Cheryl Burke, a former professional dancer on ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ is set to return as a guest judge and has expressed empathy for fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who has faced intense criticism from fans over her scoring decisions this season. Burke’s comments highlight the challenges of judging diverse dance styles and the impact of social media on the show’s community.
Burke, who retired as a pro in November 2022 after 26 seasons, will join the judging panel for the upcoming Halloween Night episode alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. In an exclusive interview, she described the opportunity as ‘special’ and ‘surreal,’ noting her deep emotional ties to the show. ‘I’ve grown up on that show,’ Burke shared, reflecting on nearly two decades in the ballroom. Her return marks a significant moment, as she has long expressed interest in judging, and she feels grateful for the chance to contribute in this new role.
The scoring debate in Season 34 has ignited widespread discussion among viewers, with many arguing that some dance duos receive unfair scores or overly harsh feedback. Burke addressed this chatter, explaining that comparing couples performing different dance styles is inherently difficult. ‘You can’t compare any type of ballroom dance to contemporary,’ she stated, urging newer fans to understand the nuances of competitive dance. She suggested that audiences visit local dance competitions to grasp why direct comparisons are impractical, emphasizing that each routine should be evaluated on its own merits rather than against others.
Fans have particularly targeted Carrie Ann Inaba this season, criticizing her for ‘confusing’ scoring and ‘tough’ comments. In response, Burke expressed strong empathy and compassion for her colleague. ‘I can definitely have empathy for her because I think I’ve experienced it, but in a different way,’ Burke said. She pointed out that while all judges face scrutiny, the reaction to Inaba’s feedback has been disproportionately negative. Inaba recently addressed the criticism on social media, posting an Instagram story set to Taylor Swift’s ‘Actually Romantic’ and reminding viewers that disagreement is part of what makes the show engaging.
Burke also highlighted the toll of social media bullying on competitors, professionals, and judges. She urged platforms like TikTok to better curate content, noting that negative commentary can be overwhelming. ‘The bullying needs to stop,’ Burke asserted, sharing that she too has dealt with online criticism. She explained that pros are especially vulnerable because their reputations are on the line with every performance and reaction. ‘Everything, from your reaction to when you get called safe, everybody’s watching,’ she said, advising those involved to focus on internal validation rather than external noise.
As a judge, Burke plans to prioritize ‘authenticity’ in the couples’ performances, though she acknowledged that this may mean different things for each pair. She will be strict on technique, drawing from her extensive background in ballroom dancing. Burke emphasized that judges aim to provide fair assessments without seeking to please everyone. ‘Damned if you do, damned if you don’t,’ she remarked, stressing that the goal is to uphold the integrity of the competition rather than cater to popular opinion.
This season of ‘Dancing With the Stars’ has drawn record viewership, with the Dedication Night episode reaching nearly six million viewers. The cast includes celebrities like Alix Earle, Robert Irwin, Danielle Fishel, and Dylan Efron, attracting a wave of new fans. Burke noted that this influx has amplified online discussions, both positive and negative. She expressed admiration for the show’s evolution and the community it has built, describing it as ‘beautiful to see a community really gather around it.’
Despite retiring from competing, Burke remains a loyal viewer and is just as passionate about the show. She enjoys watching without the stress of choreography and self-doubt, finding joy in the show’s growth. ‘I don’t need to stress and question myself every two seconds,’ she said with a laugh. Burke’s return symbolizes a full-circle moment, and she hopes her insights will help foster a more understanding and supportive environment for everyone involved in the beloved series.