On Friday, March 21, 2025, the popular dance competition "Let's Dance" returned to RTL for its fourth live show, themed "Summer Vibes." The show, now in its 18th season, featured celebrities paired with professional dancers, competing not only for the admiration of the judges but also for viewer votes, which ultimately determine who stays and who goes.
This week, the spotlight was on the performances and the emotional rollercoaster of elimination. At the end of the evening, the competition saw a notable departure: Ben Zucker and his dance partner Malika Dzumaev were the latest couple to be eliminated, marking their exit from the competition.
Ben, a 41-year-old singer, and Malika showcased their Cha-Cha-Cha to Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen." Despite their efforts, the pair only managed to garner 16 points from the judges, which proved insufficient to keep them in the competition.
Reflecting on their time in the show, Ben expressed, "I am a bit proud of myself," acknowledging the excitement and challenges of competing in "Let's Dance." He wasn't entirely surprised by the outcome, understanding that dancing at such a high level comes with the risk of elimination.<\/p>
The emotional stakes were high, as the show's format meant that every week had its share of disappointments. In the previous shows, Osan Yaran, Roland Trettl, and Leyla Lahouar had already faced early exits. Each week, the anticipation builds as celebrities showcase their growth, working to earn the votes of watching audiences.
At the top of the leaderboard this week was Olympian Fabian Hambüchen, who, alongside his partner Anastasia Maruster, dazzled the judges with their Charleston routine. They received an impressive total of 28 points—significantly bolstered by a perfect score of 10 awarded by the notoriously strict judge Joachim Llambi. As fellow judge Motsi Mabuse remarked, "You make our job easy," which hinted at the enthusiasm in the studio as the performance captivated the audience.
Aside from individual performances, the show introduced a game-changing element: a group dance battle. This showdown pitted two teams against each other in a lighthearted competition, adding a unique twist to the evening's entertainment. Although the dance battle featured a lot of laughs and good spirits, it was met with mixed reviews from the judges.
"There were some accidents in there," commented Jorge González, suggesting that the light-hearted nature of the Dance Battle didn't quite capture the precision expected from the competitors. Nevertheless, the winning team member received extra points, intensifying the element of competition. The Dance Battle ended with Team Ananas emerging victorious, ensuring each member reaped the rewards for their efforts.
As the night drew to a close, the reality of the competition set in for many participants. With Ben Zucker and Malika Dzumaev's exit, the show had now officially lost four contestants, all of whom had performed valiantly but ultimately fell short in the viewers' voting.
The format thus far has delivered an engaging blend of talent and tension, with eliminations reminiscent of the high stakes in competitive reality television. Next week, the remaining couples will continue their journey hoping to charm both the judges and the voting public.
For those following the dynamic of the show, it's easy to become invested in their journeys—each performance a blend of musicality, choreography, and individual flair as contestants strive for their chance at the coveted title of "Dancing Star 2025." As this year's competition continues, fans can expect more surprises, spectacular performances, and heartfelt moments as the celebrities navigate their paths on the dance floor.
The stage is set for more excitement as the show proceeds, with many pairs eager to bounce back from near-eliminations and impress, while others hope to maintain their momentum. "Let's Dance" promises to keep audiences engaged and entertained as we head towards the final rounds of this season's competition.
