Let’s Dance 2025: Paola Maria Eliminated as Competition Heats Up

“Let’s Dance” Paola Maria pulls the Zonk instead of Zorro

In the new edition of “Let’s Dance,” Massimo Sinató tried his hand at being Zorro – but his dance partner Paola Maria pulled the Zonk instead.

With ten celebrity dancers and their respective professionals remaining, three contemporary dancers were up for the fifth final show. For actress Christine Neubauer (62) and Valentin Lusin (37), podcaster selfiesandra (25) and Zsolt Sándor Cseke (37), and entertainer Marc Eggers (38) and Renata Lusin (37), it was time to take off your shoes, open your shirt, and show off lots of emotion! Or was everything different this time?

The show kicked off with stuntwoman Marie Mouroum (32) and Alexandru Ionel (30) – and how: With their Charleston and amazingly synchronized upper arm muscles, the two achieved their best score to date, 26 points. A promising start, which continued in the following performances.

Motsi ruins the top score

Only then did Neubauer and Lusin open the contemporary music program – neither barefoot nor bare midriffs. Instead, they donned harlequin outfits to match “Send in the Clowns.” And lo and behold: Their performance truly brought tears to the eyes of the audience, including Motsi Mabuse (43). And Joachim Llambi (60) even claimed to have a goosebumps moment. In terms of points, that was actually 29 points – Motsi, of all people, had missed the top score by one point.

Jeanette Biedermann (44) and Vadim Garbuzov (37) then did their best to follow the previous top scores with a tango. They earned 23 points, not perfect but solid. Meanwhile, Paola Maria (31) received the first clear verbal coaching of the evening, performing the “Zorro” paso doble alongside Massimo Sinató (44). Nevertheless, they still received 20 points.

“Born to be Wild” as Slowfox

Para-swimmer Taliso Engel (22) was, for once, in familiar territory. He and Patricija Ionel (29) donned swimsuits and performed a jive to “Splish Splash.” The fact that the severely visually impaired athlete was largely able to master the fast pace was also confirmed by the numbers: He collected a strong 24 points and, as an absolute crowd favorite, was practically already planning for the next round.

Simone Thomalla (59) and Evgeny Vinokurov (34) also chose an extravagant performance – they danced a slow foxtrot to the rebel anthem “Born to be Wild.” This earned them 20 points from the “strict jury,” which didn’t exactly make the ambitious Thomalla cheer. Perhaps also because she feared a scolding from her even stricter daughter Sophia, who once even won the show.

Mutti Verona causes a stir

Once again under the proud gaze of his mother Verona in the audience, Diego Pooth (21) performed a hot rumba with Ekaterina Leonova (37). However, that look apparently weighed a bit too heavily; he was particularly nervous and didn’t dare to really touch his dance partner. Therefore, the dance only received 19 points.

Fabian Hambüchen (37), who has been touted as a favorite and is typically ambitious as a former competitive athlete, had the Paso Doble in mind. However, together with his dance partner Anastasia Maruster (27), he “only” managed 23 points.

And then the moment finally arrived: selfiesandra (25) and Zsolt Sándor Cseke (37) took off their shoes and unbuttoned their shirts – Contemporary! It wasn’t an easy task for the lively content creator to bring her innermost feelings to the dance floor. But she succeeded, and she too received 23 points.

Marc Eggers (38) and Renata Lusin (37) followed at the end of the show. They performed the same dance genre and performed almost identically to their predecessors, but achieved a whopping 27 points, the second-most of the evening. Only the extra-nervous Diego Pooth and Ekaterina Leonova managed to break the 20-point mark – but that didn’t mean the end. Instead, it was content creator Paola Maria and, with her, “Let’s Dance” veteran Massimo Sinató who were eliminated. Starting next week, the “Z” will no longer stand for “Zorro,” but for “Zuschauen” (watching).

The next star is out: This celebrity has to leave “Let’s Dance”

One star didn’t get enough calls from viewers on Friday night. For influencer Paola Maria, “Let’s Dance” is over after show five.

On February 21, 14 celebrities once again took on the challenge of “Let’s Dance” on Germany’s most famous dance floor. Four of them had already been eliminated, and the fifth final show of the 18th season was scheduled for Friday evening. Read here why host Victoria Swarovski ‘s outfit caused consternation.

The remaining ten candidates had to prove themselves in the pair dances, as usual. Actress Christine Neubauer was particularly impressive. She not only received the best jury rating of the evening for her Contemporary with professional partner Valentin Lusin , but also moved the audience and viewers to tears .

Paola Maria is out

Paola Maria, on the other hand, was less successful. The influencer performed a Paso Doble to “The Plaza of Execution” from Zorro with professional dancer Massimo Sinató, receiving 20 points.

Not the worst performance of the evening, Diego Pooth only earned 19 points for his rumba with 
Ekaterina Leonova . But in the end, it’s the viewers who decide – and there weren’t enough of them for Paola Maria. Thus, her “Let’s Dance” journey ended after five shows.

Nine celebrities still in the race

Five celebrities have already left “Let’s Dance.” Comedian Osan Yaran was the first to be voted out. A week later, TV chef Roland Trettl followed , and then “Celebrity Big Brother” winner Leyla Lahouar’s journey was also over. Last Friday, Ben Zucker followed , and now Paola Maria. Nine candidates remain in the race. The grand finale of the 18th season will take place on May 23.

The dance show will celebrate its 18th anniversary in 2025. As in previous years, “Let’s Dance” will be hosted by Daniel Hartwich and Victoria Swarovski . The jury includes Motsi Mabuse , Jorge González, and Joachim Llambi.

Let’s Dance 2025: All points, all dances – who is out?

Let’s Dance has started its 18th season. Four celebrities have already been eliminated from the show. Here’s an overview of all the dances and points from the fourth live show.

• Let’s Dance has started its 18th season.
• In the fourth live show, the candidates had to prove themselves in a group battle in addition to the individual dances.
• Let’s Dance Show 4: The live ticker with all jury reviews to read.

Let’s Dance: Paola Maria is eliminated

Even the best evening comes to an end. And so does today’s. Three couples have to face the red light and tremble for their chance to advance: Diego Pooth with Ekaterina Leonova, Simone Thomalla with Evgeny Vinokurov, and Paola Maria and Massimo Sinató.

In the end, Paola Maria failed to impress the audience. The Paso Doble simply wasn’t good enough to continue participating in the show.

“A lot of power, a lot of emotion” – Marc Eggers dances himself free

Update from March 28, 11:17 p.m .: The third contemporary dance of the evening, and once again something completely different. After the highly emotional performances by selfiesandra and Christine Neubauer, now a power-packed dance performance. Contemporary dance can be so diverse. Motsi’s verdict goes exactly in that direction: “A lot of power, a lot of emotion. Really very well done.” Egger’s performance earned nine points.

Josè focuses primarily on the differences between the three contemporary dancers. He, too, is impressed by the emotionality and power of their performances and awards them nine points. And finally, Llambi: “A very nice number, lots of action, lots going on.” The only criticism: Due to the power Marc puts into his dancing, he sometimes fails to achieve the completely correct final position of a dance step. Nevertheless, Llambi also receives nine points for a total score of 27.

selfiesandra makes Marc Eggers cry

Update from March 28, 11:05 p.m.: Last week, selfiesandra was on the verge of elimination. This week, however, she seems to have changed completely. Together with her dance partner Zsolt Sándor Cseke, she danced a contemporary to Adele’s “All I Ask.” A special song for Sandra, whose favorite artist is Adele. The jury was impressed by the emotional performance. And Marc Eggers even shed a tear with emotion.

José particularly praises Sandra’s improved control. Compared to the previous week, she has particularly improved her footwork. He explains his eight points: “A very positive performance. I think that was very good.” Even Llambi is impressed by the emotionality: “You put your heart into it.” However, he hopes for more variation in the future. “You can do it, try a bit more.” Llambi receives seven points. Together with Motsi’s eight points, this gives a total of 23 points.

Fabian Hambüchen becomes a matador

Update from March 28, 10:52 p.m .: Fabian Hambüchen brings a Spanish feel to the dance floor. Together with his dance partner Anastasia Maruster, he performed a paso doble to the song “Gallito” by Santiago Lope Gonzalo. In true matador style, of course. José, who was immediately reminded of Spanish films from the 1930s and 1940s, was equally enthusiastic. No wonder the verdict was positive: “Your energy was fantastic. There were some very nice figures, but the shoulder line could be better.” Eight points from José.

The other two judges’ reviews were similar. Motsi particularly praised the former artistic gymnast’s fighting spirit. She was particularly impressed by the intense and proud posture Fabian maintained throughout the entire dance. However, she also criticized the stiffness of his upper body. Nevertheless: eight points. Llambi ultimately justified his seven points quite simply: “Actually, it’s quite good. There are a few little things that could be different.” In the end, Fabian and Anastasia earned 23 points.

“The rehearsals went better” – Diego Pooth doesn’t really dare

Update from March 28, 10:42 p.m .: Diego Pooth and Ekaterina Leonove have chosen a rumba for their fifth show. Danced to the tune of “I Swear,” it’s a romantic and, above all, close dance. And that’s exactly where Diego failed to convince the jury. He was too excited, his legs were shaking. The jury’s opinion is unequivocal. And yet, Jose also has some positive words: “You had some good moments. Don’t give up,” he concludes, awarding them seven points.

Motsi particularly praises her dance partner, who has achieved so much. Addressing Diego, her assessment is harsher: “She works hard. Now it’s time for you to work hard.” She also gives him seven points for the dance. Llambi is considerably more disappointed than the other two judges. “When the Russian Tsar’s princess performs magic around you, you have to perform magic, but nothing came of it,” is his verdict. Accordingly, he only gives him five points, giving him a total of 19.

Simone Thomalla is “Born to be Wild”

Update from March 28, 10:26 p.m.: In the introductory film, a certain tension is already palpable between Simone Thomalla and her dance partner Evgeny Vinokurov. But it’s also somehow fitting, as they dance their slow foxtrot to the cult song of all rebels and nonconformists: “Born to be Wild.”

But the tactic doesn’t seem to have fully worked with the jury. Motsi’s feedback begins with “A lot of power, a lot of courage, keep it up,” but she has a particular problem with Simone’s footwork. According to Motsi, more contact with the ground would help here. She gives her seven points. José takes a similar view: “I think it would be good if you worked more on your posture.” Seven points here too. Finally, Llambi is reminded of his old bike. Apparently, he didn’t make it to the moped as a teenager. “I thought it was very lively. The first half of the footwork was decent. Then the second half threw everything out the window,” is his assessment of the performance. He gives it six points for a total score of 20.

Taliso Engel is in his element with “Splish Splash”

Update from March 28, 10:14 p.m .: He became known as a swimmer. The song “Splish Splash” is fitting, then. The choreography, which begins in a paddling pool, also fits perfectly with Taliso’s career to date. Together with his partner Patricija Ionel, he dances a fast jive. A particular challenge for Engel, who struggles with severe visual impairment.

This also impresses the jury, especially Mosi. She gives him eight points and is deeply impressed by Engel’s ability, despite his vision problems, to find his dance partner’s arms, even during faster dance routines. Jose’s assessment is short and to the point: “You kept the pace, you had fun and were full of life.” Eight points. The third juror criticizes: “You did a good job rhythmically. But I would have liked to have seen more of your upper body. You were a bit static there at times.” Here, too, she receives eight points, for a total of 24 points.

Paola Maria lets Zorro save her

Update from March 28, 9:44 p.m .: And the next dance, again with a performance that tells a story. This time, Paola Maria is the lady to be rescued, and her dance partner Massimo Sinatò is the hero “Zorro,” who frees her from the stake with a mask and sword.

The jury’s reaction to the performance was rather mixed. Everyone praised Paola for the development she had made. It was much easier for her to express herself. But that’s where the compliments end. The biggest problem – she wasn’t able to fully maintain the energy she had at the beginning of the performance. Motsi gave her seven points and pointed out the technical errors that needed to be worked on in the future. Jose’s verdict was similar. “It was a good dance with strong choreography, but with technical errors.” Seven points here too. Llambi was particularly lacking in the heel turn, which is so characteristic of the Paso Doble. He therefore gave her only six points, for a total of 20.

Jeanette Biedermann dances the robot tango

Update from March 28, 9:22 p.m.: Last time, the Charleston almost spelled doom for her. This time, Jeanette Biedermann managed to put on a better performance with her dance partner Vadim Garbuzov. Her robot Tango is definitely original, Motsi agrees. She gives it seven points and comments: “I love the concept; it was very innovative.”

It’s no secret that Jose is sometimes a bit difficult to understand. Judging him is even more difficult, as he speaks in a halting, robotic manner, fitting for the robot tango. In the end, he receives eight points. Llambi also receives eight points, his biggest criticism being an incorrect neck position on Jeanette.

Goosebumps for Llambi and almost perfect score

Update from March 28, 9:02 p.m.: Christine Neubauer, along with her dance partner Valentin Lusin, managed to bring tears of emotion to the jury’s eyes with their contemporary dance in clown outfits. At least that’s what Motsi did, who was immediately reminded of the famous Cirque Soleil. “I found it very emotional and touching. But also technically very good. You either like it or you don’t.” Motsi certainly enjoyed it, so she gives it 9 points.

Josè is also visibly moved. “I really, really, really liked it. We could feel it. Well done.” 10 points. Llambi then completes the almost perfect score. The judge, who is actually known for his somewhat rough manner, even speaks of goosebumps. “Great choreography. It’s a song that doesn’t have many notes, but is more contemplative. With your dancing and your facial expressions, you gave me goosebumps.” For the second time this season, Llambi awards 10 points. And for the dance couple, an almost perfect result, with 29 points from the jury.

Marie and Alexandru delight with their Charleston

Update from March 28, 8:40 p.m.: Marie Mouroum opens tonight with her dance partner Alexandru Ionel. They dance a Charleston to “Rock It For Me” by Caravan Place. And with this dance from the 1920s, they wow the judges. Starting with Jorge González, who was generous with his praise. “You were very active, perfect, and in sync.” He gives them 9 points.

Motsi Mabuse was also impressed. She sees a positive development in Marie: “The first few shows you were closed, now you’re more open. You were lively, you were rhythmic, and you had a body. Your best dance so far.” 9 points here, too.

Finally, Joachim Llambi, who begins by joking with presenter Daniel Harwich and requesting underwear photos of him. His first praise of the evening, however, goes not to the dancers, but to the show’s costume designers. They, Llambi says, make this show truly possible. He also has warm words for Marie and Alexandru: “Great rhythm. It wasn’t too early, it wasn’t too late. You can’t complain.” From Llambi, an absolute compliment. He gives them 8 points, resulting in a total of 23 points and a successful start to the evening.

Let’s Dance: Live Show 5 – an overview of the dances

• Marc Eggers and Renata Lusin dance Contemporary to “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
• Taliso Engel and Patricija Ionel dance Jive to “Splish Splash” by Bobby Darin
• Jeanette Biedermann and Vadim Garbuzov dance tango to “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” by Kylie Minogue
• selfiesandra and Zsolt Sándor Cseke dance contemporary to “All I Ask” by Adele
• Fabian Hambüchen and Anastasia Maruster dance Paso Doble to “Gallito” by Santiago Lope Gonzalo
• Marie Mouroum and Alexandru Ionel dance the Charleston to “Rock It For Me” by Caravan Palace
• Diego Pooth and Ekaterina Leonova dance rumba to “I Swear” by All 4 One
• Christine Neubauer and Valentin Lusin dance contemporary to “Send In The Clowns” from A Little Night Music
• Paola Maria and Massimo Sinató dance Paso Doble to “The Plaza of Execution” from Zorro
• Simone Thomalla and Evgeny Vinokurov dance slow fox to “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf

Important Updates:

Update from March 21, 12:20 a.m.: After five weeks of training and four shows, it’s over for Ben Zucker. But he wasn’t disappointed: “It was a great experience, but that’s enough. Thanks, that’s it!” he said after leaving. One thing is clear to him: There will be no return to the dance floor. “Absolutely not” does he want to dance again.

Now the musician is looking forward to his return to the Baltic Sea: He lived in Cologne for five weeks during the show – now he longs for home and relaxation. “I want to go to the coast. The Baltic Sea, home… that’s where I belong.”

Update from March 21, 12:14 a.m.: Now it’s in the hands of RTL viewers. Let’s Dance veteran Jens “Knossi” Knossalla enters the dance floor and delivers the envelopes containing the results.

Unsurprisingly, Selfiesandra and Zsolt Sándor Cseke land in the dreaded red light. Ben Zucker and Malika Dzumaev, as well as Jeanette Biedermann and Vadim Garbuzov, also have to tremble – in the end, Ben and Malika are forced to leave the show.

Update from March 21, 11:21 p.m.: Fabian Hambüchen and Anastasia Maruster make a statement with their Charleston, securing the lead with 28 points – including Joachim Llambi’s first 10 of the evening. Motsi and Jorge each award 9 points for the gymnast’s technically strong performance.

Marie Mouroum also impresses:

Marie Mouroum also impresses with a powerful samba, earning 23 points . Despite Llambi’s criticism of the technique, Jorge and Motsi each receive 8 points, while Llambi contributes 7.

Update from March 21, 10:50 p.m.: Selfiesandra and Zsolt Sándor Cseke received 16 points for their energetic quickstep —joining Ben and Malika for the time being in last place. Despite a good atmosphere and two laps of honor on the dance floor, the judges criticized technical weaknesses.

Things are going better for Christine Neubauer and Valentin Lusin: They received 22 points for their soulful rumba to “California Dreamin’ .” Llambi praised the atmosphere, while Motsi noted strengths in expression, but still room for improvement in technique.

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Sources used:

• With material from the News agencies  dpa and AFP, ntv.de, Reuters news agency, BBC News and CNN reports. The content has been independently analyzed and rewritten to provide original insights.

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