During his Eurovision 2018 stage show, he shares photos of other people with their fathers on his projection screen. And on May 10 — Germany’s Father’s Day — Michael Schulte finally shared a photo of his own.
The touching image shows toddler Michael holding his father’s hand as they walk along the water, with the sails of boats visible in the background. Michael rises just above his father’s knees.
Writing in the Instagram caption, the “You Let Me Walk Alone” singer said:
“Happy Father’s Day, dad. I always was and still am more than proud to be your son. I could’ve not wished for a better father than you were. I would’ve wished though that we could’ve walked together like on this picture a little longer.”
Michael’s decision to share the photo may reflect the personal journey he’s been on since writing his song in January.
He previously told wiwibloggs that it was extremely difficult to write the personal number. And the fact he didn’t share a family photo in the actual stage show suggests that he wanted to keep some matters private.
But just as he’s grown increasingly confident on stage, he also seems more comfortable discussing his personal history. Surely the love he has received from around the world following his consistently strong performances has played some part in that.
Speaking to wiwibloggs after his second rehearsal, the 28-year-old discussed another facet of his story — how the loss of his father impacted the rest of his family, including his mother.
“It is emotional every time,” he said of the performances in Lisbon, “but I feel like I can let myself fall a little more every time and it feels good. It feels a little like home already this stage.”
“I don’t think that I’m going to cry or something, but I’m going to have the emotions inside of me. It’s going to be an emotional moment because there are going to be so many people watching. I hope I can stand the pressure….I’m really looking forward to it.”
Our conversation coincided with Mother’s Day in Portugal.
“She just means so much to me. She’s just an amazing person and I’m so thankful for everything that she did.”
“It must be so hard to lose your husband and to be all alone with three kids all of a sudden — with three kids who are all teenagers. It’s a hard time for the children and we were all sad and crying all the time and she had to deal with it and be strong for us and keep us alive.”
“There wasn’t really time for her to be sad, because she had to be strong for us. I can’t imagine what that must feel like. I’m really emotional. I’m getting goosebumps here. It’s crazy what she did for us. I’m really thankful.”
Are you as touched by Michael as we are? Do you think that Germany is the dark horse to win Eurovision? Or is Michael now more of a galloping steed with bright red hair rushing toward first place? Let us know in the comments box below.
soon you might need to take away this post because of GDPR hahah 😉
Hearing Germany I was willing to vomit…. I really don’t know if it was a coincidence …
I had to cry while watching his performance on Thursday.
It was Father’s Day and he sang about his dead father. Additionally, my stepbrother lost his biological father one month ago.
That was so heartbreaking for me I couldn’t stop crying..
I wouldn’t be surprised if Germany wins. It’s a dark horse.
This is in my top 3 and wouldn’t mind if it wins, simmply amazing.
For me it’s not the dark horse. This is a good song to like to listen to, but not my winner. This is private life that he is singing and this is not the way to win for me. It doesn’t touch me because we all have experienced this and it has to kept secrets. Yes when you sing this to your fan who come to see your concert it’s ok , that’s what I think.
Everything is private life, Jamala (grandmother personal story), Salvador (love for two), Portugal (grandmother dead), everything is private life, even Moldova triangle, everything. What are you talking about? Private live has won ESC all the time. Even ”Diggiloo Diggiley”.
Exactly! Needless to say that the boundary between the private and the public is really indistinguishable and porous. The private is always political, social, and cultural. We can always learn more about the political, cultural, and social forces that shape our lives through understanding how our private lives are structured. For example, when Lion76 says that this is a private life issue that should not be sung, it reveals a political/cultural/social attitude that encourages us to keep our lives completely private because, if they became public, then we would feel vulnerable and weak.
Me and me. Jamala in historical context. Portugal is a normal love song. Moldova 2017 yes in fact this is why they became third in the end because of that. But Here I said that the song is good. But what I disagree is first to sing it in English ( he is German) and this photos Mixed with this graphics makes really kitschy and for it remains private.
Is clear that you support Italy and nothing will change your opinion. Still art and intimate feelings are 100% linked. But you support Italy, I get it, there are only a few hours until the final, no point to debate now.
Yes I support Italy! It doesn’t mean I don’t like German son. I only say that for me the Italian song is more real for me . I repeat this is good for fans who go to his concerts not to display it in Eurovision concept . Maybe I ‘m wrong but this is my thought. May the best win!
Lol, every true song is private, what do you expect him to sing, how was weather today?
This the case for Cyprus. Tell me what are the words of this song meaning.??? I only think this is sexual and nothing else
Agree
And what is the idea here? That sexuality, lust, desire, sex have nothing to do with life and they are meaningless?
Of course not. Actually we are lacking this year in song which presents that properly.
Are you talking about Cyprus? In that song, everything is about diva ”look at me” attitude, not desire for someone, imo.
Ok I understand your point of you, but you can express all this things together but in a serious way not in a such dirty way . It’s like she’s selling her body.
We need more songs like this in the ESC. That’s how a song can have an impact on wider audiences. Good luck to Germany from Athens.
I heard this song before I knew it was in eurovosion. Such an emotional song and a great voice. If it doesn’t touch every other nation and win, it will be a complete injustice. Best eurovosion song I have heard in years.
One of my sentimental faves this year. I am really happy that Germany is getting a lot of attention and climbing up to the top in the last few days.
On sunday it is Mother’s Day, not Father’s Day.
Father‘s Day was last Thursday, May 10 … in Germany.
Now is Michael turn to help his mother. Good luck with musical career.
I just wish him all the best. He deserves it so so much.
This is so amazing and emotional!
It really is. The more I see this, the more I like it. And every single time it makes me a little emotional. It’s wonderful.
Hello, and plus this in English so it is easier for you to understand it;-) regards