On Friday evening, May 2, 2025, the excitement on the "Let's Dance" dance floor reached new heights as the six remaining celebrities showcased their talent in the ninth edition of the popular RTL dance show. This episode, themed "Magic Moments," was filled with personal and emotionally charged performances, revealing heartfelt stories that resonated with both the audience and the judges.
Among the standout performances was that of former gymnast Fabian Hambüchen, 37, who, alongside his partner Anastasia Maruster, 27, delivered a powerful freestyle dance. Their routine illustrated the sacrifices, pressures, and triumphs of Hambüchen's career, culminating in a perfect score of 30 points from the jury. "Today was pure gold!" praised judge Jorge González, encapsulating the sentiment of the night.
Another emotional highlight came from podcaster selfiesandra, 25, who danced with Zsolt Sándor Cseke, 37, in honor of her mother. Their performance featured Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" and concluded with selfiesandra involving her siblings, earning them a respectable 24 points. The heartfelt tribute brought tears to the eyes of her mother in the audience, showcasing the deep familial bonds celebrated throughout the evening.
Actress Christine Neubauer, 62, also dedicated her performance to her late father. Dancing with Valentin Lusin, 38, to the song "Amoi seg ma uns wieder" by Andreas Gabalier, Neubauer's emotional display earned her 24 points. The performance was particularly poignant as it was her second chance in the competition, having returned after being eliminated in a previous show. Unfortunately, despite the judges' praise for her heartfelt dance, the audience votes did not favor her, leading to her elimination from the show.
Golf pro Diego Pooth, 21, delivered a breathtaking freestyle that resonated deeply with the audience. His dance, themed "Interstellar," paid tribute to his late grandfather, who introduced him to golf. Pooth's emotional connection shone through, earning him the highest score of the night with three perfect 10s from the judges. "He would have been proud to see me like this," Pooth reflected before his performance, highlighting the personal stakes of the evening.
Stuntwoman Marie Mouroum, 32, also impressed the judges with her dance alongside Alexandru Ionel, 30. They received a perfect score of 30 points, with judge Joachim Llambi praising their choreography as "Hollywood" worthy. Mouroum's performance captured the ups and downs of her profession, showcasing her versatility and skill.
Para-swimmer Taliso Engel, 22, and his partner Patricija Ionel, 30, performed a routine that expressed Engel's gratitude towards his mother, who has been his unwavering support throughout his journey. Their emotional dance earned them 28 points, further solidifying Engel's status as a strong contender in the competition.
The evening also featured competitive dance duels, adding another layer of excitement to the show. In the Bollywood dance-off, selfiesandra triumphed over Neubauer, scoring 27 points to Neubauer's 23. Meanwhile, in the flamenco showdown, Engel edged out Pooth with a score of 25 to 24. Hambüchen faced Mouroum in a street dance duel, with Mouroum narrowly winning 30 to 28.
As the competition heats up, the remaining contestants now include Diego Pooth, Fabian Hambüchen, Marie Mouroum, Sandra Safiulov, and Taliso Engel, all vying for a spot in the finale scheduled for May 23. The audience eagerly anticipates the upcoming performances and the emotional stories that will continue to unfold.
The next episode of "Let's Dance" will air on Friday, May 9, 2025, at 8:15 PM on RTL. With the stakes higher than ever, viewers are sure to witness more breathtaking dances and poignant moments as the celebrities push themselves to the limit in pursuit of the coveted title.