Let’s set the scene first…
One of the many keys to producing a good act for the Eurovision Song Contest is more than ‘just’ being a good singer – experience on stage is helpful, and experience in television tends to be a pretty big deal. An artist will often more easily stand out if they can command a presence in front of a camera, whether during a performance or an interview.
And to be clear, singing talent is definitely still a plus.
Stefanie Heinzmann, Night of the Proms at SAP Arena (cc Wikimieda / Sven Mandel)
Swiss singer-songwriter Stefanie Heinzmann is one such artist. She first made her mark in 2008 when she won the competition mercifully abbreviated SSDSDSSWEMUGABRTLAD, an event hosted by late-night host (and Song Contest veteran) Stefan Raab. Heinzmann was a teenager at the time of her win on Raab’s show, and has since released six studio albums and numerous hit singles.
Since her earliest hits, such as the excellent ‘Diggin’ in the Dirt’, Stefanie has offered a blend of pop music beats, deeply soulful vocals, and a rock and roll edge. That combination of genres may be best exemplified by her cover of Metallica’s ‘The Unforgiven’’, a choice that seems ludicrous on its face but brilliant in its execution. At times, it feels as much like an Amy Winehouse track as much as it does a metal classic.
On stage, Heinzmann’s personality shines effortlessly, whether it’s on a TV soundstage or in front of thousands at a festival. Her message is clear and meaningful on songs like ‘Mother’s Heart’” a triumphant 2019 single about mental health and self-acceptance that would resonate on a Eurovision stage. It’s easy to see how much she loves connecting with an audience – another thing that Song Contest acts ought to do – in songs like this.
Heinzmann isn’t a total stranger to the Song Contest world in her own right. In 2015, she was an interval act during Germany’s National Final ‘Unser Song für Österreich’, and she performed at a ‘Grand Prix Party’ in Hamburg ahead of the 2019 Contest.
In 2021, Heinzmann unleashed her latest evolution on ‘Labyrinth’, an album that explores empowerment and persistence in a post-COVID world. The album’s title track, which adds a synth-y groove to her typical sound, opens by asking “Don’t you know that you’ve been pushing too hard?,” a question that resonates with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by recent times. On ‘Colors’” she contrasts societal norms and pressures with staying true to one’s self. While many of the album’s messages are familiar – “don’t give up,” “be yourself,” and so forth – Stefanie has a way of delivering them in a relatable and heartfelt manner, and to make you want to hit the dance floor in the process.
This mix of an earnest message, an enigmatic and seasoned performer, and an infectious sound is perfect for the Eurovision stage. It’s time for Stefanie Heinzmann to take her place on it.
Let’s send Stefanie Heinzmann to the Eurovision Song Contest.