The sharp critiques of “Let’s Dance” judge Joachim Llambi are resurfacing as the popular German dance competition prepares for its 19th season. Former contestants Sandy Mölling and Senna Gammour recently voiced their concerns about Llambi’s behavior on the “Recall” podcast, adding to a growing narrative of perceived harshness from the long-time judge. The discussion highlights the often-intense dynamic between judges and participants on reality television, and raises questions about the line between constructive criticism and negativity.
Mölling, who competed on the first season of “Let’s Dance” in 2006 and reached the final round, recalled her own experiences with Llambi. Gammour, a former member of the girl group Monrose, was eliminated in the third live present of the 14th season in 2021. Both women suggested that Llambi’s commentary wasn’t always supportive, sparking a renewed conversation about his judging style.
Podcast “Recall”: Examining the Dynamics of “Let’s Dance”
On the “Recall” podcast, hosted with former Monrose bandmate Bahar Kizil, Gammour described feeling disadvantaged during her time on the show. She expressed disappointment with the overall experience, despite enjoying the rigorous training process. “The show totally disappointed me!” she said, adding that she had hoped for more from the production. Gammour ultimately finished in 12th place, a result she felt didn’t reflect her effort. “I had no chance. I was so looking forward to the project,” she explained.
Mölling echoed Gammour’s sentiments, specifically criticizing Llambi’s interactions with the singer. “He was also mean to you,” Mölling stated, shaking her head in agreement. While the specifics of their concerns weren’t detailed on the podcast, the comments have ignited discussion among fans of the show.
Past Incidents and Public Perception
In 2021, viewers noticed what appeared to be a pattern of critical remarks directed towards Gammour by Llambi. According to t-online.de, the two had previously appeared together on the cooking show “Grill den Henssler,” which seemingly influenced Llambi’s commentary during the premiere of “Let’s Dance.” He remarked, “We cooked together recently. You danced a bit with Steffen Henssler there. When I saw your name on the list, I was already worried.”
Gammour was visibly upset by the comment, and openly expressed her frustration in the following episode. “Mr. Llambi’s remark was too much,” she said, adding, “That’s just mean.” The incident fueled speculation about a personal dynamic between the two, and prompted widespread discussion on social media.
The Upcoming Season and Continued Scrutiny
The 19th season of “Let’s Dance” is set to premiere on February 27th at 8:15 PM with a “getting to recognize you” show, where the celebrity contestants will be paired with their professional dance partners. This year’s lineup includes another familiar face for fans of German pop music: Nadja Benaissa, also from No Angels, will be joining the competition alongside Mölling. The No Angels are also planning a reunion tour in 2026, with a stop scheduled in Saarland.
As always, the judging panel will consist of Joachim Llambi, Jorge González, and Motsi Mabuse, while Daniel Hartwich and Victoria Swarovski will host the show. The question remains whether this season will bring further scrutiny of Llambi’s judging style, and whether other contestants will approach forward with similar experiences.
The dynamic between judges and contestants on reality competition shows is often complex, balancing the need for constructive criticism with the potential for hurtful remarks. While Llambi has been a fixture on “Let’s Dance” for many years, these recent criticisms highlight the importance of sensitivity and respect in the competitive environment.
The premiere of the 19th season will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only for the dance performances but also for how the judges interact with the contestants. The show’s producers will likely be aware of the recent controversy and may be prepared to address it in some way. The next official update regarding the show’s response to these criticisms is expected following the premiere on February 27th.
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