When we think of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), the first things that come to mind are the dazzling costumes, the stunning choreography, and, of course, the jaw-dropping performances. But, let’s not forget the real stars behind the scenes—the judges. They sit in those iconic chairs, giving their expert opinions and making those crucial decisions that determine who stays and who goes.
But who exactly are these judges, and what makes them so pivotal to the success of the show? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Dancing with the Stars judges and explore their roles, personalities, and what keeps audiences tuning in week after week.
What Exactly Do the DWTS Judges Do?
Before we dig into the individual judges, let’s talk about their role in the show. As the heart and soul of the competition, the judges are the ones who assess the celebrity contestants’ dancing skills. They award points based on factors like technique, creativity, and performance ability. Their feedback, whether positive or critical, plays a huge part in shaping how the audience perceives each contestant.
The Scoring System: How It Works
Every week, the judges score the dances on a scale of 1 to 10. These scores are combined with audience votes to determine the bottom two contestants, who then compete for a chance to stay in the competition. This blend of professional critique and viewer input creates the perfect recipe for drama—and let’s be honest, we all love a bit of tension!
The Iconic Judges of Dancing with the Stars
Now that we know what the judges do, let’s take a look at the faces that have become synonymous with the Dancing with the Stars judging panel.
Len Goodman: The Veteran
Len Goodman was the original head judge of DWTS and is widely regarded as one of the show’s most respected voices. Known for his no-nonsense approach and classic British charm, Len often dishes out critiques with a wink and a nod, making his comments both insightful and entertaining.
Len’s Signature Style
What made Len stand out among the other judges was his old-school perspective on dance. He was known for being the “toughest” judge on the panel, particularly when it came to technique. A lot of his criticism centered around dancers sticking to the “tradition” of ballroom. His British accent and phrases like “More rise and fall!” became part of the DWTS lexicon. He retired from DWTS in 2022, but his legacy remains strong.
Bruno Tonioli: The Passionate Performer
Bruno Tonioli, the Italian-born judge, is known for his wild energy and flamboyant personality. If you’ve ever watched the show, you’ve probably heard him shout something like, “Absolutely fabulous!” or seen him jump up from his seat to express his excitement.
Bruno’s Dance Expertise
Before becoming a judge, Bruno had an extensive career as a dancer and choreographer. His background in dance allows him to provide unique, technical feedback, and his enthusiasm always adds a fun and lighthearted element to the show. His fiery critiques are often contrasted with his genuine love for the art form, making him a fan favorite.
Carrie Ann Inaba: The Emotional Judge
If you’ve watched DWTS, you’ve likely seen Carrie Ann Inaba tear up at a performance or express her admiration with a heartfelt “That was beautiful!” She’s known for being incredibly supportive and often takes a more emotional approach when critiquing dancers.
The Balance Between Support and Criticism
Carrie Ann doesn’t shy away from offering constructive criticism, but her feedback is usually balanced with a focus on the emotional connection the dancer brings to the performance. She’s a professional dancer herself, and her knowledge of technique, combined with her empathetic nature, has made her a favorite judge on the show.
Derek Hough: The Multi-Talented Dancer
Derek Hough is not only one of the most talented professional dancers to ever compete on DWTS, but he’s also a successful choreographer and actor. He’s won the DWTS mirrorball trophy six times, which gives him an incredible perspective on what it takes to win the competition.
Derek’s Influence on the Show
Derek’s judging style is often a balance of tough love and encouragement. He pushes the contestants to challenge themselves while offering guidance on how to take their routines to the next level. Derek’s expertise makes him a valuable asset to the panel, and his knowledge of dance styles, particularly Latin and contemporary, has brought new dimensions to the judging table.
Julianne Hough: The Dancer with a Heart
Another member of the Hough family, Julianne Hough, has served as a judge on DWTS on and off. A two-time mirrorball champion herself, Julianne brings her experience as both a professional dancer and a choreographer to the judging table.
Julianne’s Unique Perspective
What sets Julianne apart is her ability to connect with the contestants, many of whom admire her for her success on the show. She gives insightful critiques while also encouraging dancers to step outside their comfort zones. Julianne’s blend of toughness and encouragement strikes a chord with both contestants and audiences alike.
How Do the Judges Impact the Show’s Success?
It’s no secret that the Dancing with the Stars judges play a massive role in the show’s ongoing popularity. They not only provide the necessary expertise to evaluate the contestants, but their dynamic personalities add to the drama and excitement of each season.
The Drama They Create
Let’s face it: DWTS would be pretty dull without the judges’ back-and-forth banter. Whether it’s Len giving Bruno a hard time, or Carrie Ann getting emotional over a particularly touching performance, the judges are key in keeping the show interesting. Their personalities—whether they’re warm, fiery, or no-nonsense—keep viewers coming back for more.
How Their Critiques Shape the Show
The judges’ critiques have the power to make or break a contestant’s performance. If a dancer receives high marks, they’re more likely to be motivated and improve in future weeks. On the other hand, harsh critiques can spark fierce comebacks. The judges know how to navigate this balance, making sure that their feedback is constructive while still adding drama to the competition.
Why Do We Love the Judges?
It’s no secret that the judges are a big part of the show’s success. But why do we love them so much? Well, let’s break it down.
They’re Relatable
While the judges are all highly trained professionals, they’ve also faced the same challenges as the contestants—whether it’s nervousness, difficult choreography, or the pressure of performing live. Their vulnerability and authenticity make them more relatable to viewers.
They Keep It Real
One thing the judges never do is sugarcoat their feedback. They’re always honest, even when it’s tough. And that’s something we, as viewers, appreciate. We want them to tell it like it is, even if it stings a little!
They Bring the Entertainment
Let’s be real—Dancing with the Stars is about more than just the dancing. It’s about the entertainment, and the judges know how to deliver. Whether it’s Len’s dry humor, Bruno’s dramatic flair, or Carrie Ann’s genuine reactions, the judges bring a level of entertainment that adds to the overall enjoyment of the show.
Conclusion: The Backbone of DWTS
The judges of Dancing with the Stars are much more than just experts sitting behind a desk. They’re part of the show’s very fabric, adding personality, drama, and authenticity to every season. Without them, DWTS wouldn’t be the same.
Their blend of critique, enthusiasm, and personality makes each season exciting and unpredictable. Whether you’re a fan of Len’s traditional views or Bruno’s wild energy, one thing is for sure—the judges are a crucial part of what makes Dancing with the Stars a hit.
FAQs
- How do the judges score performances on Dancing with the Stars?
- The judges score each performance on a scale of 1 to 10 based on various factors like technique, creativity, and overall performance.
- Who is the toughest judge on Dancing with the Stars?
- Len Goodman was often considered the toughest judge, with his emphasis on traditional ballroom technique.
- Do the judges ever change on the show?
- Yes, the judging panel has seen a few changes over the years, with several guest judges and occasional departures, such as Len Goodman’s retirement in 2022.
- Why do the judges’ critiques matter so much?
- The judges’ critiques influence not only the scores but also the public’s perception of the contestants, shaping their chances of staying in the competition.
- What makes Bruno Tonioli stand out among the judges?
- Bruno’s fiery passion and energetic personality, along with his extensive background in dance, make him a unique and entertaining judge on the show.