For singer Stefanie Heinzmann (31, "All We Need Is Love"), the trip to the ProSieben show "The Masked Singer" (Tuesday, 8:15 p.m.) was already over after the opening show. At the end of the three-hour show, the audience had decided: the 31-year-old had to take off her Dalmatian mask. The early retirement was a disappointment for Heinzmann, as she reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news. But she already has a favorite to win the show.
Are you disappointed with early retirement?
Stefanie Heinzmann: Of course I think it's a shame. It would be a lie if I said no. But I'm not really disappointed. Many factors play a role in the show when it comes to progress. The diva has apparently not hit the nerve.
What factors do you mean?
Heinzmann: Of course that's the vocals, but in my opinion it's much more the costume and the whole character that is involved. If you have a character that you think is cool or cute, you are more likely to have a connection with him. The unapproachable diva might not come across as particularly personable.
How did you react when you saw your costume for the first time?
Heinzmann: I was very surprised because the diva is the character who is the most distant from my personality. But it was also exciting because it was an amazing challenge for me.
Did you struggle with the heat under the costume?
Heinzmann: It was very hot, but when the adrenaline comes in, you're in working mode and you don't notice it that much. But it is already cumbersome and you don't see much, but that also makes it exciting and fun for me.
Which costume do you like best personally?
Heinzmann: The rabbit is incredibly cute.
How well were you able to hide that you were attending the show?
Heinzmann: It actually went quite well, because I travel a lot anyway. My closest surroundings, my best friend and my parents, naturally knew about it. I can hardly fool you. But nobody else knew that.
What is the great success of the series?
Heinzmann: The costumes are incredibly impressive. They are great, cute and funny characters. There's something for everyone. What also makes it so exciting is the fun of guessing. You just want to know who is under the costume. Combined with the music, this is the perfect entertainment program.
Do you know who is behind the costumes?
Heinzmann: No, unfortunately not. It is an absolute disaster. Even if you have a guess and express it, it is not confirmed. It’s really terrible.
Do you already have a favorite to win?
Heinzmann: Of course it's very early for that. I am curious to see how the characters develop because there is still a lot of air to build something up. For example, I'm very excited to see what happens to the sloth. That can't fall asleep every time during the performance. But my personal favorite so far is the dragon.
Many events are currently being canceled due to the corona virus, but yesterday the film was shot in front of a live audience. Was the cancellation of "The Masked Singer" up for debate?
Heinzmann: To be honest, I don't know. We had masks on, so we were safe. (laughs) I don't know exactly how it is handled in Germany at the moment, but I also didn't ask. In Switzerland, every concert with over 150 spectators is canceled. So I have the next month practically free.
To what extent do you meet concert cancellations financially?
Heinzmann: Financially, a cancellation is of course always a shame. But I respect those decisions. For me personally: I do not belong to any risk group, I am 31 years old and very healthy. If I get caught, I'll lie flat for ten days like any other flu. I wash my hands regularly, which you should always do anyway. Not much has changed in my life and I don't buy hamsters. I have little or no understanding for this. Unless you belong to one of the risk groups.