Talent ESC Malik Harris: The full dad power of cult speaker Ricky Harris – people

On his most important day, his father was by his side.

TV star Ricky Harris (59) was a cult speaker on Saturday 1 in 1999 and 2000 with his show “Ricky!”

Now his son Malik Harris, 24, will represent Germany at the Eurovision Song Contest on May 14. Ricky not only accompanied his son to the preliminary round of ESC, but also travels with him to the final in Turin.

BILD met Malik and Ricky in Berlin for a double interview. You can tell right away that the chemistry between the two is correct. They are not only father and son, but also best friends.

Ricky: “It goes without saying that I’m going to see Malik in Turin. As long as he wants me to be there for shows, I’m glad to be there. I’m like his father’s manager.”

Malik: “We are very family. I prefer to play a concert when I know my family is there. We have a very close relationship. I played in small bars for a long time – I felt – nobody but my family. And now that I’m performing in front of millions, I want them to come back” .

Malik has a brother and sister. He lives in Landsberg am Lech (Bavaria). His father Ricky and his wife also live there.

Ricky: “I think it is important for a father to support his son knowing that I am always there for him. For me, Malik has already won the ESC title, he is my superstar. It would not make me more or less proud of where he puts himself. I firmly believe in Malik and that he is He’ll come out on top. But even if my son doesn’t get any points, he’ll still be the winner!”

Malik is also relieved about the competition: “I really enjoy being on stage. That’s what matters to me. Of course I’d like to win, but even if I end up behind you it wouldn’t change that much for me. I don’t see ESC as a competition, it’s secondary to me. To me, this is an event that brings the continent together harmoniously under one beautiful sign – music.”

Ricky: “My neighbor said to me: Your son has become the German champion, he has a title. We don’t know if he will become European champion, but even Bayern Munich can’t do that.”

Since Ricky is experienced in the show business and knows all the ups and downs, he can give his son a lot of advice. For example, about fans who want to be blessed with his fame.

Ricky: “Many women will come and introduce themselves to him, I know that. And there are already many who come close to him. He should pay attention. You always have to keep a certain distance.”

Malik: I have a girlfriend and I’m in a healthy relationship. I’m not the kind of person to deal with a fan. I don’t think of such a thing.”

In 2016, Ricky Harris was a candidate in the RTL jungle camp. How did Malik find his father’s performance?

“I was skeptical at first, but proud in the end. He overcame his fear of heights on the show and always stayed the same.”

After his show ended, Ricky was unemployed

In 2000, the talk show “Ricky!” was discontinued. The broker has lost its main source of income.

Did he have financial concerns after his talk show? Ricky: I was unemployed. The station no longer cares for me. The show is over and who was there for me? Nobody! But I can live on bread and water. I want to protect my son from that. His mother, Gabe, takes care of his finances.”

Malik: “It was bad for me as a kid when we couldn’t go to my favorite restaurant because the money wasn’t there anymore. But I was too young to understand it.”

Ricky’s problem: “I can sell everything on the shopping channels, but I find it hard to sell myself. And my money too I guess. I wish my owner would say no to things more often. I couldn’t do that before either.”