Julianne Hough is a name that almost everyone recognizes in the world of dance: She has worn many hats on the popular TV show “Dancing with the Stars” (DWTS). As a professional dancer, a judge, and now a co-host, Julianne has seen it all. However, in a recent interview, she opened up about one particular season of DWTS that didn’t sit right with her. For many fans, Julianne’s opinions carry weight because of her deep involvement with the show and her extensive experience in the dance industry. So, when she recently admitted that she disagreed with the results of one of the past seasons, it certainly got people talking.
Julianne’s Journey on Dancing With the Stars
To truly understand Julianne’s perspective, it’s important to know a bit about her journey on DWTS. Julianne Hough first joined the show as a professional dancer in 2007. She quickly became a fan favorite, winning the Mirrorball Trophy in her first two seasons. After a successful stint as a dancer, she transitioned into a role as a judge, where she shared her expert opinions and helped shape the competition.
In 2023, Julianne returned to DWTS as a co-host, rejoining the show in a new capacity. Her long history with the series means that she has a unique perspective on the competition. She has watched countless celebrities take to the dance floor, seen the highs and lows, and been part of many unforgettable moments. Her experience gives her insights that most people don’t have, making her opinions particularly interesting to fans of the show.
The Controversial Win: Bobby Bones
During an episode of “Watch What Happens Live” on August 18, 2023, Julianne was asked a question that many fans had likely wondered about: Was there ever a Dancing with the Stars winner she strongly disagreed with? Julianne didn’t hesitate to answer. She revealed that Bobby Bones, who won the competition in 2018 during Season 27, was the winner she didn’t believe deserved to take home the Mirrorball Trophy.
Bobby Bones, a popular radio DJ, was paired with professional dancer Sharna Burgess during Season 27. Despite not being the best dancer, Bobby and Sharna managed to win the competition, beating out other talented contestants like Milo Manheim and Evanna Lynch, who finished in second and third places, respectively.
Fan Base Over Skill
Julianne’s main issue with Bobby Bones’ win seems to be that it was driven more by his fan base than by his dancing skills. DWTS has always been a show where fans have a significant say in who wins. The public votes for their favorite contestants each week, and those votes are combined with the judges’ scores to determine who stays and who goes home.
In Bobby’s case, his massive fan base played a crucial role in his victory. Julianne pointed out that Bobby was not the best dancer in Season 27. However, his popularity and the loyalty of his fans carried him to the win. While Bobby may not have had the technical skills of some of his competitors, his connection with the audience was undeniable.
This isn’t the first time that DWTS has seen a contestant with a strong fan base outlast more technically skilled dancers. Over the years, there have been several instances where a contestant who wasn’t the strongest dancer made it far in the competition due to their popularity. This aspect of the show has always been a point of debate among fans and participants alike.
A Look Back at Season 27
To fully understand Julianne’s perspective, it’s worth taking a closer look at Season 27 of DWTS. The season was filled with memorable performances and fierce competition. Milo Manheim, an actor known for his role in Disney Channel’s “Zombies,” was widely regarded as one of the best dancers of the season. His performances were consistently strong, and he had a natural flair for dance.
Evanna Lynch, known for playing Luna Lovegood in the “Harry Potter” series, was another standout contestant. She showed incredible growth throughout the competition and delivered some stunning performances.
Despite these strong competitors, it was Bobby Bones who emerged as the winner. His journey on the show was different from that of Milo and Evanna. Bobby was an underdog who wasn’t expected to make it to the finals, let alone win. However, his upbeat personality, humor, and connection with the audience made him a fan favorite.
Sharna Burgess, Bobby’s professional partner, played a significant role in his success. She choreographed routines that highlighted Bobby’s strengths and minimized his weaknesses. The duo’s chemistry was evident, and their partnership was one of the highlights of the season.
The Debate Over Popularity vs. Skill
Julianne’s comments about Bobby Bones’ win bring up a broader discussion about the nature of DWTS. The show is a competition, but it’s also a popularity contest. The format allows fans to have a significant influence on the outcome, which means that sometimes, the most popular contestant wins, even if they aren’t the most skilled dancer.
This aspect of the show has always been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it allows the audience to be actively involved in the competition. Fans can vote for their favorites and feel like they have a stake in the outcome. This engagement is a big part of what makes DWTS so popular.
On the other hand, it can be frustrating for contestants and viewers who value technical skill and improvement. When a less skilled dancer wins due to their popularity, it can feel like the competition isn’t truly about dance. This tension between popularity and skill is something that DWTS has grappled with throughout its many seasons.
Julianne’s Perspective as a Judge
As a former judge on DWTS, Julianne has a unique understanding of the competition. She has spent years critiquing performances and offering guidance to contestants. Her role as a judge was to evaluate the dancers based on their technique, performance quality, and improvement over the course of the season.
Given her background, it’s not surprising that Julianne might feel conflicted about a win that was driven more by popularity than by dance ability. As someone who deeply understands the technical aspects of dance, she likely places a high value on skill and improvement. From her perspective, a contestant who doesn’t demonstrate strong dancing skills might not deserve to win, even if they are popular with the audience.
The Role of Professional Partners
One of the most interesting aspects of DWTS is the role that the professional dancers play in the competition. These pros are not just choreographers; they are also mentors, coaches, and partners to the celebrities they are paired with. Their job is to take someone with little to no dance experience and transform them into a performer.
In the case of Bobby Bones, Sharna Burgess did an exceptional job of working with him and helping him improve. Even though Bobby wasn’t the most skilled dancer, Sharna found ways to make their routines entertaining and engaging. This partnership was key to Bobby’s success on the show.
However, the success of a partnership doesn’t always translate to winning the competition. In some cases, a strong partnership can lead to high scores from the judges and a deep run in the competition. But in other cases, as with Bobby and Sharna, it’s the connection with the audience that ultimately makes the difference.
The Impact of Julianne’s Comments
Julianne’s comments about Bobby Bones’ win have sparked a lot of discussion among DWTS fans. Some agree with her, believing that the show should be more focused on dance ability and improvement. Others feel that the audience’s role in the competition is just as important, and that popularity is a valid factor in determining the winner.
It’s also worth noting that Bobby Bones himself has been open about his experience on DWTS. He has acknowledged that he wasn’t the best dancer and has expressed gratitude for the support of his fans. For Bobby, winning DWTS was about more than just dance; it was about connecting with people and inspiring them.
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The Future of Dancing With the Stars
As DWTS prepares for its 33rd season, the debate over popularity versus skill is likely to continue. The show has evolved over the years, and each season brings new surprises. With Julianne Hough now serving as co-host, her insights and opinions will undoubtedly continue to influence the conversation.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the celebrity contestants for the upcoming season. While Julianne has teased that she doesn’t have any insider information, there’s always a sense of excitement and anticipation as the new cast is revealed.
Conclusion
Julianne Hough’s recent revelation about Bobby Bones’ DWTS win has reignited a long-standing debate among fans of the show. As someone with extensive experience on DWTS, Julianne’s opinions carry weight, and her comments have sparked thoughtful discussions about the nature of the competition.
While Bobby Bones may not have been the best dancer in Season 27, his win highlights the unique dynamic of DWTS, where popularity and connection with the audience can be just as important as technical skill. As the show moves forward, this balance between skill and popularity will likely continue to be a defining feature of the competition.
In the end, DWTS is about more than just dance. It’s about storytelling, connection, and entertainment. Whether a contestant wins because of their skill or their popularity, the show’s ability to engage and captivate its audience is what has kept it on the air for more than three decades. And with Julianne Hough back in the mix, fans can expect more memorable moments and insightful commentary in the seasons to come.