Overview

• The Sunday special from Magdeburg’s Seebühne marked Calmund’s final judging appearance after roughly 18 years, 263 episodes and more than 1,900 tastings.
• AGF figures reported via DWDL show an average audience of about 1.13 million with a 5.5% total market share and 5.9% among 14–59-year-olds despite strong sports competition.
• VOX will fill the open jury seat with changing guests, with names including Bruce Darnell, Joachim Llambi and Guido Maria Kretschmer alongside Jana Ina Zarrella and Christian Rach.
• Calmund says the decision follows his plan to reduce commitments rather than his December 2024 heart rhythm incident, and he is monitoring his health with routine checks.
• The tribute featured celebrity guests such as Matze Knop, Detlef Steves, Mirja Boes and Johann Lafer, followed by the VOX special Prominent! Spezial – Danke Calli!.