244 Leipzig

Welcome to Leipzig

– where music, ideas, and history have shaped one of Germany’s most vibrant cities.

At the crossroads of European trade routes, Leipzig has long been a place where cultures, commerce, and creativity come together. Grand market squares, elegant arcades, and beautifully restored townhouses reflect centuries of prosperity, while lively cafés, independent shops, and bustling streets give the city an unmistakably youthful energy. Whether you're wandering through the historic center or relaxing in one of its many green spaces, Leipzig feels both welcoming and full of discovery.

Music is woven into the city's identity. Johann Sebastian Bach spent the final decades of his life here as cantor of St. Thomas Church, where his legacy continues through the world-famous St. Thomas Choir. Classical traditions flourish alongside a thriving contemporary music scene, making Leipzig one of Germany's great cultural capitals. Nearby concert halls, opera houses, and galleries ensure that art and performance remain part of everyday life.

Leipzig has also played a remarkable role in shaping history. In 1989, peaceful demonstrations that began in the city became a driving force behind the Peaceful Revolution, helping bring about the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. Today, memorials and museums stand alongside vibrant public spaces, reminding visitors that Leipzig has often been a place where ideas have changed the course of history.

Yet Leipzig is equally a city looking ahead. Former industrial districts have been transformed into creative neighborhoods filled with studios, cafés, and cultural venues, while canals, lakes, and extensive parks offer unexpected opportunities to slow down and enjoy nature. This blend of historic character and modern innovation has made Leipzig one of Germany's fastest-growing and most exciting cities.

From the echoes of Bach in St. Thomas Church to the lively atmosphere of its market squares and creative districts, Leipzig invites you to experience a city where tradition inspires innovation, and where every street reflects a rich story still being written.

Highlights

⇧ St. Thomas Church

St. Thomas Church is Leipzig’s most famous landmark and the place where Johann Sebastian Bach served as cantor for 27 years. His tomb rests inside the Gothic church, which is still renowned for performances by the world-famous St. Thomas Choir.

Monument to the Battle of the Nations

The Monument to the Battle of the Nations is one of Europe’s largest war memorials, commemorating Napoleon’s defeat in 1813. Rising 91 meters above the city, it offers panoramic views from its observation platform.

Leipzig Market Square and Old Town

Leipzig’s historic Market Square is surrounded by elegant Renaissance and Baroque buildings, with the Old Town blending centuries of history with lively cafés, arcades, and shopping streets. The square has been the city’s commercial heart since the Middle Ages.

Leipzig Zoo

Leipzig Zoo is one of the most modern and species-rich zoos in Europe, home to thousands of animals from around the world. Its enormous Gondwanaland tropical hall recreates a rainforest complete with rivers, exotic plants, and free-roaming wildlife.

St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church is one of Leipzig’s oldest churches and played a pivotal role in the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. The peaceful prayer meetings held here helped spark the demonstrations that contributed to the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts houses an outstanding collection spanning more than 700 years, from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works. Its striking glass cube building has become a modern architectural landmark in the city center.

Leipzig Cotton Mill

The Leipzig Cotton Mill is a former industrial complex transformed into one of Europe's leading contemporary art centers. Its galleries, artist studios, and exhibition spaces have helped establish Leipzig as one of Germany’s most important creative cities.

Clara Zetkin Park

Clara Zetkin Park is Leipzig’s largest green space, stretching along the Elster River with tree-lined paths, canals, and open lawns. It is a popular destination for walking, cycling, boating, and outdoor festivals throughout the year.

Leipzig Panometer

The Leipzig Panometer is a unique attraction housed in a former gasometer, featuring enormous 360-degree panoramic artworks by artist Yadegar Asisi. Immersive light and sound effects transport visitors to historical scenes and natural landscapes on a spectacular scale.

Venue and Presenters

QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA

A state-of-the-art indoor arena and one of eastern Germany’s leading venues for live entertainment. Opened in 2002, it hosts major concerts, sporting events, and international productions. Its modern design and excellent acoustics make it a vibrant hub for world-class performances.

Helene Fischer

One of Germany’s biggest music stars, celebrated for her powerful vocals, spectacular live shows, and crossover appeal. Blending pop, schlager, and contemporary influences, she has sold millions of records and become one of Europe’s most successful and recognizable entertainers.

Marc Atlas

A rising German singer-songwriter with a polished contemporary pop sound, he combines heartfelt songwriting with memorable melodies and an engaging stage presence. His music blends modern production with emotional authenticity, establishing him as one of the promising new voices on Germany’s pop scene.

Sarah Connor

A celebrated singer-songwriter with a soulful voice and lasting appeal, who first rose to fame with chart-topping pop and R&B hits before evolving into one of Germany’s most respected re-cording artists. Her heartfelt perfor-mances and distinctive style have made her a fixture of the German mu-sic scene for more than two decades.

Participants

39 countries

from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Oceania will be on stage in Leipzig

Returning countries

Austria and Suriname

Withdrawing countries

Monaco and United States

Debuting players

Christoph for Austria

Returning Artists

11th participation

Within Temptation / GM Champion

9th participation

Calum Scott / GM Champion
Despina Vandi / Bronze Medallist
Rasmus Seebach / 4th place

8th participation

Elvana Gjata / 19th place
Lorena Gómez / GM Champion

7th participation

Antti Tuisku / 8th place
Fernando Daniel / GM Champion

6th participation

Jeck / GM Champion
Jelena Karleusa / Semi Finalist

5th participation

Francesco Gabbani / 12th place

4th participation

Aydilge / Semi Finalist
Damiano David / GM Champion
Roksana Wegiel / 7th place

3rd participation

Bobi Andonov / 21st place
Carla Lazzari / GM Champion
Forest Blakk / 14th place
Gotthard / 5th place
Lexie Liu / 23rd place
Marcus & Martinus / Semi Finalist
Melanie Wehbe / 11th place
Michael Patrick Kelly / 6th place
Rinat Bar / 10th place

2nd participation

Adam Lambert / Bronze Medallist
Katerina Lioliou / Semi Finalist
Leony / 6th place
Silvester Belt / 16th place
Smash Into Pieces / 5th place

DEADLINES

August 12th:
Vote in the semi finals
Nominate an artist for Global Music Royalty

August 24th:
Vote in the final and for Global Music Royalty

August 31st:
Submit a song for the next edition