Ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Eurovoix had the opportunity to speak with Sarah Engels of Germany.
We spoke with Sarah Engels as she prepares for her first rehearsal on the Eurovision stage in Vienna later this week. We spoke about her Eurovision experience so far and winning Das Deutsche Finale back in February, how her song “Fire” is empowering women and what it means to be carrying the flag for Germany as the contest celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Interview with Sarah Engels
Interviewer: “We’re days away from the Eurovision Song Contest. How has your Eurovision experience been so far?”
“It’s been an incredible journey so far, and honestly, it still feels a bit surreal. So much has happened in such a short time – it feels like just yesterday it was New Year’s Eve, and now we’re already here. What made it really special for me are the people and the atmosphere. Meeting so many artists and experiencing the Eurovision pre-parties in Oslo, London, and Amsterdam
was amazing – there’s such a strong and supportive community. I’m just really grateful to be part of it and excited for what’s coming next.”
Interviewer: “When you won selection at Das Deutsche Finale back in February, we could see the emotions and it clearly meant a lot to you. What went through your mind at that moment when you won and celebrated with your dancers?”
“That moment was incredibly emotional for me. So many thoughts and feelings came together at once – joy, relief, gratitude. I think the first thing that went through my mind was: We actually did it. All the hard work, all the belief in the song – it suddenly became real. Celebrating that moment with my dancers and my team made it even more special, because we went through this journey together. It was just pure happiness and a moment I will never forget.”
Interviewer: “Fire” has since become an empowerment anthem, particularly for women. Was the song always written with that in mind?
“Yes, that message was there from the very beginning. When we started writing “Fire,” it was really about strength, self-belief, and finding your inner power again. Of course, the song is universal and can speak to everyone, but it was especially important to me to create something that empowers women – something that reminds them of their worth and their strength. Seeing how people connect with that message now means a lot to me.”
Interviewer: “You look so confident out on the stage. Does this come from all your past experience with Deutschland sucht den Superstar and, most recently, Moulin Rouge, and does this help when you take on something like Eurovision?”
“I think a lot of that confidence definitely comes from my experiences over the years. All shows taught me how to handle pressure at a very young age, and of course, Moulin Rouge has been such an important part of my journey. Performing a role like Satine every night gives you a different kind of strength and presence on stage. All of that helps a lot when it comes to something like Eurovision. But at the same time, I still feel the excitement and the nerves – I just learn how to turn that into something positive on stage.”
Interviewer: “We recently saw you cover “Nel blu dipinto di blu” beautifully. Being half Italian, do you think you might record more Italian songs in the future?”
“Thank you so much! That song is very close to my heart because of my Italian roots, so it was really special for me to perform it. I could definitely imagine recording more Italian songs in the future. I love the language and the emotion it carries, and it feels very natural to me.”
Interviewer: “It’s a milestone year for Eurovision in its 70th year. What does it mean to you to be representing Germany in such an important year?”
“It means a lot to me, honestly. Being part of Eurovision is already something very special, but doing it in such a milestone year makes it even more meaningful. It’s 70 years of music, history, and connection – and to represent Germany in that context is a huge honour. I really feel grateful to be part of something that has brought so many people together for so
many years.”
Interviewer: “Finally, when you step off stage on May 16, what do you want to be able to say to yourself?”
“I want to be able to say to myself: I gave everything and stayed true to who I am. If I can feel that I was fully present, that I brought the emotion across and really connected with people, then I’ll be proud – no matter the result. And if I can inspire even one person, especially a woman, to find her inner fire again, then I’ve already won.”
Eurovoix would like to thank Sarah for her time and we wish her the very best of luck in Vienna.
Sarah Engels will perform “Fire” in the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday, 16 May. In addition, she will also perform during the first semi-final on Tuesday, 12 May.
You can find out more about Sarah Engels below:
Germany in the Eurovision Song Contest+
Germany was one of seven countries to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1956. The country has taken part in every contest since then, apart from in 1996, when they failed to make it through the qualifying round. To date Germany has won the contest twice. The first time was in 1982 when Nicole sang “Ein Bisschen Frieden” in Harrogate, which later became a global hit. Germany didn’t win again until 2010 when Lena sang “Satellite” in Oslo. She received 9 sets of 12 points, scoring 246 points overall.