The current season of "Let’s Dance" is captivating audiences on RTL, showcasing celebrities battling it out for the coveted title of "Dancing Star of the Year." This year, the competition has already seen dramatic performances and unexpected eliminations, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Among the notable figures in this season is Victoria Swarovski, who has an intriguing history with the show. In 2016, she participated alongside professional dancer Erich Klann, and two years later, she returned to the spotlight as a moderator, working alongside Daniel Hartwich. However, her journey has not been without its challenges.
In a recent interview with "Glamour," Swarovski opened up about her career, setbacks, and her family's legacy. As a member of the renowned Swarovski family, she is aware of the expectations that come with her lineage. Her great-grandfather founded the company in 1985 in Wattens, Tirol, which has since grown into a billion-dollar enterprise. Yet, Swarovski chose to carve her own path, stating, "I never wanted to be dependent on anyone. I want to be my own boss and pursue my own way." She mentioned that if she were to work within the family business, it would likely be in marketing, as she has built her own brand through her television career.
Reflecting on her early aspirations, Swarovski revealed that at the age of 13, she decided she wanted to be a singer rather than follow in her family's footsteps. By 15, she had signed her first record deal with Sony in Germany, becoming the youngest artist on the label. To pursue her dreams, she sold a piece of jewelry from her grandmother, took out a loan, and moved to California. After three years in Los Angeles, she returned to Germany for "Let’s Dance," where her victory opened doors to numerous opportunities.
However, her first experience as a moderator was anything but smooth. Swarovski described it as a "Super-GAU," admitting to multiple mistakes but emphasizing the importance of learning from failures. Her mantra reflects resilience: "If you fall, get up, straighten your crown, and keep going. Everyone experiences setbacks, and that’s perfectly normal, but you must persist. You can’t give up."
Meanwhile, the show continues to thrive, boasting impressive ratings. In 2024, "Let’s Dance" averaged 3.96 million viewers, achieving a market share of 17.5 percent, according to media reports. The production invests significantly in the show’s participants, including the jury and professional dancers, to maintain its popularity.
Speculations about the earnings of the show’s participants have emerged, with reports suggesting that jury members Joachim Llambi, Motsi Mabuse, and Jorge González could earn seven-figure sums per season. However, these figures remain largely unverified, as the exact terms of their contracts are kept confidential by RTL.
For the 2025 season, the earnings of the contestants are believed to range from €35,000 to €200,000, depending on their fame. Celebrities like Jeanette Biedermann, Simone Thomalla, and Christine Neubauer are expected to secure six-figure fees, while others, such as Roland Trettl and Fabian Hambüchen, are thought to earn between €50,000 and €90,000. Lesser-known personalities may receive between €35,000 and €50,000.
In a surprising twist, Christine Neubauer was recently eliminated from the competition, prompting harsh criticism from former professional dancer Christian Polanc. He expressed disappointment over her performance of the Paso Doble to Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," describing it as stiff and rough. Polanc, who has been a judge on "Let’s Dance" since its inception in 2006, has seen many talented dancers, yet he firmly stated, "Her performance was a flop moment of the evening."
Neubauer's elimination came as a shock after she had garnered positive feedback from both the audience and the jury in previous weeks. Polanc noted that her rigid performance led to several mistakes, ultimately determining her fate in the competition. He speculated about external factors influencing her performance, hinting at potential distractions during her routine.
As the competition heats up, viewers can expect more surprises and intense performances. The show will take a break on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, before returning to its regular schedule. The upcoming weeks will also feature a "partner exchange," adding another layer of excitement to the already thrilling season.
With the combination of dramatic eliminations, personal stories, and high-stakes performances, this season of "Let’s Dance" promises to keep audiences engaged and entertained. As contestants strive for the title, they also navigate their personal journeys, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
