Andrea Kiewel explains how difficult it was for her to record “Kiwi’s Big Party Night” given the war in Israel.
For presenter Andrea Kiewel (58), who moved her life to Israel many years ago, the Middle East conflict is currently omnipresent. Nevertheless, it was important to her to return to Germany a few weeks ago to pursue a special task. She hosts her own new music show “Kiwi’s Big Party Night”, which will premiere on Wednesday, December 27th (8:15 p.m. on Sat.1 and on Joyn). Guests who will be there include Anastacia (55), Peter Maffay (74), PUR and Vanessa Mai (31). Next year there will be three more episodes with appearances by Howard Carpendale (77) or Thomas Anders (60). In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Kiewel tells us how special the recordings of the shows were for her, when she will return to Germany and what she wants for Israel.
You recently recorded your show series “Kiwi’s Big Party Night”. How difficult was it for you to do a party show given the situation for you in Israel?
Andrea Kiewel: It was incredibly difficult for me. There were several moments before, when the attack and the terror started here, that I thought I wouldn’t do this. But both my friend and family and colleagues said: “Of course you do it. There’s no way you’re going to let the terror win. We’ll get on with our lives and fight the terror.” It was important for me to do that too. This is my first own show and then going into a television studio and reading the words “Welcome to Kiwi’s big party night” really touched me. I didn’t want to miss this opportunity to show that I can be brave and that I can achieve something great together with my team. I also wanted to encourage others. There are different situations in life where you feel weak, where you think, I can’t do this. And then you do it anyway and don’t regret it.
How did you feel when you were in Germany for the shows?
Kiewel: I was very lucky to be supported by my colleagues as well as by everyone who was involved in some way and by many who spoke to me in Berlin and whom I didn’t even know. I have experienced nothing but love and empathy in these two weeks. I will never forget that for the rest of my life. This was such a special production under such special circumstances. For example, I went to see Howard before the first show [Carpendale, Anm. d. Red]to say hello. We’ve known each other for a long time, I’ve been able to announce him many times and I admire him very much, but he’s not someone I’m falling for like I do with Nino de Angelo or Vanessa Mai. Howard hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear that he was very happy to see me here in Berlin. Then I thought: Even if I don’t hear from people for a long time, that doesn’t mean I’m not in their minds or hearts. This feeling of “I am not alone” really touched me.
What does your everyday life look like at the moment?
Kiewel: Everyday life is not everyday life at all, but rather it has been one day after the other since October 7th. I try to always do something somehow. I was very lucky to find a private initiative relatively quickly at the beginning in which the army said directly what was needed. I came back from Berlin with two 33 kilo suitcases and brought things like headlamps, laser pointers and small heating pads. I try to keep myself busy all the time so that I don’t get caught up in this emotional rollercoaster and keep checking the news. I think the word resilience describes it quite well, the attempt to remain resilient and function more or less. I would be lying if I said I did it well, I didn’t do it well. I cry a lot, but I’m here and that’s important.
Was it not an issue for you to be in Germany because of the war?
Kiewel: No, I live here, this is my home, I have family here. So that was never a question. On the contrary, I still cursed when there was no return flight after the shows on Saturdays. The current plan is that I won’t return to Germany until New Year’s Eve at the Brandenburg Gate.
Where do you see Germany’s duty or what would you like to see happen?
Kiewel: It doesn’t have so much to do with wishes, but rather with not forgetting us here. It doesn’t mean that you close your eyes and say yes and amen to everything. But now is a time without buts. Now it is important to understand: Terror is not acceptable. The fact that babies have been burned in front of their parents, women have been abused and people have been kidnapped is unacceptable. The fact that it is possible and without consequences in Germany for supporters of this terror to be allowed to march through the streets and shout slogans that this country should no longer exist is unbearable.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
