In a revealing podcast interview, longtime Dancing With the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd pulls back the curtain on the show’s inconsistent judging, voting mechanics, and explains why the most entertaining contestant—not necessarily the best dancer—usually wins the competition.
Peta Murgatroyd, the professional dancer who joined Dancing With the Stars in season 13, recently delivered one of the most candid behind-the-scenes accounts of how the competition really works. During her appearance on Danielle Fishel’s “Danielle With…” podcast, Murgatroyd explained why scoring has become increasingly erratic and revealed what type of contestant ultimately claims the mirrorball trophy.
The Judging Inconsistency Problem
Murgatroyd identified a fundamental issue with the show’s scoring system that has frustrated fans and professionals alike. “You need to start lower,” she stated bluntly regarding the judges’ approach. “If you see somebody really cannot dance, they’re giving it their all and they’re great, but their dancing is really terrible. You’re going to give them a really low score to begin with so they can go somewhere.”
She criticized the tendency to award inflated scores from the beginning: “Giving somebody a seven when it’s clearly a three is just an interesting judging math.” While acknowledging that artistic expression plays a role, Murgatroyd emphasized that consistency remains the most important factor for fair competition.
Why Robert Irwin Won Season 34
Murgatroyd revealed she predicted Robert Irwin‘s victory from the season’s earliest moments. “I believe that I knew he was going to win from the very beginning,” she confessed. Irwin, who danced with pro Witney Carson, possessed the complete package that voters embrace: natural charm, genuine improvement, and heartfelt performances.
She described the Australian conservationist as “the whole round package that people love and adore, that Australian accent, that he’s so kind and lovable. He nailed his dances.” Murgatroyd noted that such partners represent a rare gift for professionals—someone with both natural ability and the work ethic to excel throughout the competition.
The Entertainment Factor Trumps Dance Skill
In perhaps her most significant revelation, Murgatroyd confirmed what many fans have long suspected: technical dance ability takes a backseat to entertainment value when it comes to winning. “I think they try to find the best dancer, but I do believe it comes down to the most entertaining person,” she stated.
Murgatroyd pointed to her own victory with former NFL player Donald Driver as evidence. While Driver may not have been the most technically proficient dancer that season, his personality and connection with audiences propelled him to victory. “People vote for who they love and like,” she explained, emphasizing that the show ultimately rewards contestants who form genuine connections with viewers.
The Grueling Reality of Being a DWTS Pro
Beyond the glamour of television appearances, Murgatroyd detailed the exhausting reality of being a professional on the show. “The job is a very difficult job that people do not understand,” she revealed. Professionals must plan weeks ahead while managing multiple responsibilities beyond teaching dance.
“We are not just dance teachers,” Murgatroyd explained. “We are in on everything—the wardrobe, the song choice, the lighting.” Before having children with husband Maksim Chmerkovskiy, she regularly worked until 2 a.m. preparing routines, a schedule she acknowledges would be impossible while raising a family.
Changes She Would Make to the Format
If given authority over the show’s format, Murgatroyd would replace the instant dance challenge with the 24-hour dance from earlier seasons. This change would require returning to Tuesday results shows, a format element abandoned in recent years. Her suggestions reflect a desire to return to elements that created more dramatic television while testing contestants’ adaptability.
Will Murgatroyd Return to DWTS?
After sitting out recent seasons, Murgatroyd admitted she’s feeling the pull to return. “It’s been really nice to sit out for a few [seasons],” she said, acknowledging the benefits of watching from home. However, with her body back in professional shape and no pregnancy or postpartum considerations, she confessed, “I would love to get one more stab.”
Murgatroyd’s revelations provide unprecedented insight into the mechanics of one of television’s longest-running competition shows. Her comments about judging consistency reflect ongoing fan concerns, while her explanation of why personality often beats technical skill confirms the show’s fundamental nature as entertainment first and dance competition second.
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