FormerDancing With the StarsproCheryl Burkehas a lot of thoughts on the judging panel of the popularreality dance competition. Burkeisn’t impressed by thejudges onDWTSSeason 33,Carrie Ann Inaba,Derek Hough, andBruno Tonioli, and thinks they need to continue toeducate themselves on ballroom dancing.
While answering fan questions on the July 25, 2025, episode of herSex, Lies and Spray Tans,Cheryl Burkedove into whether judges shouldreturn to holding contestants up to “true ballroom dancing” as they used to back in the day.However, the formerDWTSpro was quick to note that in order to do so, the judges themselves need to know what they’re talking about. Burke thinks that the show needs to employ judges with more ballroom experience than the current panel, or theexisting judges need to take the adjudicator’s exam— which certifies individuals to serve as judges in national dance competitions. Burke expressed her views on the matter extensively, and her remarks included but weren’t limited to the following words:
“If you’re just saying things because you know it’s the right terminology, and you can’t explain yourself as to why it should be a certain way, then it’s kind of hard.”
Burke was trying to make the point thatone can’t really critique something if one isn’t an expert.The formerDWTSpro also stated that Inaba, Hough, and Tonioli are not experts in the ballroom dancing niche and remarked thatjudges need to continue educating themselves like pro dancers do.Cheryl Burke was quick to note that she isn’t sure if they have familiarized themselves with the genre — but if they haven’t, they should.
Cheryl Burke Was Left Stunned by Derek Hough’s Generous Scoring
This isn’t the first time Cheryl Burke has thrown shade at theDWTSjudges. In the June 24, 2025, episode of herSex, Lies, and Spray Tanspodcast, the formerDWTSpro remarked howshe was unimpressed by Derek Hough’s scoring during theDWTSSeason 33 semifinal episode.
Burke was left appalled by Hough’s scoring of the performances during the semifinal.The reality TV starexpressed howHough was too generous with his scoringand even specifically pointed out the unexpected praise showered on thefoxtrot performance byJoey Graziadeiand Jenna Johnson.The formerDWTScontinued with her critique of Hough’s judgment in the following words:
“Being the main head judge, you’re supposed to call out technique when you see it, and now this is twice where he’s turned a blind eye to it.”
Burke also stated thatHough was giving out too many tens. The podcast episode showed the formerDWTSprohanding out her own ranking before viewing how the judges scored the contestants.Burke said she wouldn’t score any of the performances a ten because“no one deserved it.”
ABC is yet to renewDancing With the Starsfor Season 34. In the meantime, you’re able to stream the show’s previous seasons on Hulu.
Dancing with the Stars
U.S. reality show based on the British series “Strictly Come Dancing,” where celebrities partner up with professional dancers and compete against each other in weekly elimination rounds to determine a winner.
