After the success of ESC
Hazel Brugger reacts to Günther Jauch’s criticism
November 14, 2025 – 16:01Reading time: 2 minutes
He doubted his ESC moderation. Six months later, Hazel Brugger can only smile – and joke – at Günther Jauch’s comments.
Since becoming moderator at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, Hazel has become known not only in German-speaking countries. Together with Michelle Hunziker and Sandra Studer, the Swiss comedian performed live for hours at the world’s largest music competition taking place in Basel in 2025.
Half a year has now passed since the show. “I’m still an ESC fan,” he said in an interview with t-online on the sidelines of the Bambi awards show. “It was one of the best weeks of my life and I was shocked that it was half a year ago, but even more shocked that it was only half a year ago.”
In hindsight, there was more praise than criticism of Hazel Brugger’s moderate stance. But before the 31-year-old performed at the Eurovision Song Contest, Günther Jauch, among others, criticized the decision to use Brugger. “I also can’t imagine Hazel Brugger as an ESC presenter,” he said on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and then explained that it was unusual to have a female comedian in this role.
A statement that Hazel Brugger now responds to. In an interview with t-online, he said that he had never heard of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” host since ESC. “I’ll put it like this: If Günther Jauch, after seeing my moderation, still cannot imagine my moderation, it goes against his imagination.” When asked if he had anything to say to Günther Jauch, he joked: “I always answer B.”
The comedian was awarded Bambi in the comedy category on Thursday night. “Hazel Brugger made visible social injustices – the sexism, the racism, the absurdities of our time – and succeeded in building bridges instead of digging ditches,” the statement said. “His witty, dry humor opens up space for conversation about topics that often go unspoken.”
