Dancing With the Stars Judges Criticized for Hesitancy in Awarding Perfect Scores

The recent Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars has sparked debate among viewers and critics regarding the judges' reluctance to award perfect scores. Professional dancer Amber Glenn and her partner Pasha Pashkov performed a contemporary routine dedicated to Glenn's sister, which many felt was deserving of a perfect 40 out of 40. However, the judges awarded scores that, while high, did not result in a perfect score for the pair.

This perceived hesitancy has led to a discussion about the scoring system and its potential impact on the competition. According to reports, the scores awarded during Dedication Night resulted in a narrow point difference between the top performers and those at the bottom of the leaderboard. This close scoring could make future eliminations more precarious for contestants who deliver strong performances but do not receive the highest possible marks.

Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and guest judge Kym Johnson-Herjavec have been noted for their careful distribution of tens. While judges have previously acknowledged setting different standards for contestants with extensive dance backgrounds like Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr., the argument is that such standards should not prevent exceptionally strong performances, like Glenn's, from receiving full marks.

Glenn's contemporary dance, set to Sia's "Breathe Me," was described as an emotional tribute that powerfully conveyed the story of her sister helping her overcome depression. The performance was lauded for its storytelling, emotional depth, and technical execution. Despite the positive reception, the judges did not unanimously award a perfect score, leading to speculation about the judges' strategy in building suspense for the season's first perfect score.

The current stage of the competition, with over half the season completed and a double elimination looming, amplifies the significance of point differentials. A perfect score could have provided Glenn with a crucial advantage, potentially ensuring her safety in upcoming weeks.

Looking ahead, Dancing With the Stars will feature guest judge Shirley Ballas for Halloween Week. The addition of Ballas, known for her role on Strictly Come Dancing, is expected to bring a heightened level of scrutiny to the remaining couples. The article suggests that a more nuanced scoring system, perhaps including decimal points, could better reflect the intricacies of the performances until the judges are ready to award perfect scores more readily.

Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. local time on ABC and is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.