“It gets on your nerves, no one wants that.”
Pop legend rails against Helene Fischer
Updated on November 16, 2024 – 09:18 amReading time: 2 min.
Helene Fischer is one of Germany’s most successful pop stars. Nevertheless, her hit colleague Christian Anders has a lot to complain about about the singer.
Helene Fischer started her music career in the 2000s. Today, around 20 years later, she is an integral part of the hit industry and is one of the most commercially successful singers in Germany. One person who is not impressed by this is Christian Anders.
The pop star, who was particularly successful in the 1970s, now sharply criticizes Helene Fischer in an interview with “Prima Woche”. ”I think she can’t sing.” The 79-year-old continues: “She has a wonderful voice, but her singing teacher is her curse.”
Christian Anders also notes that Helene Fischer has never had a number 1 hit, not even with “Breathlessly through the Night”. “Not even this song was number 1 and with this media presence. With this woman’s media presence, every song should be number 1. But it’s not.” However, Anders is not entirely correct in his claim. Because in 2023 “Breathless through the Night” made it to first place in the charts. For the tenth anniversary, Fischer released a new version together with rapper Shirin David.
Christian Anders is of the opinion that Helene Fischer sings artificially and ”musically”. “It gets on your nerves, nobody wants that,” says the musician. “She has a husband,” Christian Anders concludes and suggests: “He should take her in his arms and squeeze her really hard so that her vocal cords might then develop better.”
However, Helene Fischer’s success contradicts Christian Anders’ thesis. The 40-year-old is not only extremely strong commercially, her popularity is also reflected on social media. 1.1 million fans follow Fischer on Instagram alone and repeatedly flood the comment columns of her posts with kind words and compliments.
How can contemporary pop artists incorporate storytelling while appealing to modern audiences?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Pop Music Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of pop music controversy, specifically focusing on the recent remarks made by Christian Anders about the reigning pop icon, Helene Fischer. Joining us to unpack this situation is Dr. Lisa Müller, a noted musicologist and cultural commentator who specializes in contemporary pop music trends. Welcome, Dr. Müller!
Dr. Lisa Müller: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing topic.
Editor: Let’s get straight to it. Christian Anders, a pop star from the 1970s, has openly criticized Helene Fischer, stating that “it gets on your nerves, no one wants that.” What do you make of these comments, considering Fischer’s immense success?
Dr. Müller: Well, Anders’s remarks seem to stem from a combination of nostalgia and perhaps a sense of protectiveness over the genre his generation helped shape. Fischer’s commercial success is undeniable; she regularly sells out huge stadiums, captivating a new audience that might not even be aware of artists like Anders.
Editor: It’s interesting to note the generational divide here. Why do you think artists from earlier eras often feel the need to voice such criticisms?
Dr. Müller: It’s a blend of factors. Many artists from earlier decades might feel overshadowed, particularly as newer performers dominate the charts and media. There’s also a fear of losing relevance in an industry that’s constantly evolving and favoring youth. Critics like Anders may believe that the “old guard” merits recognition and respect, especially when they perceive the newer stars as lacking substance.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. Fischer has been described as an integral part of the German pop music scene. How does her style and approach differ from what we saw during Anders’s heyday?
Dr. Müller: Fischer’s music leans heavily towards a polished, almost theatrical presentation. She incorporates elements of various genres, including folk and Schlager, creating a broad appeal that resonates with many listeners today. In contrast, Anders and his contemporaries often prioritized more straightforward storytelling and lyrical depth, which can lead to feelings of disconnect for some traditionalists.
Editor: Speaking of storytelling, do you think Fischer’s music lacks the depth that older pop music used to have, or is it simply a different era with different expectations?
Dr. Müller: Both, actually. There’s an argument to be made that contemporary music often prioritizes catchiness and production over lyrical complexity. However, this isn’t necessarily a deficit—it reflects a shift in consumer preferences. Audiences today might be looking for songs that are instantly enjoyable and fit into diverse listening contexts, like parties or social media, rather than deep lyrical analyses.
Editor: Very well put. Lastly, how do you see this clash of opinions impacting the future of pop music in Germany and beyond?
Dr. Müller: I think it will continue to spark debate and lead to a more expansive dialogue about what pop music can or should be. This tension could encourage newer artists to blend styles and approaches, fusing the storytelling of the past with the commercial savvy and production of the present. Ultimately, it keeps the genre vibrant and evolving.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Müller, for your insights today. It’s clear that the pop music landscape is as dynamic as ever, and figures like Helene Fischer and Christian Anders are contributing to a rich discourse around its evolution.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me—I enjoyed our conversation!
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in! Stay with us for more discussions that dig deeper into the stories shaping our world today.