Changes

==Controversy about Naidoo nomination to participate in Eurovision Song Contest==

==Controversy about Naidoo nomination to participate in Eurovision Song Contest==

On November 19, 2015, public TV station ARD announced their decision to have Xavier Naidoo represent Germany at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Sweden. Contrary to most recent procedures, the audience would not be required to vote in an artist from a number of performers, but only be able to make a decision regarding the actual song. Since Naidoo's political and Christian fundamentalist views have been discussed publically for several years as of now, this decision raised some fierce opposition among the audience and caustic comments published via Twitter and in media comment sections ("Deutsches Reich - zero points"<ref> </ref>). Commenters e.g. wondered how Naidoo could convince himself to represent a country which, according to his views, does not exist. Others pointed to the fact that ARD's decision will estrange the contest's most loyal fans, the LBGT community, because of Naidoo's homophobic notions. By November 20, there were already two online petitions against the choice of Naidoo to represent Germany at the ESC. On November 21, the nomination was withdrawn by the TV station.

On November 19, 2015, public TV station ARD announced their decision to have Xavier Naidoo represent Germany at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest taking place in Sweden. Contrary to most recent procedures, the audience would not be required to vote in an artist from a number of performers, but only be able to make a decision regarding the actual song. Since Naidoo's political and Christian fundamentalist views have been discussed publically for several years as of now, this decision raised some fierce opposition among the audience and caustic comments published via Twitter and in media comment sections ("Deutsches Reich - zero points"<ref>http://www.sueddeutsche.de/medien/eurovision-song-contest-xavier-naidoo-beim-esc-ist-ein-schlechter-scherz-1.2744477 </ref>). Commenters e.g. wondered how Naidoo could convince himself to represent a country which, according to his views, does not exist. Others pointed to the fact that ARD's decision will estrange the contest's most loyal fans, the LBGT community, because of Naidoo's homophobic notions. By November 20, there were already two online petitions against the choice of Naidoo to represent Germany at the ESC. On November 21, the nomination was withdrawn by the TV station.

==Special Awards==

==Special Awards==