Derek Hough defends DWTS against favoritism – TV – | TV Shows

Dancing With the Stars often will get criticism from followers who imagine there’s producer manipulation behind the scenes, but former professional turned choose Derek Hough is placing those theories to relaxation.

Hough, 41, carried out as a professional for almost 10 years on the ABC dance competitors show, profitable a document six Mirrorball trophies before stepping away from the show for a few years and returning in 2021 as a choose.

While shock eliminations have always been half of the show’s tradition, the last few years have seen followers more vocal about suspicions of manipulation behind the scenes, not only in votes but also in how sure performances are critiqued.

With the rise in social media content and more views on behind-the-scenes work, accusations have grown, and the amount during episodes continues to be immense.

However, Hough insists that while it’s simple to see where followers come from, it merely isn’t the case.

“We talk about Mark [Ballas] and [accusations of] favoritism,” he told Parade Magazine.

“The truth is, I know everybody; I’ve known everybody on that show intimately. There’s such camaraderie and love there, even though I’m a judge. Because people are like, ‘Oh, wait, hold on. There’s this and that.’ They have opinions, and that’s great. But really there’s no hidden [agenda].”

“And I get it too. When I was a pro, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, the producers are doing this, and they’re doing that! It’s all the strategy they’re trying to defame me and make me look terrible,’” he continued. “You think there’s this force working against you or something. There really isn’t. There’s no conniving or scheming behind the scenes. And, as much as you want to believe that, it just is what it is.”

Season 34 noticed a large quantity of accusations of favoritism in favor of Ballas, who returned as a professional for the first time since Season 31, where he received his third Mirrorball alongside Charli D’Amelio.

He was partnered with Secret Lives of Mormon Wives alum Whitney Leavitt, and the 2 have been strong performers from the start, tying with eventual winners Robert Irwin and Witney Carson for the top rating on the first evening, and touchdown in the top spot either tied with other {couples} or solo for almost every week until their elimination during week 10.

They also obtained both the first 9 and first 10s of the season, and often obtained far less important suggestions from Hough and fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.

It’s not yet identified if Ballas will return as a professional for Season 35.