Marie Reim before the ESC preliminary decision
She learned this from her famous parents
Marie Reim is the daughter of the former singer couple Matthias Reim and Michelle.
© Anelia Janeva Creative GmbH
Marie Reim is fighting to be able to represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest – with a song that is her “heart project”.
Nine acts are fighting to represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest on May 11th in Malmö. Who can travel to Sweden will be decided on February 16th. The final German entry for the ESC 2024 will be determined in the show “Eurovision Song Contest – the German Final 2024” (from 10:05 p.m., Das Erste). Marie Reim (23) is there for the first time.
The daughter of Matthias Reim (66) and Michelle (51) already has a little ESC experience to show: When her mother took part in the competition in Copenhagen in 2001 and came eighth, she celebrated her first birthday behind the scenes. Now her 24th birthday falls again in the ESC week – will she be on stage herself this time? In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Marie Reim reveals what she learned from her famous parents and why she really wants to compete for Germany with her song “Naiv”.
Why do you think your song has great potential?
Marie Reim: A few years ago my dad gave me something to help me along the way. He said: “When you do something, do something real. Something that is deep inside you. Because the listeners can tell whether something comes from the heart or not.” I’ve taken this very seriously, especially in the last year. And as a result I wrote the song “Naiv”. A 100 percent hit song that comes from my life. You never have a good guarantee. However, when I was writing the song I already felt that it could only be good. The more people I played the song to, the more my gut feeling was confirmed. Everyone loves “Naive.” My dad even said: “That song is so cool, even I would sing it.” My dad is the best critic and when such praise comes from him, it’s like a blessing for me.
Why do you really want to compete in the ESC?
Reim: Shortly after completing “Naiv” the topic suddenly came up as to whether I wanted to apply for the ESC. I was immediately hooked on the idea and knew that there was only one song I wanted to apply with. I grew up with hits. Schlager is in my blood and I’m a pop singer – I knew I would apply with this passion project that I represent 100 percent. I believe in the song a lot. I am willing to work hard and am excited to see how far I can go. I have learned that you should never forget what you have already achieved, which is why I am very grateful that I was selected from around 700 applications for “the German final 2024”. This is a success that I am grateful for and that no one can take away from me.
How happy would you be if you won the preliminary round?
Reim: I would probably need a few days to realize what’s coming to me and what I’ve just accomplished. After that, I would concentrate relatively quickly on the creative planning, implementation and preparation. Then it’s DREAM BIG.
As a toddler you went to the ESC in Copenhagen with your mother. Would she now accompany you to Malmö?
Reim: I would be happy if family and friends accompanied me to Sweden if I got that far. But the team isn’t quite set yet.
What tips did you get from her for the ESC?
Reim: Through my mom I know that radiating and enjoying is one of the most important things.
Many fans get excited about the music spectacle every year – do you?
Reim: I have of course been following the ESC for quite a long time. In my opinion, the most beautiful moments lie in the more distant past – with Céline Dion, ABBA, Michelle, etc.