The much-anticipated launch of the "Let's Dance 2025" series has sparked excitement and debate among fans, particularly following some unexpected developments during the inaugural episode aired on February 28, 2025. Two prominent contestants, singer Jeanette Biedermann and reality star Leyla Lahouar, were unable to perform due to illness, which left fans expressing their frustration on social media.
Originally, viewers were brimming with enthusiasm as the show promised thrilling dance performances from the 14 celebrity contestants. Yet, as the opening night unfolded, it became clear the competition was not off to the smooth start many had hoped for. RTL announced the absences of Biedermann and Lahouar via Instagram, where they stated, "It remains as before, and one couple will still have to leave us after Show 1." This raised eyebrows among the fans, who argued it was unfair to eliminate one of the remaining couples, especially with two contestants already sidelined.
Some viewers took to social media expressing their discontent. One commenter voiced their displeasure, stating, "I think no one should be eliminated tomorrow since two are already missing." Others suggested, "Let no one go tomorrow and instead eliminate two next week when everyone is back to normal. Otherwise, it's incredibly unfair." Such sentiments reflect the tension surrounding the format and its strict elimination rules, especially when unexpected circumstances like illness arise.
The audience's reaction during the show was equally telling. Veteran judge Joachim Llambi, known for his brutally honest critiques, faced boos from the crowds as he critiqued contestant Ben Zucker's Viennese Waltz. His comments, paired with the ominous score of just one point, did not sit well with viewers, who voiced their disapproval through loud booing. Llambi remained unfazed, indicating, "That just spurs me on; it only makes it worse for them."
Adding to the drama, Osan Yaran's tango performance with Christina Hänni also piqued audience interest—though not necessarily for the right reasons. Llambi's sharp remarks targeted Yaran when he quipped about unexpected jerks during the performance. The crowd echoed their discontent with boos, and Yaran found himself at the end of the competition after receiving only ten points by the time the votes were tallied. Unfortunately for him, there was no salvation from the viewer calls.
The star environment turned light-hearted albeit chaotic with Diego Pooth's Cha Cha Cha performance, where he received playful banter from his dance partner Ekaterina Leonova. Her light-hearted jab at him—“He thrives on pain!”—offered some comic relief as Pooth moved fluidly across the floor. This was somewhat at odds with the evening’s serious undertones, yet it drew laughter from both the audience and judges.
Compounding the competitive tension, Marc Eggers, another contestant, shared his experiences with online hate earlier during the night, discussing the hurtful comments targeting his sexuality. Following his heartfelt sharing, he managed to turn the tide by performing well on the dance floor with Renata Lusin, earning decent scores and securing advancement to the next round, much to the approval of the audience.
The design of the show, which typically sees no contestants eliminated on the first night, has seemingly come under scrutiny this season. Fans have voiced concerns about whether the rules should be more flexible to accommodate unforeseen circumstances like illness. Nevertheless, the competition's rigidity appears unchanged, much to the chagrin of many loyal fans.
Nesteed, the controversy sends viewers reflecting on the integrity of the contest—especially as the show progresses. It also begs the question of how RTL will continue managing potential illness among contestants and whether adjustments to the casting rules are necessary for future seasons.
Early public reactions suggest the 2025 season of "Let's Dance" has started on rocky ground, with fans demanding clearer communication and more leniency. Many are now left wondering how the format can evolve to meet both competitive fairness and the unpredictable nature of reality television.
Overall, as "Let's Dance" begins, it stands at the intersection of entertainment and contention, with fans closely watching every step taken both on the dance floor and behind the scenes. With health concerns leading to unplanned alterations, it remains to be seen how happily dancing stars can navigate the competitive spotlight spotlight moving forward.