Leony defends herself against EM song critics: “The official EM song was always in English”

For German singer Leony (26), the negative comments about her EM song apparently go too far. explains the Upper Palatinate resident, whose native name is Leonie Burger: “I’m always open to constructive criticism. But when I get negative messages and comments, it’s 90 percent hate and no more criticism.” She believes that many simply do not understand “what hate can trigger in a person” and suspects that “mostly very dissatisfied people” are behind the comments.

There was a debate, especially on social media, about why the song for the European Championships in Germany was not in German. Leony explains: “The official song of the European Championship was always in English and is intended to pick up and inspire all the other participating countries.” The 26-year-old emphasized that she “loves” the song with the Italian producer Meduza and the US pop-rock band One Republic and that she is “really looking forward” to the European Championships. “I love the atmosphere that exists in the country when everyone is passionate about the same thing.” She tries not to let all the negative news get to her and to take it with humor. “I had to learn to deal with it very early on and I grew a thick skin.”

Leony: “Goal anthem is not my decision”

Leony commented on the critical opinions. The “Remedy” interpreter wrote with a laughing emoji about the clip with her statement: “How a 20-second goal anthem and a three-minute song can trigger so much hatred in people is a mystery to me.” In addition to the “great and sweet news,” she says in the video that she also received “an awful lot of hate.” “You can’t seem to be happy for others and have to talk bad about everything.” She also emphasizes in the clip: “Why should the song for the entire tournament, the entire European Championship, be in German and everyone else wouldn’t understand it?” Furthermore, in the last few days people have started to “hate me for not using ‘Major Tom’ as the goal anthem. I can’t help it. That wasn’t my decision.”

Fans are currently demanding that Peter Schilling’s (68) classic “Major Tom” be played as the anthem when the German soccer team scores goals. But at the European Championships, the European Football Union (Uefa) determines the procedure. The same jingle should sound for all goals from all teams, as UEFA made it clear to “Sportschau”. It is said to be part of the official EM song, which has not yet been presented, and is due to be released in May. At least the DFB gave in to the fans’ wishes and played “Major Tom” in the European Championship test after the first goal against the Netherlands.