Numerous viewers are eagerly awaiting the 19th season of “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”. Because for the first time in the history of the show, Dieter Bohlen (67) will not be part of the jury when looking for the best singer. Fans can also expect these innovations from January 22, 2022 on RTL (as well as on RTL+).
This is the new jury
With Dieter Bohlen, a fixed constant of the “DSDS” jury is missing. However, it is also not the first time for one of the new jurors at the jury desk of the casting show. Florian Silbereisen (40) took over the place of jury member Xavier Naidoo (50), who was excluded during the season, on the live shows in season 17. The hit star apparently did so well that he was promptly offered a permanent place on the jury in 2022. Silbereisen is aware of the challenge, as he revealed to “Bild am Sonntag” at the beginning of January: “I know what to expect. […] Now the show needs to be reinvented and it needs to attract new fans.”
In addition to Silbereisen, Ilse DeLange (44) also sits on the jury. German fans know the singer from formats such as “Sing my Song – The Exchange Concert” or the 14th season of “Let’s Dance”. In her home country, the Netherlands, DeLange has not only been an established star for years, but is also active as a show judge. In “The Voice of Holland” she acted as a coach for two seasons.
Music producer and songwriter Toby Gad (53) completes the new team. He is behind mega hits like “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Fergie (46) and has already worked with greats like Beyoncé (40), John Legend (43) and Madonna (63). After working with Simon Cowell (62) on “The X Factor”, he wished he could be part of a jury. That’s why the Munich-born and American-by-choice immediately agreed when the request from “DSDS” came.
Special new casting situation
While the castings for the show used to make numerous stops throughout Germany, this season participants were only able to audition at two locations. In 2021, the castings took place exclusively on the market places in Wernigerode and Burghausen. Appearing before the jury wasn’t for the faint of heart, though. Because the singing talents not only had to prove themselves in front of the jurors, but also in front of numerous viewers.
A glass cube was erected for the casting of the 19th season. It was thus possible for passers-by to watch the candidates and the jury at work at all times. In a statement to the broadcaster, Silbereisen was very happy about the new regulation: “I think it’s great that the new ‘DSDS’ is going out on the marketplaces! We are in the middle of the city! Everyone can come by, watch – and take part!”
For the recall we go to Bella Italia
In the recall, the singers have been lured by sun, sand and sea for many years – because this was usually held on tropical islands far away from home. Last year, the recall took place on the Greek island of Mykonos, among other places, and this year it’s not going as far away as usual due to the ongoing corona pandemic.
This time, the top 25 who made it through the casting will travel to Apulia with the jurors. In unusual locations such as the amphitheater or at the impressive Grotta della Poesia, the participants fight for entry into this year’s live shows.
More live shows than last year
In the 18th season, after the recall in Greece, the best performers went straight to the semifinals, which were broadcast live. The show then concluded with the grand live finale. This year, however, RTL is going back to the previously proven concept of four live shows. After four recall episodes in Italy, the fans of the talent show can look forward to three live shows of the best participants and then to the live final.
Although there will be more live shows, the season as a whole is shorter than last year. Viewers can follow the search for the superstar over 18 episodes on Saturdays and two Tuesdays. Last year, 22 episodes were originally scheduled. However, the station canceled three episodes at short notice over the course of the season.