“The Masked Singer”
The show gave Pierre Littbarski sleepless nights
Pierre Littbarski had to identify himself as the hammerhead shark in sequence two of “The Masked Singer”.
© ProSieben / Willi Weber
Pierre Littbarski had to identify himself on “The Masked Singer”. The preparations gave the ex-footballer sleepless nights …
In the second episode of “The Masked Singer”, the former national soccer player Pierre Littbarski (61) had to identify himself as the hammerhead shark. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the 1990 world champion reveals why participating in the show was “more exhausting than Rome 1990” and which mask he is now keeping his fingers crossed.
You said “The Masked Singer” was “the highlight of my life”. What did you like so much about the show?
Pierre Littbarski: The love of the team, the warmth, how the participants are treated. It’s not just a number, there is really a lot of heart and soul put into it – from the singing teachers, the choreographers and the entire team. This is also noticeable in the show. I was already a fan of perfectionism and passion in football.
After the reveal, you said that “The Masked Singer” was harder than the 1990 World Cup. Why?
Littbarski: Yes, it was very exhausting. On the one hand the physical component: the huge wetsuit that I wore as a hammerhead shark wasn’t necessarily breathable. Then there was this heavy head that I had. Physically it’s a very strenuous thing. On the other hand, it’s also a nerve strain: in football, I know how to react if something unexpected happens. With a show like this, you never know what to expect. It’s extremely stressful. In addition, there is the fear of forgetting the text or beating up the choreography. The practice was really hard: I would sometimes wake up at night and think to myself: “How was the text passage? How is the rhythm, like the dance steps?”
How hard was it to keep it a secret? Did you initiate someone?
Littbarski: I only told a good friend to whom I confide everything about it. I didn’t tell my two boys about it either. I sometimes locked myself in the toilet for an hour to practice or used car trips. It’s almost slapstick: I sometimes stood at the traffic light and sang and performed loudly, then burst out laughing. The people to the left and right of me always looked strangely and shook their heads.
Have you ever been recognized in such a situation?
Littbarski: Almost. But I often camouflaged myself with a hat. I was embarrassed that someone my age was sitting in the car and rapping. (laughs.)
Did you come up with a standard excuse for people around you when they went to rehearsals?
Littbarski: I’m lucky that in my position as a brand ambassador at VfL Wolfsburg I always have a lot to do and keep running from appointment to appointment. Then I just kept telling me that I had an appointment of some kind. Everyone did that for me too.
Why did you take part in the show?
Littbarski: When I was asked for the first time, I canceled. I can neither dance nor sing, nor can I work through it in a short period of time. I was afraid to fail. I was then asked a second time by the show and had noticed in the meantime that the show is not there to embarrass people, it simply provides good entertainment. Then I took all my courage and decided to risk it.
How disappointed are you that they were exposed so early?
Littbarski: On the one hand, I am redeemed. For someone who basically has no talent in this area, this show is a great challenge. On the other hand, I’m sad because the atmosphere within the team was so good. I don’t know who is under the masks, but I got on extremely well with the Axolotl and Mülli Müller, we made a lot of nonsense with each other. I will miss that.
So you can chat with the other masked participants? How does it work without revealing who is under the costume?
Littbarski: That’s more of a fumbling around at times. We weren’t actually allowed to talk to each other, but then sometimes we talked in extremely disguised voices.
Will you miss your costume?
Littbarski: Definitely. Today I woke up and already missed the hammerhead shark. I think I even danced in a dream. I think it’s going to be very interesting over the next few weeks to find out who’s behind the other costumes.
Do you already have a guess?
Littbarski: I have my guesses, but I don’t want to divulge them. I have insider knowledge and want to give viewers the chance to guess it for themselves. I’m like a magician: he doesn’t reveal his tricks either.
Who will win in the end? Which mask are you keeping your fingers crossed for?
Littbarski: I thought the quality of the caterpillar was very good last night. In terms of the emotional factor, the phoenix is also very strong. And I think Mülli Müller is particularly great: He delivers a good mix of singing quality and lots of fun. It really covers everything. I think he could go far.