In the vibrant world of RTL’s ‘Let’s Dance’, Joachim Llambi has earned a reputation as the strictest juror, often delivering tough critiques that resonate deeply with the audience. Yet his approach is methodical and principled, as he emphasizes the importance of technique and performance over personal charisma.
Llambi, now 60 years old, asserts that a dancer’s skill is the true measure of their success on the show. "Man muss auf alles schauen, vor allem auf Taktgefühl, Fussarbeit, Körperlinien, die Zusammenarbeit mit dem Partner," he explains, laying out his criteria for judging contestants. He insists that personal appearances or characters do not sway his evaluations. "Mir ist es vollkommen egal, wer weiterkommt," he declared, pointing out his differences from celebrity judges like Dieter Bohlen or Heidi Klum. His main concern lies strictly with the quality of the dancing performance.
Llambi’s impartiality is echoed throughout the show’s 18 seasons, where he assures viewers that no prior agreements among judges influence their scoring. "Es ist ausdrücklich von RTL eine eigene Meinung und eine eigene Bewertung gewünscht," he clarifies, underscoring the independence of their assessments. With this year’s season starting on February 28, 2025, the vitality of live competition remains ever-present as stars vie for the coveted top scores.
As the dances unfold, each performance is graded on a scale up to 10 points three times over, setting a potential maximum of 30 points per round. This scoring system drives engagement heavily, with audiences eagerly anticipating how their favorite stars will perform each week. Llambi stands firm in his doctrine—"Wenn die ['Let's Dance'-Kandidaten] nicht abliefern, bekommen sie eine schlechte Bewertung," he remarked, making it clear that performance dictates outcomes above all else.
Critics have pointed fingers at contestants this season, particularly at actress and performer Christine Neubauer. In a surprising turn, Llambi took to Instagram to defend Neubauer, stating that he finds those who critiqued her performances "unerträglich." His passionate appeal, “Lasst doch die Menschen so sein, wie sie sind und wie sie sein wollen,” reflects a broader desire for acceptance within the competitive realm of dance.
During this year’s competition, the emphasis remains on performance quality, with dancers required to push boundaries to capture the favor of both judges and audiences alike. For instance, in Show 4, which aired on March 21, 2025, performers showcased a variety of styles, garnering scores that reflect rigorous judging. Leading the scores this week were Fabian Hambüchen and his partner Anastasia Maruster, who scored remarkably high with 28 points for their Charleston. Other standout performances included Marc Eggers and Renata Lusin, who achieved 26 points.
The current season has already birthed several notable performances, with previous high scores providing context to the ongoing competition. For example, Anna Ermakova reached the impressive score of 30 a staggering eleven times in her past season with partner Valentin Lusin. Historical performances are being echoed as competitors strive to surpass those benchmarks, igniting fierce rivalry among dancers.
As the weeks progress, the excitement heightens, with constant updates provided to fans eager to track their favorite stars’ progress. Rankings and score updates are pivotal—viewers keen to spot who is likely to advance in the competition and who might face elimination as the competition narrows.
Following recent shows, the judging panel, which includes fellow judges Motsi Mabuse and Jorge González alongside Llambi, has a profound impact on determining which dancers continue their journeys. Audience voting interplays with the judges’ assessments, but it is the scores from Llambi and his colleagues that often guide public perception of each dancer's journey on the show.
As evidenced throughout the series, contestants often face intense scrutiny, and the professional dancers themselves bear tremendous pressure, often feeling as if their own reputations hinge on the judges’ words. Llambi’s remarks about the varying experiences between studio and TV audiences reveal the unique challenges faced by performers, emphasizing the complexity of live performance.
A concluding point emerges—Llambi’s steadfast integrity as a juror in ‘Let’s Dance’ solidifies his role in an environment rife with fluctuating opinions. His dedication to fairness and skilled judgment separates him from the fray, even as specters of favoritism loom in the minds of some viewers. The juror’s commitment remains clear: evaluate performance, not personal appeal. As ‘Let’s Dance’ unfolds, dance fans can expect Llambi to stand firm in his principles, ensuring the art of dancing always takes center stage in this beloved competition.
