Ikke Hüftgold: “I actually think there’s never been a song with better lyrics”
On the 3rd of March 2023, Germany will choose their act for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool. One of the nine finalists is Ikke Hüftgold, who won the TikTok wildcard with more than 50% of all votes. Known for performing and writing party hits, Ikke Hüftgold will compete in the German national final with “Lied mit gutem Text” (“Song with good lyrics”). In his second home Mallorca, he is known as Bierkönig (Beer King) and he also produced Germany’s biggest summer hit of 2022, “Layla”, which stayed at number 1 in the German charts for nine weeks.
We had the pleasure to meet Ikke ahead of his performance and ask him a few questions:
Hi Ikke and thank you so much for agreeing to participate in our interview!
First of all, why have you decided to apply for the German Eurovision final?
The last few years have been a great disaster. Now only humor helps. And since Ikke Hüftgold is the most humorous German musician, he is also Germany’s only salvation internationally.
How did you feel when you won the TikTok wildcard?
I’m still overwhelmed by the result of the TikTok vote. After all, I had great other acts in the voting that I would have rated much better than me. That’s why I just want to say thank you to the many fans who seemingly want to see me in Liverpool. But no matter what happens, it will be the time of my life, no matter how the pre-selection in Cologne ends.
You are of course very well known in Germany already – Do you think this could be an advantage for the national final?
I might be the most famous act at the German national final, but I know from the past that many people haven’t discovered my humorous music yet. The evening in Cologne is of course a great opportunity to convince even the last doubters of Ikke Hüftgold. And a bit of humor certainly doesn’t hurt the competition. Nevertheless, I am going to Cologne with seriousness and full of pride. Because 40 years ago I sat in front of the TV with my parents and thrilled with the ESC. I still cannot believe that I am now a part of this event!
“Lied mit gutem Text” says that Germany finally needs a song with good lyrics again – Do you think your song is the one?
I actually think there’s never been a song with better lyrics. Because what’s easier to sing around the world than la la la la? But maybe the text is too simple for you, after all Ikke Hipgold comes from the land of poets and thinkers. Goethe and Schiller would probably turn in their graves. I apologize for that 🙂
Can you give us a small taste of what your performance is going to look like?
My performance is kept top secret. But I can tell you one thing. I’m letting sand and palm trees fly in from Mallorca, although I don’t know yet if that’s allowed. We will see the rest on March 3rd in Cologne 🙂
If you win the German final, what do you expect from Liverpool?
If I actually win, the first thing I’ll do is knock on Jürgen Klopp’s door and have a beer with him. And of course I also look at the pubs where the Beatles had their first gigs. It’s going to be a historical trip 🙂
Why do you think you can improve the recent German results in the Eurovision Song Contest?
I have high hopes that I will get more points than the last German music acts. I believe that humor can also be transferred to other nations. Other countries like the Netherlands, Slovenia, Israel or Austria don’t take themselves too seriously either. That has often been well received. So why not me too?
Do you have a favorite Eurovision song?
The best song I’ve ever heard at the Eurovision Song Contest is clearly Netta’s “Toy” from Israel. I had to laugh so loud. Just great!
What else would you like to say to our readers from all over the world?
I wish the readers of ESCBubble a great event and of course I would be happy to receive honest feedback, should I make it to Liverpool. Stay healthy and well! Your Ikke Hüftgold
Thank you so much for answering our questions. We wish you the best of luck for Unser Lied für Liverpool on March 3rd and cannot wait to see your performance!
If you want to support Ikke Hüftgold, you can vote for him in our poll!
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