Professional dancer Mark Ballas has directly addressed rampant favoritism rumors on Dancing with the Stars Season 34, candidly explaining that all contestants face the same opportunities and challenges, and even sharing how his ‘Wicked Night’ song choice was his fourth preference, alongside his partner Whitney Leavitt.
The ballroom drama of Dancing with the Stars Season 34 has reached a fever pitch, not just with electrifying performances but also with persistent rumors swirling off the dance floor. At the heart of the latest speculation are fan favorites Mark Ballas and his partner, Whitney Leavitt, who have faced claims of preferential treatment.
As a veteran pro in his 20th season, Ballas is no stranger to the intensity of the competition, but recent accusations of favoritism—particularly regarding song selections—have prompted him to set the record straight.
Responding to the Online Chatter: Favoritism Denied
Following their survival of Halloween Night on Tuesday, October 28, Mark Ballas and Whitney Leavitt addressed the rumors directly with Entertainment Tonight. Ballas acknowledged the social media buzz, particularly on TikTok, but emphasized his commitment to the competition. “It’s okay, you know, honestly, the TikTok stuff is kind of new for everyone. I know social media has been around but, honestly, I’m just doing my best here,” he stated.
Fans have inundated their social media pages since the season began, claiming the pair receives special consideration, especially when it comes to the music chosen for their routines. Ballas, however, firmly denied these allegations, asserting that all contestants operate on a level playing field. “When it comes to the music stuff, I know there’s questions about edits and things like that. We all have the same opportunities to do that,” he explained, drawing on his extensive experience in music production.
Ballas also highlighted his deep personal involvement and expertise in music, stating, “I’ve also been studying music production for a long time and I’m just very specific about certain songs.” This background allows him to approach song selection with a professional and detailed eye, rather than through any unfair advantage.
The ‘Wicked’ Night Reveal: Fourth Choice and Creative Hurdles
Contrary to the belief that Mark Ballas gets his pick of songs, he publicly revealed the behind-the-scenes reality of music assignments. For the much-anticipated Wicked Night, Ballas candidly shared that the song he and Whitney Leavitt performed, “Popular,” was actually his fourth choice. He took to social media, including TikTok, to humorously illustrate his point with a lip-sync video, captioning it, “How some of you think I am in the DWTS music meetings.”
He then listed his actual song preferences:
- His first choice, “For Good” (requested for a Viennese Waltz), was assigned as a rumba to Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa.
- His second choice, “The Wizard and I” (requested for jazz), went to Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold for a contemporary routine.
- His third choice, “What Is This Feeling” (also requested for jazz), was danced by Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy as a jazz number.
- This left him with “Popular” for a quickstep, with a specific note that “the tempo needs to be more consistent which the band can make happen.”
This detailed account provides concrete evidence against claims of special treatment, showcasing the dynamic and often unpredictable process of song allocation on the show. Ballas even faces other creative constraints, as seen during Wicked Night when he was denied his preference to wear green and paint his face due to intellectual property rights with Universal, leading him to “lean into the pink” for his costume.
Support from Peers and Family: Dedication Over Discrimination
The accusations of favoritism have been widely refuted by those closest to the competition. Fellow DWTS professionals and even Ballas’s own mother, legendary ballroom dancer Shirley Ballas, have rallied in his defense.
Pro dancers like Ezra Sosa and Emma Slater playfully commented on Ballas’s post, joking about the idea of “music meetings” and underscoring the common struggles all pros face with song assignments. Shirley Ballas offered unequivocal support, praising his dedication: “I have no words. This is spot on. 💯 you make me laugh from an ocean away. Keep delivering your work the best way you know how. Bring joy to those that love you ❤.”
His partner, Whitney Leavitt, also passionately defended him, emphasizing his rigorous work ethic. “This man works his a** off. He puts so much thought into every single dance we put on that dance floor,” she affirmed. These testimonials underscore that Ballas’s consistent success stems from sheer talent and dedication, not undue influence.
The Essence of the Competition: Hard Work and Fair Play
As Dancing with the Stars Season 34 progresses into its final weeks, the competition tightens, and the stakes are higher than ever. Mark Ballas, through his transparent and humorous responses, has successfully redirected the narrative from unfounded claims to the core values of the show: hard work, creativity, and fair play.
He remains focused on the dance, tuning out the negativity and embracing the journey. “Honestly, I’m doing my best. I’m having a great time,” Ballas shared. “I love all these couples, rooting for everybody. Also, I appreciate the people that are watching the show at home and all these new eyeballs on it. It’s what makes it fun.”
Ballas’s long-standing reputation as one of DWTS’s most innovative choreographers, coupled with his recent candidness, serves as a powerful reminder that in competitive artistry, talent and adaptability ultimately make the magic happen. At this stage, he stresses, it truly is anyone’s game.
