DWTS’ Val Chmerkovskiy Advocates for Fewer Politicians on the Show
Dancing With the Stars Val Chmerkovskiy is sharing his thoughts on who he would prefer — and who he’d rather not see — compete on the show.
“Fewer politicians,” Chmerkovskiy revealed exclusively to Us Weekly on Saturday, April 25, while attending Jennie Garth and iHeartPodcast’s “I Choose Me” live summit at the iHeartRadio Theatre in Burbank, California.
“One thing I really admire about our show is that it fosters a sense of unity in a world that often seeks to divide us and create discord,” the professional dancer expressed. “Sure, it’s just a dance show, but it transcends being just that.”
Chmerkovskiy elaborated, “Dance serves as a means to connect everyone — regardless of age or political affiliation. No one really knows who is voting for whom, and we all come together to enjoy a couple of hours of wholesome family entertainment each week.”
Dancing With the Stars has seen its fair share of controversial political figures over the years, including former Texas Governor Rick Perry, former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, and former White House press secretary Sean Spicer.
“My first reaction was, ‘Whoa, Sean Spicer is on the cast!’ That’s what I told my brother,” Chmerkovskiy informed People in September 2019 after the former Trump administration official joined Season 28 of the reality competition show.
“But in the same breath, you also have Ray Lewis, Lamar Odom, Christie Brinkley, and Hannah [Brown],” he continued. “What makes our show exciting, unique, and entertaining is the diversity of participants. You don’t need to agree with or follow all of them.”
He remarked at the time, “They come from various backgrounds, and as a dance ambassador, I take pride in how inclusive dance is — it doesn’t hold past actions against anyone.”
While Chmerkovskiy hopes to avoid politically-inclined dance partners in the near future, he’s open to the idea of partnering with Summer House’s Ciara Miller after news broke that her ex West Wilson and former close friend Amanda Batula transitioned their platonic relationship into something romantic — unbeknownst to her.
“Absolutely! Ciara appears very dynamic and positive, and she seems excited about the show,” he told Us on Saturday. “Maura seems lovely as well. I can’t predict which one might be my partner.”
He added, “It’s somewhat like quiet dating or an arranged pairing, so whoever the casting director selects for me, I will give them my all. As always, each season will receive my undivided focus and commitment — I’ll invest everything I can.”
Watch the livestream replay available online starting Wednesday, April 29.
