The co‑host of the long‑running ABC ballroom competition has rebutted former contestant Alexa PenaVega’s assertion that the show is manipulated, as season 35 continues to draw viewers across the UK and the US. PenaVega, who appeared on the 2015 series 21, recalled a conversation with fellow contestant Hayes Grier in which he claimed the voting system was stacked. Ribeiro’s swift response on social media, alongside his own experience of winning the Mirrorball Trophy in season 19, underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the programme’s fairness.
The Contestant’s Allegation
On her LexLos podcast, PenaVega recounted a night after her group found themselves in the bottom of the leaderboard when Grier, then just 15, told her, “Man, you know what? I think this show is rigged. I have more votes than anybody.” She added that his confidence stemmed from his massive online following, noting, “You know, I know you have more votes than anybody here because of the millions and millions of followers. 100 percent, it’s so easy for them to send in a little text.” The comment sparked a flurry of discussion among fans, especially given that Grier’s season 21 run aired back in 2015.
Ribeiro’s Direct Response
Ribeiro, now paired with Julianne Hough for the current run, posted a succinct rebuttal on the platform where the clip originally appeared: “No chance. We want everyone who’s popular to stay on. It’s basic logic.” He emphasised that the programme’s producers aim to retain well‑known personalities, a principle that aligns with the show’s historical approach. While acknowledging that viewer votes do play a role, he maintained that the final decision rests with the production team, which “knows their demographic. They know the story they want to tell.”
How the Voting System Operates
PenaVega later clarified that her remarks were taken out of context, explaining that the clip “picks up mid story” and that she was merely recounting Grier’s remarks about his own voting strength. She pointed out that, despite the significance of text‑in votes, the programme’s disclaimer makes clear that “the producers get to choose at the end of the day who wins.” According to her, the judges’ critiques and the producers’ narrative direction both factor into the outcome, creating a layered decision‑making process that goes beyond simple audience tally.
The Show’s Current Season and Upcoming Episodes
Now in its 35th instalment, the series continues to showcase a blend of A‑list celebrities and digital influencers, including Julia Stiles, Jackson Olson, Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr. The latest episode, Dedication Night, featured a surprise twist that saved all ten remaining couples from elimination. Viewers can expect the competition to resume on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with a repeat stream on Disney+ the following day and Hulu availability thereafter. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli will assess the performances as the race for the Mirrorball Trophy intensifies.
Why It Matters
The exchange highlights a broader tension between audience participation and production control in reality television, a debate that resonates with viewers who invest both time and emotion in competition formats. As “Dancing With The Stars” maintains its popularity across multiple platforms, the conversation about transparency and fairness remains crucial for preserving audience trust and ensuring the show’s long‑term credibility.