Alvaro Soler is the musical act at the CHIO Aachen Opening Ceremony

Alvaro, you already performed at the Kurpark Classix in Aachen a few years ago, where you impressed over 4,000 enthusiastic fans. There will be many thousands of people in the crowd at the Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen. How much are you looking forward to it?

I am extremely looking forward to Aachen. So many spectators and the prospect of a full house, that really does sound incredibly cool. The energy that one feels as an artist when so many people are present is electrifying. And then in that huge stadium, where the spectators on the stands are more or less hugging you. I can hardly wait to perform there.

What can the spectators await from your performance on the evening of July 1st?

When I am on the stage, something simply always goes "click". I am actually a totally quiet person, but when I get up on stage, I go completely wild (laughs). I totally rock the place. That interplay between the artist and the crowd is always electrifying for me. It is definitely going to be a cool show.

Whether at the Opening Ceremony of the CHIO Aachen or at one of your concerts, the visitors give you their time in such moments. How do you make sure they go home with a smile on their faces?

I think it is a great skill to do something that sticks in the people's minds and, above all, in their hearts. After the event, they have to want to come back. In my case that always works well, because I totally open up every time. Especially when I am already at the event location in the morning and can get a feeling for the whole environment. I am already looking forward to that in Aachen, because I know I will definitely have the time to do that.

Can you already reveal which of your many chart topper songs you will rock the audience with during the Opening Ceremony?

At such an event it is quite obvious that one simply has to play one's greatest hits (laughs). It is also a mega feeling for me when all those people in a sold-out stadium can all sing along.

Is the CHIO Aachen going to be the first time you come into contact with the equestrian sport?

Actually, no. And this is a funny story. While I was studying in Barcelona, I worked for the shuttle service during an international show jumping event, driving the riders from the airport or hotel to the showgrounds and back. It was really cool. And actually I have an allergy against horse hair. But that won't be a problem with regards to my performance in Aachen (laughs).