What’s the singer of the official European Championship song “Fire” like in her private life? In an interview with GALA, Leony talks about Mr. Right and family ties.
There was never a plan B for her. Leony, 26, has dreamed of being on stage and singing since she was five. Today, her hits like “Remedy” and “Holding on” are played over and over again on the radio. But above all, the Bavarian sings the official European Championship song “Fire” with the US band “OneRepublic”. “It’s a huge honor and bigger than anything I’ve done before,” she enthused to GALA. “Fire” is now supposed to get the German national team in the mood. And give Leony, who is also the sister of professional soccer player Korbinian Burger (Erzgebirge-Aue), her international breakthrough. When she performs at the final on July 14 in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, around 300 million people will watch.
Leony in GALA interview
GALA: Leony, do you dream of an international career?
Leonie: Definitely. I’ve had gigs abroad now and again, and my songs are played a lot on the radio, but my face is absolutely unknown there. When you make English music, you naturally always dream of breaking out of Germany. I’m grateful that I have a career here at all. But I’m someone who always wants more and I’m still a long way from where I want to be. That also applies to the German team.
What do you think the team is capable of?
I actually believe that we have a chance of doing really well again this year. I’m obviously keeping my fingers crossed for the German team.
Which German national player do you personally like?
My brother has banned me from playing football. But that’s just a joke, of course. My brothers have a very strong protective instinct because I’m the youngest of the siblings and the girl. At the moment, however, I have no eyes for men because I’m so focused on myself and my career. Appearance is not important to me at all, but rather character.
What should “Mr. Right” be like?
He has to love dogs and have a sense of humor. It’s very important that you can laugh with someone – and that you can rely on them. And a man who has no ambitions of his own and is happy with very little wouldn’t suit me or my attitude.
Leony: “Now it’s my career’s turn”
Could you see yourself as a player’s wife?
Absolutely not. Being known just because you’re someone’s girlfriend would be the worst thing for me.
How does it feel to have virtually no private life?
That doesn’t bother me. That’s just the price you have to pay. I knew that I would have to put certain things second when I was successful. I’m incredibly happy with everything that is happening now. I’m sure I’ll have time for my private life later. Now it’s my career’s turn.
Leony does not see her future in Germany
Do you have a vision for “later”?
Since I grew up in an incredibly great family, I probably subconsciously strive for that too. It has always been my dream to have a few dogs, a family and to live on the beach or at least by the sea. I don’t see my future in Germany, but in the south at some point, when things are quieter. Greece, Italy, these are countries that I am drawn to because they stand for beautiful things. Good mood, sun, delicious food, beautiful culture… a little less envy culture perhaps than in Germany, that really concerns me.
Your song also received criticism. Was that a new experience?
I’ve had to deal with hate and negative comments my whole life. If you grew up in a small village and say “I want to be a singer” at the age of five and then still have that dream at the age of 15, you’re laughed at first. And yes, you’re also talked down to and told that you won’t make it anyway. When it was announced that I was on the jury for “Deutschland sucht den Superstar”, it continued. Who is that? Can anyone be on the jury now? That was very harsh. But when you’re in the public eye, you have to deal with it. I try not to take it to heart.
When traveling, Havanese dog Marlie is your most loyal companion.
She is my soul dog and is with me everywhere. I think that’s incredibly nice because she’s like a little piece of home that I can always take with me. We’re a well-rehearsed team, she gives me security and comfort. When I’m stressed and she sniffs my head a little, it calms me down. Marlie also creates a nice atmosphere and a good mood in the crew and in the band. She really is a gift.
Do you ever feel lonely?
No, I’m fine with being alone. It doesn’t bother me to come home to an empty hotel room after a gig in front of a lot of people, it’s more of a moment of peace and quiet.
Do you keep in touch with your family?
Family is the most important thing in my life. It has always been like that. I had a wonderful childhood, a wonderful youth, and even now we still have a lot in common. We support each other, see each other often, they come to my concerts and I often visit my hometown.
Why is this so important to you?
I lead a very unstable life, new things happen every day and I never know what. It is a security for me to know that no matter what happens, no matter what happens in five years, I will always have my family, I can always go back.