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‘Dancing with the Stars’ Finale Flaw: Fans Call Jason Mraz ‘The People’s Champion,’ Want ‘Justice’ After Second Place Finish

Lucille Barilla — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 12:35:31 +0000

Dancing with the Stars fans are calling foul on Jason Mraz’s second-place finale finish. After a redemption arc that placed him in the finale, the “I’m Yours” singer and pro Daniella Karagach landed behind Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy winners Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy. Fans are furious, believing Mraz is “the people’s champion.” They want “justice” for all his hard work.

Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach placed second in the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 32 finale

After a season where Jason Mraz rode a rollercoaster of scores, dance styles, and personal challenges, the singer and entertainer found himself in the season 32 finale of Dancing with the Stars. He competed alongside Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Maddix, Marvel star Xochitl Gomez, Bachelorette Charity Lawson, and How I Met Your Mother‘s Alyson Hannigan.

However, despite their efforts, Mraz and pro partner Daniella Karagach placed second when a combination of judges’ scores and fan votes placed them in the number two position. Fans were furious over the slight and took their grievances to Instagram.

“Jason, all the way! He was by far the best improved and the best performance tonight,” wrote one fan.

“Justice for Jason and Daniella, the people’s champion,” penned a second Instagram user.

“I feel sad that Jason and Daniella didn’t win. I voted for him all season, and when it got down to him and Xochitl, I thought, OMG, maybe there is a chance,” a third fan shared. “But I knew in my gut they would give it to the spunky teenager. Out the gate, he was good, got better, slipped, rose up, and did better and better. Perfect scores, freestyle was the BEST out of everyone’s. He really should have won.”

Despite a second-place finish, Jason Mraz leaves ‘Dancing with the Stars’ happy

In an interview with UPI, Jason Mraz discussed life as a Dancing with the Stars contestant ahead of the season finale. He says he’s leaving this life-changing experience with happy memories.

“We’re so proud of each other. We’re all cheering each other on so loud,” Mraz added. “We definitely became a little family really fast.”

“What dance provides and what this show provides is a reminder that we can choose our path. And it’s not always easy, but we can do it with grace.”

“Whoever wins the mirrorball, that’s not going to be the most memorable part of this season,” he concluded. “What’s memorable are the dances. Everyone has given us such amazing dances that we will remember for a long time, and we can always queue up on YouTube or wherever and relive those moments.”

Jason Mraz’s loss wasn’t the only issue viewers had with the finale

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Jason Mraz’s second-place finish wasn’t the only issue Dancing with the Stars fans had with what they claimed was a flawed finale. They called out the series for many other problems, including saying the winners’ names as the credits rolled.

“You had 3 hours (plenty of time) to announce the winner, and you wait until the last minute when the credits are rolling to reveal?” slammed one viewer.

“In a 3-hour show, PLEASE save more than 10 seconds to crown and celebrate the winners!!” declared a second fan.

“DWTS 3hrs; seriously?!? Such a waste of time. And because you waste so much time, the winners are announced as the credits are rolling while 110 pounds of confetti is dropped from the ceiling, which makes the couple barely visible. We are cheated out of seeing all the couples celebrating the winners,” said a third Instagram user.

Dancing with the Stars is currently on hiatus until fall 2024.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Celebs Face Their Toughest Dances Yet in a Series First: Here’s What We Know About Season 32’s Finale

Lucille Barilla — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 00:38:00 +0000

Dancing with the Stars celebrities will face their most challenging dances of season 32 during tonight’s finale episode. Five stars remain to battle for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in a series first. Here’s what we know about the last episode of the season.

It’s a series first for the season 32 finale of ‘Dancing with the Stars’

In a series first, the finale episode of Dancing with the Stars will have more than three couples competing to win the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The finalists will perform a redemption dance and an unforgettable freestyle routine during the episode.

This revelation came on the heels of the series’ semifinal episode. Five couples remained as the episode ended.

As eliminations began, Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach, Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov, Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev, Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber wondered if they would make it to the season finale.

In a twist, the show decided to send all the competing celebrities to the finale, a Dancing with the Stars, first. Therefore, everyone will get a chance to perform redemption dances, plus a freestyle, for judges’ points and viewer votes.

The Redemption Round and Freestyle Dances

As part of the redemption round, the celebrities can redeem themselves and their scores with a dance they struggled with during season 32. Here are the redemption dances and songs.

Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach perform a Foxtrot to “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra. Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov dance a Samba to “Spice Up Your Life” by Spice Girls.

Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev will perform a Tango to “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla. Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy will dance a Foxtrot to “Unconditionally” by Katy Perry. Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber will perform a Salsa to “Get On Your Feet” by Gloria Estefan.

Following will be the fan-favorite freestyle round. These are no-holds-barred performances that can feature strictly ballroom content or a mash-up of different dance styles.

Mraz and Karagach will dance to “Happy” by C2C featuring Derek Martin. Madix and Pashkov will perform to “Run The World (Girls)” by Beyoncé /“Level Up” by Ciara.

Lawson and Chigvintsev dance Freestyle to “Lose My Breath” by Destiny’s Child /“Suéltate” by Sam i & Jarina De Marco featuring Anitta & BIA. Gomez and Chmerkovskiy will dance to “Que Calor” by District 78. Finally, Hannigan and Farber will hit the floor to “Enchanted (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift /“Papi” by Jennifer Lopez.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ welcomes back its reigning season 31 champs

Dancing with the Stars kicks off the evening will kick off with a sensational opening number, with all of season 32’s couples making a dazzling return to the stage. The song is “Young Hearts Run Free” by Candi Staton and choreographed by Ray Leeper.

This routine will be followed by a routine set to “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” by Mariah Carey, featuring the song and dance styles of Alfonso Ribeiro, Julianne Hough, and surprise guests, and choreographed by pros Britt Stewart and Alan Bersten.

Jason Mraz takes center stage for a musical performance of “I Feel Like Dancing,” danced to by the talented pros from the Dancing with the Stars LIVE 2024 Tour and choreographed by Mandy Moore. Returning champions Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas will perform a new routine to “Give It To Me Baby” by Rick James.

Dancing with the Stars airs its finale episode tonight at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and Disney+. The episode streams the following day on Hulu.

‘DWTS’: Are Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov the First Husband and Wife Pros to Compete Against Each Other in the Semifinals?

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 23:29:00 +0000

After weeks of competition, the season 32 Dancing with the Stars semifinals has finally arrived. Five couples remain, including two pros who are married in real life. Are Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov the first husband and wife pros to compete against one another in a DWTS semifinal competition?

Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov face off in a battle for the ‘DWTS’ mirrorball trophy

As season 32 winds down, five celebrities and their pros remain. Reality star Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov, film star Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy, TV star Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber, Bachelorette star Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev, and singer/songwriter Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach.

While many pros are in relationships and several are married, none have made it to the semifinals of the ABC series as competitors. Daniella and Pasha are the first husband and wife to battle against one another with their respective celebrity partners.

The couple is trying to make it to the finals and be the first to take home the newly christened Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This trophy was renamed in honor of DWTS‘ late head judge in October of this year.

Have Daniella Karagach or Pasha Pashkov ever won a mirrorball trophy?

Daniella Karagach and Iman Shumpert won a mirrorball trophy together in season 30 of ‘DWTS’ | Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

Pasha Pashkov has never been a competitor in the DWTS semifinals. He has been a pro since season 28.

In his first season on DWTS, Pashkov placed seventh with The Office star Kate Flannery. He came in 14th place with activist Carole Baskin in season 29 and Bling Empire star Christine Chiu in season 30. In season 31, he came in 15th with Real Housewives of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice.

Daniella Karagach has been a pro since season 29. She landed in the semifinals in her first season, where she came in third alongside singer Nelly.

In season 30, Karagach won her first mirrorball trophy with athlete Iman Shumpert. Following, she was paired with Joseph Baena and came in 11th place during season 31.

How long have Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov been married?

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Daniella Karagach and Pasha Pashkov have been married since 2014. The Knot reported their wedding took place in July 2014 when Karagach was 20, and Pashkov was 27.

The couple met in 2009 after being introduced by their dance coaches. At the time, he was 22, and she was just 15.

Shortly after Karagach turned 16, the dancing duo started dating. In 2012, Pashkov popped the question, and the couple married two years later.

In 2022, Karagach and Pashkov announced they were expecting their first baby. On May 30, 2023, the couple welcomed a baby girl, Nikita, to their family.

Along with performing on DWTS, Pashkov and Karagach run an online company, Wedding Dance, that provides wedding dance lessons to newly engaged couples preparing for their first dance as husband and wife.

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and Disney+. The series airs the following day on Hulu.

‘Dancing with the Stars’: Was Whitney Houston: a Fan of the ABC Series?

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 11:54:28 +0000

The Dancing with the Stars ballroom will shine a bit brighter as the competition series dedicates an entire episode to the music of Whitney Houston. The vocalist and movie star, who has sold an astounding 220 million records worldwide, will be honored for her contributions to the music industry with an evening dedicated to her signature songs during season 32. But was she a fan of the show? Here are all the details.

Did Whitney Houston watch ‘Dancing with the Stars’?

Per a press release from Whitney Houston’s estate, the singing superstar was indeed a Dancing with the Stars fan. It read, “The estate of Whitney E. Houston and her family are honored that Dancing with the Stars is dedicating an episode of her signature songs for the show,” said Pat Houston, executor of the estate of Whitney E. Houston.

“Whitney was a fan of Dancing with the Stars. She would be proud of this recognition,” Pat concluded.

Did Whitney Houston ever appear on ‘Dancing with the Stars’?

Whitney Houston appeared on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2009 | Adam Larkey/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Dancing with the Stars fan Whitney Houston did appear on the ABC competition show in Fall 2009. However, she was not a celebrity dancer.

Whitney sang some of her greatest hits during Season 9. During the episode, she delivered renditions of her songs “Million Dollar Bill” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

She was accompanied by several Dancing with the Stars pros, who danced to these hits on the ballroom floor. The season 9 pros included Cheryl Burke, Louis van Amstel, Edyta Śliwińska, Jonathan Roberts, Tony Dovolani, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Anna Trebunskaya, Alec Mazo, Mark Ballas, Chelsie Hightower, Anna Demidova, Lacey Schwimmer, Karina Smirnoff, Derek Hough, Dmitry Chaplin, and Kym Johnson.

Just short of three years later, Whitney died on Feb. 11, 2012. She was just 48 when she died at a Beverly Hills hotel.

People Magazine reported Houston’s death was ruled as an accidental drowning. There were also contributing factors of heart disease and cocaine use, per a coroner’s report.

The ‘DWTS’ ballroom will be transformed into an exclusive Whitney Houston playlist

The seven remaining couples of Dancing with the Stars season 32 will dance to the vocalist’s greatest hits during Whitney Houston night. Barry Williams, Harry Jowsey, Charity Lawson, Alyson Hannigan, Xochitl Gomez, Ariana Madix, and Jason Mraz remain in the competition.

TV star Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber will perform a Contemporary routine to “Greatest Love of All.” Marvel fan-favorite Xochitl Gomez and pro-Val Chmerkovskiy dance a Tango to “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me).”

Ariana Madix (Vanderpump Rules) and Pasha Pashkov Paso Doble to “Queen of the Night.” Bachelorette star Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev will perform a Viennese Waltz to “I Will Always Love You.”

Singer and songwriter Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach dance Samba to “Higher Love” by Kygo and Whitney Houston. Reality star Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold perform a Viennese Waltz to “I Have Nothing.” Finally, Brady Bunch star Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd dance Rumba to “Didn’t We Almost Have It All.”

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. The series simulcasts on Disney+ and airs the next day on Hulu.

‘Dancing with the Stars’: ’80s Music Icon Paula Abdul ‘Straight Up’ Enters the Ballroom For Music Video Night

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 12:48:29 +0000

The Dancing with the Stars ballroom honors iconic music videos for a night of fun as the remaining celebrity couples and their pro partners tackle some of the most memorable tunes in music video history. Adding to the fun is the addition of 80s music icon and choreographer Paula Abdul, who will appear as a guest judge. Here are all the details surrounding this exciting night.

Paula Abdul is a triple threat; here’s the credentials she brings to the judging table

Dancing with the Stars hosts special guest judge, singer, and dancer Paula Abdul. She will walk out to her 1988 hit, “Forever Your Girl.”

Abdul is also a heralded choreographer. She not only choreographed her music videos but also those of Janet Jackson, including the iconic “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “When I Think of You,” and “Control” videos.

Abdul was also the choreographer for the Jackson Family’s Victory tour. She also choreographed sequences for the 1988 Tom Hanks film Big.

Abdul last appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2012. During the All-Stars version of the series, she performed the “Dream Medley,” a visual compilation of four of her No. 1 hit singles, including “Straight Up,” “Cold Hearted,” “Forever Your Girl,” and “Opposites Attract.”

‘Dancing with the Stars’ 8 remaining competitors dance to songs made iconic by music videos

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The remaining eight competitors will push themselves further than ever as they dance to songs made iconic by music videos. These performances will escalate the ballroom drama as the competition passes its halfway point.

Actor Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber will perform a Quickstep to “Candyman” by Christina Aguilera. Marvel star Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy dance Jazz to “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani.

Vanderpump Rules‘ Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov Cha Cha to “I’m A Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears. Subsequently, social media star Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong will perform a Salsa to “Whenever, Wherever” by Shakira.

Following, Bachelorette lead Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev dance Jazz to “All For You” by Janet Jackson. Then, musician Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach will also perform the same dance style to “Take On Me” by A-ha.

Finally, reality star Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold will perform a Jazz to “It’s Gonna Be Me” by *NSYNC. Plus, TV legend Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd dance Quickstep to “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John.

Plus, the team dance returns!

Val Chmerkovskiy, Xochitl Gomez, Pasha Pashkov and Ariana Maddix will perform together during a team dance on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ | Disney/Eric McCandless

For the first time during season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, the team dance competition returns to the ballroom. This fun dance sequence partners a set number of celebrities and pros as they perform as a group for the first time.

The groups are broken up into two teams. This season, their names are Team 4 Everbody and Team Young’n Style.

Team 4 Everybody will dance to “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” by Backstreet Boys. Team members include Alyson and Sasha, Jason and Daniella, Ariana and Pasha, and Barry and Peta.

Team Young’n Style performs to “Gangnam Style” by PSY. Their team includes Harry and Rylee, Lele and Brandon, Xochitl and Val, and Charity and Artem.

Live viewer votes will be combined with the judges’ scores throughout the episode. These votes determine which couples may be in jeopardy of elimination.

Dancing with the Stars airs live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. and Disney+. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.

For Former ‘DWTS’ Pro Maks Chmerkovskiy, It’s ‘Family First’ as He Launches Skincare Line With Wife Peta Murgatroyd [Exclusive]

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:53:41 +0000

Maks Chmerkovskiy is best known to television audiences for his work as an OG pro dancer on Dancing with the Stars. He appeared on 17 seasons of the ABC series and won one mirrorball trophy alongside Meryl Davis in season 18. However, Maks is much more than a dancer. He is an entrepreneur dedicated to giving back to his community. He sat down with Showbiz Cheat Sheet to discuss a new skincare line with his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, his premium vodka, a desire to put family first, and the “emotions and tears” of the Len Goodman tribute.

Maks Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd present a new skincare line

Married since 2017, Dancing with the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd and Maks Chmerkovskiy are partners in business and life. They share two sons, Shai and Rio, and recently launched a new skincare line.

Can you share the details of your new skincare line with our readers?

It is available on the Maks & Peta Marketplace. It was always a dream of ours to have our own space. We have created organic products that we use ourselves. The products now include a vegan and cruelty-free Foot Spray, Hand and Foot Lotion, CBD Pain Cream, and a Face mist.

Would you like to add other products in the future?

I want to add household items. I want to share the types of products that we use around our home and that are functional for everyday use. There are a lot of opportunities. But most of all, we want to continue the honest relationship we have with our fans. That’s why Peta and I are very careful presenting items unless they have a function in our home as well. If the product is good, it speaks for itself.

The profits from Maks & Peta go to an organization that is very close to your heart. Can you share what that is?

All the profits from this line go to Baranova27, a non-profit organization that my father, Sasha Chmerkovskiy, started. My father started this company after the war in Ukraine began. [Baranova27 is named after the street where the family lived in Ukraine.] Baranova27 has sent over 500,000 lbs of essential goods to Ukraine. We have also started building villages to start a movement to keep displaced refugees inside the country, and we are in our second or third wave of people living there. It’s very emotional to talk about.

For Maks Chmerkovskiy, family is at the forefront of everything he does

Peta Murgatroyd and Maks Chmerkovskiy are the owners of Maks & Peta Marketplace | Benjo Arwas

Maks and his brother Val Chmerkovskiy emigrated from Ukraine in 1994 along with their parents. He was just 14, and Val was 8 when they came to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York.

Your parents have always supported you and your brother Val’s aspirations.

They really sacrificed for us, for the life to end up living. They are a part of our success; I always say that. I can never take credit for my success. I operate from the standpoint that my grandma’s watching whatever it is that I’m doing, and her building is going to be talking to her about that.

You also recently launched a line of premium vodka called Tetya KAPA.

I love entrepreneurship and product development. However, the vodka happened organically. I was producing a very successful show and wine tasting in Napa Valley, California, called Savor After Hours. It’s a wine-tasting experience performance and a show. Through that, I learned how the process of winemaking works and the alcohol industry in general. That was my incentive. I thought, ‘Why don’t I come out with a product whose proceeds can help Baranova 27?’ But that’s all that mattered to me at that time. Any product that I put out is a representation of my family. It represents my history and the life I have come to have in this world.

Maks says the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ tribute to Len Goodman was filled with ’emotions and tears’

Maks Chmerkovskiy revealed that returning to Dancing with the Stars for the series’ tribute to Len Goodman brought up a wealth of emotions from his time on the series. He danced alongside fellow OG pros Mark Ballas, Kym Herjavec, Anna Trebunskaya, Louis van Amstel, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska, and Tony Dovolani.

I want to touch on one more thing before we wrap up. The Dancing with the Stars tribute to Len Goodman. What was the response that you received afterward?

Very beautiful, it was an absolutely beautiful dance. It was an overall unique, positive, and beautiful feeling in the ballroom. There were plenty of emotions and tears. The intent was to pay homage to a man who meant a lot to us for many years growing up in that world, and I feel like that’s what was done.

Can you tell us about your work on the new Peacock series ‘Chasing The Dream?’ Has your episode aired yet?

It was an incredible experience. The show’s premise is that it’s someone’s dream to do something new. My episode is about an individual who was an aspiring dancer. It was a unique experience for me, and I am a sucker for people who have interesting stories. I had a phenomenal time doing it and sharing someone else’s story with the audience. No, it hasn’t aired yet, but it will air this season.

Dancing with the Stars airs live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and Disney+. The series streams the next day on Hulu.

‘DWTS’: Tom Bergeron Reveals How He ‘Screwed’ Producers Ahead of Shocking 2020 Departure

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 23:45:00 +0000

Tom Bergeron‘s 2020 firing continues to divide DWTS viewers. However, in a new interview, the television personality sheds new light on his departure from the celebrity competition series, claiming he “screwed” producers before leaving the series for good.

Ex-‘DWTS’ host Tom Bergeron says he ‘screwed’ producers after ‘they screwed him’

Tom Bergeron, who hosted DWTS from seasons one through 28, was a constant on the ever-evolving ABC series. From day one, he provided light banter while moving the live show along and, ultimately, became as integral a part of the series as its celebrities and dancers.

Bergeron remained DWTS‘ stalwart. He hosted alongside Lisa Canning in season one, Samantha Harris from seasons two through nine, Brooke Burke from seasons 10 through 17, and Erin Andrews from seasons 18 through 28.

ABC announced Bergeron and Andrews’ surprise exit in July 2020, stating that the show was heading in “a new creative direction.” Tyra Banks replaced Bergeron for three seasons until Alfonso Ribiero and Julianne Hough boarded as hosts in 2023.

Bergeron discussed his DWTS exit with Cheryl Burke on her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast. He explained that going into the 2020 election year, Bergeron wanted to stay clear of politics to retain the series’ air of escapism.

However, the show hired former Donald Trump Press Secretary Sean Spicer as a competing celebrity, leading Bergeron to claim he was “pissed off.” Ultimately, he called Spicer’s casting a “step too far” and took social media to share his opinion without directly naming the former press secretary.

“They had screwed me. I’m gonna screw them,” Bergeron explained. “But I wanted the viewers to know this was a step too far for me.”

Tom Bergeron says he knew season 28 of ‘DWTS’ would be his last

Feeling that season 28 of DWTS would be his last after Spicer’s hiring, Bergeron came up with a compromise. He suggested he “take the season off” and return for season 29. However, show execs reportedly countered Bergeron, saying they would let him out of his contract instead.

“That’s how strongly they felt,” Bergeron said. “It really pissed me off.”

“I said, ‘Guys, this is exactly what we said we wouldn’t do. Don’t go there. This is, you know, not the right time, play to our strengths, be the show that gives people a break from all this bull****,'” Bergeron recalled.

Bergeron admitted to Cheryl Burke that executives at both ABC and DWTS didn’t know he would release his social media statement ahead of season 28 because “they didn’t deserve to know.”

He maintained that any political affiliation on the cusp of an election year was a bad idea. Bergeron stated, “Had it been a Democrat, same statement.”

What is Tom Bergeron doing today?

Tom Bergeron poses during season 28 of ‘DWTS’ alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli | Eric McCandless via Getty Images

Since exiting DWTS, Tom Bergeron has appeared on several podcasts, including Burke’s, and is enjoying being a “man of leisure,” reported E! News. Bergeron admits he loves “the idea of not having to be beholden to a regular show on a weekly basis.”

Before DWTS, Bergeron’s career in the entertainment industry was decades-long. He began his career in the industry in the 1980s as a radio DJ in Massachusetts and segued into television in 1982 while still appearing on radio.

People Are Talking came next, followed by jobs at Fox Network and Good Morning America. From 1998-2004, he hosted Hollywood Squares.

In 2001, Bergeron replaced Bob Saget as the host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, a role he held until 2015. Simultaneously, he appeared as DWTS‘ host.

Bergeron was reportedly not asked to participate in a planned tribute for DWTS late head judge, Len Goodman. Neither was the series’ longest-running pro, Cheryl Burke.

DWTS airs live on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. EST on the ABC Network and Disney+. The series streams the next day on Hulu.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Fans Outraged: Cheryl Burke and Tom Bergeron Absent From Len Goodman Tribute

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:47:54 +0000

Dancing with the Stars are outraged that Cheryl Burke and Tom Bergeron are absent from a scheduled tribute to head judge Len Goodman. The series longest-running pro and the former DWTS host have not been asked to partake in a special episode where former dancers will come together to dance in homage to Goodman. Here’s what they had to say.

Cheryl Burke joined Dancing with the Stars in season 2, danced for 26 seasons, and holds the title of longest-running pro. Burke won two mirrorballs in seasons 2 and 3, taking home the trophy alongside Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith.

Tom Bergeron was Dancing with the Stars‘ original host. Moreover, he helmed the series for 28 seasons and the show’s first 15 years before exiting his role in 2020.

Dancing with the Stars fans shared their fury over learning that Bergeron and Burke would be absent from a tribute honoring late head judge Len Goodman. Henceforth, scheduled to appear are Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Kym Johnson-Herjavec, and Tony Dovolani, as well as Anna Trebunskaya, Edyta Śliwińska, Karina Smirnoff, Louis van Amstel, and Mark Ballas.

On Reddit, fans shared their opinions about why Burke was not asked back. “I get that with the podcast [Sex, Lies and Spray Tans], she may have burnt bridges. Given that she is the longest-serving pro and an OG, I was quite surprised she didn’t get called back. This is for Len, after all.”

“More than Cheryl, I want Tom [Bergeron] to make a surprise appearance,” noted a second viewer. “On her podcast, she said she would’ve loved to have been a part of it,” penned a third fan.

Cheryl Burke says she ‘wasn’t invited’ to be a part of Len Goodman tribute

Cheryl Burke says she “wasn’t invited” to be a part of Len Goodman’s Dancing with the Stars tribute. Consequently, she shared her remarks in a post to Threads, confirming her absence.

“For those of you asking if I’ll be a part of Len Goodman’s tribute next week on DWTS, unfortunately, I wasn’t invited. However, I’ll be there in spirit and can’t wait to cheer my former colleagues on!” she wrote. “Sending love and light to everyone.”

Burke’s long tenure on Dancing with the Stars ended at the close of season 31. Subsequently, she performed her last dance the night Goodman announced his retirement from the series.

Before Goodman’s death, Burke suggested she would consider being a judge alongside Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. She told People Magazine, “I think the whole world knows at this point that I would definitely love to. But it’s not up to me.”

“What is up to me is my future. Therefore, I do know that it is time for me to evolve and see what else there is. Because there is life after Dancing with the Stars, so I’ve heard. I don’t know yet. I’ll let you know.”

What can ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fans expect from the Len Goodman ballroom tribute?

Dancing with the Stars host Alfonso Ribiero spoke to People Magazine about the Len Goodman tribute. He revealed that “there won’t be a dry eye in the house.” Ribiero continued, “It’ll be amazing. He was the best.”

“I can guarantee you every one of those pros will ensure the routines are still designed for Len,” Riberio explained. “I know I’ve talked to a few of them. They will be putting in specific steps that Len used to love to ensure the content is still there.”

Dancing with the Stars airs live on Tuesdays beginning at 8 p.m. EST on ABC and Disney+. The series simulcasts the next day on Hulu.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ Gets Personal With ‘Most Memorable Year’ and OG Pros Pay Unforgettable Tribute to Len Goodman

Lucille Barilla — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:21:57 +0000

It will surely be a night to remember during Dancing with the Stars season 32 on ABC. During the “Most Memorable Year” episode, the remaining 10 celebs will dance to songs important to their personal history. Also, eight OG pros return to pay an unforgettable tribute to the late Len Goodman, celebrating his life and DWTS legacy.

‘Dancing with the Stars Most Memorable Year’: Stars celebrate meaningful moments

Dancing with the Stars “Most Memorable Year” is a fan-favorite episode because it focuses on one specific year and song important to a competing celebrity. They honor a pivotal year in their lives, reflecting on milestone moments that are joyful, sad, or unforgettable, celebrated via music and dance.

Week 5 of the ABC series features the remaining 10 stars as they perform ballroom standards such as Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Paso Doble, and Contemporary. Through these dances, they will interpret the emotions that made their year of choice unforgettable.

Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber will perform a Viennese Waltz to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Following, Mira Sorvino and Gleb Savchenko will dance Contemporary to “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper.

Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy glide across the floor in a Viennese Waltz to “Until I Found You” by Stephen Sanchez, and Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov perform the same style of dance to “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish.

Following, Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong express themselves via Contemporary to “I’ll Stand By You” by Pretenders, and Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev dance the same style to “Lose You to Love Me” by Selena Gomez.

Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach will perform a Quickstep to “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson, while Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold will perform a dance Contemporary to “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer.

Finally, Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd show off their moves with a Paso Doble to “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, and Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater dance Contemporary to “Rise Up” by Andra Day.

OG pros return to honor head judge Len Goodman

Eight OG pros return to the ballroom to honor late head judge Len Goodman with a dance tribute to the song “Moon River” by Henry Mancini. The former Dancing with the Stars pros pay homage to the man who pushed them professionally and whose praise they searched for as they faced the judges’ panel weekly.

Kym Johnson Herjavec, Anna Trebunskaya, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska, Tony Dovolani, Louis van Amstel, Maks Chmerkovskiy, and Mark Ballas return for the ballroom performance. They will be joined by judge Derek Hough and Dancing With the Stars co-host Julianne Hough, who once competed in front of Goodman as pros.

The husband-and-wife team of pro dancers Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson choreograph the tribute. Look for the dance to have all the traditional ballroom elements that Goodman loved, with enough pizazz that would cause him to raise his 10 scoring paddle.

Did Len Goodman ever dance on ‘Dancing with the Stars?’

Len Goodman was an accomplished ballroom dancer and an elder statesman to the competing celebrities and pros during each season. Sandwiched between fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, Goodman was the one judge all competitors wanted praise from and, perhaps, a score of 10.

Goodman took to the Dancing with the Stars ballroom floor with Lisa Vanderpump in 2013. The quick number featured a kiss on the cheek from the businesswoman and reality television star.

The late head judge also demonstrated his skills with Nastia Liukin during a memorable Vietnamese Waltz. Though Liukin began the dance with her then-partner Derek Hough, Goodman swapped places with the pro for the final moments of the dance number.

Dancing with the Stars “Most Memorable Year” and a touching tribute to Len Goodman will take place Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2023, beginning at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. The series streams live on Disney+ and airs the next day on Hulu.

Taylor Swift Is the Newest Addition to ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 32: All The Details, Are You Ready for It?

Lucille Barilla — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 11:05:44 +0000

Gather around Swifties! Taylor Swift is the latest addition to Dancing with the Stars, season 32! During one special evening, the superstar’s music will play a key role in the ABC series. Here are all the details.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ will feature Taylor Swift in a key role in the ballroom

Taylor Swift had one of the highest-grossing and most in-demand tours of 2023. Her Eras Tour was a journey through all her musical “eras” and the sixth and most profitable of her career thus far.

So what better way to piggyback on Taylor’s success than a night highlighting her most popular songs in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom? According to Dancing with the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd and her celebrity partner Barry Williams, that’s exactly what viewers can expect. They shared the big news after the series Oct. 3 episode.

Billboard spoke to Murgatroyd and Williams after the show. The pro admitted, “We will be having a Taylor Swift week here.” She added, “Am I allowed to say that?”

While the dance pro did not reveal when the episode will air, her celebrity partner Williams revealed he is a fan of Taylor’s reported new beau, Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. Murgatroyd added, “Apparently, I know who Travis Kelce is now. I did not know that name before.”

Nikki Bella Garcia teased a Taylor Swift-themed night on her podcast

Taylor Swift and Tom Bergeron during ‘Dancing With the Stars’ season 11 | Adam Larkey/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

Hidden within an episode of Nikki Bella Garcia’s podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, which she hosts with sister Brie Bella, were details of a Taylor Swift-themed installment two weeks before Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd teased the news. The former Dancing with the Stars competitor (season 25) spilled the news in an episode featuring her husband, DWTS pro-Artem Chigvinstev, and his celebrity partner, Bachelorette star Charity Lawson.

Nikki said, “Another night I am excited for, and I wanted to know Charity, if you are excited as well, is Taylor Swift. Are you a Swiftie?”

Lawson responded, “I am not a major one, but I do love her, so yeah. I am super excited about that.”

She continued, “I actually did request one of her songs for week one, and they were like, ‘You can’t do it.'” Chigvinstev responded, “Maybe they said no because…” Then his voice trailed off.

Taylor Swift has performed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in three times

While Dancing with the Stars has not yet officially confirmed a night centered around Taylor Swift’s music, the superstar is no stranger to the ballroom competition series. She has been a guest performer during seasons 9, 11, and 15.

Taylor has performed the songs “Jump, Then Fall,” “White Horse,” “Mine,” “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” and “Love Story” during her guest-starring moments. Couples have danced to her songs in other seasons as well.

YouTube star Bethany Mota and former Bachelorette lead Hannah Brown used Taylor’s tunes songs as the focal point of their Dancing With the Stars performances. Taylor, in turn, lent her public support to both women after their episodes aired.

Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. EST on ABC. The series simulcasts on Disney+ and airs the next day on Hulu.