Witney Carson Says “DWTS” Judges’ Scores for Guillermo Rodriguez Were ‘a Little Mean’ and ‘Uncalled For’

In a recent podcast episode discussing his initial performance on the reality dance competition “Dancing with the Stars,” professional dancer Witney Carson came to the defence of her partner, Guillermo Rodriguez. During the broadcast on the 18th of September, the duo reflected on their debut on the show, which took place on the 15th of September, where they danced a cha-cha routine to Jean Knight’s 1971 hit “Mr. Big Stuff.”

Rodriguez and Carson’s performance received a rather unfavourable score from the judges, amounting to a mere 10 out of 30. Many in the audience reacted negatively to this rating, expressing their displeasure with loud boos. Carson, who is celebrating her 34th season on the show, felt that the scores from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, which included a disappointing three points, were unjustified.

Speaking candidly on the podcast, hosted by DWTS alumnus Andy Richter, Carson remarked, “I thought that was a little uncalled for. I mean, he was moving, he was actually hitting the lines and trying to cha-cha.” Her comments highlighted a broader sentiment that the judges could have been more generous in their assessments.

In support of his partner, Rodriguez also shared his determination to improve. “That’s why we gotta practice for the next one,” he stated, expressing a desire to elevate his performance and move past the underwhelming scores. The 55-year-old entertainer admitted to wanting to avoid a repeat of the “three” ratings in upcoming weeks. Carson responded with humour, playfully suggesting, “No more snack breaks,” as they prepare for their next routine.

During the judges’ critique, Hough acknowledged the effort that Rodriguez put into his performance, albeit commented that the technical aspects needed considerable work. He claimed the routine was “spicy,” praising Rodriguez for his enthusiasm while noting the need for improvements in “power” and “timing.”

Tonioli, meanwhile, brought a touch of levity to his review, bringing attention to Rodriguez’s noteworthy body roll, which he quipped had “nothing to do with the cha-cha” but believed it would “go viral.” Inaba, another judge, found the performance “super entertaining,” pointing out that Rodriguez’s movements were “clearly defined.”

Post-performance, Rodriguez expressed relief at having completed his debut and a drive to work harder for their next dance, a Paso Doble, which he described as being both “super fast and hard.” This level of commitment resonated with Carson, who revealed how well-liked Rodriguez was among the show’s cast and crew. She noted, “He’s always very, very kind. He’s the favourite of everyone.”

The support from fans also came as a surprise to Rodriguez, who recounted how the audience erupted in excitement at the end of their performance. “It was crazy. They went crazy when we finished dancing,” he recalled, highlighting a growing connection with his audience despite the critiques.

“Dancing with the Stars” continues to air on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the following day on Hulu and Disney+. Rodriguez and Carson remain positive as they prepare for the next challenge, fostering both a sense of camaraderie and determination that could resonate well with viewers in the upcoming episodes.