Dancing With the Stars' Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov Address Fan Outrage Over Scores

Amber Glenn, a contestant on Dancing With the Stars, and her professional partner Pasha Pashkov are addressing fan concerns regarding the show's scoring system. Following a samba performance during Super Bowl Night that received an '8' from judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, some viewers expressed outrage, arguing that Glenn's performance was superior to that of other contestants who also received eights.

Glenn acknowledged the fans' defense of her performances, noting that score disagreements are not uncommon, particularly for those familiar with figure skating, where scoring is more nuanced. "Fans will disagree with judging and what they think and what they see," Glenn stated in an interview. She contrasted this with figure skating, where scores often include a breakdown that allows for better understanding. "Whereas this, it’s just this random whole number which is one through ten," she added, observing that by Week 5 of the competition, the range of awarded scores is particularly narrow.

Pashkov humorously suggested implementing a decimal system for scores, a sentiment Glenn echoed for personal athlete preference, though she was unsure about its suitability for television.

Glenn, a figure skater, also commented on the trend of fans replicating some of the couple's dance moves online, describing it as both "cute" and "slightly terrifying." She expressed her enjoyment of the rehearsal process with Pashkov, highlighting their ability to balance hard work with fun.

Looking ahead, Glenn and Pashkov are preparing for 'Dedication Night' with a contemporary dance to Sia's "Breathe Me." The performance is dedicated to Glenn's sister, in honor of her support during Glenn's mental health struggles approximately a decade ago. "Pasha actually found the piece of music after I told him the kind of story and who I wanted to dedicate it to," Glenn explained. Pashkov emphasized the goal of their performance is to make viewers feel seen and inspired by Glenn's journey, noting that vulnerability is her strength.

Glenn also spoke about her desire to win the Mirrorball Trophy for Pashkov, acknowledging his dedication to the show over many seasons. She drew a parallel to her own experience in team events in figure skating, where sharing success was a profound feeling, and expressed a wish to experience that with Pashkov on Dancing With the Stars.