DWTS Alum Cheryl Burke Is “Shocked” by Derek Hough Turning a “Blind Eye” to Contestants’ Errors

Former Dancing With the Stars dance pro Cheryl Burke criticized dance pro-turned-judge Derek Hough’s high scores during the show’s season 33 semifinals.

By Rachel McRady Nov 22, 2024 7:38 PMTags
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Cheryl Burke isn’t impressed with Derek Hough’s moves at the Dancing With the Stars judges table.

The former dance pro gave a detailed recap of the semifinal episode of season 33 of the hit dancing competition show on her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast’s Nov. 20 episode. During the episode, Burke ranked each couple’s performances before seeing what judges Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba scored.

“I’m shocked at Derek’s scores, especially tonight,” Burke noted of Hough. “Being the main head judge, you’re supposed to call out technique when you see it, and now this is twice where he’s turned a blind eye to it.”

One specific instance she noticed was after contestant Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s foxtrot dance.

“I’m a little shocked about Derek’s comments about how it was one of the best foxtrots of all time and that his frame should be in a museum, when clearly it wasn’t a perfect frame,” she continued. “It wasn’t perfect. I’m pretty sure any ballroom coach, judge or adjudicator would agree. There’s no opinion when it comes to frame. It’s either right or it’s wrong.”

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Dancing With the Stars Cast's Halloween 2024 Costumes

She continued to call out Hough, adding, “Derek is just giving everyone 10s tonight.”

Disney/Eric McCandless

Conversely, Burke disagreed with a single 10 being handed out to any of the five finalists, which include Joey, Chandler Kinney, Ilona Maher, Stephen Nedoroscik, and Danny Amendola.

“I gave no 10s, not even close to it because no one deserved it,” she said. “And I’m not being negative or bitter. It’s just how I see it.”

E! News has reached out to Hough for comment on Burke’s comments and has not heard back.

Adding that the semifinals typically have something special, Burke added, “Because people are fighting and giving everything they have. And I just didn’t feel that tonight, except for Ilona.”

To look back at the season 33 cast of Dancing With the Stars, read on.

Anna Delvey 

The inspriation behind Inventing Anna traded her ankle bracelet for dancing shoes alongside partner Ezra Sosa. However, the fake heiress was eliminated during the season's Sept. 24 episode, with her saying that she learned "nothing" in her now-infamous, one-word farewell speech.

Ilona Maher

The Olympic rugby player was ready to ruck up the dance floor with pro Alan Bersten, finishing as the runner-up.

Chandler Kinney 

The Disney Channel star tried to dance her way to the top with partner Brandon Armstrong and ultimately placed third.

Brooks Nader 

The model and her partner Gleb Savchenko were ready to strut along the ballroom, but took their final bow on Oct. 15.

Reginald VelJohnson

All that mattered for the Family Matters alum and partner Emma Slater was taking home the Mirrorball Trophy. However, their journey was cut short during the second week of competition on Oct. 8.

Eric Roberts 

The Dark Knight star was partnered with Britt Stewart. They were eliminated in the second week alongside Reginald and Emma.

Joey Graziadei

The Bachelor alum has found his rose between thorns in partner Jenna Johnson, winning season 33.

Tori Spelling 

The alum of Beverly Hills, 90210 was oh so ready to dance alongside Pasha Pashkov. Unfortunately, the two last only one week and was cut from competition in a double elimination alongside Anna and Ezra.

Danny Amendola 

The NFL pro and partner Witney Carson sure scored a touchdown on the dance floor, placing fifth in the finale.

Dwight Howard 

The NBA star hoped to stand head and shoulders above the competition with partner Daniella Karagach, but was eliminated from the competition on Nov. 12.

Stephen Nedoroscik 

The Olympian had his sights set on another medal—or should we say, Mirrorball Trophy—with partner Rylee Arnold, placing fourth in the Nov. 26 finale.

Phaedra Parks 

The Traitors alum was sure to weed out the competition with partner Val Chmerkovskiy, but ended up getting cut from the lineup Oct. 22.

Jenn Tran

Though Bachelorette star and partner Sasha Farber were full bloom in the ballroom, they were eliminated from the competition on Oct. 29.