RTL’s beloved dance competition concluded its festive special on December 20, 2024, captivating viewers with dazzling performances and holiday cheer. The 'Let’s Dance - Die große Weihnachtsshow' stands as one of the must-watch events of the Christmas calendar, combining star power with charitable spirit this season.
This year saw six former contestants returning to the spotlight, partnered with professional dancers eager to showcase their skills on the illustrious dance floor. Each pair was tasked not only to dazzle but also to compete for the coveted title of 'Christmas Dancing Star 2024.' The show was pre-recorded, which stirred some debates among viewers, concerned how voting would function without live performances.
Despite these discussions, the atmosphere remained festive, with competitors determined to win for their charities. Each couple performed two choreographies set to beloved Christmas classics, ensuring the show was pleasing to the eye and to the holiday spirit. Among the engaged stars were Gabriel Kelly and Malika Dzumaev presenting the Waltz to 'The Christmas Song', and René Casselly teamed up with Kathrin Menzinger for the Jive and Contemporary dances.
Hosts Daniel Hartwich and Victoria Swarovski navigated the evening with charm and humor, enhancing the celebratory ambiance. They introduced each act with enthusiasm, inviting the audience to cheer for their favorites and participate through live voting later on. This interaction kept viewers engaged and excited, reminding them of the show’s regular format.
René Casselly, the reigning champion from the previous season, regained the spotlight alongside Menzinger, performing with flair. Their performances, mixing elements of Contemporary dance and energetic Jive, impressed the jury members—Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi, and Jorge González—who are known for their high expectations.
While one audience member captured it bluntly, "Kann mir kurz einer erklären wie das Voting klappt, wenn das nicht live ist?" the logistics were made clear by RTL's explanation about how the votes from viewers and scores from judges were combined to announce the winner. Each pair throughout the night showcased their hard-earned skills with heart-felt spirit, embodying the season's essence through every twirl and spin.
Critics on social media had mixed feelings about the pre-taped format. Some fans expressed nostalgia for live interactions, stating, "Ob die sich nicht alle blöd vorkamen bei der Aufzeichnung der Siegerehrung? Voll fake das Ganze," highlighting the disconnect between the taped event and the live spectators. Yet many still cherished the opportunity to see their favorite stars shine, with tweets illuminating excitement like, "Let’s Dance nicht live ist immer seltsam, aber ich liebe es zu sehr."
When the final results were announced, it was clear who had triumphed. With remarkable scores from both the jury and the viewer voting, René Casselly and Kathrin Menzinger emerged victorious, claiming their title as 'Christmas Dancing Stars 2024'. They did not just perform well; their drive and charisma shone through, culminating in 60 points from the judges.
The runner-up position went to Gabriel Kelly and Malika Dzumaev, whose impressive routines made them formidable contenders, too, proving the high level of talent showcased this Christmas Eve special. Julia Beautx and Zsolt Sándor Cseke rounded out the top three, leaving audiences wishing to see more from this talented bunch.
Hosting two different performances lent the night elegance, each pair wielding festive spirit and technical prowess. The celebratory vibe was heightened as viewers enjoyed additional group performances from the professionals, combining their artistry to create a festive backdrop to the entire program.
This lavish showcase blended holiday magic with exceptional performances, encapsulating the true spirit of the festive season. With René Casselly taking the title, the night ended with applause ringing out across homes, leaving audiences hungry for the return of regular dance seasons, expected to begin February 2025.
“Herzlichen Glückwunsch und frohe Weihnachten!” was the broadcast’s heartfelt farewell, leaving fans excited and hopeful for what next year would bring to the beloved show.
