Peta Murgatroyd, a former contestant on “Dancing With the Stars,” recently shared her candid thoughts on how the mirrorball trophy is awarded each season. In an interview with E! News, the seasoned pro dancer, who has won the competition twice in the past, revealed that viewer votes usually carry more weight than the judges’ scores.
Murgatroyd hinted that her victories with NFL player Donald Driver and model Nyle DiMarco were largely influenced by fan support rather than pure dance skills. She acknowledged that the show has always been somewhat of a popularity contest, stating, “It’s always been how it’s been: a popularity contest. So, the best dancer doesn’t always win.”
In recent seasons of “Dancing With the Stars,” the influence of social media has become more evident. Murgatroyd noted that casting influencers with large followings has further inflated voting numbers, emphasizing how much the show has evolved.
Despite the emphasis on popularity, Murgatroyd had predicted Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin to win a recent season based on his likeability rather than his technical dance abilities. She acknowledged the fine line between dance competition and popularity contest that the show often blurs.
Notably, some former contestants have openly criticized the show for feeling more like a popularity contest than a true dance competition. The sentiment was echoed by Olympic skater Johnny Weir, who expressed disappointment in the show’s emphasis on popularity over dance skills.
Seasoned contestants like Chynna Phillips and Bobby Bones have also voiced similar opinions, underscoring the ongoing debate surrounding the balance between fan support and dance proficiency on “Dancing With the Stars.”
In a world where social media clout can sway the outcome of a dance competition, “Dancing With the Stars” continues to navigate the fine line between entertaining viewers and honoring exceptional dance talent. As the show evolves with each season, the debate over what truly makes a winner on the dance floor remains a topic of discussion among fans and contestants alike.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.