Overview
- Giovanni Zarrella debuted as host of the long-running ZDF charity special, taking over from Carmen Nebel.
- On-air donations totaled €3,669,419 after Phoenix Reisen chief Johannes Zurnieden announced roughly €1.2 million.
- Eros Ramazzotti performed a medley and used the live segment to send get-well wishes to Thomas Gottschalk.
- The broadcast showcased aid projects in Peru, Sri Lanka, Ukraine and Côte d’Ivoire, which Zarrella visited beforehand, with phone pledges ranging from a few euros to €500,000.
- Social-media reaction mixed praise with criticism, and a brief audio glitch at the close muted Zarrella’s final words.