“Dancing with the Stars” is about to crown its newest champion, concluding its 32nd season with a grand finale. For two decades, this celebrity dance competition has captivated audiences, blending Hollywood glamour with the artistry of ballroom dance. However, beneath the glitter and sequins, a critical issue persists: the show’s scoring system. The current balance between judges’ scores and audience votes is skewed, potentially undermining the very principles of dance and skill that the show purports to celebrate. This season has highlighted more than ever the urgent need to re-evaluate how Scoring On Dancing With The Stars truly works.
The enduring appeal of “Dancing with the Stars” stems from the celebrities themselves. Their journeys of learning and growth are what truly engage viewers. Paired with professional dancers, these contestants embark on a weekly challenge to master ballroom dances, often tackling group performances and dance-offs in addition to their main routines. This rigorous process demands immense dedication, both mentally and physically, revealing a vulnerable and relatable side of celebrities rarely seen in other formats.
Viewers connect with the contestants as they witness their dedication to personal goals, whether it’s mastering a specific step or aiming for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. Actress Alyson Hannigan, for example, began this season with no prior dance experience and consistently placed low on the leaderboard initially. Her journey to the finale embodies the show’s spirit of personal evolution through dance. The commitment extends beyond just learning steps; contestants often push their physical limits, sometimes even sustaining injuries, further highlighting the demanding nature of dance.
Moreover, “Dancing with the Stars” serves as a vital platform for ballroom dance, a genre often overlooked in mainstream entertainment. The judges, experts in various dance styles, emphasize technical elements like frame, footwork, and technique. This encourages both the celebrities and the audience to appreciate the nuances of dances ranging from the Waltz to the Salsa. The professional dancers’ innovative choreography elevates this often-underappreciated art form, making it accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Daniella Karagach, partnered with singer Jason Mraz this season, even received a 2022 Emmy nomination for a contemporary routine on the show, showcasing the high caliber of dance artistry involved.
However, the show’s commitment to celebrating personal growth through dance is increasingly threatened by a flawed scoring system on Dancing with the Stars. Currently, celebrity contestants’ scores are determined by a 50/50 split: half from the judges’ numerical scores and half from audience votes cast online. While the judging panel comprises experienced and qualified dance experts, accusations of favoritism and inconsistent scoring are not uncommon. Therefore, audience participation is intended to be a crucial balancing factor. Yet, it has become evident that the weight of the audience vote has become disproportionately influential, overshadowing the dance element at the heart of the show.
The core issue with audience voting arises when viewers prioritize popularity or manufactured drama over actual dance merit. This shifts the focus away from the primary purpose of the show – celebrating dance and improvement – and towards peripheral entertainment values. This misaligned priority undermines skilled dancers who may not have the largest fanbase, diminishing their chances of progressing in the competition. A prime example of this is season 27 winner Bobby Bones. Despite consistently receiving low scores from the judges, his enthusiastic fanbase propelled him to victory, highlighting a disconnect between judges’ scoring on Dancing with the Stars and the final outcome.
This season further exemplified this problem with the extended run of reality star Harry Jowsey. While judges frequently critiqued his technical abilities, persistent rumors about a romantic relationship with his partner Rylee Arnold, coupled with his strong social media following, allowed him to advance for nine weeks, eliminating more technically proficient contestants. While his eventual elimination paved the way for more deserving finalists, the damage to the competitive integrity and the message sent to viewers about the importance of scoring on Dancing with the Stars was already done.
From seasons 28 to 31, “Dancing with the Stars” included a “judges’ save” rule, allowing the panel to rescue one of the bottom two couples from elimination each week. This crucial safeguard was inexplicably removed this season, significantly contributing to the perceived unfairness in rankings. As the technical authorities, the judges are essential for upholding the standards of ballroom dance within the competition. Reinstating the “judges’ save” – or reducing the overwhelming influence of audience votes – is crucial if the show aims to preserve its unique appeal and avoid becoming just another generic reality TV popularity contest.
In conclusion, this season of “Dancing with the Stars” has undeniably delivered captivating performances and inspiring personal journeys, reaffirming its value in the crowded landscape of pop culture. However, the leaderboard, the very mechanism that drives the competition, is in dire need of reform. To maintain the heart and integrity that “Dancing with the Stars” has championed for two decades, addressing the imbalance in its scoring on Dancing with the Stars is not just necessary – it’s essential for the show’s future. “Dancing with the Stars” has the potential to consistently achieve a “perfect 10,” but only if it prioritizes fairness and dance excellence over popularity contests.
