Show interruption: Zarrella makes surprising announcement to ZDF editorial staff

For three hours, Giovanni Zarrella celebrated his 15th show on ZDF in “The Giovanni Zarrella Show” on Saturday (21 September). The show was recorded in May “for production reasons”. Artists from all sectors took part, including Oli. P, Patrick Lindner, Gianna Nannini, Kerstin Ott, Ben Zucker, Howard Carpendale and Maite Kelly.

Giovanni Zarrella causes surprise: “Not agreed upon”

Before the show really got started, Zarrella thanked his show band and the musical director, Christoph Papendieck. When the presenter approached from behind to hug Papendieck, who was still sitting at the piano, he seemed visibly surprised. “This was not agreed upon. I want to thank you. We've been able to do this together for three years now,” explained Zarrella, earning a beaming smile from Papendieck.

Kerstin Ott on her career: “Not necessarily predictable”

Pop star Kerstin Ott then opened the evening's show. In conversation with Zarrella, the 42-year-old revealed that she is still grateful for her success: “I do believe that my career was not necessarily predictable and many people did not think that it would still be so successful today.”

Singer Gregor Meyle was similarly awestruck by the audience. “I still think it's crazy that people come voluntarily and pay money for tickets,” said the 45-year-old about his upcoming concerts. Maite Kelly also joined the ranks of the awestruck.

In the “Giovanni Zarrella Show”: Maite Kelly takes the press to task

“I never saw myself as a solo singer. I always preferred to be part of the group and the choir. I'm actually shy. Nobody believed me, but that's the way it is,” admitted the pop singer, who strolled very confidently through the audience during her performance of “Why didn't you say no?”, shaking hands and swaying.

Maite Kelly takes the press to task

from Screenshot ZDF

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“You are one of the most important artists we have in this country,” Giovanni Zarrella concluded. With a dismissive gesture, Kelly replied: “That's good, otherwise I always get criticism from the press.”

Giovanni Zarrella suddenly turns to the director

Zarrella performed one of his many duets that evening with the Finnish singer and “The Voice of Germany” juror Samu Haber. This is not obvious to all fans. On Instagram, one viewer criticized: “Far too loud, far too much of a Giovanni Zarrella show…Hollywood Hills is Sunrise Avenue, or Samu Haber, but not Giovanni Zarrella.”

Samu Haber's friends, on the other hand, seem to be big fans of the “Giovanni Zarrella Show,” as the singer explained. She regularly watches the show in Finland. Zarrella, stunned by this compliment, interrupted the show a short time later for an important matter: “To the editors, to ZDF: Whenever this man wants to come on the show, he is invited!” “Deal,” replied the Finnish singer and sealed the agreement with a handshake.

Emotional performance by Rea Garvey

In the duet with Oli P., Zarrella almost got confused. “I've completely forgotten what's next,” explained the presenter after their joint performance. “I'm guessing it's something sweet,” grinned Oli P. He probably meant Rea Garvey, who dedicated his new ballad “Halo” to his daughter and gave Zarrella “a whole three minutes of goosebumps.”

Rea Garvey celebrated his premiere in the “Giovanni Zarella Show”

from Screenshot ZDF

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“You can't do that to me,” replied Zarrella, who was also emotionally moved by the next serenade. With only a guitar, Garvey performed a cover of the Pogues (“Dirty Old Town”). The group's singer, Shane MacGowa, died at the end of 2023.

“Giovanni Zarrella Show” receives criticism for guest list

Oli P., who made what felt like a hundred “hair” jokes that evening, dared to do samba steps and was the person who appeared on stage the most alongside the presenter, performed at the end of the show with his former duet partner Natalie Pütz. The two performed their 90s hit “Flugzeuge im Bauch” together.

For some fans, this appearance by Oli P. was one too many. “Oli P. was particularly cheap?” asked one X-user. Others criticized the entire guest list. “Giovanni Zarrella Show… always the same cheap 'singer',” reads one comment. It is not yet known which guests will appear in the next show on November 9th.