The Controversial Casting of Anna Delvey
The casting of con artist Anna Delvey as a "star" sparked significant fan outrage. Her Week Two elimination reinforced her misalignment with the show's values. When co-host Julianne Hough asked her what she would take away from the experience, Delvey's cold, one-word response of "Nothing" was a stark contrast to the show's themes of grit and growth. It's hard to envision how she aligns with the show's missions beyond publicity.The Early Days of Captivation
In the early days of watching Dancing with the Stars, I was completely enthralled by the performances. The spectacle of celebrities competing with their professional dance partners for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy was mesmerizing. Back then, the stars' backstories and the show's strategies took a backseat as I was solely focused on the dancing.Now, I'm equally fascinated by the show's behind-the-scenes politics. Many stars, like Olivia Jade and Vinny Guadagnino, use the show as a platform to rebrand or revive their careers. Their smart moves often work, and after seeing their personalities and hard work, my perception of them changes for the better.
The Modernization through Social Media
The show has embraced social media to enhance audience engagement. During the instant dance round last week, they broadcast a TikTok live stream backstage. Stars also generate buzz by posting about the show and interacting with their dance partners on social media. Fans often speculate about cast romances and show drama, adding another layer of excitement.For example, the "Hair Metal Night" episode featured KISS band member Gene Simmons as a guest judge. His comments on contestants' physical appearances and inconsistent scoring based on attractiveness rather than talent highlighted the show's efforts to remain fresh. His unapologetic response to the backlash reminded me of Delvey's dismissiveness.
The Judge's Dilemma
Even veteran judge Carrie Ann Inaba has faced continuous criticism over her scores. She seems to be harsher with the show's female stars, such as Chandler Kinney this season. While the show values its seasoned cast, there may be a need to reevaluate her involvement.The show's ability to blend new changes with its legacies is its strength. The move to cast former pro dancer Julianne Hough as a co-host alongside Alfonso Riberio and promoting fan-favorite Derek Hough to a judge after Len Goodman's retirement shows its respect for the past. The 500th episode's theme mirrored this balance, with cast members reviving iconic dances.
The competition structure, which combines judges' scores with fans' votes, emphasizes the show's fusion of tradition and awareness of its audience. Charismatic personalities, dazzling costumes, and stellar dances have always been at the forefront, and the show has found ways to embrace change without sacrificing its identity.
Dancing with the Stars reminds us of television's past while giving us hope for the future. Anna Delvey's ankle monitor serves as a symbol for the series - grounded yet willing to dance with flair.
Tune in on ABC or Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday, Nov. 26 for the Dancing with the Stars Season 33 finale.
Gillian Lee is a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences. She can be reached at [email protected].