What ZDF did not show on “The Giovanni Zarrella Show”

While the beginning of the 189th Oktoberfest was being celebrated in the Bavarian capital, Giovanni Zarrella (46) provided the finest entertainment on television screens. Yesterday evening, ZDF once again showed a new edition of the “Giovanni Zarrella Show” at prime time.

BUNTE.de exclusively at the “Giovanni Zarrella Show”

BUNTE.de reporter Leonie Müller was on site in Offenburg – and knows what things remained hidden from the television audience. The most important thing right away: The show was not live this time, the recording took place months ago, more precisely on May 7, 2024.

1. Christian Oberfuchshuber really gets the audience going

We travel back in time. It is May 7, 2024, shortly before 8 p.m. Christian Oberfuchshuber enters the stage. Real Giovanni fans will know the man in the colorful suit. He is the one who really gets the audience going before the Italian-Swabian's shows – clapping, dancing and shouting included (if you want to find out more about Oberfuchsi, click here for the exclusive interview).

Right at the beginning he emphasizes once again that this is a recording. “Don't think that Giovanni has had too much to drink when he asks questions about summer vacation in May.” The laughs are on his side. And then he comes, the man of the evening: Giovanni Zarrella.

2. Giovanni Zarrella addresses loving words to his team

The hall goes wild. “Oberfuchsi, what did you tell them?” Giovanni can't stop laughing, then turns to the audience. “You're well-disposed towards me.” The 46-year-old beams, appears relaxed and easygoing – no sign of nervousness. The recordings are taking place on a Tuesday evening, but: “We're acting like today is Saturday. Nobody is working tomorrow, so we're celebrating.” Applause again. Giovanni adds jokingly: “I'm watching you, I'm a bit of a stalker. I'm sitting at the back of the monitor and watching who's there.”

And then he does something he does for every show. He thanks his team. “What you have achieved is incredible. Without you, none of this would be possible.” Oh Giovanni… it's not without reason that they keep saying that your heart is in the right place. Then comes the obligatory “Andiamo!” The show begins.

3. Howard Carpendale wasn’t even there

The guest list for this evening is once again impressive: Gianna Nannini (70), Rea Garvey (51), Samu Haber (48), Kerstin Ott (42), Matthias Reim (66), Maite Kelly (44), Gregor Meyle (45) and so on. Only one person is sorely missed: Howard Carpendale (78). At least in the hall.

Because when Giovanni Zarrella announces the pop singer, the place at the microphone remains empty. The audience is confused for a moment. Then Howie is shown on the screen – and it becomes clear: his performance must have already taken place. Yes, that's how it is with recordings. Little tricks are allowed. BUNTE.de knows: Howie was already in Offenburg on the official Saturday, then had to go on to the “ZDF-Fernsehgarten” in Mainz.

4. Even Giovanni Zarrella becomes a fan of HER

The best moment of the show: When Italian rock star Gianna Nannini came on stage. Giovanni Zarrella had already told BUNTE.de reporter Leonie Müller in the dressing room how much he was looking forward to seeing the 70-year-old. And he didn't even try to hide it in the hall. Before she belted out her catchy tune “Bello e impossibile,” Giovanni shouted “Forte, Gianna” to her across the stage.

But Giovanni doesn't seem to be the only fan in the family. No, his parents, his aunt and his uncle, who were sitting at the front of the “Family & Friends” block that evening, jumped up from their seats. They ran right to the edge of the stage to cheer on their idol from there.

5. Finally, all fans get their money’s worth

After about three hours, the show is in the can. It's time to finish work – finally. Think again. Instead of immediately disappearing behind the stage, numerous artists insist on giving their fans autographs. And even Giovanni is there. Without any arrogance, he jumps into the audience and takes lots of selfies. How lovely!