Dancing With the Stars pro dancer Witney Carson isn’t letting the judges’ low scores rain on Guillermo Rodriguez’s parade.
The DWTS pro, 32, defended her celebrity partner after their Season 35 debut earned just 10 out of 30 points from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
During an appearance on the official Dancing with the Stars Official podcast, Guillermo and Witney reflected on their first performance.
The pair hit the ballroom floor during the Tuesday, September 15 episode. While Guillermo had a blast performing a cha-cha to Jean Knight’s 1971 hit Mr. Big Stuff, the judges were left wanting more.
Derek and Bruno each awarded the Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality a 3, while Carrie Ann gave him a 4, bringing their total to 10/30.
During the podcast, host Andy Richter acknowledged that the judges were “a little tough” on the duo. Witney agreed. “I thought that was a little uncalled for. He was moving, he was actually hitting the lines and trying to cha-cha. I felt like the 3s were a little bit mean.”
With that said, Witney admitted there’s plenty for the pair to work on. She added the judges’ “comments were great. We expected the technique to be worked on. That always can improve.”
“But they loved the performance,” continued Witney, “and Guillermo is performing for the people. He loves the people. He’s just a regular guy with no dance experience, and he’s just doing his best.”
Guillermo agreed that there’s only one way to respond to the low scores: practice, practice, practice. “That’s why we gotta practice for the next one. I wanna do so good. I don’t wanna get a three,” he admitted.
