How long has DSDS been in existence? The history of the casting show

The casting show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" can look back on 15 years of history. In this article we have shown you how long DSDS has been in existence and which milestones make up the program.

Germany is looking for the superstar: when did the casting show start?

• The first episode of DSDS aired on November 9, 2002. Two castings and a top 100 recall were broadcast, followed by three top 30 shows. From these, the 10 finalists were determined based on the jury's judgment.
• This was followed by eight theme shows, which were broadcast live on RTL. The audience chose one candidate from the program by telephone vote. The eighth theme show was also the semi-final, from which Daniel Küblböck came third. The final of the first DSDS season took place on March 8, 2003. The winner was Alexander Klaws. Juliette Schoppmann came second.
• In the first two seasons, the jury consisted of four members, namely the music journalist Shona Fraser, the radio host Thomas Bug, the music producer Thomas M. Stein and the musician and producer Dieter Bohlen. The "Pop-Titan" has been a permanent jury member right from the start.
• Michelle Hunziker and Carsten Spengemann acted as moderators of the theme shows. That was also the case in the second season, which was broadcast in late 2003 / early 2004.

Milestones from 15 years of DSDS

• The basic concept of the show was largely retained in all seasons. Necessary changes were mainly implemented due to falling ratings after the initially very successful seasons. For example, the number of preliminary rounds and theme shows was changed from time to time. In season 15, which has been on RTL since the beginning of 2018, there will be three theme shows and the subsequent finale.
• From the third season onwards, the jury was reduced to three more or less prominent people and was recruited several times. Only since season 10, which was televised in 2013, has there been a jury of four again. In this season, for example, Bill and Tom Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel sat at the jury table. Since then, each candidate has had a wild card in the form of a golden CD to avoid tied votes. He places these on a jury member whose vote counts twice in the event of a tie.
• The auditions have expanded over time. For example, since season 6 (2009) a casting truck has been used to tour Germany. For the 15th season, the truck stopped in 60 cities at the end of 2017. Castings have also been carried out abroad, for example in 2007 in Mallorca and in 2008 in Mallorca and Ibiza.
• A special highlight for the candidates are the international recalls that were introduced with the 6th season. Those who made it into the second recall were able to demonstrate their skills in a paradisiacal environment away from home. Recalls abroad were carried out, for example, in the Maldives, the Caribbean, Dubai and most recently in South Africa. The candidates are asked a lot. Singing alone is no longer enough. The jury is taking an increasingly critical look at dancing skills and a perfect outfit.
• Under the motto "No Limits", the age limit of 30 years no longer applied in the 9th season of 2012. In addition, there was no longer any stylistic restriction, which has remained the same to this day. Only the age limit was reintroduced in 2018 and is expected to remain in 2019.
• The occupation of the moderator positions has changed RTL several times. Since 2015 (season 12) Oliver Geissen has moderated the theme shows alone.
• The winner of each DSDS season receives a record contract. From season 9 there was also prize money. This is currently 100, 000 euros.