Johannes Oerding: “Sarah Connor is the greatest competition”

Johannes Oerding (39) celebrates his debut as coach of “The Voice of Germany” on October 7th. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, the singer reveals why he was rightly excited at first, why coach colleague Sarah Connor (41) is his biggest competitor and what his partner Ina Müller (56) said about his new job.

How did you experience your entry into “The Voice of Germany”?

Johannes Oerding: I was very excited and rightly so. A lot is happening here, the spots come on and new impressions await everywhere. This is initially a sensory overload, but I slowly got into the task and got support from the other coaches if you had any questions.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of “The Voice” as a new coach?

Oerding: The disadvantage is of course that the talents don’t know you from the “The Voice” cosmos. Then it might just be that you go to someone like Mark Forster, whom you have seen on television for many years and know what makes him tick. But: You also saw that Mark Forster has never won. (laughs) Some talents might prefer to say: I’ll go to Oerding, he’s fresh, he’s got verve and he’s up for it.

Is it also a disadvantage that you make music in German, but many talents want to sing in English?

Oerding: Yes, it is definitely noticeable that the talents think about who they are going to. Those who want to compete internationally are more likely to go to Nico Santos because that’s exactly what he stands for. Singers who like R’n’B and soul seem to be more attracted to Sarah Connor because she has proven that she has great expertise there. For this I come to people who like to sing in German, who already write their own songs, who play instruments, who are really artists who have come a long way. I think it’s nice that I already have such an experienced team.

Who do you see as the strongest competitor among the coaches?

Oerding: I think the biggest competition for all of us is Sarah Connor because she has the strongest vocal team. There are really many, many great voices there. Where a voice like that is almost enough to win. But I always say to my team: We may not have the big Mariah Carey voices among us, but we have personality, authenticity, character and experience. That is what counts here and what ultimately resonates with the audience.

Sarah Connor was only able to participate in the battles virtually after a positive corona test. How did you find out about the test result?

Oerding: I looked at my plan and was amazed that Sarah didn’t have to compete that day. We were then informed and explained that they were already working on solutions. From the home office she made a very strong and fit impression on me again.

How else did you experience the shoots under Corona conditions?

Oerding: In the meantime I’ve got used to the productions where you are tested every day, where you may have to be in quarantine for three to four days beforehand so that everything really runs smoothly. In the meantime, we in the event industry have also learned that this is a small evil that simply belongs with it every morning. It is all the more sad when something like Sarah does. With her it didn’t happen on site, but outside of it. You just don’t have it under control.

How was it for you just listening to the voices on the red chair?

Oerding: Very unusual, because the visual level has played a major role in my performances so far. I am also of the opinion that this is part of the overall picture of an artistic performance, because it creates completely different possibilities and serves completely different levels. Still, I found the experience funny – how often we looked at each other questioningly: Is that a woman? Is it a man Is it a kid How many are there? You really have to sensitize your own hearing in order to then hear the subtleties and that certain something. You also develop preferences, I really liked it when someone sang in German and conveyed what they sang in a believable way. I was there relatively quickly and often there. There was also someone who sang a song of mine and I wish they had sung it a little better. As a coach, I had to remain honest and objective.

It’s a shame about the format that the winners often don’t get off to a flying start after their victory …

Oerding: I think that even if you go out as a winner or as someone who is thrown out halfway: from then on everything is possible, everything is feasible. That doesn’t always have to do with the TV show, but with your own character and drive, how and whether you want to continue or whether you meet the right people afterwards. There were people who were at the start for a while, maybe even still are. It is exciting that they weren’t just winners, but ex-talents like Michael Schulte or Max Giesinger. What the show can deliver to everyone is that you can learn a lot here, take a lot with you and also be inspired.

Last year the anniversary season was occupied by a few double chairs. Would you have liked to have a coaching partner next to you?

Oerding: On the contrary, I wanted to sit there alone (laughs). That was a little too much action for me last season. With four people it’s a little tidier again. If I didn’t have the choice, there would be people I would like to sit down with. Wincent Weiss, for example, with whom I like to spend my time and always have fun with him. It is quick in the pear and is quick-witted. Together we can be quite provocative. (laughs)

What did your partner Ina Müller say about your new job?

Oerding: We always share these moments with one another. When something new arises and happens, we are fans of each other and support each other. Just like me, she is a little proud that you have made it so far, that you are in demand and that you can be part of a show like this. Sometimes you don’t even notice what has happened in recent years. I still think I’m 14 and I play in a school band.

What is it like for you to be able to stand on stage again thanks to the relaxation of the corona?

Oerding: Everything was included in my previous shows: beach chair or picnic concerts, concerts with seats, model tests with many thousands of people, with and without masks, 3G, 2G … All the concepts had something for themselves, but the most beautiful were then the one where you can really see the people and where they can stand together again a little bit and participate. But everything is not what it used to be. That is still sad and a shame. We are all excited that at some point someone will say: Take care people, everything is as it was before.

Their sixth album “Konturen” recently went platinum. Are there any plans for new songs or a new album?

Oerding: That is something that unfortunately falls a bit behind due to the live shows and TV work. I often forget to sit down and write things down. But at some point I have to find the beginning. There are one, two, three ideas. And I know myself, when I’ve written the first song and think it’s good, then the machinery starts rolling – slowly like an old steam locomotive, but at least.