Bobby Bones Admits He 'Cheated'
Bobby Bones at the iHeartRadio Theater in NYC, for Brad Paisley's album release party, 2014. Photo courtesy of Lisa Gansky under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Bobby Bones just turned the spotlight on his controversial victory in the 27th season of "Dancing With the Stars" with a jaw-dropping confession. In a recent episode of the "Trading Secrets" podcast, the radio host admitted to bending the rules in a way that left fans and critics buzzing. He revealed that he "cheated" by secretly extending his practice time beyond the show's strict four-hour daily limit. How? By recording his sessions with pro partner Sharna Burgess and then renting a studio to rehearse solo, away from the cameras and official oversight.
This revelation adds a new layer of drama to a win that was already steeped in controversy. Bobby Bones, a self-described "fish out of water" with no prior dance experience, shocked the world by taking home the coveted mirrorball trophy in 2018. Despite consistently receiving lower judges' scores than fellow finalists Milo Manheim, Evanna Lynch, and Alexis Ren, Bones surged ahead thanks to a tidal wave of viewer votes. His win sparked fierce debate among fans and professionals alike, with some questioning whether he truly deserved the crown.
Breaking the Rules to Catch Up
Bobby Bones' confession shines a light on the grueling demands of "Dancing With the Stars." Contestants are officially allotted just four hours a day to practice with their professional partners. But Bones found himself struggling to keep pace with more experienced dancers. To bridge the gap, he took matters into his own hands. After each official practice, he reportedly recorded the session and then rented a private studio to rehearse alone, effectively doubling down on his training time in secret.
This extra effort was not just a casual commitment. Bones juggled a punishing schedule, balancing early morning radio shows, touring, and stand-up comedy gigs alongside his dance rehearsals. According to TV Insider, he described that period as the "hardest part of my life," struggling to maintain energy and focus while learning to dance from scratch.
The Underdog Who Won Hearts and Votes
Throughout the competition, Bones was transparent about his lack of skill. He openly admitted to being the worst dancer on the floor, often receiving scores in the sixes and sevens from the judges. Yet, his vulnerability and determination won over a legion of fans. His journey was less about technical perfection and more about heart and grit, qualities that resonated with viewers who flooded the voting lines to keep him in the competition.
The voting surge was so overwhelming that producers later reportedly told Bones he had the largest margin of viewer votes in the show's history. According to Bones, one executive even joked that he could have "peed on stage in my final dance and won" because of the fan support, as reported by TV Insider. This fan-driven victory, however, did not sit well with the show's hardcore dance enthusiasts, who felt the competition should reward skill over popularity.
Backlash From Fans and Pros
The backlash was swift and vocal. A small but passionate segment of "Dancing With the Stars" superfans criticized Bones' win, arguing that it undermined the integrity of the competition. Even former pro and judge Julianne Hough publicly stated that Bones should not have won because he was "not the best dancer," as reported by Page Six. Bones responded to her comments on social media with a mix of humor and pride, embracing his status as the "greatest champion" rather than the greatest dancer.
The controversy prompted the show's producers to overhaul the voting system for the following season. Changes included restricting viewer voting to live East Coast airtime and introducing a "Judges' Save" to prevent fan votes from completely overshadowing judges' scores. These adjustments aimed to strike a better balance between technical merit and audience engagement, ensuring that future winners would be less polarizing.
A Fond Look Back Despite the Drama
Despite the criticism and the rule-bending confession, Bobby Bones looks back on his "Dancing With the Stars" experience with fondness. He praised Sharna Burgess as an excellent and demanding partner who pushed him to his limits, as reported by Page Six. Bones also maintains friendships with many of the pros and contestants, showing that the competition forged lasting bonds beyond the stage.
As Season 34 of "Dancing With the Stars" kicks off, Bobby Bones' story remains a fascinating chapter in the show's history. His candid admission about "cheating" by practicing extra hours in secret adds a juicy twist to a victory that was already one of the most debated in the series. It's a reminder that sometimes, the road to glory is paved with unexpected detours and relentless hustle.
Whether you see him as a champion of the people or a rule-breaker who got lucky, Bobby Bones' journey on "Dancing With the Stars" is a testament to the power of perseverance, fan devotion, and a little bit of rebellion.
References: Bobby Bones admits he 'cheated' on 'Dancing with the Stars' before controversial Season 27 win | Bobby Bones Admits He 'Cheated' to Win 'DWTS' Season 27 - Here's How
