Germany's battle of the bands

Bundesvision Song Contest might sound a lot like Eurovision, but it's got just a fraction of the kitsch (and zero wind machines). For the past 11 years, one of Germany's biggest names in television - Stefan Raab - has organized the battle of the bands.

Each of Germany's 16 states sends a band, ranging from newcomer to superstar. One rule: 50 percent of their song has to be in German.

With established punk rockers Donots, but also two different members from the popular hip hop electro-punk band Deichkind performing solo and edgy newcomer Lary, this year's contest is particularly high-profile.

Not surprisingly, quite a few TV celebrities who also happen to make music are on the line-up, from actress and long-time pop queen Yvonne Catterfeld to fellow soap star Jeannette Biedermann and crime series actor Jan Josef Liefers.

Stefan Raab is a multi-faceted entertainer with a special affinity for music: He even represented Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2000. He's established a collection of wacky, but extremely successful TV formats, including a diving contest and a bob sled race for celebrities. He announced in June that he would be leaving the television business, and it's yet unclear whether the Bundesvision Song Contest will continue without his direction.

Click through the gallery above for a glimpse at all 16 candidates. In the PopXport reports below, find out more about a few of the competing artists.