She would have been the top act, but now Vanessa Mai (30) is absent "due to illness" at short notice for the Christmas singing at Schalke. This was announced on the event's website. "As a replacement, pop singer Olaf Henning will be on the stage in the Veltins Arena," it said.

Vanessa Mai herself also spoke up in an Instagram story. "Dear May team, unfortunately I can't be at Schalke tonight as planned. I wanted to try it this morning, but it's not possible. Unfortunately, I'm completely flat due to illness." The singer added: "Too bad, I was so happy! I wish everyone who is there a lot of fun and a nice third Advent! Your Vanessa".

According to the organizers, almost 34,000 Schalke fans came to the Veltins Arena for the big Christmas carols in 2019. After a three-year break, the event can now take place again in its fifth edition and the Schalke stadium is to be transformed again "into a concert hall in a wintry setting". The visitors then want to sing German and international Christmas carols together.