Jimmy Kelly's Playback breakdown on ZDF: pipe performance ensures laughter

Jimmy Kelly's Playback breakdown on ZDF: pipe performance ensures laughter

Mainz, Deutschland - in the ZDF "TV garden" Jimmy Kelly made an unforgettable, albeit embarrassing appearance in early June 2025. With his band, Kelly presented a party version of the song "Ares Qui" on the show that was under the motto "Vintage Flea Market". During his performance, however, the audience noticed a strange breakdown: the singer danced with a whistle in the mouth and thus missed his vocal use.

When the playback set in his voice, Kelly hastily pulled the pipe out of his mouth to continue singing synchronously. This moment revealed the playback character of his appearance and caused ridicule on the Internet, while the spectators remained unimpressed on site and celebrated happily. Kelly reacted humorously to the situation and smiled sympathetically into the camera.

playback as a common practice

in the ZDF "television garden" it is not uncommon for artists to appear to playback. A spokesman for the ZDF said that due to the close organizational and technical requirements in the program, live performances are only possible in exceptional cases. Samples for a take on average only 15 minutes, which makes it difficult to realize a complete live performance.

Most artists, including Kelly, often rely on full or half playback. However, the latter is only allowed on request. Even if the breakdown on the network caused amused comments, it did not affect the mood in the audience that continued to enjoy the mood.

Although the situation was perceived as awkward, the audience remained left and continued to celebrate with Andrea Kiewel, who encouraged the editorial team to drink during the show. So despite the Playback breakdown, it was possible to preserve a happy atmosphere.

Jimmy Kelly's appearance in the ZDF “television garden” is remembered by this humorous incident, whereby the organizational conditions behind the scenes make it clear why such technical breakdowns in the show are not uncommon.

For further details about this incident, the reports can be found on Schlager.de and tz viewed.