Cheryl Burke Weighs in on ‘DWTS’ Scoring Debate — and Why She Has ‘Empathy’ for Carrie Ann Inaba

Cheryl Burke’s Perspective on the ‘DWTS’ Scoring Debate

Cheryl Burke, the two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner and former professional dancer on *Dancing With the Stars* (DWTS), recently opened up about the heated discussions surrounding the show’s scoring system. As a guest judge for the upcoming “Halloween Night” episode, Burke is stepping back into the DWTS ballroom after retiring as a pro in November 2022. Her return has sparked excitement among fans, but it also comes at a time when the show is facing intense scrutiny over how judges score the celebrity contestants.

Burke empathizes deeply with Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the long-standing judges who has been receiving a significant amount of criticism this season. Fans have debated the fairness of scores, with some arguing that certain couples receive harsher feedback than others, while others appear to be rewarded for less impressive performances. Burke’s unique experience as both a competitor and now a judge gives her a nuanced understanding of the complexities behind scoring on DWTS.

“I can definitely have empathy and compassion for Carrie Ann,” Burke shared. “All of the judges have said something that maybe the audience may not have liked. But the reaction of it has been a lot different, for sure, when Carrie Ann says something.” She added, “You’re never going to please everybody. The goal should never be about that.”

Why Scoring on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Is More Complex Than It Seems

One of the key points Burke emphasizes is the difficulty in comparing different dance styles and performances. Unlike traditional ballroom competitions where dancers perform the same routine to the same music, DWTS features a variety of dance genres — from waltz and cha-cha to contemporary and jazz — all judged on the same scale. This variety makes direct score comparisons between couples challenging.

Burke encourages newer fans to understand this complexity by exploring authentic local dance competitions. “You can’t compare the couples because they’re not doing the same dance style,” she explained. “It’s impossible to compare ballroom dance to contemporary, or even a waltz to a cha-cha.” She stresses that each dance style has its own technique and criteria, which judges must consider when scoring.

This insight helps explain why some fans perceive scoring inconsistencies. The judges are not only evaluating technical skill but also authenticity, performance quality, and how well the couple embodies the spirit of the dance. Burke herself plans to focus on “authenticity” when she takes her seat as a guest judge, alongside Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.

Addressing Fan Criticism and the Impact of Social Media

The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has amplified fan reactions to DWTS judging decisions. While this engagement brings excitement, it also leads to harsh criticism and even bullying directed at judges, pros, and contestants. Burke calls for kindness and understanding, highlighting the emotional toll that negative comments can have on those involved.

“The bullying needs to stop,” Burke urged. “It’s a problem on social media platforms, and they need to curate it better.” She acknowledges that professionals on the show, especially the pros, feel the pressure acutely because their reputation and hard work are on the line with every performance.

Burke also points out that while judges receive both praise and criticism, the backlash against Carrie Ann Inaba has been particularly intense. She attributes this to the judge’s long tenure and the high expectations fans have for her. Despite this, Burke believes Inaba and her fellow judges remain committed to their roles, focusing on fairness and the integrity of the competition rather than trying to please everyone.

Cheryl Burke’s Return to DWTS and What Fans Can Expect

After 26 seasons as a pro dancer, Cheryl Burke’s return as a guest judge is highly anticipated. She describes the experience as “special” and “surreal,” emphasizing her passion for the show remains as strong as ever. Unlike her time as a competitor, Burke now enjoys watching the show without the stress of choreography and constant self-doubt.

Burke’s judging style will combine strict attention to ballroom technique with an appreciation for each couple’s unique journey. She acknowledges that authenticity may look different for every pair, and she plans to honor that in her scoring.

For fans and contestants alike, Burke offers encouraging advice: “Your validation doesn’t come from the outside noise, it comes from within.” This message resonates strongly in a season marked by record-breaking viewership and passionate fan debates.

Conclusion

Cheryl Burke’s thoughtful commentary on the *DWTS* scoring debate sheds light on the challenges judges face and the importance of empathy, especially towards Carrie Ann Inaba. Her insights remind fans to appreciate the complexity of ballroom dance judging and to approach the competition with respect and understanding. As Burke returns to the judges’ panel, viewers can look forward to authentic and insightful critiques that honor the spirit of *Dancing With the Stars*. Don’t miss the upcoming “Halloween Night” episode airing next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes streaming on Hulu the following day. Stay tuned and join the conversation about your favorite couples and judges!