Dancing With The Stars has captivated audiences for years, largely due to the passionate performances and, crucially, the insightful critiques from the judges. Historically, the judging panel, especially figures like the iconic Len Goodman, were known for their rigorous standards and unflinching honesty. This no-nonsense approach set the tone for a competition where scores were earned, not given. However, recent seasons have sparked debate, with some viewers questioning if the judges are becoming too lenient, potentially diluting the impact of the scoring system. In the past, early weeks saw scores reflecting the novice status of celebrity dancers, often ranging from 3 to 5. Lately, the prevalence of 7s and 8s right out of the gate raises questions about score inflation and its effect on the overall competition narrative.
Many viewers argue that high scores should be a reward for significant improvement and exceptional performance, reserved for later stages of the competition. Distributing them liberally in the initial weeks diminishes the excitement and anticipation associated with achieving top marks as the season progresses. It creates a sense of scoring plateau, where there’s less room to showcase growth and truly outstanding dances.
Is Joey Graziadei’s Talent Being Undervalued?
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson in a Collider interview pose, Jenna in silver, Joey in black suit
The journey of Joey Graziadei with his partner Jenna Johnson perfectly illustrates this scoring dilemma. Joey, stepping into the ballroom from outside the dance world after his Bachelor fame, has shown remarkable progress. Many fans and viewers see him as a potential winner, consistently delivering engaging and technically improving performances. Despite this clear upward trajectory, Joey often finds himself capped at 8s and 9s, even on nights like Disney Night where his performance seemed worthy of a perfect 10. The consistency of 8s from judges like Carrie Ann Inaba, even when acknowledging dances as “the best of the season,” creates a disconnect. If performances deemed season highlights receive the same scores as those from week one, it begs the question: are the scores truly reflecting the level of improvement and performance quality? The reluctance to award a 10 early in the season feels contradictory when high scores were already generously distributed in the initial weeks. This scoring pattern can create a perception of stagnant progress, even when couples are demonstrably evolving each week.
Reginald and Emma waving and smiling in DWTS promotional shot
Performance vs. Popularity: Scoring Discrepancies
Another point of contention arises when considering the scores of contestants like Dwight Howard. Dwight’s infectious personality and positive energy are undeniable assets to the show. His bubbly presence and constant smile inject a unique charm into the competition. However, objectively assessing his technical dance skills reveals he is not as polished as some of his fellow competitors. Despite visible technical shortcomings and occasional missteps, Dwight consistently receives 7s and 8s. While his entertainment value is high, the fairness of awarding him similar scores to technically stronger dancers like Chandler Kinney and Stephen Nedoroscik is debatable. This raises concerns about whether judging is prioritizing technical merit or audience appeal. Many believe judges should primarily focus on technical execution and dance proficiency when assigning scores.
The long-standing appeal of Dancing With The Stars has been rooted in the dramatic tension of the scoring and the excitement of witnessing dancers’ progression throughout the season. However, recent scoring trends suggest a disconnect between judge commentary and actual scores. When judges proclaim performances as season-best, yet scores remain consistent with early-week performances, it diminishes the impact and credibility of the judging process. Reserving higher scores for later in the competition would not only heighten the stakes but also restore a sense of authenticity and excitement to the show’s scoring system. Dancing With The Stars is currently available for streaming on Disney Plus in the US.
