On Friday evening it was finally said again:Let’s Dance” on what is probably Germany’s most famous dance floor, when the 19th season of the RTL dance show (also on RTL+) started its first real round. After the introductory show the previous week had no exit, they fought 14 “Let’s Dance” couples Now for the first time it’s about jury points and the favor of the audience. In the end, the combination of jury points and caller numbers was not enough for Sonya Kraus to advance to the next round.

Ross Antony is happy about 25 jury points

Entertainers Ross Antony (51) and Mariia Maksina put on the most brilliant performance of the evening. Her Charleston to “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” exuded pure joy of life and was rewarded by the jury with an impressive 25 points, even if Joachim Llambi already warned that the coming weeks would be technically more demanding. Hot on their heels was GZSZ star Jan Kittmann (43), who showed a technically brilliant jive with Kathrin Menzinger. The couple received an enthusiastic standing ovation for their performance of “Do You Love Me” and secured second place in the rankings with 23 points.

Model Betty Taube (31) and Alexandru Ionel gave us goosebumps when they scored 20 points with a Viennese waltz to Gracie Abrams’ “I Love You, I’m Sorry”. Tokio Hotel drummer Gustav Schäfer (37), who presented a slow waltz together with Anastasia Maruster, was also emotional. Despite initial doubts about his emotional expression, Jorge González attested to his pure passion, which led to a solid score of 18 points.

Influencer Bianca Heinicke (33) also placed in the middle field with a jive and No Angels singer Nadja Benaissa (43) with a “bombastic” salsa, both of which received 21 points each. Ninja Warrior winner Joel Mattli (31) also delivered a clean quickstep (20 points) with Malika Dzumaev, although his ticket from the introductory show protected him from elimination anyway.

These “Let’s Dance” candidates have to shake

The evening didn’t go according to plan for all couples, because pop singer Anna-Carina Woitschack (33), who was considered the favorite the previous week, disappointed the jury with her cha-cha-cha. Joachim Llambi particularly criticized the poor footwork, which led to only 14 points. Moderator Sonya Kraus (52) had a similarly difficult time with her Charleston (12 points) and comedian Simon Gosejohann (50), whose jive was only described as “amusing” by Llambi (11 points).

Rapper Milano (27) and Marta Arndt only received 14 points for their salsa. According to the jury, actress Esther Schweins (55) and Massimo Sinató appeared too controlled during the Quickstep – 13 points. Moderator Willi Banner (25) and Patricja Ionel only got 10 points with their tango. Bringing up the rear was influencer and “Princess Charming” Vanessa Borck (31), who danced a Viennese waltz with Victoria Sauerwald, which, according to the jury, was not smooth enough and was penalized with only 8 points.

Despite the poor jury verdict and last place in the ranking, there was a great relief for Vanessa Borck at the end of the evening: the audience obviously saw potential in her and saved her from an early exit. On the other hand, Sonya Kraus and her dance partner Valentin Lusin were less lucky, for whom the journey to “Let’s Dance” 2026 ends after the first decision show. Although her Charleston put her in a good mood, the 12 jury points combined with the audience vote were not enough to ensure her stay in the show.