Did Jordan Chiles Face Unfair Scoring at DWTS Debut with Ezra Sosa?

Jordan Chiles, the Olympic gold medalist gymnast, made her debut on the 34th season of Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) with a vibrant salsa performance, but her low score left fans outraged. Many believed her routine deserved higher marks, igniting debates about the judging standards on the popular dance competition.

Last updated: 16 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jordan Chiles performed a salsa routine on DWTS but received low scores from the judges.
• Fans expressed their dissatisfaction with the judging, believing Chiles deserved better marks.
• Chiles compared her DWTS experience to competing in gymnastics, highlighting the similarities in performance.
• Despite the scores, Chiles remains optimistic about her journey on the show.
• The controversy over scoring reflects ongoing discussions about fairness in competition.

Jordan Chiles’ DWTS Debut

After her name was announced for the latest season of DWTS, Jordan Chiles expressed excitement about her participation, stating, “If I wasn’t an athlete, I would definitely be in the dance music area of things.” The UCLA gymnast, known for her incredible prowess in gymnastics, showcased her skills on the dance floor, aiming to impress both the judges and the audience.

Chiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa, opened the show with a spirited salsa to Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul.” Their performance was met with enthusiasm, and the official DWTS social media account praised the duo for their energetic routine. However, the judges’ reactions were surprisingly lukewarm, leading to a slew of reactions from fans.

Judges’ Scores and Reactions

The scoring from the judges was a significant talking point after the performance. Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, both respected figures in the dance world, awarded Chiles and Sosa just 5 points each, culminating in a total score of 10. This result placed them among the lowest scorers of the night.

While Hough acknowledged the “flips and tricks” that Chiles executed during the routine, he felt the overall performance did not meet the standards for higher marks. Tonioli echoed similar sentiments, leaving fans questioning the criteria used for scoring. Carrie Ann Inaba, the third judge, did not score the pair, which added an element of uncertainty to the overall assessment.

Chiles’ Perspective on Scoring

Despite the disappointing scores, Chiles maintained a positive outlook on her performance. She expressed pride in her routine and suggested that the judges’ criticisms could serve as motivation for improvement. “The fact that they were critical, that’s a good thing in my eyes,” she remarked. “They definitely see something in us. The potential… we’re going to take their criticism and apply it.”

This mindset reflects Chiles’ resilience, a quality she honed during her gymnastics career. She further explained that dancing on DWTS felt similar to performing a floor routine, albeit with added challenges such as dancing in heels and partnering with another performer.

Fan Reactions to the Judging

Fans of both Chiles and DWTS quickly took to social media to express their frustration over the low scores. Many felt that the judges had been overly harsh, with one fan stating, “Absolutely unfair and ridiculous scoring. The judges need to start watching the dance and stop biases.” This sentiment was echoed by numerous supporters who believed that Chiles deserved a better evaluation based on her performance.

After facing scrutiny in the past, including the recent controversy surrounding her Olympic bronze medal, fans felt that Chiles had earned a break and should be recognised for her efforts on the dance floor. The emotional reactions from viewers highlighted the deep connection fans have with Chiles and their investment in her journey.

The Path Ahead for Jordan Chiles

Moving forward, Chiles is focused on her dual aspirations of dancing and returning to college to compete for the UCLA Bruins. This combination of academic and athletic pursuits showcases her determination to excel in multiple arenas. As she navigates the challenges of DWTS, Chiles remains committed to improving her skills and learning from the judges’ feedback.

Despite the initial setback, Chiles’ charismatic personality and performance style have already captivated fans. Her ability to adapt and embrace the theatrical elements of dance suggests that she has much more to offer as the season progresses.

What’s Next for DWTS and Chiles?

As the season continues, viewers can expect to see how Chiles and her partner will respond to the judges’ critiques. The journey on DWTS is not merely about scores but also about personal growth and artistic expression. Chiles’ experience thus far illustrates the complexity of competitive performance, where both technical skill and emotional connection play crucial roles.

The upcoming weeks will be pivotal for Chiles. She must balance her training for DWTS with her academic commitments, all while dealing with the pressures of public scrutiny. With her determination and fan support, many believe that she will rise to the occasion and deliver memorable performances in the episodes to come.

Conclusion

Jordan Chiles’ debut on DWTS has sparked significant discussion around scoring and judging criteria in dance competitions. While the initial scores may have disappointed many fans, Chiles’ resilience and commitment to improvement signal that she is ready to tackle the challenges ahead. As the competition unfolds, viewers will be watching closely to see if Chiles can turn the tide and earn the recognition her talent deserves. Will she continue to shine on the dance floor and win over the judges? Only time will tell.

FAQs

Why did Jordan Chiles score so low on DWTS?

Jordan Chiles scored low due to mixed feedback from the judges, who awarded her and her partner a total of 10 points, citing aspects of their performance that did not meet their expectations.

What dance did Jordan Chiles perform on her debut?

Jordan Chiles performed a salsa routine to Beyoncé's “Break My Soul” during her debut on Dancing With The Stars.

How did fans react to Jordan Chiles' scoring?

Fans expressed outrage and disappointment over the low scores given to Chiles, believing she deserved higher marks based on her performance.

What is Jordan Chiles' background in gymnastics?

Jordan Chiles is an Olympic gold medalist gymnast, known for her remarkable performances in gymnastics competitions, including the Olympics.

What are Jordan Chiles' future plans outside of DWTS?

Jordan Chiles plans to balance her participation in Dancing With The Stars with her return to college, where she will compete for the UCLA Bruins in gymnastics.