The fifth episode of the Serale phase of the 24th edition of Amici di Maria De Filippi aired on April 19, 2025, showcasing intense performances and unexpected drama among the contestants and judges alike. This popular talent show, which has captivated audiences since its inception, continues to highlight the skills and artistry of its young participants.
Hosted by Maria De Filippi, the episode featured teams led by Alessandra Celentano and Rudy Zerbi, Lorella Cuccarini and Emanuel Lo, and Anna Pettinelli and Deborah Lettieri. The judges for the evening included Amadeus, Cristiano Malgioglio, and Elena D’Amario, who provided feedback on the performances.
The episode began with a series of competitive challenges. In the first round, Alessia danced a paso doble against Nicolò, who sang "Sinceramente" with an electric guitar. The judges unanimously praised Alessia's performance, declaring her the winner of this round.
However, the evening took a contentious turn during a challenge focused on "charm" between contestants Chiara and Francesca. Alessandra Celentano described the challenge as one that would showcase not just technical ability but also elegance and charisma. Malgioglio, however, was less impressed and openly criticized Celentano's description, stating, "This letter is useless and doesn't make sense. Charm is subjective." This sparked a heated exchange between the two, with Celentano insisting that charm is recognizable in dance.
As tensions escalated, Malgioglio refused to vote on the challenge, stating, "I cannot understand charm in dance." This refusal infuriated Celentano, who retorted, "If you can't understand charm, you shouldn't be a judge. If you can't do your job, what are you doing here?" Maria De Filippi, attempting to diffuse the situation, humorously suggested that Malgioglio could be fired for his refusal to participate, but reassured everyone that he would not be dismissed.
Despite the heated debate, the performances continued. Chiara and Francesca showcased their skills to the song "Earned It" by The Weeknd, both delivering sensual and captivating routines. However, the disagreement regarding the voting process overshadowed the performances. In the end, Amadeus voted for Francesca, while Elena D’Amario supported Chiara, resulting in the challenge being annulled due to Malgioglio's refusal to cast a vote.
Later in the episode, Alessia faced off against Trigno in another performance. Alessia danced to "Nera" by Irama, while Trigno sang "Scende la pioggia" by Gianni Morandi. Once again, Alessia emerged victorious, further solidifying her position in the competition.
As the night progressed, the stakes grew higher. Following Nicolò's rescue, both Trigno and Alessia were put in jeopardy, leading to a tense elimination round. Francesca, who had previously faced off against Chiara, found herself in the bottom three alongside Nicolò and Trigno. Ultimately, the judges decided to eliminate Francesca, marking a significant turning point in the competition.
Francesca expressed her gratitude for the experience, stating, "I can only be happy. This entire journey has been a dream." Maria De Filippi announced that Francesca would have opportunities to work with the Budapest Dance Theatre - DEPO and the Compagnia Artemis Danza, providing her with a chance to advance her career despite her elimination.
Throughout the episode, the dynamic between the judges and contestants was palpable. The ongoing conflict between Celentano and Malgioglio illustrated the challenges of the judging process, especially when subjective elements like charm are involved. Elena D’Amario attempted to mediate, explaining that charm is a form of magnetism that can be perceived differently by each person, adding another layer to the already complex judging criteria.
The episode concluded with a mix of excitement and disappointment as contestants faced the reality of the competition. While some celebrated victories, others had to grapple with the emotional weight of elimination. The interplay of talent, personality, and the subjective nature of artistry continues to make Amici a compelling watch for audiences.
As the competition progresses, viewers can expect more thrilling performances, intense rivalries, and heartfelt moments as the contestants strive to prove themselves in the world of entertainment.