Everything is wonderful in pop music. Not so for Michelle (44): two divorces and depression made life difficult for her. Nevertheless, she is happy today.
Her current album is called "Ich würd' es wieder tun". Does that mean you have no regrets in your career?
Michelle There are moments in life when you have to make decisions that can turn out to be mistakes. Then it's important to learn from them. There are so many unhappy people in this world who can only change things themselves because no one else is responsible.
In 2001, you took part in the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) for Germany. Would you do it again?
No. But I don't regret my participation. I think the ESC has become too political, so I can't imagine performing there again.
You are on the jury of the RTL casting show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar". Do you have no problem with the candidates being exposed?
There are many candidates for whom the adjective "bad" is still a nice term. But they think of themselves as being totally talented. You have to be honest with people.
How has the pop scene changed since you started out?
There used to be a lot of taboos. The radios didn't want to play my song with Matthias Reim, "Idiot", because of the title. And with my tattoos and rough edges, I didn't really fit into this seemingly ideal world. Today, pop music is less pigeonholed and therefore younger.
You often sing about love. How are you doing there?
I'm very happy at the moment. I've been alone for three years, but it works. I'm sure I'll meet my match, I'm under no pressure.
