"Let's Dance": These dance couples will be in the final next week

In the grand semifinal of the 18th season of "Let's Dance," the four remaining couples battled for a place in the final. Two meticulously rehearsed dances and the infamous improv dance were on the agenda – a challenge that required not only technique but also nerves of steel. In the end, it was clear: For SelfieSandra (25), the journey is over – and the "Let's Dance" finale in 2025 will make history. For the first time, the final round of the RTL dance show will be exclusively male.

Favorite Fabian Hambüchen dominates in round one

The evening opened with Fabian Hambüchen (37) and Anastasia Maruster (27) performing a cha-cha-cha to "Sway" by Michael Bublé. While Jorge González (57) praised the former gymnast for his flirtatious charisma, he also criticized his overly rigid upper body. Motsi Mabuse (44) emphasized the compact steps but felt that the final touch of courage was missing. "I want you to go crazy!" she demanded. Joachim Llambi (60), on the other hand, was satisfied: "Beautiful dancing," was his conclusion – a total of 25 points.

SelfieSandra and Zsolt Sándor Cseke (37) attempted a tango to Indila's "Dernière Danse." Motsi spoke of a beautiful atmosphere, but missed the movement. Llambi praised the sensual moments at the beginning and end, but criticized the lack of pressure and called for "more attack." Jorge found the opening strong – and spontaneously nicknamed Sandra "SSS - Sexy SelfieSandra." The jury awarded her 23 points.

Diego Pooth (21) and Ekaterina Leonova (38) took to the dance floor with a salsa to "Finesse" by Bruno Mars. Llambi called Diego's "best Latin dance of the season," but criticized the lack of action. Motsi emphasized the good basic movement, but was dissatisfied with the flow of the choreography—and couldn't stand Diego's "puppy look." Jorge wished for more joie de vivre but was pleased with the successful lifts. Result: 24 points.

Taliso Engel (22) and Patricija Ionel (30) presented a paso doble to a modern version of "Für Elise." Motsi praised the creative choreography, but noted that the couple was off balance at times. Llambi found the paso elements weak, but acknowledged the dance's energy. Jorge liked the look but criticized the lack of consistency in the execution – also giving it 23 points.

Balanced second round

Round two was all about expression and emotion: Fabian and Anastasia performed a contemporary to "Let's Hurt Tonight" by OneRepublic. Jorge praised the body language, while Motsi found the dance emotional and significantly stronger than the first. Llambi was pleased with the beautiful transitions despite minor mistakes. With 26 points, this was her highest score to date.

SelfieSandra and Zsolt danced their second salsa of the evening—this time to "Mayores" by Becky G. Motsi found it "very feminine, very sexy," and Jorge was also enthusiastic: "You enjoyed this dance!" Llambi was bothered by her not-quite-clean feet, but praised the rhythm. The jury awarded her 25 points.

Taliso also improved in the second dance. He delivered a convincing, emotional performance in the slow waltz to "Are You Lonesome Tonight." Jorge called it a successful performance, and Motsi was touched – for her, it was the best dance of the evening so far. Llambi noted minor footwork errors and criticized the posture, but praised the harmonious interplay. Here, too: 26 points.

The regular rounds concluded with Diego and Ekaterina performing a tango to "De Vidrio." Jorge liked the "intimate atmosphere," and Motsi praised the poise and passion. Llambi, however, felt that Diego didn't contribute enough in terms of dancing, although the visuals were harmonious. The couple also received 26 points.

The dreaded improv dance

Following the regular performances, all four couples faced the dreaded improv dance – with minimal preparation time, maximum spontaneity, and great entertainment value. Fabian and Anastasia surprised everyone with an energetic jive that not only inspired the audience to cheers and enthusiasm, but even prompted Motsi to give them a standing ovation. Jorge rated it "a 10," and Motsi praised it as even stronger than Fabian's first two dances of the evening. Llambi summed it up: "You delivered." The jury awarded the jive the highest score: 30 points.

Diego and Ekaterina also shone in the improvisational dance routine. Their quickstep seemed light-footed and exhilarated. Motsi remarked that Diego looked like he was "really enjoying himself." Jorge gave them a solid 10, and Llambi was also pleasantly surprised: The two seemed much more relaxed than before—also earning 30 points for the couple.

SelfieSandra performed a soulful rumba with Zsolt. Jorge was thrilled: "That's really great!" Motsi emphasized the passion, while Llambi emphasized that Sandra visibly demonstrated how much she had learned in the past few weeks. It was an entertaining performance—the jury awarded it 26 points.

Taliso Engel closed the evening with a Viennese waltz. Jorge called it a "great performance," Motsi praised the couple for "coming in beautifully," and Llambi stated that Taliso was significantly stronger than before. 27 points.

Danced out for SelfieSandra

At the end of the evening, not only the jury's score counted, but, as always, the TV audience's vote also counted. Only three of the four couples were able to celebrate their entry into the grand finale. For SelfieSandra, the calls weren't enough this time; her journey ended just before the finish.

This means that for the first time, there will be three men in the final next week: Whether Fabian, Diego or Taliso will take home the title of "Dancing Star 2025" will be decided next Friday (May 23) at 8:15 p.m. on RTL.

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