Overview
- Florian Silbereisen hosted ARD’s live gala from Berlin’s Velodrom on January 10, where Helene Fischer ended her babypause, performed a duet with him and received on-air plaudits including a playful message to her husband, Thomas Seitel.
- Fischer’s set featured fan-selected songs and she took the stage without rehearsing in the hall, a production choice Silbereisen had flagged in advance.
- Viewers on social platforms quickly criticized the broadcast as repetitive and predictable, though some praised the atmosphere and looked forward to Fischer’s set.
- FOCUS’s expert analysis argued that steady ratings may conceal declining emotional engagement, warning the show’s risk-averse formula could erode relevance over time.
- The lineup leaned on established names such as Roland Kaiser, Maite Kelly, Howard Carpendale, Santiano and No Angels, underscoring the show’s preference for familiar acts.