DWTS’ Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy Respond to Low Score Controversy
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy are the latest Dancing With the Stars professionals to comment on the discussions regarding this season’s unexpectedly low scores.
“I think it’s simply because this season features such a talented cast that audiences are eager for higher scores,” Johnson, 32, told Us exclusively while sharing insights about her partnership with Fabuloso. She emphasized that there are still “eight more weeks to go” for both the professionals and the celebrity dancers. “We kind of need to pace the scores.”
Johnson expressed that she could understand the judges’ perspective, adding, “Something that [my partner] Harry [Shum Jr.] and I have committed to each other is to prioritize respecting and considering the judges’ feedback. That’s always going to be our top focus.”
While receiving numerical evaluations from Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, Johnson prioritizes the constructive criticism they’ve provided for each performance.
“But scores are merely numbers, so [we try] not to obsess over them or let them define our performance or the meaning of our week,” she continued. “To us, the feedback is the most vital part — taking in critiques and using them. I aim to not get too fixated on a score ranging from one to 10.”
Chmerkovskiy, 40, humorously noted that he only gets preoccupied if the score falls “between four and seven,” quipping, “But anything from seven to 10 is fantastic.”
Dancing With the Stars, airing Tuesday nights, has sparked considerable conversation on social media as fans watch their preferred couples compete on the dance floor. Chmerkovskiy and Johnson are grateful for the opportunity to vie once again for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball trophy.
“It’s been an incredible experience partnering with Harry. He truly is one of a kind,” Johnson expressed. “He’s exceptionally talented, balancing full-time work on Grey’s Anatomy while also dedicating himself to this show. I admire him so much. He genuinely wants to be part of this experience, loves dance, and is deeply inspired by it.”
She continued, “One of my favorite aspects so far has been witnessing someone so eager to immerse themselves in this journey, dedicating all his hours to it. He’s put in tremendous effort, making it a true blessing.”
Chmerkovskiy shares a similar sentiment about his partner, Jenna Dewan.
“I find parallels in Jenna’s journey as she works on The Rookie, creating unforgettable moments in dance,” he shared with Us. “For her to return and embrace this challenge — something fresh yet familiar — and fully trust the process and trust me … it’s a beautiful experience. I aim to give back in this journey.”
Even with their busy schedules on DWTS, Chmerkovskiy and Johnson collaborated with Fabuloso to promote the brand’s new “Make Your World More Fabuloso” campaign, designed to coincide with the 35th season of DWTS, which showcases how Fabuloso’s delightful scents can elevate mundane cleaning routines into joyful experiences.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Fabuloso as we just relocated. We’re settling into a new home while parenting a busy 3-year-old, so messes are part of our daily life,” Johnson elaborated. “Additionally, I have a serious case of OCD and am a bit of a clean freak, so having a product that soothes my nerves and offers a welcoming scent of cleanliness is essential. It just feels like the perfect match for our family.”
Chmerkovskiy enjoyed incorporating dance into their promotional videos for the product.
“That’s family time for us. When we unwind, we often do so through chores and family activities, including cleaning,” he noted. “Jenna enjoys that aspect, and we all join in as a family, dancing and playing music while we tidy up. We make cleaning enjoyable, and Fabuloso is an integral part of that fun.”
Dancing With the Stars is broadcast on ABC and Disney+ every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.
