Germany's rehearsal went smoothly from start to end today. Popular German big band singer Roger CICERO impressed everyone in the hall and in the press centre with a fantastic vocal range. The German provided a nostalgic trip to the past with their 1940s-inspired Frauen Regier'n Die Welt which will be predominantly sung in German although Mister CICERO decided to sing the last 40 seconds in English. No stage tricks will be used for this song, and on stage with Roger will be a drummer, a pianist, a cellist and brass players. Differently to the version of the song known so far, the successful German singer went for a high note at the very end of the song which he faultlessly performed in every take of the song. He was wearing a white suit, but it is not known yet if this will be the final stage clothes. The German team was also testing several LED back projections to check them out later in the viewing room.

Enormously popular in Germany

Roger Cicero has become extremely popular in Germany, Switzerland and Austria during the last year. His album Männersachen which was released last year went platinum some weeks ago and was re-released including his 2007 Eurovision Song Contest song after he won the German national final in March. The singer is known for his laid-back performances of big band songs in German and his witty lyrics that mostly deal with the relations between men and women. Roger CICERO also won a prestigious German award as best German male singer earlier this year.

Relaxed press-conference

In his press conference on this early Monday evening, Roger CICERO was asked why he changed parts of the song to English. He answered that only the last chorus was changed and that it was made for the international audience, so that they could understand what the song is about. He doesn't feel that he is singing a bilingual song as only a very small part would be in English. He revealed that there are currently no plans to release an album in English, just his 2007 Eurovision Song Contest song would be made available via the internet. Furthermore, he would soon be embarking on a summertour around Germany with 30 concerts scheduled. Roger disclosed that his favourite songs from this year's contest would be Belgium, the Netherlands, Israel, Ireland and Russia.

Stay with us for a photo gallery of the German rehearsal!