On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, at 20:15, RTL will air a special edition of the popular dance show "Let’s Dance" instead of the usual live competition. This special will showcase the 25 most beloved celebrities from previous seasons, as voted by the viewers. Chief judge Joachim Llambi shared the exciting news on the official Instagram account of "Let’s Dance," sparking anticipation among fans.
In a vibrant outfit featuring a flashy jacket and a white shirt, Llambi appeared confidently before the camera, announcing, "It’s that time again on Good Friday. We can’t dance live, but of course, 'Let’s Dance' is back. You chose the 25 most popular and best celebrities we’ve ever had, and there are some surprises – including the number one! It’s going to be really good.” While fans will miss the live show, they are hopeful for an entertaining best-of edition.
Fans have already begun speculating about which stars and their legendary performances will be featured in the special. Comments on Instagram reveal a mix of expectations and nostalgia. One fan expressed hope that "the trio dance by Julia Beautx will be included," while another insisted, "Definitely René Casselly & Kathrin Menzinger. The best dance couple ever!" Others chimed in with names like Alexander Klaws, Rúrík Gislason, and Gabriel Kelly, highlighting the diverse range of talent that has graced the show.
However, not all comments focused solely on male contestants. One fan pointed out, "It’s strange how many only think of male dance celebrities. So, Maite Kelly, Vanessa Mai, Janin Ullmann, Anna Ermakova, and Ella Endlich should be included too." Another noted, "If we’re talking about favorites, then clearly Julia Beautx & Zsolt Cseke. Everyone loved them!" With such a wide array of beloved contestants, it remains to be seen who will make the final cut.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Kelly, who won the 2024 season of "Let’s Dance," has been in the spotlight for more than just his dancing. Recently, he released a deeply personal rap song titled "Zuckerbrot & Peitsche," which has resonated with many of his fans. In the song, Kelly reflects on his struggles and regrets, possibly addressing his father, Angelo Kelly, in the lyrics. He candidly sings about feeling lost and the impact of his childhood experiences.
In an Instagram Q&A, Gabriel revealed that he suffers from mood swings, stating, "I have phases where I distance myself from my surroundings and don’t know what to do with myself. Sometimes it lasts only a few days, but it can also go on for weeks or months." His lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability, as he raps, "I’m sorry, little man, your psyche is messed up / You’ve got one foot in the loony bin, the other is on its way / No plan or concrete goal, overwhelmed with yourself / Everything is just too much / Friend circle dissolved, family band dissolved / I’ve disappointed you, I’ve exposed myself / Just so you know what’s happening to you / Damn, I would do so much differently today / Because I don’t have much left that means anything to me."
This raw expression of emotion has struck a chord with listeners, leading to overwhelming praise on social media. Comments such as "Mega," "Wow... The lyrics really touched me," and "That hit home" reflect the positive reception of his work. Gabriel also shared a snippet of the song on Instagram, asking his followers, "Who wanted to grow up as quickly as possible as a child? And what did you want to be?" He humorously added that he had dreamed of becoming an NBA basketball player but felt he was "a little too short" for that dream.
Adding to the excitement, Gabriel Kelly made headlines in 2024 when he earned the first 30 points of the 17th season of "Let’s Dance" for his passionate tango performance with Malika Dzumaev. The electrifying dance captivated both the studio audience and the judges, leading to a memorable moment in the competition. Judge Motsi Mabuse even awarded him a self-painted crown for his performance, a rare honor.
Reflecting on that night, Gabriel admitted he was completely taken aback by the score, saying, "No, I didn’t expect that at all." He noted that he was particularly surprised by Llambi’s intense focus as the judge took notes during his performance. "Oh, crap – this must have all been wrong!" he thought at the time. However, Llambi later declared Gabriel as the favorite for the entire season, a prediction that ultimately came true. Gabriel secured the trophy, finishing ahead of competitors Jana Wosnitza and Detlef Soost, who placed second and third, respectively.
Fans can catch the special "Let’s Dance – Die 25 beliebtesten Stars aller Zeiten" airing on RTL on April 18, 2025, starting at 20:15, with the regular season resuming on April 25, 2025. As anticipation builds, viewers are eager to see which performances will make the cut, and how Gabriel Kelly will continue to evolve as both a dancer and an artist.
