Florian Silbereisen: This is how his start at DSDS will be

On Saturday, Florian Silbereisen celebrates his premiere as the new juror of "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" on RTL.

We spoke to him about Dieter Bohlen and his plans for the casting show.

Dieter Bohlen (67) shaped the RTL show “Deutschland sucht den Superstar” for two decades.

Then last year it was over.

RTL wanted to realign the casting party, and the "Pop Titan" apparently no longer fit into the concept.

But another one all the better: Florian Silbereisen.

Successful ARD presenter, captain on the ZDF "Traumschiff" and now on board RTL. He will premiere on Saturday at 8:15 p.m.

We spoke to the 40-year-old native of Lower Bavaria about his ideas for the new "DSDS".

Dieter Bohlen shaped "DSDS" like no other.

For 20 years he stood - in addition to success - above all for rough sayings.

How did you perceive the show before becoming part of it yourself?

Florian Silbereisen:

Dieter shaped the format for a very long time.

Dieter Bohlen was the face of "DSDS".

I'm now looking ahead and I find it a very exciting task, if not the most exciting TV adventure of all, to reposition "DSDS".

That won't happen overnight.

And not everyone who is a Dieter Bohlen fan will automatically like the new jury equally.

But I've always been a long-distance runner, I'm patient and I'd be happy if we can pull it off.

I still think the idea of ​​"DSDS" is great.

That means you believe in finding a superstar?

Florian Silbereisen:

With "DSDS", a young person who has never stood in front of a TV camera, who may never have sung into a microphone, can quickly become a star.

A modern fairy tale can become real.

So yes, I believe in it and that's why I'm so looking forward to it.

What do you want to stand for on the show?

Florian Silbereisen:

First and foremost, I stand for appreciative entertainment.

That definitely sets you apart from Dieter Bohlen.

Nevertheless , you too will have to send candidates home

.

Florian Silbereisen:

Yes, of course.

Very many even.

As a juror, I will have to shatter many dreams.

That is not always easy.

But I also feel a responsibility towards these young people, let's say, to bring them back to reality.

Tears flow and there is compassion.

But maybe I can encourage people to think about their other talents - if it's not music.

Part of the "DSDS" idea under Bohlen was that particularly unmusical candidates embarrassed themselves in front of the jury and an audience of millions.

Will you also have such candidates?

Florian Silbereisen:

In principle, anyone can apply to us.

Even candidates with less talent.

I'm happy about anyone who dares to step in front of a camera.

And everyone gets a fair judgment.

What I can tell you: We have seen a great many great candidates who – I would go as far as to say – have world star talent.

Would you like more hits to be sung on "DSDS"?

That was unthinkable in the first few years, since Beatrice Egli the Schlager candidates have been among the most promising.

Florian Silbereisen:

I think that with our "Feste" shows on ARD, we have played a large part in the fact that many candidates suddenly sang hits on "DSDS".

In the past few years, we have triggered a small Schlager revolution.

And yes, a new Helene would be great, maybe we'll find a new Whitney Houston or a new Robbie Williams.

In principle, it doesn't matter to me whether we end up finding a pop star, a rap star or a rock star.

With a private broadcaster like RTL, the number of viewers is the even harder currency than with ARD and ZDF.

Do you feel quota pressure?

Florian Silbereisen:

Basically, you have to say that there has been a decline in ratings for all casting shows in recent years. This is the passage of time. Of course I could quickly increase the rate of "DSDS" by doing intensive candidate bashing, knocking out a few rough sayings, then making headlines and attracting attention. But that's not the path for me. And I'm happy about RTL's courage to dare this new beginning with "DSDS". It's a great adventure, and my chair is certainly the biggest ejection seat on German television. But it's an incredibly beautiful challenge.

In the event that it didn't work out, you would fall softly.

You are firmly in the saddle with ARD and on board the ZDF “Dream Ship” as captain.

How does it feel to be the country's busiest TV star?

Florian Silbereisen:

I don't know if that's really me.

In any case, I am grateful for these opportunities and also humbled.

I certainly won't get bored in the coming weeks and months.

Have you actually been in contact with Dieter Bohlen since it became known that you were taking over his job?

Florian Silbereisen:

Of course I contacted him when it became clear that I would do the job.

And?

His reaction?

Florian Silbereisen:

So my chat history with Dieter Bohlen remains private.

(Laughs.) But we talked to each other a lot when I was a guest judge on "DSDS".