Bobby Bones Admits He ‘Cheated’ on ‘DWTS’ Before Controversial Season 27 Win

Bobby Bones Opens Up About ‘Cheating’ on Dancing With The Stars

Bobby Bones, the popular radio host and Season 27 champion of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS), recently made headlines by admitting that he “cheated” during the competition. On Jason Tartick’s “Trading Secrets” podcast, Bones explained how he went beyond the official practice time allowed with his professional dance partner.

Typically, DWTS contestants are given a limited number of hours—about four per day—to rehearse with their pro partners. However, Bones revealed that after recording these sessions, he would rent a studio on his own and continue practicing illegally. “I was so far behind everybody else,” Bones confessed, describing how he dedicated extra time to catch up with the other contestants.

This revelation has added fuel to the ongoing debate about the fairness of his win, which was already considered controversial by some fans and critics alike. Despite receiving lower judges’ scores compared to other finalists, Bobby Bones secured the Mirrorball Trophy thanks to an overwhelming number of viewer votes.

The Controversy Surrounding Bobby Bones’ Season 27 Victory

Bobby Bones’ victory on DWTS Season 27 was met with mixed reactions. While many viewers supported him, a vocal minority of hardcore fans questioned whether he deserved the win. Bones himself acknowledged that he was “just as surprised as anybody else” when he and his pro partner Sharna Burgess were crowned champions in 2018.

Throughout the competition, Bones often received modest scores from the judges, typically in the range of sixes and sevens. Despite this, his popularity with the audience propelled him to victory over other talented finalists like Milo Manheim, Evanna Lynch, and Alexis Ren.

The controversy intensified when former DWTS pro and judge Julianne Hough publicly stated that Bones should not have won because he was “not the best dancer.” In response, Bones embraced his status as an underdog, proudly calling himself “the greatest champion” and emphasizing that his win was a testament to fan support rather than technical dance skill.

How Bobby Bones’ DWTS Experience Changed the Show

Bobby Bones’ win had a lasting impact on Dancing With The Stars. Following his season, the show’s producers altered the voting rules to limit the influence of fan voting. New regulations required viewers to cast votes only during the live broadcasts and prohibited voting during the first episode of each season. These changes aimed to balance judges’ scores and audience votes more fairly.

Despite the criticism and rule changes, Bones has expressed fondness for his DWTS experience. He praised his pro partner Sharna Burgess for her tough coaching style, which he felt was necessary for his growth as a dancer. Bones also maintains friendships with several current and former DWTS professionals, showing his continued connection to the show.

Conclusion

Bobby Bones’ candid admission of “cheating” by practicing beyond the allotted hours on Dancing With The Stars adds a new layer to the discussion about his controversial Season 27 win. While some fans and critics questioned his victory, Bones’ story highlights the importance of determination, fan support, and hard work in competitive reality TV. Whether you’re a DWTS superfan or a casual viewer, Bobby Bones’ journey is a reminder that success often comes from going the extra mile—sometimes literally.

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