Dancing With The Stars has captivated audiences for years, becoming a staple in reality television. A significant part of its appeal lies in the dynamic between celebrity contestants and the judges. The judges are expected to be the arbiters of dance quality, offering critiques and scores that guide both the competition and viewer perception. Historically, the panel, particularly figures like the revered Len Goodman, were known for their rigorous standards. They were often perceived as tough but fair, delivering scores that truly reflected the performance level, especially in the early weeks when novices were still finding their footing. Scores in the initial weeks typically ranged from 3 to 5, clearly differentiating between those who were struggling and those who showed early promise.
However, recent seasons have seen a noticeable shift in scoring patterns. Sevens and eights are now frequently awarded in the opening weeks, a stark contrast to the more conservative approach of the past. This change has led some viewers and commentators to question whether the Dancing With The Stars judges are now scoring too generously, too early in the competition. This inflation of scores can potentially dilute the excitement and credibility of the judging process. If high scores are readily given out at the beginning, what benchmark is left for truly exceptional performances later in the season? It creates a sense of score plateauing, where there’s limited room for judges to reward significant improvement and outstanding routines as the competition progresses.
The Case of Joey Graziadei: Underscoring Consistent Excellence?
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson discussing Dancing With The Stars
One contestant who exemplifies this scoring dilemma is Joey Graziadei. Entering Dancing With The Stars with a background far removed from professional dance, Joey, known from The Bachelor, has shown remarkable progress. Paired with Jenna Johnson, his journey has been one of consistent improvement and genuine talent. Many viewers and even some judges have acknowledged Joey’s significant strides and captivating performances, with some dances being lauded as season highlights. Yet, despite this evident growth and standout routines, Joey’s scores have consistently hovered around 8s and 9s, even reaching back to his first week. This raises the question: why the reluctance to award a perfect 10, particularly on nights like Disney Night, where his performance was arguably deserving of top marks?
Carrie Ann Inaba herself has noted certain dances as being the “best of the season,” yet the scores haven’t significantly differentiated them from earlier performances. This creates a perception that the Dancing With The Stars judges are hesitant to fully utilize the scoring spectrum. If performances deemed the “best of the season” receive similar scores to week-one dances, it diminishes the impact and recognition of genuine excellence. The early distribution of high scores seems to have boxed the judges in, leaving them little room to reward substantial improvement and truly exceptional dances as the competition intensifies. This scoring pattern can inadvertently mask the actual progress contestants like Joey are making, suggesting a need for a more calibrated and progressive scoring system.
Are Technical Skills Undervalued? The Dwight Howard Example
Reginald and Emma smiling and waving to promote Dancing With The Stars
Another point of contention regarding Dancing With The Stars judge scoring is the apparent disconnect between technical skill and awarded points. Dwight Howard, a beloved personality known for his infectious energy and positive spirit, is a case in point. Dwight undeniably brings a fantastic vibe to the show, captivating audiences with his enthusiasm and ever-present smile. However, in terms of pure dance technique, Dwight himself, alongside objective observations, suggests he isn’t as technically proficient as some of his competitors. Despite visible missteps and technical shortcomings on the dance floor, Dwight has consistently received 7s and 8s throughout a significant portion of the competition.
This scoring consistency, while rewarding Dwight’s entertainment value, raises questions about fairness and the criteria Dancing With The Stars judges prioritize. Why should a contestant who is admittedly less technically strong receive comparable scores to dancers like Chandler Kinney or Stephen Nedoroscik, who demonstrate greater technical expertise and precision? The perception that some contestants who are not at the same technical level are receiving similar scores fuels the argument that technicality is not being adequately weighted in the judging process. Historically, Dancing With The Stars was lauded for its dramatic scoring and the anticipation of seeing score progression or decline based on performance improvement or regression. However, if scores are not consistently reflecting technical merit and performance quality, it undermines the credibility of the judging and the competitive integrity of the show.
In conclusion, while maintaining a positive and encouraging atmosphere is important, the Dancing With The Stars judges might benefit from recalibrating their scoring approach. The current trend of awarding high scores early in the season and seemingly plateauing the score range diminishes the impact of truly exceptional performances and potentially undervalues technical skill. For Dancing With The Stars to retain its dramatic scoring tension and the excitement of seeing genuine progress rewarded, a more discerning and progressively scaled scoring system may be necessary. This would ensure that scores not only reflect the performance of the moment but also acknowledge the journey of improvement and the technical demands of each dance, preserving the show’s competitive edge and viewer engagement.
