Music presenter

Marco Ventre gets to know the Styrian soul

Pop singer and TV presenter Marco Ventre has reached the top of the "show staircase" in his life.(Bild: privat)

In Styria, "Musi" presenter Marco Ventre won the Smago Music Award, but also the love of his life. Dancing star Babsi Koitz from Ligist has been at the pop singer's side since 2013, talking about weddings, hairy vanities and birthday wishes he can do without.

When Marco Ventre "kicks off" his last foursome today, the birthday boy doesn't want an avalanche of wishes, WhatsApps and congratulations. "I haven't celebrated a birthday for 30 years. What's the point of getting another year older? I'd rather people got in touch with me during the year," grins the TV presenter, who received great support from his partner Babsi Koitz during his life crisis.

"We've both learned from the mistakes of previous relationships, have now grown up and treat each other with respect. With Babsi, I'm getting to know the Styrian soul and Styrian qualities." What are the plans for marriage? "Nothing is fixed! You don't need paper for love. But if it happens, we won't announce it to the world". The 49-year-old has now reached the top of the show stairs in his life. Not least with his own Saturday evening show "Wenn die Musi spielt".

Marco Ventre with his partner Babsi Koitz(Bild: privat)

The long road to the "Champions League of TV entertainment" is lined with disappointments and empty promises. "The time wasn't ripe beforehand and you can't force anything, so it just took longer for me. Now I am the "amigo" among the presenters, who was able to make his dream come true even without penetrating interventions, political advocacy and outside help".

Causa Jelinek: "Don't be afraid of politician chats" 
 If that was the case, then the ORF man need not be afraid of chats popping up and shattering the dream. Alluding to the dismissed ORF presenter Philipp Jelinek, the ORF presenter hardly lets anything slip: "I've been thinking these days how unpleasant this would be for me. But commenting on colleagues is not in my character".

Tough draw for the "Musi-Quote"
 The artist line-up for the next "Musi" on June 14 and 15 is already fixed. However, the next ratings dip is inevitable. Most recently, the last-minute broadcast of the European Handball Championships on ORF 1 hit the music show in terms of ratings. A tragic coincidence. But now things are getting worse: in mid-June, "Sommer-Musi" has to compete against the soccer Euro and that could cost regular customers again. Such a ratings dip is not as easy to make up as the first wrinkles on the face of the smart show host, who is not aware of any exaggerated vanity. "Botox isn't the big issue yet. My fear of needles is too great".

Old car and new hair
However, when it comes to his own hair and receding hairlines, the pop star grits his teeth. "Unfortunately, my hair fell out at a young age and I struggled with whether to invest my savings in a new car or a full head of hair. As I didn't have the right face to go bald, I had a hair transplant". For a better attitude to life, increased self-confidence and a hair's breadth more masculinity. "I stand by it and can only recommend it to anyone."