As the competition heats up in the 18th season of "Let's Dance," viewers are witnessing a dramatic series of eliminations that have left fans both surprised and saddened. The show, which began on February 21, 2025, has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with celebrities vying for the coveted title of "Dancing Star" while navigating the pressures of public voting and jury assessments.
This season kicked off with a roster of 14 celebrities, including actress Christine Neubauer, Olympic gymnast Fabian Hambüchen, YouTuber Marc Eggers, singer Jeanette Biedermann, chef Roland Trettl, Schlager star Ben Zucker, comedian Osan Yaran, para-swimmer Taliso Engel, TV personality Leyla Lahouar, stuntwoman Marie Mouroum, influencer Paola Maria, celebrity son Diego Pooth, actress Simone Thomalla, and YouTuber Selfiesandra. The jury, consisting of Joachim Llambi, Motsi Mabuse, and Jorge González, has been tasked with evaluating the performances while the audience votes to determine who stays and who goes.
As of May 9, 2025, the competition has reached a critical juncture with only four contestants remaining in the semi-finals: Diego Pooth, Taliso Engel, Selfiesandra, and Fabian Hambüchen. The elimination of stuntwoman Marie Mouroum on the same day shocked many, as she had been considered a strong contender for the title.
Marie Mouroum's exit came after a performance where she and her partner Alexandru Ionel scored 25 points for their Rumba. Despite their efforts, the couple was unable to secure enough votes from the audience to continue. During the live show, Mouroum revealed that she was grappling with personal grief, stating, "Today, someone close to me has passed away." This emotional revelation added a layer of poignancy to her performance, and her partner dedicated their dance to the memory of a loved one.
In the same episode, the couple performed a Salsa with additional dancer Evgeny Vinokurov, earning a higher score of 27 points from the jury, which highlighted their improvement. Motsi Mabuse praised Mouroum's efforts, saying, "You didn’t hold back. And so many steps and lifts ... You can be very proud of yourself." However, despite their strong showing, the audience's votes ultimately led to their elimination.
The previous weeks have also seen notable exits, including that of Christine Neubauer, who faced elimination twice this season. Initially eliminated on April 11, she returned to the competition after Simone Thomalla withdrew due to injury but was again sent home after receiving 24 points for a performance dedicated to her late father.
Jeanette Biedermann, another popular contestant, was eliminated on April 25, marking a surprising turn given her substantial fanbase. Her exit followed a performance that did not resonate as expected with viewers, despite her efforts alongside partner Vadim Garbuzov.
Other notable eliminations included Marc Eggers on April 4 and Paola Maria on March 28, with the latter's departure being particularly surprising as she had initially received 20 jury points, yet failed to secure enough audience support.
From the outset, the format of "Let's Dance" has kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Each week, contestants perform in front of the jury and live audience, with the lowest-scoring couple facing elimination. The audience plays a crucial role, as their votes can dramatically alter the fate of the contestants, sometimes leading to unexpected outcomes.
As the show progresses toward its finale on May 23, 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. Each performance becomes a critical moment for the contestants, who must not only impress the judges but also connect with the audience to ensure their place in the competition.
The excitement is palpable as the remaining contestants prepare for the semi-finals. With only a few performances left, the question on everyone's mind is: who will emerge as the next "Dancing Star"? As the competition narrows, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the final weeks unfold, hoping to witness breathtaking performances and perhaps a few more surprises along the way.
