In 1976, viewers were allowed to decide: "Who should represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in The Hague?" asked moderator Max Schautzer on January 31 in the ARD program "Ein Lied für Den Haag". There are twelve artists to choose from. The show is not live, all the songs were pre-recorded and are now being played back-to-back. But that doesn't matter. 35 percent of the TV sets are switched on, more than 650,000 people send in a postcard with their choice. The big winner will be a feel-good singer. But in the end he is not allowed to drive.
Tony Marshall wins the vote by over 23,000 votes. His powerful-voiced song "Der Star" convinced everyone. In a frilly shirt and a dark tuxedo, the trained opera singer made it to first place. So far he was only known for feel-good hits and gossip hits ("Beautiful Maid"). With the anthem written by Detlef Petersen, he can finally show what he can do. "The Star" is entirely to the taste of Baden-Badeners.
"You know his face, his name, you know his birthday in your sleep" begins the first verse of the profound song about being a star. Everyone is certain: with Marshall, after Joy Fleming's incomprehensible 17th place last year, Germany can once again hope for a better placement at the event, which was then called the Grand Prix. But it turns out very differently.
Four days after the announcement of the final result in an announcement show in the first, a singer from Munich speaks up. The evil begins. Nice Thobi can prove that she has previously sung "Der Star" at performances. Now she's apparently hoping that the song, which is a hit with Marshall, can also help her to new fame. But first it means the ESC off for Marshall.
The then 38-year-old was disqualified because his song violated the rules. No compositions that have already been published may be submitted to the competition. This applies to "The Star" but demonstrably. "It can't be true," Marshall comments on the events. He had relied on his record company and is now devastated.
Instead, the runners-up "Les Humphries Singers" will go to The Hague with the Ralph Siegel composition "Sing Sang Song". You'll only be 15. Tony Marshall never takes part in a prelim again after his debacle.
