Arabella Kiesbauer gives off an 'exciting' vibe. - Arabella Kiesbauer avoids being dull or uninteresting.
Get ready for some real chaos on German TV! Arabella Kiesbauer (56), the legendary host, is set to take over "Battle of the Reality Stars" starting May 7th on RTL2 (8:15 PM), a week earlier on RTL. She'll be replacing Cathy Hummels (37) and meet exciting candidates like actors Stephen Dürr and Anouschka Renzi, football star Ailton, and the drama king Can Kaplan, all vying for success after last year's winner Calvin Kleinen.
Kiesbauer's extensive experience with messy situations will prove beneficial in her new role, as she revealed in an interview with spot on news. She's also thankful for a temporary respite from the daily drama with her teenage children. She discusses why she wouldn't move into the "Sala" herself and which contestant would have been a perfect fit for her cult talk show "Arabella."
How thrilled are you to get your airtime back?
Arabella Kiesbauer: I absolutely adore the format. It piqued my interest, and I immediately said, "I'm in!" - with great enthusiasm. For the reality stars, it's crucial they entertain the audience, generate airtime, and deliver.
Miss the drama in your life?
Kiesbauer: I can be quite a drama queen myself, so I contribute to the chaos too. (laughs) With two teenagers at home, we've got plenty of drama now. But yes, I'm someone who enjoys asking questions, rehashing conflicts, and digging deeper.
Being away from family for the shoot...
Kiesbauer: Given the turbulence at home due to puberty, it was sometimes quite pleasant. (laughs) Being apart for three and a half weeks is a long time, though. I truly missed the kids.
Instagram makes it seem like you were just vacationing for three and a half weeks...
Kiesbauer: I couldn't post about the show. So it looks like I was on a vacation. (laughs) The shoot was fantastic, the people were lovely, but it was also work. You'll see that on TV!
Watched "Battle of the Reality Stars" recently?
Kiesbauer: I'm a big fan of reality shows and watch various formats from different countries. I still watch a lot of TV - I'm from the generation that still sits in front of the screen. But what I particularly enjoy about "Battle of the Reality Stars" are the games. They're incredibly creative, and that's what draws me in.
Different hosting style from Cathy Hummels. What will you do differently?
Kiesbauer: I'm a different horse in this race. I’ve definitely expanded the "Hour of Truth" talk segment in the show, which is my forte. When I need answers, I'm curious and ask very specifically.
Worried about criticisms like Cathy Hummels faced?
Kiesbauer: I'm very chill about this. I've been doing this for 40 years, it's my job, so I know I can handle it.
Ever felt thrown off in talk show situations?
Kiesbauer: The talk show was an excellent learning ground because I always had to react to the unexpected. I've done many live broadcasts, so I'm used to dealing with unusual situations. But even during these shoots, things happen that make me think, "What's going on here?" But we'll see... I don't like it when someone refuses to answer.
Balancing entertainment and empathy in talk shows...
Kiesbauer: There must be some rules in the context of a civil but intense conversation culture. To enforce this, I'm here. I have no problem putting my foot down and making things clear.
Which "Battle of the Reality Stars" contestant would have fit in "Arabella"?
Kiesbauer: Definitely Can: "My ex cheated on me." Or: "I'm meeting my ex's fling today." Any drama related to the turbulent relationship with his ex-girlfriend would have been perfect.
Looking forward to meeting anyone?
Kiesbauer: I was excited to reunite with Martin Semmelrogge because I've known him for 25 years. But I'm curious about the newcomers. I knew some from preparations, but not personally. It's intriguing to see them in action, how they present themselves in the "Sala," and how the conversations go.
Austrian compatriot, Tara Tabitha, is participating. Austrian alliance?
Kiesbauer: I try to remain impartial. That's essential, in my opinion, as a moderator. Each person must impress me, or not, in every show.
Dealing with polarizing personalities...
Kiesbauer: You just have to address it directly and clearly and say, "That's not how it's done." I don't want to hear certain expressions or outbursts. Conversation culture can be passionate, but you don't have to insult each other to the worst extent, that's not productive. We want to talk to each other, not make someone stand there feeling offended and unable to continue.
If you were to move into the "Sala" yourself...
Kiesbauer: I’m completely unsuitable. Being in such a small space with people who aren't part of my personal friend group would definitely be the greatest challenge for me. But I think the games are great. I'd be right in there. I'd give it my all, but I'd have to watch out that I don't hurt myself from too much enthusiasm. (laughs)
Fans can expect...
Kiesbauer: Absolute madness! When so many mixed-up people are forced to live together in a shared apartment, it naturally offers a lot of conflict potential. Emotional entanglements also arise. It's certainly an exceptional situation for the reality stars - and therefore also for the viewers.
- Arabella Kiesbauer expressed her excitement about returning to German TV with "Battle of the Reality Stars", which starts on May 7th on RTL2.
- Kiesbauer expressed that she was ready to bring her drama-queen personality into the show, as she herself is prone to creating chaos.
- Although being away from her family during the shoot was tough, Kiesbauer acknowledged that it provided a welcome break from the daily drama at home with her teenage children.
- Despite the challenges of balancing entertainment and empathy in talk shows, Kiesbauer asserted her ability to maintain a civil but intense conversation culture, stating that she would not hesitate to enforce rules when necessary.
