Witney Carson is speaking out after her Dancing With the Stars partner Guillermo Rodriguez received surprisingly low scores during the Season 35 premiere, saying she felt some of the judges’ marks were “a little mean” and “uncalled for.” The ballroom audience appeared to share her frustration, erupting into loud boos when the scores were revealed.
Rodriguez, 55, and Carson, 32, made their debut on September 15 with a high-energy cha-cha performed to Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff.” Although the routine received an enthusiastic response from the audience, the judges ultimately gave the pair a combined score of just 10 out of 30.
Carrie Ann Inaba awarded the couple a 4, while Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli each gave them a 3. The result placed Rodriguez among the lowest-scoring contestants in the show’s history, although he was able to continue in the competition after viewer votes were taken into account.
The audience reaction was immediate. As the score appeared on the screen, loud boos could be heard throughout the ballroom, prompting Julianne Hough to acknowledge the reaction. Rodriguez himself appeared surprised by the numbers as the crowd made its feelings clear.
Carson later defended her partner during an appearance on the official Dancing With the Stars podcast. She agreed with host Andy Richter that the judges had been tough on the pair and specifically questioned the two scores of three.
“I felt like the threes were a little bit mean,” Carson said, explaining that Rodriguez was moving, hitting the lines and genuinely trying to perform the cha-cha. She added that she thought the judges’ comments themselves were helpful, particularly because the couple knew Rodriguez’s technique would need work.
The judges did acknowledge some positive elements of the performance. Hough said the technique was not there but praised Rodriguez’s effort, while Tonioli highlighted his memorable body roll. Inaba, meanwhile, called the routine entertaining and praised the clarity of his movements.
Carson had also expressed disappointment immediately after the premiere, telling Us Weekly that the pair had worked extensively on timing and avoiding rushing through the routine. She said Rodriguez followed her lead, performed and had fun, which she considered important despite the scores.
Rodriguez appeared determined not to let the judges’ numbers discourage him. After surviving the first elimination, he said he wanted to work harder, especially with a challenging Paso Doble awaiting him. Carson also joked that there would be “no more snack breaks” as they prepared for the next performance.
Despite the disappointing score, the strong audience reaction demonstrated the support surrounding Rodriguez, and Carson has described him as one of the most loved people among the cast and crew. His journey on Season 35 is continuing, with the pair now facing the next challenge and another opportunity to show the judges—and the fans—what they can do.
Compiled with information from various sources.
