Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten Earn High Marks on 'Dancing With the Stars' Amid Competition Drama
The pair delivered an emotional performance dedicated to Dewan's mother, following a week marked by her regular partner's suspension.
Jenna Dewan and her temporary partner, Alan Bersten, achieved a score of 37 out of 40 for their Viennese waltz on "Dancing With the Stars," performing a routine dedicated to Dewan's mother, Nancy Lee Bursch. The performance came after a week of behind-the-scenes turmoil involving Dewan's original professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy.
During the "Dedication Night" episode, Dewan shared the significance of the dance, explaining to Bersten how her mother sacrificed to support her dreams after her parents' divorce when Dewan was very young. "If my mom can go through what she did and be loving and soft and graceful about it, I can do anything," Dewan said. Bursch joined the duo for rehearsals and expressed it was an honor to be honored.
Judges praised the emotional depth and execution of the dance. Carrie Ann Inaba called the performance "the ultimate breakthrough," noting Dewan's open heart and sense of freedom. Derek Hough described Dewan as a "class act."
Bersten stepped in for Chmerkovskiy, who was suspended for one week after posting a controversial social media video that referenced Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars. Chmerkovskiy's post was a reaction to judge Carrie Ann Inaba's criticism of his wife, Jenna Johnson, and her celebrity partner during a previous week. BBC Studios stated that Chmerkovskiy's post was "inappropriate and does not reflect the values or standards expected of anyone connected with the show."
Despite the controversy, Chmerkovskiy expressed support for Dewan and Bersten, watching from home and reportedly feeling grateful to Bersten for stepping in. A source indicated that Chmerkovskiy anticipates returning for the next live show.
Dewan and Bersten's performance received significant praise, with their Viennese waltz to "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers highlighting a moment of personal connection amid the competitive television environment. The pair's success marked a significant moment in the competition, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Chmerkovskiy's absence.