Nikki Glaser, the comedian known for her candid humour, has recently revisited her time on the popular television show *Dancing with the Stars*, where she experienced what she describes as one of the most humiliating moments of her life. During an episode of the podcast *Armchair Expert* hosted by Dax Shepard, Glaser reflected on her journey in the show’s 27th season, highlighting her early exit alongside dance partner Gleb Savchenko.
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The comedian, now 41, took part in *Dancing with the Stars* in 2018 but was eliminated first, a fate she found deeply embarrassing. In her discussion, Glaser candidly admitted that while she lacked dancing skills, she had hoped to surprise herself: “I knew I couldn’t dance when I signed up for it, but I didn’t really know,” she said. The pressure of performing in front of an audience, coupled with the intense training, proved to be a challenging experience for her.
Glaser vividly recalled her first meeting with Savchenko, who, she described as “one of the most beautiful people” she had ever encountered. She recounted how they had to perform a brief routine for the cameras and how Savchenko’s initial excitement quickly faded as he realised her lack of experience. This moment marked the beginning of a journey filled with self-doubt and pressure.
The comedian’s elimination from the show was not just about being a poor dancer; it felt like a rejection on a personal level. “It wasn’t just about getting voted off because you’re a bad dancer, which was a part of it,” Glaser explained. She emphasized how the experience was framed within a broader context of audience reception and acceptance within the entertainment industry. “It was kind of like a rejection from America because America votes,” she pointed out, shedding light on the emotional weight behind the competition.
Despite the hurt of her early exit, Glaser spoke about the unexpected lessons she learned from the experience. “It was really helpful to me because I realised that was the most embarrassing thing that could happen,” she reflected. As intensive dance rehearsals continued, she began to grasp the skills necessary for performance, leading to a sense of ownership over her efforts, which made the elimination all the more painful.
Glaser also had an amusing anecdote about being overlooked for the season finale, stating that she only attended as a plus-one courtesy of a friend. Yet, despite the setbacks and hardships, she derived humour from her experience, taking confidence in her newfound self-awareness. “I lived,” she concluded, proudly owning the narrative of her journey.
Looking ahead, Glaser expressed interest in possibly returning to the show under the right circumstances. “I would love to get back in there,” she said, adding that a special season featuring participants eliminated early would pique her interest. “It was so fun. I was crying every day, broke my body, still have injuries from it, but it was so fun to care about something so trivial and to try something new,” she admitted.
Nikki Glaser’s reflections on her time on *Dancing with the Stars* reveal not only the challenges she faced but also the personal growth that transpired. Her story serves as a reminder that stepping out of one’s comfort zone, regardless of the outcome, can lead to invaluable lessons. As she gears up for her forthcoming project, *Nikki Glaser: Good Girl*, set to debut on Hulu on April 24, 2023, she carries with her a funny story and a new perspective on failure and resilience.