# Singer Michelle personal life and career transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/singer-michelle-personal-life-and-relationship-changes > Updated: 2026-10-25T05:20:00.000Z. Sources: 33. Developments: 8. German Schlager singer Michelle has addressed her recent personal transitions following her retirement from the stage in 2026. During an appearance at HeidiFest, Michelle discussed the end of her relationship with Eric Philippi. Although the couple had become engaged for a second time in February 2026, the separation occurred ‘very, very, very short-term’. Michelle noted that Philippi ended the relationship via telephone. While Philippi confirmed he initiated the split, citing a ‘highly stressful relationship situation’, he has since initiated legal steps against what he characterized as false information. Michelle has spoken extensively about the emotional toll of the breakup, describing the experience to media outlets like RTL and ARD as deeply painful, stating, ‘I really thought I had physical pain, I felt like I went through all hell.’ She noted that her ‘trust was massively broken,’ affecting her ability to trust future partners. In a podcast appearance on ‘Ungefiltert On Fire’, she further discussed her mental health, including struggles with depression and anxiety, and revealed past domestic trauma involving her father. She stated that the breakup is still too fresh to consider new romantic interests, saying, ‘I don't think I'm capable of that anymore. Honestly.’ Following her retirement, Hewer—born Tanja Hewer—has undergone a radical physical and professional transformation. The 54-year-old has shaved her hair into a one-centimeter buzz cut, a change she described as a symbolic step toward her true self and a way to release old energy. She clarified that this haircut was a planned decision for her new life chapter and was not an impulsive reaction to her separation from Philippi. Professionally, Hewer has transitioned from her 30-year music career, during which she sold approximately 4.5 million records, to a career as a medium, healer, and soul coach offering sessions via Zoom. ## Claims - Michelle officially retired from her music career earlier in 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Singer Michelle plans to cut her hair to one centimeter on Tuesday. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The singer intends for the drastic hair change to mark a new phase in her life. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Michelle stated she is not currently open to new romantic relationships. (single source) - The singer cited her recent breakup with Eric Philippi as the reason for her focus on herself. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Tanja Hewer, formerly Michelle, debuts radical new look and career Former Schlager star Michelle, now using her birth name Tanja Hewer, has shaved her head to mark her retirement from music and her new career as a spiritual soul coach. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanja-hewer-formerly-known-as-michelle-debuts-radical-new-look ### 2026-10-23: Michelle undergoes radical transformation and career change Former Schlager star Michelle has debuted a radical buzz cut and transitioned from her music career to working as a medium and soul coach under her birth name, Tanja Hewer. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tanja-hewer-transitions-to-career-as-medium ### 2026-10-19: Singer Michelle announces radical hair change and personal updates German singer Michelle announces a radical haircut to one centimeter to mark a new life chapter following her retirement from music and a recent breakup. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-michelle-announces-radical-hair-change-and-personal-updates ### 2026-10-08: Singer Michelle discusses mental health and career retirement German singer Michelle has opened up about her struggles with depression, past domestic trauma, and her decision to retire from the music industry to focus on healing and personal growth. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-michelle-discusses-mental-health-and-career-retirement ### 2026-10-06: Singer Michelle discusses emotional impact of breakup with Eric Philippi German singer Michelle has opened up about the emotional toll of her breakup with Eric Philippi, stating her trust has been broken and she is currently focusing on herself. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-michelle-discusses-emotional-impact-of-breakup-with-eric-philippi ### 2026-09-28: Eric Philippi responds to Michelle following their breakup Singer Eric Philippi has broken his silence via Instagram to reject allegations made by ex-partner Michelle following their breakup, announcing legal action against false reports. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-michelle-discusses-breakup-with-eric-philippi-and-career-retirement ### 2026-09-26: Singer Michelle discusses breakup with Eric Philippi German singer Michelle has addressed her sudden breakup with Eric Philippi, noting the split happened unexpectedly via telephone and stating she is not ready for new relationships. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-michelle-discusses-breakup-with-eric-philippi ### 2026-09-21: Singer Michelle discusses personal life after career retirement German singer Michelle has expressed that she is not ready for new romantic relationships following her recent breakup with Eric Philippi and her retirement from the music stage. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/singer-michelle-discusses-personal-life-after-career-retirement --- Cite as: Singer Michelle personal life and career transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/singer-michelle-personal-life-and-relationship-changes