The 18th season of "Let’s Dance" kicked off on February 21, 2025, and has already seen significant drama and eliminations as contestants vie for the coveted title of "Dancing Star 2025." The show airs weekly every Friday at 20:15 on RTL and is also available on RTL+, engaging audiences across Germany with its blend of celebrity performances and competitive spirit.
In the latest episode, the fourth live show, which took place on March 21, 2025, the atmosphere was electric as contestants showcased their talents under the theme "Summer Vibes." As the clock counted down, tension heightened among the stars, especially for those who found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard. Ultimately, it was Ben Zucker and his dance partner Malika Dzumaev who had to exit the competition, marking the latest loss in a series of tough eliminations.
Reflecting on their disappointing results, Ben stated, "Ich bin aber trotzdem ein bisschen stolz auf mich," acknowledging the hard work they put into the competition even as they faced elimination. The couple's journey ended after scoring just 16 points in the week's Cha-Cha-Cha, placing them in a vulnerable position alongside other contestants such as Sandra Safiulov and Zsolt Sándor Cseke, who also feared elimination.
The episode captivated viewers not just with dance performances, but also with innovations like the Dance Battle introduced this season. In this particular showdown, two teams competed for additional points, with Team Ananas earning 10 bonus points for their efforts, while Team Flamingo secured 8 points.
Social media erupted following the dance battles and challenge presented in Show 4, where fans expressed frustration particularly regarding the scoring decisions made by judge Joachim Llambi. Taliso Engel and his partner Patricija Ionel performed a Slowfox that many viewers applauded but was ironically underappreciated in terms of scoring—receiving only 5 points from Llambi, leading to public outcry. One fan lamented, "Die Punktevergabe ist heute unterirdisch," criticizing the judge's decision-making and reflecting a feeling shared by many who watched, confirming their dissatisfaction with Llambi's critique.
Furthermore, the episode saw other notable performances, including Fabian Hambüchen with his stunning Charleston that captured the judges' attention and received the highest score—28 points. His command of the dance floor showcased not just skill, but a compelling charisma that has kept audiences engaged in his journey.
Previously, the competition has seen several eliminations, bringing fresh challenges to the contestants. In Show 3, Leyla Lahouar was sent home, and Roland Trettl was eliminated in Show 2, each having faced stiff criticism from both the jury and viewers. The audience has rallied behind their favorites each week, reflecting the strong emotional investment participants and fans have in the show.
The stakes continue to rise as the competition heads toward its finale on May 23, 2025. Each week, contestants work diligently to impress the audience and jury alike. The remaining contestants, including personalities like Jeanette Biedermann and Taliso Engel, are not only competing for the title but also battling the looming shadow of eliminations amidst high-pressure performances.
Through a range of vibrant performances, unique dance styles, and emotional exits, "Let’s Dance" remains a beloved staple of German television. As the weeks progress, anticipation grows for who will secure the title of "Dancing Star 2025," with audiences eager to tune in weekly and cheer for their favorites. Will the judging controversies resolve, and can the contestants rebound after disappointments? Fans will have to wait and see as the dance floor continues to sizzle.
