Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Wolfgang Schaeffer About Kid of the Year

Wolfgang Schaeffer is a rising young talent who became a breakout star with his portrayal as Lincoln Loud in A Loud House Christmas.

Now, he’s paying it forward by teaming up with Nickelodeon, TIME, and TIME for Kids for their Kid of the Year initiative. He and his fellow committee members have recognized five extraordinary young leaders who are making a positive impact on the world.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Wolfgang to chat about the special, which is airing tonight on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons at 7:30 pm ET.

PC: You’re on the Kid of the Year committee. How did this opportunity come about?
Wolfgang: I had watched last year’s show and loved it! So, when I became better known in the Nickelodeon community, I made a push to be in this year’s adaptation. And thankfully I got my wish and am now part of the kid committee for Kid of the Year!

PC: What can fans expect from the special?
Wolfgang: I think that fans can expect to laugh a lot and have a great time while recognizing the amazing things that kids around the world are doing.

PC: How challenging was it narrowing the twenty finalists down to five?
Wolfgang: It was so hard to whittle down the numbers because everyone was incredible and the work they all did is helping to change the world.

PC: What was it like collaborating with the rest of the committee and Trevor Noah?
Wolfgang: It was a great experience because Young Dylan and That Girl Lay Lay have great personalities, skills, and traits that make them unique. Also, Trevor Noah was so fun to work with because he is so funny and has an awesome accent. He’s a great guy.

PC: What has it meant to you being a part of this special?
Wolfgang: It means a lot to me because I get to hang with the big Nickelodeon actors, so to be chosen to be in this special alongside them was an honor.

PC: Besides Kid of the Year, where can fans see you next? What’s ahead?
Wolfgang: Honestly, I have no idea what’s next. All I know is that people liked A Loud House Christmas, so I am hoping I get to go back and be Lincoln again!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Wolfgang: Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Wolfgang: Pixels.

PC: Favorite book?
Wolfgang: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Wolfgang: Hamilton.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Wolfgang: Skillrex.

To keep up with Wolfgang, follow him on Instagram. Watch Kid of the Year tonight on Nickelodeon at 7:30/6:30c.