The fifth episode of the Serale of Amici aired on April 19, 2025, showcasing a dramatic evening filled with talent, tension, and unexpected eliminations. The stakes were high as contestants vied for a spot in the finals, but the spotlight shifted to a heated clash between judges Alessandra Celentano and Cristiano Malgioglio, which sparked discussions across social media.
As the episode unfolded, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Francesca, a dancer on Team Pettinelli and Lettieri, faced elimination after failing to impress the judges, ultimately losing out to singer Trigno. Despite her elimination, Francesca received two job offers, one from the Budapest Dance Theatre - DEPO and another from Artemis Danza, marking a silver lining in her exit.
The evening featured a notable challenge focused on 'charm in dance,' pitting Francesca against fellow contestant Chiara. Celentano, known for her strict standards, initiated the challenge by stating that the performance would not rely on technical skill but rather on elegance and charisma. However, Malgioglio quickly voiced his dissent, arguing that charm is subjective and questioning the validity of the challenge.
"This letter is useless, it doesn’t make sense. Charm is something subjective," Malgioglio remarked, setting the stage for an intense debate. Celentano, undeterred, fired back, insisting that charm is indeed recognizable, especially in dance, and should be evaluated objectively.
The tension escalated as Malgioglio refused to vote after the performances, citing his inability to grasp the concept of charm. Celentano retorted sharply, "If you can’t understand charm, you shouldn’t be a judge. If you can’t do your job, what are you doing here?" This exchange prompted host Maria De Filippi to intervene, asking, "Do I have to kick him out?"
Throughout the episode, the judging panel's dynamics provided a mix of humor and drama. While Celentano received a low score of 4 for her overly critical approach, Malgioglio earned a respectable 8 for his fairness in judging the contestants. Anna Pettinelli, another judge, brought energy to the night with a score of 7, partly due to her lively can-can performance during a challenge between the professors. Emanuel Lo, however, struggled with a score of 6 after confronting Celentano about her challenge to his dancer Francesco, who was asked to perform hip-hop despite lacking experience in the genre.
Amadeus, the host, stood out with his expressive reactions throughout the show, earning a perfect score of 10 for his comic timing and ability to engage the audience.
As the episode drew to a close, Francesca reflected on her time in the competition, expressing gratitude for the experience. "I will carry this dream with me forever. I’ve grown both personally and artistically. I feel lucky; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience," she shared, highlighting the emotional weight of the elimination.
The episode not only showcased the contestants' talents but also highlighted the judges' contrasting philosophies on performance and evaluation. The clash between Celentano and Malgioglio has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, with many taking to social media to express their opinions on the judging panel's effectiveness and the nature of artistic evaluation.
As the competition heats up, with the finale approaching, viewers can expect more intense performances, emotional farewells, and perhaps even more dramatic exchanges among the judges. The fifth episode of the Serale of Amici has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season, leaving audiences eager for what’s next.
