswinter near Bonn on the Drachenfels, in Lochau on Lake Constance and in the Hanse Gate Hamburg. In the 12 entertaining casting shows, viewers get to know the whole range of applicants. Only around 120 candidates will receive the coveted recall ballot and will be reduced to the best 25 candidates in the recall in Ischgl, who will ultimately fly to Thailand. Here they fight for a place in the moto shows.

“It’s very hot here, but we also have hot candidates and hot voices!” promises Oana Nechiti, and Xavier Naidoo is hardly recognizable: “I’m known for being well protected, but in these temperatures I left my headgear off. The scenic backdrop makes up for the heat – the landscape is really breathtaking, plus really spectacular performances, what more could you want?”

Pietro Lombardi is happy about his new job: “For me, DSDS has always been my home and I’m happy to be here again. And sitting on the jury now as a former contestant is really something very special. I’ve been there and experienced the whole way myself. That’s why I see everything from a different perspective, because I can really put myself in the shoes of the individual candidates and I’m rooting for everyone.”

Head judge Dieter Bohlen is delighted with the candidates: “The quality is very good. We have candidates who I could imagine going on to have an international career. We have candidates who simply knock you for six. It’s not as if we let someone mediocre stay on because we didn’t have any better ones. The quality of the candidates is extremely high, perhaps even the highest so far.” And: “I think we’ve done a very good job putting together the jury this year: both an exceptional performer like Xavier – which no one had expected to be on our jury. And then someone like Pietro, who has been through it all himself as a candidate. That’s never happened before. I was really looking forward to him taking part. And Oana is someone who comes from a completely different segment – dance. And I think this composition of the jury is just great! “

GERMANY SEEKS THE SUPERSTAR - The live shows start

On April 6, 2019, the time has finally come: this year’s season of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” starts with the spectacular live shows! The ten best singers will be on the big DSDS stage from 8.15 pm and sing for the favor of the viewers. From now on, the viewers alone will decide which candidates will go through to the next round and who will have to pack their bags after the first live show. The jury of Dieter Bohlen, Pietro Lombardi, Oana Nechiti and Xavier Naidoo will continue to give their verdict, but the viewers will use their calls and text messages to choose the eight candidates who will compete in the next live mottoshow and get one step closer to their dream of superstardom. Two candidates will also leave the competition in each of the upcoming live shows until four candidates battle it out for victory in the final on April 27 from 8.15 pm.

On Saturday, viewers will once again be greeted by Oliver Geissen, who will present the three themed shows and the final live from the Coloneum in Cologne at the end of April.

Before they can take the step in front of a live audience, the Top 10 have a tough preparation schedule this week. In addition to costume fittings, choreography, press appointments etc., the main focus is on vocal coaching, in which the songs for the show are practiced. The motto of the first live show is “Chartbreaker” and these are the candidates’ songs:

Alicia-Awa Beissert (21) Student from Bochum – Song: “Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé
Angelina Mazzamurro (21) Hairdresser from Erwitte – Song: “Your Song” by Rita Ora
Clarissa Schöppe (19) High school graduate from Buckow – Song: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
Davin Herbrüggen (20) Geriatric nurse from Oberhausen – Song: “It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi
Joana Kesenci (17) Student from Gronau – Song: “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus
Jonas Weisser (18) Student from Villingendorf – Song: “80 Millionen” by Max Giesinger
Lukas Kepser (24) Student from Kranenburg – Song: “Happier” by Marshmello feat. Bastille
Momo Chahine (22) Apprentice from Herne – Song: “Mein Stern” by Ayman
Nick Ferretti (29) Musician from Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – Song: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
Taylor Luc Jacobs (23) Musician from Kiel – Song: “Halt mich” by Herbert Grönemeyer

The four live shows of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” will be broadcast in Ultra HD/HDR.

Davin Herbrüggen is Superstar 2019!

Davin Herbrüggen is Superstar 2019!
Davin Herbrüggen is Superstar 2019!

As soon as he entered the live shows, Davin promised: “I will fight and give my all until the end.” Over the course of the season, Davin developed more and more and impressed the jury and viewers once again. He received a standing ovation from the jury for his first song in the final, “Everything I Do I Do It For You” by Bryan Adams. Xavier Naidoo broke down DSDS anew: “Davin be Germany’s superstar!” and Oana said: “When you sing, you open your heart and reach us all!” He also received compliments from the jury for his winning song “The River”: Xavier Naidoo: “I see you standing in the arena in Oberhausen and it’s full and you’re singing your own songs. Shout out to everyone for Davin!” Pietro Lombardi: “I am so proud of you! My heart wants you to take the trophy home with you today!” Dieter Bohlen:” I think you have a great chance of winning this thing!” You’ve done a great job from the first second until now.”

Davin Herbrüggen: “I’m completely overwhelmed and can’t even realize it yet. When my name came up, something exploded in my body. I’m always so self-critical, so I wasn’t expecting it. I thank all my fans for their support. Thank you!


As the winner, Davin receives a contract with Universal Music and 100,000 euros in prize money. Like the other final songs, his first single “The River” has been available to download and stream on all popular platforms since Friday.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 15 Toggle

"Deutschland sucht den Superstar" 15 - The anniversary season from January 3, 2018

“Deutschland sucht den Superstar” is entering its 15th season on RTL and can look back on an impressive success story: Almost 13 million records sold, 27 gold and 11 platinum awards, 26 number 1 chart placements, numerous music and TV awards, plenty of headlines and still impressive ratings. The anniversary season produced by UFA SHOW & FACTUAL starts on January 3, 2018.

The new DSDS jury is packed with music power: musical, pop and pop singer Ella Endlich (33), pop singer Carolin Niemczyk (27) from “Glasperlenspiel” and DJ and music producer Mousse T. (51) will be sitting next to pop titan and head judge Dieter Bohlen (63) on the jury panel.

While the castings have been recorded in the studio in Cologne in recent years, this year they will once again be held in various locations in major cities such as Frankfurt, Hamburg and Cologne. In the funny casting shows, viewers get to know the whole range of applicants. Only the best 120 or so candidates remain and are whittled down to the best 20 candidates in the Deutschlandrecall.

Winner Marie with Dieter Bohlen
Winner Marie with Dieter Bohlen

The foreign call of the 15th season will take place in South Africa. In Pilanesberg National Park, in the middle of the bush, the best 20 candidates will battle it out for a place in the mottoshows. By focusing on just 20 candidates in the foreign call, the individual characters will once again take center stage earlier and more strongly. Their journey “From Zero To Hero”, their development over the season from the first audition to the big live stage, will be told in even more detail in the anniversary season.

Those who manage to make it through the recall in South Africa will compete against each other in three live mottoshows plus a grand live final and sing for the favor of the viewers. This is because the viewers have the final say and decide by phone and text message who will become the new superstar of 2018, who will receive a record deal with Universal Music and 100,000 euros.

Even after 15 years, DSDS is still one of the most successful German show formats on German television. The 14th season (22 episodes from 4.1.2017- 6. 5. 2017) was watched by an average of 3.64 million viewers aged 3 and over. The average market share among 14-59-year-olds was 16.6% (2.64 million) and 18.6% among young viewers (14-49 years).

The 15th season starts on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 on RTL. The other episodes will be shown on Saturdays at 8:15 p.m. from January 6. “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” is produced by UFA SHOW & FACTUAL GmbH.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 14 Toggle

Deutschland sucht den Superstar 14 - The toughest recall ever!

Now that the final decisions have been made in Germany, the Top 30 are heading to Dubai. However, a surprise awaits the candidates there, as new challengers are suddenly standing there hoping for their big chance. Dieter Bohlen explains the situation in his incendiary speech: “I always have a surprise for my candidates. This time I’ve come up with a new recall. Until now, it was always the case that one of you was the superstar at the end. That’s no longer the case! The reason is that the castings are still going on. We’ve brought lots and lots of new candidates to Dubai who want nothing more than to get into the mottoshows and take your places!”

New jury casting candidates and new challengers – funny, quirky and also very good singers – are waiting on every set in Dubai. The Top 30 will not only be competing against each other, but also against the challengers, who can replace them at any time. Those who manage to make it through to the recall in Dubai will compete against each other in four mottoshows plus the final and sing for the favor of the viewers. The viewers will have the final say and decide via telephone and text message who will become the new superstar of 2017, who will receive a recording contract with Universal Music and 500,000 euros. This year, “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” will once again be hosted by Oliver Geissen.

Alphonso Williams
Alphonso Williams

Alphonso Williams beat Alexander Jahnke and Maria Voskania in the grand DSDS final to win the title of Superstar 2017.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 13 Toggle

"Deutschland sucht den Superstar" - The success story continues

The successful format Deutschland sucht den Superstar is starting a new season on RTL in 2016!

Shooting star Vanessa Mai, pop star Michelle and Scooter frontman HP Baxxter are looking for Germany’s 2016 superstar together with Dieter Bohlen!

Last season, RTL presenter Oliver Geissen successfully hosted the four event shows of Deutschland sucht den Superstar for the first time and will be back again for the upcoming 13th season. DSDS is one of the most successful Saturday evening shows. What s more, music is simply a matter close to my heart,” said a delighted Oliver Geissen as he eagerly awaited the last season.

Under the motto “No Limits”, there are no limits to the candidates’ musical creativity: whether pop, hip hop, pop, reggae, dance or rock – in 2016, every musical genre gets its chance!

Prince Damien
Prince Damien

Now that the big casting tour through 40 cities in a total of five countries and the recordings of the jury castings in the MMC studios in Cologne have been successfully completed, the filming of the recall in Jamaica has begun. The jurors Dieter Bohlen, H.P. Baxxter, Vanessa Mai and Michelle will have a lot to listen to. After all, the motto of Deutschland sucht den Superstar 2016 is: “No Limits!” – and the candidates have taken this to heart. “The motto is really fulfilled,” says juror Vanessa Mai,“singers, rappers, opera, hip hop, reggae – we’ve got everything across the board.”

The 12th season of DSDS achieved a strong average market share of 21.2 percent among 14- to 49-year-olds and attracted an average of over 4 million viewers on RTL.

Deutschland sucht den Superstar started its 13th round on January 02, 2016 at 8:15 pm.

In the grand live final from the ISS Dome in Düsseldorf, Prince Damien beat his two fellow finalists Laura van den Elzen and Thomas Katrozan. He is the 2016 superstar and can look forward to a recording contract with Universal Music and a prize money of 500,000 euros.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 12 Toggle

Severino Seeger wins the big DSDS final 2015 on RTL

Severino Seeger from Wächtersbach was chosen as the winner of the 12th season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar on Saturday evening, May 16, 2015. The 28-year-old won with 58.57 percent of all viewer votes. Severino will receive a recording contract with Universal Music and a 500,000 euro prize. His first single “Hero of my Heart” has been available as a download since the final evening and will be available in stores from May 19.

For more than a decade, it has been impossible to imagine RTL’s program without the mother of all casting shows. The successful format Deutschland sucht den Superstar started its twelfth round on RTL on January 7. Singer Mandy Capristo (24), cult star Heino (75), the internationally successful DJ Antoine (39) and successful producer Dieter Bohlen (60) sat on the jury for the 12th season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar and selected the best of the best in 10 casting shows on RTL.

Severino Seeger
Severino Seeger

In 2015, the best 34 contestants went to Thailand for the recall, where they battled for a place in the Top 10 in the metropolis of Bangkok and on a paradise island.

But the biggest innovation of the 12th season was that DSDS 2015 went “on tour” for the first time. The Top 10 didn’t have to prove themselves in the usual live shows in the TV studio in Cologne, no, they went on a big tour across Germany in a nightliner – and even further! Whether in the ski party stronghold of Ischgl on 11 April 2015, at 2,300 meters or another spectacular location – the candidates had to give their all once again in the three shows in front of a large audience. Each week, the candidates competed against each other alone or in groups and hoped to advance one round in the live decision at the end of each show in order to fight for victory in the grand live final.

Three finalists battled for victory in the biggest DSDS final of all time in front of 11,000 spectators in the sold-out ÖVB Arena in Bremen: Severino Seeger (28) from Wächtersbach, Antonio Gerardi (30) from Hemer and Viviana Grisafi (17) from Offenbach. After all three had sung their first song, the first decision was made: Antonio received the fewest votes from the viewers, while Severino and Viviana were voted through to the next round and presented their season highlight as well as the winning song composed and produced by Dieter Bohlen. The final song could be downloaded directly from the Internet during the show. It was an exciting duel and in the end the viewers decided in favor of Severino with 58.57 percent of the votes.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 11 Toggle

Aneta Sablik wins Deutschland sucht den Superstar 2014!

Aneta Sablik wins the 11th season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar with 57.85 percent of all viewer votes. The 25-year-old student from Gelting (Bavaria) won over viewers with her song “The One” and receives a recording contract with Universal Music as well as a guaranteed 500,000 euros.

Up to 5.68 million viewers watched the grand finale of DSDS at its peak. 16.8 percent of 14 to 59-year-olds (2.65 million) and an average of 3.80 million viewers aged 3 and over (MA: 13.0%) watched the exciting final show. On average, 4.07 million viewers aged 3 and over and 18.8 percent of 14 to 59-year-olds (3.07 million) watched the 11th season of DSDS (19 episodes).

Aneta Sablik
Aneta Sablik

For the first time in the history of DSDS, three candidates – Aneta Sablik, Daniel Ceylan and Meltem Acikgöz – reached the final. After all three had sung their first song, the audience made the first decision by telephone voting: Meltem Acikgöz and Aneta Sablik advanced one round and were now allowed to compete for the DSDS title with their season highlight song and a final song written especially for them. The jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Prince Kay One, Mieze Katz and Marianne Rosenberg was impressed by both candidates. In the end, the viewers decided in favor of Aneta Sablik with 57.85 percent of all votes. With the exception of the first live show, Aneta was therefore in first place in the viewers’ favor in all live shows.

Deutschland sucht den Superstar is a production of UFA SHOW & FACTUAL.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 10 Toggle

Deutschland sucht den Superstar celebrates its anniversary! Germany's oldest and most successful casting show turns 10 - a reason to make some changes!

We bring in a breath of fresh air and the candidates their talent. The jury for the tenth season is also suitably high-caliber: the twins Bill and Tom Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel, Germany’s most successful band, and Mateo, founder and lead singer of the band Culcha Candela, joined pop titan Dieter Bohlen on the jury for the anniversary season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar. RTL presenter Nazan Eckes hosted the show together with GZSZ actor Raúl Richter as co-host.

Beatrice Egli
Beatrice Egli

Once again this year, Deutschland sucht den Superstar went on a major casting tour through Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A total of 32,078 candidates applied. The highlights of the castings are featured in the first seven episodes, which started on Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 8.15 pm. To mark the anniversary, there will be a reunion with numerous ex-candidates and winners from previous years. They were on site at the castings to support the candidates and give them tips.
This year, the best 36 candidates flew to the Caribbean, to the beautiful island of the Dutch Antilles, Curacao. There they had to convince the jury in a paradisiacal setting on the beach under palm trees. Only the best of the best made it to the live moto shows of the anniversary season! This year there were 2 women in the final on 11.05.2013. Lisa Wohlgemuth and Beatrice Egli sang for the title, a recording contract and 500,000 euros. Beatrice came out on top with a clear 70.25 percent with her hit “Mein Herz”. The final of the 10th season ofDeutschland sucht den Superstarwas watched by 24.4% of 14 to 49-year-olds.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 9 Toggle

GRUNDY Light Entertainment and RTL are once again making dreams come true in 2012. 35,401 candidates - more than ever before - applied for the ninth season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar!

On January 7, 2012, Deutschland sucht den Superstar entered its ninth round: with new talents, a new jury and a hot recall in the Maldives.

Pop titan Dieter Bohlen was joined on the jury by two new members: the front woman and singer from Cascada, Natalie Horler, and style icon and choreographer Bruce Darnell. The show was hosted by Marco Schreyl.

35,401 candidates auditioned in 35 cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland to qualify for the hit show series and become Germany’s new superstar. The winner can look forward to a recording contract with Universal and a guaranteed, sensational prize of 500,000 euros.

Luca Hänni
Luca Hänni

Luca Hänni (17) was crowned the winner of the 9th season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar on April 28, 2012. In an exciting final, the 17-year-old Swiss bricklayer trainee won 52.85 percent of all viewer votes against his opponent, vocational school student Daniele Negroni (16) from Regensburg. He not only won 500,000 euros, but also a recording contract with Universal Music.

Up to 6.07 million viewers watched the grand finale of DSDS. An outstanding 28.3 percent of 14 to 49-year-olds (2.68 million) and an average of 4.71 million viewers aged 3 and over (MA: 18.1 %) watched the exciting final show, in which the finalists each had to sing three songs, including the winning song “Don’t Think About Me”, which was written and produced by Dieter Bohlen.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 8 Toggle

Strong voices, spectacular performances and great emotions - the hit show Deutschland sucht den Superstar entered its eighth round in spring 2011.

The eighth season of DSDS began airing on January 8, 2011, with the jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Fernanda Brandao and Patrick Nuo. The castings and the recall of the best 35 candidates in the Maldives took place in summer and fall 2010 and were broadcast in January and February 2011. The best 15 candidates performed in the first live show on February 19, 2011.

As in the previous year, seven mottoshow candidates were selected by televoting and three by the jury. The jury again decided on the eighth to tenth places in the audience vote, so that the ten candidates with the most viewer votes made it through to the mottoshows. On March 10, RTL decided that Nina Richel would have to leave the show due to health problems. Sarah Engels, who had already been eliminated in the first show, returned as a replacement.

Pietro Lombardi
Pietro Lombardi

Since the broadcast on March 12, 2011, the Youth Employment Protection Act has been enforced by the Cologne district government with regard to the show. School-age candidates such as Sebastian Wurth from the eighth season are only allowed to perform until 10 pm.

In the final on May 7, Pietro Lombardi won against Sarah Engels with 51.9 percent of the calls.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 7 Toggle

In 2010, RTL once again made dreams come true and gave young people the "best time of their lives".

The auditions for the seventh season of DSDS began in September 2009 – with the biggest casting tour ever: from Kiel to Munich and from Cologne to Dresden, undiscovered singers in a total of 20 German cities had the chance to audition for the open auditions without pre-registration and qualify for the hit show series.

The seventh season of Deutschland sucht den Superstar with the jury consisting of Nina Eichinger, Dieter Bohlen and Volker Neumüller and Marco Schreyl as presenter began in January 2010

Mehrzad Marashi
Mehrzad Marashi

Up to 9.32 million viewers watched the grand finale of Deutschland sucht denSuperstar. A sensational 39.2 percent of 14 to 49-year-olds (4.72 million) and an average of 7.58 million viewers aged 3 and over (MA: 24.4 %) watched the final show. This made the seventh DSDS season the strongest since the first season and achieved an average market share of 32.8 percent among 14 to 49-year-olds.

Overall, the show reached 62.4 percent of all German citizens with its first broadcasts, and 73.3 percent of 14 to 49-year-olds.

The 29-year-old singer Mehrzad Marashi beat his last remaining rival Menowin Fröhlich to win the Superstar title in 2010 and a recording contract with Sony Music. He received 56.4 percent of viewer votes.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 6 Toggle

It was the biggest singing casting of all time: From September to November 2008, a total of 31098 candidates were cast in 15 German cities - setting a new record for DSDS contestants!

After the castings in Berlin, Mannheim, Essen, Nuremberg, Munich and Hamburg, the DSDS casting truck toured nine other cities in Germany for the first time, including Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Erfurt, Dresden, Münster and Dieter Bohlen’s hometown of Oldenburg. The highlights of the castings were featured in the first six episodes of Deutschland sucht den Superstar.

Daniel Schuhmacher
Daniel Schuhmacher

The jury was new in the sixth season: MTV presenter Nina Eichinger (27) and music and superstar manager Volker Neumüller (39) sat next to successful producer Dieter Bohlen (54) at the jury table. And there were also changes to the concept once again: This time, the recall took place over four shows, in which the 120 best candidates from the auditions had to prove their talent in a selection process and workshop lasting several days. In the first big live show, Now or Never, the 15 best singers from the Recall battled it out for a place in the Mottoshows. From this point on, the audience alone decided who would be the 2009 superstar by telephone voting!

In the final, Daniel Schuhmacher won ahead of Sarah Kreuzer with 50.47 percent of the calls.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 5 Toggle

Deutschland sucht den Superstar was back in the starting blocks: The castings on Mallorca and Ibiza started on August 1.

Even before the final of the fourth season, it was announced that there would be a fifth season. Heinz Henn was replaced on the jury by Andreas “Bär” Läsker, manager of the Fantastischen Vier. Dieter Bohlen and Anja Lukaseder remained. Tooske Ragas did not remain as presenter, so Marco Schreyl hosted alone. Nina Moghaddam continued to present the show’s magazine.

There was also a change in the concept: the semi-final shows, the so-called Top 20 shows, in which the viewers had previously determined the ten best candidates by telephone voting, were completely replaced.

Thomas Godoj
Thomas Godoj

Instead, the jury selected the best ten in a big selection show live in front of 1000 viewers in the big mottoshow studio: a big evening of decision-making – live and only the jury was responsible for selecting the best ten candidates.

Thomas Godoj won with 62.2% of the audience votes.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 4 Toggle

Strong voices, spectacular performances and great emotions - the successful series of shows Deutschland sucht den Superstar entered its fourth round in spring 2007.

The search for the new superstar started with an open casting in Mallorca at the beginning of August. From mid-September, the search will continue in seven German cities: Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Dresden, Frankfurt and Stuttgart.

Germany’s most successful show series (average market share of 29.5% among 14 to 49-year-olds) was hosted by Tooske Ragas and Marco Schreyl.

Mark Medlock
Mark Medlock
Tooske Ragas waits with Mark Medlock (center) and Martin Stosch for the result of the viewer voting.
Tooske Ragas waits with Mark Medlock (center) and Martin Stosch for the result of the viewer voting.

In addition to Dieter Bohlen and Heinz Henn, the jury now included artist and music manager Anja Lukaseder (39). She took the place of Sylvia Kollek. Anja Lukaseder: “I’m really looking forward to my new role on the DSDS jury. The show is an excellent platform for ambitious young artists to present themselves to the public. DSDS offers these talents an incredible opportunity that they probably wouldn’t get anywhere else.

The clear winner of the fourth season was Mark Medlock with 78.02%. To date, he has released five albums and eight singles and has sold over three million records – which have gone gold 13 times and platinum four times. He is the most successful winner of DSDS to date.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 3 Toggle

Deutschland sucht den Superstar entered its third round in the fall of 2005 with many new features.

For the new season, there were different presenters and a new jury line-up. The show was hosted by Marco Schreyl and Dutch presenter Tooske Ragas, who previously hosted the Dutch version of Idols.

Viewers also saw two new faces on the jury, who set the tone.

In addition to Dieter Bohlen, it consisted of: Music expert Sylvia Kollek, with EMI since 1993 and Managing Director at Capital Music from 2002 to 2005 and international music manager Heinz Henn, former Senior Vice President and co-founder of BMG international. Heinz Henn is currently one of the most successful producers of video game music and lives in America.

Tobias Regner
Tobias Regner

The casting took place in seven German cities (Wuppertal, Bremen, Berlin, Mannheim, Erfurt, Nuremberg, Munich). This time, there was also an additional open casting date, and participants could even appear without registering.

Tobias Regner emerged as the winner of the third season.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 2 Toggle

Deutschland sucht den Superstar on RTL is based on the globally licensed concept of the British casting show Pop Idol, the brainchild of Simon Fuller.

It is a talent competition in which a singer is to be found. The winner receives a record deal.

The candidates perform in several casting rounds to prove themselves. The best ten go through to the live shows, in which the jury evaluates the performance and the viewers determine the candidates’ places by telephone voting.

Winner Elli Erl
Winner Elli Erl

After the great success of the first season, DSDS entered its second round in the fall of 2003. The presenter pairing of Carsten Spengemann and Michelle Hunziker and the four-member jury of Dieter Bohle, Thomas Bug, Shona Fraser and Thomas Stein remained unchanged. Peer Kusmagk and Tamara Gräfin von Nayhaus hosted the show’s magazine. Elli Erl emerged as the winner. This season, the top ten also recorded a single together called Believe in Miracles, which reached number 8 in the German singles charts.

GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR - Season 1 Toggle

The show event in the fall: GERMANY IS LOOKING FOR THE SUPERSTAR

Having great talent is one thing, being able to show it to a large audience is quite another. In “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”, RTL is giving musical talent the chance to do just that from November 9. Michelle Hunziker (25) and Carsten Spengemann (30) will host the search for the big pop superstar. The show series will run on 15 Saturdays, initially at 7.10 pm, then in primetime.

10,000 applicants have been invited to the auditions in Cologne, Berlin, Hamburg and Munich – they are currently putting their singing talent to the test in front of a jury consisting of Dieter Bohlen, Thomas M. Stein (President BMG Europe), radio presenter Thomas Bug and music journalist Shona Fraser.

From the 10,000 applicants, the jury will first select the 100 most promising candidates. The next round will be even more exciting: only 30 will make it through. Now the viewers decide by telephone voting. The great trembling continues: who will be the superstar in the end?

The shows are pure emotion and excitement! The candidates have to demonstrate all their musical versatility and artistic diversity. And more than that: talent is always a question of personality and charisma. Viewers will have the opportunity to see the contestants in conversation with the presenters and learn about their hopes, dreams and motivation. And the effort is worth it: the winner will receive a management contract as well as a record deal with BMG.

Alexander Klaws is Germany's superstar!

The winner has been decided: Alexander Klaws (19) is Germany’s superstar. After an exciting final show on March 8, 2003, the sonny boy from Sendenhorst won 70.1% of the millions of caller votes, making him the clear winner of the evening.

An average of 12.84 million viewers aged 3 and over (market share: 40.1%) watched the grand finale of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”. 49.8% of the young target group of 14-49 year olds (7.11 million) watched the singing duel between Alexander and Juliette.

“I still can’t believe it. It’s like a dream and I’m scared that I’ll wake up tomorrow and really have only dreamed it all,” said a delighted Alexander Klaws (19), who has won a management contract and a record deal with BMG. His winning song “Take Me Tonight” will be released in stores on March 17.

Production facts

Producer

Vanessa Schmit
Sascha Rustmeier

Director Production & Operations

Sascha Kleinschmidt

Executive Producer

Alexandra Herden

Producer

Fabian Jedamzik

Creative Consultant

Thomas Radeck

Executive Producer RTL

Anna Katharina Kurz

Producer RTL

Tilman Henke

Head of Producers RTL

Carolin Kaletta

Head of Entertainment RTL

Markus Küttner

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