The 2025 Schlagerchampions event kicked off on January 11, unmistakably marking itself as one of the major highlights for fans of German Schlager music. Hosted by the charismatic Florian Silbereisen, the show took place at the Velodrom Berlin, where top talents from the genre gathered to celebrate and showcase their work from the previous year.
Entering at precisely 8:15 PM, Silbereisen welcomed the eager audience with infectious energy. Among the night's notable performers was Thomas Anders, who got everyone dancing with his engaging set, followed closely by the dynamic duo of "Die Draufgänger and Hannah," as they performed their catchy hit, "Hallo kleine Maus." The excitement only grew with Ross Antony’s unique rendition of the classic hit "Take On Me" by a-ha. Yet, not all responses were enthusiastic; social media buzzed with mixed feelings about the adapted cover.
Online fans expressed their frustrations, with one user posting, "Ich dachte, es gibt einen Musikgott – bis ich das Deutsche Cover von Ross Antony zu 'Take On Me' hörte," reflecting their disappointment. Comments included statements of disbelief about the legality of translating the song and critiques about the practice of covering classics altogether.
The Schlagerchampions served as not just entertainment but also as a vibrant discussion platform for music lovers. Florian Silbereisen, the host, also previewed the promising line-up of performances set for the year, hinting at upcoming major events. The gala is perceived as somewhat of a winter celebration for Schlager fans, akin to the festive spirit still felt post-holidays.
This year, Silbereisen emphasized the importance of recognizing talent. "Leider kann ich noch nicht so viel verraten, aber es wird auf jeden Fall sehr spannend und überraschend ...", he teased, hinting at the surprises awaiting viewers. Fans could look forward to more concerts, including the much-anticipated "Schlagerbooom" spectacular planned for June, which will take place in Kitzbühel, Austria, and other significant shows scheduled for later months.
But it wasn’t just the music captivating the audience; the glamour of the event unfolded on the red carpet where stars like Marie Reim and Michelle dazzled alongside Bernhard Brink and his partner. The evening heightened excitement with the anticipated reveal of a surprise guest. Curiosity peaked as the guest appeared with something unusual—a bag on their head—before it was dramatically unveiled to be the well-loved Barbara Schöneberger, much to the crowd's delight.
The night was not just about performances and awards, it also celebrated the community aspect of Schlager music, bringing together fans and artists alike. Viewers returned to their screens with joy, remembering last year when the gala attracted 4.67 million viewers. Such engagement captivated this year's organizers, ensuring the Schlagerchampions remain a spotlight event on the German music calendar.
All eyes were on the elaborate performances, with standout outfits and choreography capturing attention as artist collaborations flourished. Behind-the-scenes enthusiasm and diligent rehearsals were shared by Silbereisen, who stated, "Wir proben noch fleißig und heute wird das mit Sicherheit ein toller Abend werden. Die Schlagerchampions sind zusammengekommen." The anticipation was palpable, with everyone involved excited to bring the show to life.
Eventually concluding the event, the glee on every face reflected how the night served to reinforce the central role of Schlager music within German culture. Each performance came together to form not only another year of recognition for talent but also to promote upcoming events delving deep within this beloved genre. With plans for the future and memories from this spectacular event, the Schlager community reveled together, celebrating its lasting impact.