In the first decision show of the 19th season of Let's Dance on March 6, 2026, moderator Sonya Kraus was the first to be eliminated. She and her partner Valentin Lusin received the fewest viewer votes despite 12 jury points. Ross Antony led with 25 points.
The 19th season of Let's Dance on RTL began on February 27, 2026, with an introductory show featuring no eliminations. Joel Mattli earned a direct ticket to the second round there. In the first regular live show on March 6, 14 celebrity pairs performed, and the jury consisting of Motsi Mabuse, Jorge González, and Joachim Llambi awarded points based on technique, posture, musicality, and stage presence. Viewer votes determined the elimination risk.
Sonya Kraus (52) and Valentin Lusin danced a Charleston to “You’re The One That I Want” by John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John and received 12 points. They ended up last due to the fewest viewer votes. Kraus took the exit calmly: “Es ist, wie es ist,” she said shortly after the announcement. In another statement, she added: “Meine Kinder haben recht gehabt, sie haben gesagt: Du bist zu oll für sowas.” She plans to go on vacation now.
Influencer Vanessa Borck (29) and Victoria Sauerwald had to sweat with only 8 jury points for their Viennese waltz to “Boyfriend” by Dove Cameron but narrowly stayed in the competition. Ross Antony (51) and Mariia Maksina impressed with a Charleston to “I Don’t Feel Like Dancing” by the Scissor Sisters, earning 25 points and standing ovations. Juror Motsi Mabuse praised: “Für mich mit Abstand der beste Tanz heute.” Previous season winner Rúrik Gíslason, who was in the audience, congratulated: “Für mich geht es ums Genießen und eine Show zu liefern, und das hast du auf jeden Fall heute gemacht. Glückwunsch.”
The full points distribution: Ross Antony & Mariia Maksina (25), Jan Kittmann & Kathrin Menzinger (23), Bianca Heinicke & Zsolt Sándor Cseke (21), Nadja Benaissa & Vadim Garbuzov (21), Joel Mattli & Malika Dzumaev (20), Betty Taube & Alexandru Ionel (20), Gustav Schäfer & Anastasia Maruster (18), Anna-Carina Woitschack & Evgeny Vinokurov (14), Milano & Marta Arndt (14), Esther Schweins & Massimo Sinató (13), Sonya Kraus & Valentin Lusin (12), Simon Gosejohann & Ekaterina Leonova (11), Willi Banner & Patricija Ionel (10), Vanessa Borck & Victoria Sauerwald (8). From now on, one pair will be eliminated each week.
