Since 2022, NDR had set up national finals with several artists to choose both the song and performer to compete in the contest.

[7] The competition consists of two heats, a semi-final and a final that is taking place between 14 February 2025 and 1 March 2025 at the EMG Studio 8 in Hürth, hosted by Barbara Schöneberger.

[9] The 24 competing acts were selected by a panel consisting of representatives of Raab Entertainment, ARD and RTL, and announced on 4 February 2025.

The jury panel for both shows consists of Stefan Raab, singer and actress Yvonne Catterfeld, and presenter Elton, while German 2004 entrant Max Mutzke and singer-songwriter Johannes Oerding are featured as guest jurors in the first and second heat, respectively.

The jury panel for the semi-final will consist of Stefan Raab, singer and actress Yvonne Catterfeld, and presenter Elton and a guest judge.