what do you say/think about the happenings of last night, Matt?
I'm torn on that. I said before that I basically boycotted the German NF this year as I strongly disagree with the concept and I basically predicted the outcome. Hopefully they'll rethink their approach and come up with a different system next year.
Regarding the outcome, I personally prefer Ann Sophie's song so from that aspect, I'm happy with it. That being said, that's a selfish way to look at it and I am just as annoyed with Andreas. I understand that it could possibly be a "I want to but I can't" kinda situation and he truly didn't expect to feel the way he did. However, he could have easily just waited a day or two to think this through rather than making a 'on the spot' call. Now he disenfranchised a lot of his fans and supporters who actually spent money on his victory. The thing to me is, if he only cares about the music and not the attention , why did he take part in a televised popularity contest (The Voice) and then enteredanother contest where he would represent an entire country? It just doesn't add up for me. So yes, he should have thought this through more and I really don't have that much sympathy for him at this point and I do not respect his decision. He did all of this own his own will, he was not forced to take part by his record company.
Ann Sophie should receive 0% of the blame. Some folks they that she should have declined the offer due to the circumstances. Are you nuts? If I were in his shoes, I'd be like "Okay, bye Andreas. Don't let the door hit you on your way out". She did her best, she received the votes and made it to the Super Final. Again, I hate the German NF concept but I commented on that several times.
Heck, if I ended up last in the NF and they'll ask me to represent Germany I'd still take it.
So in a nutshell, the majority of the blame goes to Andreas. Even the broadcaster could not see that coming. He was sick but that would have not affected his ability to perform two months down the road. The broadcaster is to blame for a flawed NF system and jumping the gun handing it to Ann Sophie but then I don't see another solution for the problem. Yes, if Andreas wasn't there then somebody else could have beaten her in the Super Final but those are just hypothetical scenarios and we'll never know.
That whole talk "Well, you shouldn't force the artist".....YES, YOU SHOULD. You signed up for it and you need to finish what you started. Quitters are a pet peeve of mine. They need to introduce a rule similar to Eurovision, where if an artist decides to withdraw they'll have to pay a hefty fine.
Imagine me as a life guard trying to save a person that is about to drown in the ocean. Halfway on my way I turn around and say "You know what? I quit". You just don't do that. Yes, my example may be a bit more dramatic but you get my point.
Anyways, I'm done rambling
Otherwise I don't want to loose our NFs, even though NDR made so many mistakes with song choices and promotion and the concept is maybe not the best, both 2014 and 2015 were fun to watch.
she's a great girl
