In the 18th season of the popular RTL dance show Let's Dance, celebrities from diverse backgrounds, including showbiz, sports, and television, have showcased their dancing skills, hoping to secure the coveted title of Dancing Star 2025. The show, which kicked off on February 21, 2025, features a robust competition where viewer votes play a crucial role in determining which contestants proceed each week.
Among the competitors this season are well-known personalities such as singer Jeanette Biedermann, former athlete Fabian Hambüchen, and actress Christine Neubauer, all vying for audience support alongside professional dance partners. The competition is fierce, with the jury—composed of strict judge Joachim Llambi, Motsi Mabuse, and Jorge González—playing an essential role by scoring performances based on technical skill and artistry.
One significant aspect of this year's season is the dual influence of jury scores and public votes on the eliminations. Each week, the contestant with the lowest combined score from the judges and audience votes faces the risk of leaving the show. This approach adds another layer of tension and excitement, as viewers’ sentiments can sway outcomes despite jurors’ assessments.
Joachim Llambi has established himself as a figure known for his stringent evaluation methods. In an exclusive interview, he emphasized the importance of relying solely on dance performance during judgments, noting, “I don't care who continues. I have no favorites.” His comments underline a commitment to fairness, as he pointedly distinguishes his approach from other jurors who may have personal connections with the contestants. “I judge only the dancing, not the appearance or character,” he further elaborated, ensuring that technical aspects such as timing, body lines, and rhythm take center stage in his evaluations.
Llambi has invited scrutiny regarding his judging style, especially following criticisms directed toward Christine Neubauer, who made headlines by securing the highest jury points in the show's March 14 episode. Responding to the backlash, Llambi took to social media to address the critiques, stating, “People who are upset about Christine Neubauer are unbearable. Let people be who they want to be.” His stance reinforces the notion that the jury bases its ratings on performance rather than personal biases.
Throughout the competition, several contestants have already faced elimination. The show started with 14 celebrities, but as of March 21, 2025, only 11 remain. Leyla Lahouar was the most recent exit on March 14, when she failed to garner sufficient audience votes alongside receiving the lowest jury score. Contestants who endure the rigorous training and show preparation are acutely aware of this reality, highlighting how public perception weighs heavily in the competition.
In the highly competitive environment of Let's Dance, every week of performances brings both triumphs and trials. As the season progresses, contestants like Taliso Engel, who performed remarkably in earlier rounds, must navigate personal challenges along with the pressures of competition. Engel made headlines after setting a world record and winning a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympics, showcasing his resilience despite facing significant visual and hearing impairments.
While engaged in the competition, Engel has already experienced mixed results. After a disappointing score of just one point from Llambi during his Rumba performance, he demonstrated a commendable attitude, acknowledging, “I can fully understand it; I messed up, and it needs to be said.” Such statements illustrate the psychological demands that accompany performances on live television, as each contestant strives to enhance their skills while receiving relentless scrutiny from their audience and judges.
As the live shows continue, Llambi's presence remains a cornerstone of the judging panel. His willingness to voice candid opinions adds an edgy dynamic to the program, captivating audience attention each week. On the latest episode, he reiterated, “I want the best contestant to win. That is my mission.” His dedication to upholding high standards ensures that the competition remains riveting.
The charismatic energy in the ballroom continues to fuel excitement for viewers, fueling ongoing debates about performances and outcomes. Prominent couples like Christine Neubauer and her partner Valentin Lusin continue to impress, with Neubauer receiving commendable jury points. Yet any given week could change fortunes drastically, as seen with earlier eliminations of fan-favorite contestants.
Looking ahead, the stakes grow higher with each week's broadcast as the remaining contenders gear up for more impressive performances, aware that their fate hinges as much on audience votes as on judges' scores. The intertwining fate of the contestants underscores a compelling narrative of talent, drama, and public appeal.
As Let's Dance evolves towards crowning a new champion, viewers stay engaged not only with the dance routines but also with the underlying human stories driving each contestant. Every score and vote counts, cementing their investment in each performance as contestants dance not just for glory but also for recognition from both the jury and their growing fan base. With a blend of passion and pursuit of excellence, the journey of each celebrity dancer is sure to leave an indelible mark on the audience.
