In the latest episode of RTL's "Let's Dance," which aired on May 2, 2025, the competition intensified as the remaining celebrities showcased their emotional "Magic Moments" on the dance floor. This ninth episode also featured duels, leading to the elimination of actress Christine Neubauer for the second time this season.
The episode kicked off with six contestants, each eager to express personal stories through their performances. Former gymnast Fabian Hambüchen, 37, and his partner Anastasia Maruster, 27, delivered a heartfelt freestyle that reflected Hambüchen's career struggles and triumphs. Their emotional routine earned them a perfect score of 30 points from the judges, showcasing their impressive skills and connection.
Another standout performance came from podcaster selfiesandra, 25, who danced with Zsolt Sándor Cseke, 37, in tribute to her mother. Their choice of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" struck a chord, resulting in a commendable 24 points from the jury. The inclusion of selfiesandra's siblings in the performance added a touching familial element, further resonating with the audience.
Actress Christine Neubauer, 62, dedicated her dance to her late father, who had a passion for strength sports. Dancing with Valentin Lusin, 38, Neubauer's emotional tribute moved many, including her mother in the audience, and earned them 24 points. However, despite the heartfelt performance, Neubauer faced criticism from viewers online, many of whom felt her return to the competition was unwarranted.
Golf pro Diego Pooth, 21, also delivered an impressive performance, dancing with Ekaterina Leonova, 38, in memory of his late grandfather, who had introduced him to the sport. Pooth's routine was so moving that it garnered the highest score of the night, receiving three perfect 10s from the judges.
Stuntwoman Marie Mouroum, 32, and partner Alexandru Ionel, 30, showcased the ups and downs of her profession through their dance, which also received a perfect score of 30 points. Meanwhile, para-swimmer Taliso Engel, 22, expressed gratitude towards his mother and reflected on his athletic journey with Patricija Ionel, 30, earning 28 points for their heartfelt performance.
As the competition progressed into the duel rounds, selfiesandra faced off against Neubauer in a Bollywood-themed dance, securing a win with 27 points to Neubauer's 23. Hambüchen and Mouroum competed in a street dance duel, with Hambüchen scoring 28 points against Mouroum's perfect 30. In another duel, Engel narrowly defeated Pooth, scoring 25 to Pooth's 24.
Ultimately, Christine Neubauer was eliminated from the competition after her emotional performance, marking a bittersweet end to her journey on the show. This was her second exit after returning due to Simone Thomalla's injury, which had sparked mixed reactions from the audience. Neubauer's elimination came as a shock to many, given her previous performances and the public's divided opinions on her participation.
Massimo Sinató, a professional dancer who partnered with Neubauer earlier in the season, publicly defended her against the online criticism. He stated, "You can throw your malice in the trash!" highlighting the harshness of the comments directed at Neubauer. Sinató's support reflects the ongoing debate among fans regarding fairness in the competition, especially concerning contestants who return after being eliminated.
The show, now in its 18th season, has seen numerous celebrities come and go, with Neubauer being one of the more controversial figures this year. As the competition nears its grand finale on May 23, 2025, only five contestants remain in the running for the title: Taliso Engel, Diego Pooth, Fabian Hambüchen, Marie Mouroum, and selfiesandra.
With each episode, the stakes get higher, and the emotional connections deepen, making "Let's Dance" a captivating spectacle for viewers. The judges, including Motsi Mabuse, Jorge González, and Joachim Llambi, continue to provide their insights and scores, adding to the excitement of the competition.
As the remaining celebrities prepare for the next round, fans are left wondering who will ultimately take home the coveted title of "Dancing Star 2025." The emotional journeys and personal stories shared on the dance floor have undoubtedly made this season one to remember, filled with both triumphs and challenges.
