Pop star Mireille Mathieu ends her career

“When it’s at its best, it’s time to say goodbye,” said Mireille Mathieu of the newspaper “Bild”, confirming that her music career would soon end. In 2024, Schlager’s grande dame will be on stage for the last time. In the coming year, the 77-year-old will celebrate her farewell with a world tour. “The planning took over a year. So I had enough time to make this decision.”

At the age of 18, Mireille Mathieu won a singing competition in her hometown of Avignon. She is considered the new Edith Piaf. A singer in France can hardly receive a greater compliment. A performance in Paris follows, with millions of viewers sitting in front of the television sets. Shy Mireille may sing three songs. After that, it is the hot topic in the country.

Manager Johnny Stark, who also works with the artists Yves Montand and Johnny Hallyday, recognizes the talent of the petite young woman with the striking bangs. He organizes lessons in dance and stylish looks for her, she learns German and other languages.

Critics accuse her of being a puppet. On the contrary, others say that accepting the manager’s advice is a sign of strength. On Johnny Stark’s advice, she doesn’t even change her hair. German Schlager composer Ralph Siegel, who also collaborated with Mireille Mathieu, described the haircut as a major management trick in an Arte TV documentary. “Donald Duck always looked the same.” French radio host Stéphane Bern said the haircut gave the singer confidence.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Mireille Mathieu was one of the superstars of French chanson, touring the world and appearing regularly in TV shows. The fact that she also performs in China and Russia, performing together with Russian President Vladimir Putin and singing the national anthem at the inauguration of French President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007, has been repeatedly resented by her compatriots and interpreted as political commitment.

Mireille Mathieu sees things differently. She wants to “just sing, for everyone, for the whole world”. But now that’s over. In 2024, the musician says goodbye to the big stage – with a world tour entitled “Goodbye my Love, Goodbye”.

Until then, Mireille Mathieu will appear on television several times. On Saturday she is a guest in the “Schlagerboom”. In Florian Silbereisen’s show she appears alongside stars such as Howard Carpendale and Vicky Leandros. Together with the presenter she will sing her hit song “Goodbye my Love, Goodbye”. “Florian is a faithful, loyal and very warm friend to me,” said Mathieu about “Bild”.

And how will the world star continue after the end of her career? “I will continue to live in Paris and Avignon and spend the summers on the Côte d’Azur.” However, there do not seem to be any concrete plans yet. “Let’s see what will happen.”

(dpa, t-online, rix)