Season 33 of Dancing With the Stars has been one of the reality TV dance competition’s best season’s yet. The show returns on November 12 after a two-week hiatus where the remaining six couples will pay tribute to DWTS’ 500th episode. To honor the milestone, each couple will put their own twist on iconic past performances.
Rumor has it that former pros and previous stars who competed are likely to return (and possibly perform) for the special episode. Past pros like Mark Ballas, Karina Smirnoff, and Sharna Burgess have all been rumored to make an appearance as fans anticipate a fun-filled night.
However, former pro and two-time mirrorball trophy winner, Cheryl Burke, made it known that she would not be present for the 500th episode. It is a total let down to fans, but Cheryl divulged why exactly she made the controversial decision not to be a part of such a special night.
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Cheryl Burke Will Not Make An Appearance At DWTS’ 500th Episode After Being Asked To ‘Sit In The Audience’
Dancing With the Stars viewers are in for a treat as the series will be dedicating its 500th episode to memorable past performances. Rumor has it that former DWTS professional dancers will be making appearances in the iconic episode. Pro Sasha Farber even teased on Instagram Stories that Sharna Burgess is one of the former pros making a cameo in the episode after he panned over the ballroom and landed on Gleb Savchenko with Sharna then peaking her head around Gleb.
However, one DWTS alum that won’t be celebrating is Cheryl Burke. The news comes as a shock as Cheryl has had the longest career on the show.
Taking to her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast a week before the 500th episode, the dancer revealed that she was invited to the 500th episode celebration, but was not asked to dance. That certainly seems like a slap in the face given her long history with the series.
“I know some may think that all I do is trash the show or bad mouth the show, I definitely don’t. I am their number one fan, regardless of any backstage whatever happening back in the day or me not being invited to Len Goodman’s tribute. That has nothing to do with it,” she began.
“And I also want to add that I did get invited to go to the 500th episode to sit in the audience.”
Cheryl continued by stating that she had a reason why she would not make an appearance. According to the former pro, she is extremely dedicated to her podcast and its fans, and going to the 500th episode show would have “pushed” her commentary work by “a couple of days.” In addition, Cheryl does DWTS recap episodes, which she shared her followers love to hear and don’t want to miss.
She further explained that she would have attended the 500th episode show if she was asked to perform.
“When it comes to just sitting in the audience, it really just delays the podcast schedule and I have a loyalty to you, my listeners, to make sure we roll these out because I know, especially the recap episodes, you guys can’t wait, but I’ll be there in spirit,” Cheryl said.
Although Cheryl did state that she would have returned to the ballroom if she was asked to perform for the 500th episode, in April she stated something totally different. On her podcast, Cheryl shared that she could never see herself back on DWTS.
“I’m never going to perform on the show, not just because of their decision, but I don’t think I’d ever want to perform on the show again, not out of ego, just because like, it’s done,” the dancer said.
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Was Cheryl’s Podcast The Reason For Her Rift With DWTS?
Long-running DWTS judge Len Goodman died in April 2023, and the show paid tribute to him in an October 2023 episode, titled, the “Most Memorable Year.” During that episode, DWTS professionals past and present came together for a beautiful performance dedicated to Len.
Surprisingly, Cheryl was not invited to Len’s tribute episode. Cheryl believed that she was not invited because of her podcast. Speaking on the Amy and T.J. Podcast, she shared, “I would assume that some people may not be happy with my podcast that I have here with iHeart.”
Cheryl went on to state that her podcast was a platform for former celeb contestants and even former pros to dish on their experience on the show, whether it was a negative or positive experience.
“This show is something that is a special experience that you go through these different emotions and I think it’s important that we talk, and I think it’s entertaining for the fans who have been sticking by their side for so many decades now, and it’s just a great time. It’s just like an hour long,” she said.
Although Cheryl said that she was grateful for her DWTS experience, when she was asked if she felt like a part of the DWTS family, Cheryl replied, “Definitely not.”
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Cheryl’s History With DWTS Includes Two Mirrorball Trophies
Cheryl Burke has a long history with Dancing With the Stars. She joined the reality TV show in Season 2, where she was partnered with 98 Degrees’ Drew Lachey. Cheryl won her first mirrorball trophy during her first-ever season, and she would do it again for her second season, while partnered with former NFL star Emmitt Smith.
Cheryl has not won another mirrorball trophy since Seasons 2 and 3, but she has competed as a pro in 23 more seasons (which includes competing in 18 consecutive seasons). She’s been partnered with stars like Rob Kardashian, with whom she came in 2nd place, Ryan Lochte, and Ray Lewis. Cheryl ended her career with DWTS after Season 31, where she danced with Sam Champion.
Cheryl Burke has competed in the most seasons of
DWTS
when it comes to the pros.
After leaving DWTS, Cheryl launched her very successful podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, where she has spoken about her time on the show, which has caused quite a stir. The pro also interviews several DWTS’ pros and celebrity contestants who have appeared on the show.
The 500th episode of Dancing With the Stars will air on Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Dancing with the Stars is a popular dancing competition reality TV show airing on ABC and Disney+. The series features various celebrities who pair with professional dancers to compete in front of a panel of judges. The US version of the UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing premiered in 2005 and was originally hosted by Tom Bergeron for its first 28 seasons.
- Release Date
- June 1, 2005
- Main Genre
- Reality
