Julianne Hough is making headlines again, this time for revealing the Dancing with the Stars winner she most disagreed with. The 36-year-old professional dancer, who returned as the show’s co-host last December, made the admission during a Sunday (August 18) appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen alongside fellow guest country singer-songwriter Mickey Guyton.

When host Cohen asked Hough if there was any DWTS victor she “strongly disagreed” with, Guyton interjected, saying: “I just said Bobby Bones.”

“I actually agree with you,” Hough said nodding. “And I think it’s because of the fan base. It’s all about fan base on that show. He was not the best dancer.”

The radio personality Bones, 44, competed in 2018 on season 27 of the popular ABC dancing reality series – an adaptation of the British series Strictly Come Dancing.

Bones and his partner, ballroom dancer Sharna Burgess, ended up winning the Mirror Ball Trophy, while actor Milo Manheim and Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch came in second and third respectively.

The DWTS judging panel rates competitors on their technical skills, musicality, choreography, performance and chemistry with their partner. A contestant’s final score, however, is ultimately determined by a combination of the judges’ ratings and fan votes.

Hough made her DWTS debut in 2007 as a professional dancer, where she ended up winning back-to-back seasons with her celebrity partners Olympic gold medal-winning speed skater Apolo Ohno (season four) and Brazilian auto racing driver Hélio Castroneves (season five).

The Safe Haven actor left the show in 2009 before returning in 2014 as a judge. She served as a judge until 2017 when she exited the series again. In 2023, she rejoined to co-host the show alongside actor and comedian Alfonso Ribeiro.

“The door has always been open for me to join or come back in any capacity because Dancing with the Stars is my family. It’s where I feel the most myself and the most at home,” Hough told Variety in 2023. “The door was never, ever closed. We’ve always talked about coming back in some sort of capacity.”

Hough and Guyton Agree: Bones Wasn’t the Best Dancer

Hough’s statement regarding Bones’ dancing prowess was met with mixed reactions from fans and viewers. Some agreed with her assessment, arguing that Bones was indeed not the best dancer in the competition. Others defended Bones, saying that his win was a testament to his popularity and his ability to connect with viewers.

“The door has always been open for me to join or come back in any capacity because Dancing with the Stars is my family. It’s where I feel the most myself and the most at home,” Hough told Variety in 2023. “The door was never, ever closed. We’ve always talked about coming back in some sort of capacity.”

Bones Responds to Hough's Criticism

Bobby Bones is responding to Julianne Hough‘s comments about his win on Dancing with the Stars. In response, Bobby said, “Julianne Hough can get no slander from me. I was the worst dancer. I take pride in that. Now, I tried as hard as anybody in the history of the show, but I can’t dance now. I couldn’t dance then.”

He then acknowledged, “I was the worst dancer. I take pride in that. Now, I tried as hard as anybody in the history of the show, but I can’t dance now, couldn’t dance then. But you know who took down the big evil empire of dance? Well, it’s not evil or an empire, but me and you! We did it together,” he shared, referencing fan voting getting him through to the end.

“We did it together. I’m the greatest champion ever. I’m a man of the people. I’m the man that you guys selected!” he added. “I’m the greatest champion ever. I didn’t say I was the greatest dancer, but the greatest champion ever. I’m the man of the people. I’m the man that you guys selected.”

“But Mickey Guyton, what? Julianne Hough, you’re cool,” he said. “I’m a terrible dancer, I was a terrible dancer but they changed the rules after I left because the fan vote was so good.”

Bones and Hough's Controversial Win

The reality is that Bones' victory on season 27 was controversial, as he received low scores from the judges each week. Yet, he persevered through a combination of his charming personality, his infectious enthusiasm, and his large fanbase. Hough’s statement echoes sentiments from many fans who believed that Bones’ win was more about his popularity than his dance skills. However, Hough’s comments have also sparked a conversation about the role of fan voting in reality competition shows and whether it should be given as much weight as the judges’ scores.

Hough and Ribeiro will, once again, serve as DWTS co-hosts for season 33, which debuts on September 17 on ABC at 8pm ET. The new season will welcome back judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Hough’s older brother, Derek Hough. The season 33 cast has yet to be revealed, although David and Victoria Beckham, retired NFL star Jason Kelce and Vanderpump Rules star Tom Sandoval are among the rumored contestants.

The Power of Fan Voting in Reality TV

The debate surrounding Bones' win underscores the complex dynamics of reality TV voting. While judges offer expert feedback, ultimately, the viewers decide who wins. This raises questions about the balance between objective merit and subjective preference. Should fan voting be the deciding factor in a competition like Dancing with the Stars? Or should the judges' scores hold more weight? This is a debate that is likely to continue as reality TV shows continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing tastes of viewers.

The Future of 'DWTS'

As 'Dancing With The Stars' prepares for its new season, fans are left wondering how the show will address the ongoing conversation surrounding fan voting and its impact on the outcome of the competition. Whether the producers will make changes to the voting system or simply stick with the current format remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the debate surrounding fan voting is not going away anytime soon.

The new season of DWTS is set to premiere on ABC on September 17th.

The Controversy Continues

Hough's comments have sparked a renewed debate on the impact of fan voting on reality TV shows. Is it truly about talent or popularity? The discussion raises important questions about the role of judges, viewers, and the nature of reality television itself.

As the show gears up for its new season, viewers will be keen to see how the producers address the issue of fan voting. Will they make changes to the voting system or simply stick with the current format? This is a question that only time will tell.

A Lasting Impression

Ultimately, the debate surrounding Bobby Bones' win on Dancing with the Stars highlights the evolving dynamics of reality TV and the power of fan engagement. While the judges play a crucial role in offering expert opinions and critiques, it is the viewers who ultimately decide the fate of the contestants. The show's future will undoubtedly be shaped by this ongoing conversation and the producers' decisions regarding fan voting.

Conclusion

Whether you agree with Hough's assessment of Bones' win or not, one thing is certain - the debate about fan voting in reality television shows is not going away anytime soon. As the show gears up for its new season, viewers will be keen to see how the producers address the issue of fan voting. Will they make changes to the voting system or simply stick with the current format? This is a question that only time will tell.