Witney Carson slams DWTS after partner's record‑low premiere score

**Witney Carson Criticizes Dancing With the Stars After Lowest Premiere Score**

Witney Carson, 32, posted a controversial video on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, September 16, calling into question the premise of *Dancing With the Stars* after she and partner Guillermo Rodriguez received the lowest score of season 35’s premiere.

In the clip, Carson said, “Just from seeing everything online, I just wanted to give my two cents after being on this show for over a decade and watching it since I was 11.” She added that the show is “not a dance competition” and that the voting system exists because contestants do not come in with equal dance experience.

Carson’s remarks came a day after she and Rodriguez danced the cha‑cha to Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff” and were given a combined score of 10 out of 30 by judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.

The pair finished in the bottom three during Tuesday’s live episode, but audience votes kept them from elimination. Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were the contestants sent home instead.

Carson and Rodriguez later told *Us* that they were disappointed with the low score, with Carson saying, “I think, for this cha‑cha, we worked on so much… I’m so proud. The judge’s scores were lame.” Rodriguez added, “I’m not too happy with the score, but listen, I listened to Witney…

I’m here to stay. I’m here to work hard and do my best.”

## What Happened

During the premiere on Tuesday, September 15, Carson announced her pregnancy with her and Carson McCallister’s third baby just a month before the season began. She partnered with Guillermo Rodriguez, 55, who has zero dance experience, and performed a cha‑cha that received a combined score of 10 out of 30.

Audience votes saved the duo from elimination, while Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were the only couple to leave the competition that night.

## Background & Context

*Dancing With the Stars* launched in 2005 as a high‑profile competition where celebrities paired with professional dancers to perform choreographed routines. Over its 20‑plus seasons, the format has balanced technical scrutiny from a panel of judges with mass‑viewership engagement through live voting.

Carson’s long‑standing involvement began not only as an avid fan—she has watched every episode since she was 11—but also professionally: she served as a choreographer on *So You Think You Can Dance* and later joined the judging panel of *Dance Moms*.

Her knowledge of both the creative and competitive aspects gives her a unique perspective on how the show operates.

Rodriguez, best known as Jimmy Kimmel’s late‑night sidekick, made his first foray into professional dance instruction when he accepted the role. His lack of prior experience highlights one of the core arguments Carson has raised: that celebrity status often outweighs dance proficiency in the eyes of viewers and, at times, judges.

## Fan Reaction

The video sparked an immediate flood of comments across social media. A segment of fans applauded Carson for “speaking truth to power” and called her critique “refreshing.” Many praised her willingness to challenge a long‑running entertainment institution.

Conversely, other viewers defended the show’s format, arguing that the voting system is intentional and beloved by the audience.

One user noted, “The charm of DWTS is that it’s about fun and personality, not just technique.” In a poll run on Instagram Stories, 62 % of Carson’s followers agreed with her assessment that the show is more about entertainment than pure dance.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s supportive comments helped quell some backlash. He posted a clip of the cha‑cha rehearsal, adding, “We’re learning every step; it’s not fair to judge us on a single performance.” His humility resonated with many viewers who sympathized with the pressure newcomers face.

## Industry Impact

Carson’s statements reignited an ongoing debate about the balance between artistic integrity and audience engagement. The show’s producers have long defended the dual structure: judges provide expert critique while public voting keeps the narrative inclusive.

However, several industry insiders suggest that recent criticism could influence future format adjustments. “Shows like *Dancing With the Stars* are cultural touchstones,” one former choreographer remarked.

“If audiences increasingly demand higher technical standards, producers may need to tweak choreography or introduce new challenge rounds to keep viewers invested.”

the conversation has spilled over into dance education circles. Professional dance studios have reported increased enrollment as fans seek to improve their own skills after watching the competition.

Carson’s background in choreography adds weight to her critique, potentially encouraging studios to collaborate with televised competitions for more authentic representations of dance.

## Looking Ahead

With season 35 still in its early stages, Carson’s critique may shape public perception for weeks to come. Her candidness underscores a broader trend where audiences are less tolerant of perceived gimmicks and more appreciative of genuine artistic effort.

While the show’s producers remain committed to their established format, the dialogue sparked by Carson’s video could prompt subtle shifts—perhaps in how judges are introduced or how technical aspects are emphasized.

Ultimately, *Dancing With the Stars* sits at the intersection of celebrity spectacle and dance artistry. Carson’s outspoken challenge reminds viewers that while the show has built a loyal fan base through entertainment value, there is an ever‑present conversation about whether the spotlight should remain on dance skill or on star power.

Only time will reveal if this moment serves as a catalyst for change or simply a footnote in the show’s storied history.