Cheryl Burke’s Surprising ‘DWTS’ Return Divides Fans
Cheryl Burke made a surprising return to Dancing With the Stars this week, stepping back into the ballroom—this time not as a dancer, but as a guest judge for the show’s special Halloween Night episode. It’s been three years since Burke bid farewell to the hit ABC competition, and her comeback stirred up a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and a fair bit of debate among fans.
The two-time Mirrorball Trophy winner joined longtime judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli for one spooky night filled with themed performances. But while her return was warmly welcomed by many, reactions online were anything but unanimous. Some fans applauded her thoughtful and honest critiques, praising her for offering the kind of constructive feedback that only a seasoned pro could give. Others, however, felt she came across as too serious or low-energy, with some saying her tone was too subdued for television.
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Burke’s comeback carried extra intrigue because of the way she left the show in 2022. In her podcast Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans , she later revealed that she had wanted a promotion and felt overlooked. She even had to fight for the chance to perform a farewell dance during her final season—a moment that left her feeling underappreciated. So, when she reappeared behind the judges’ table this week, fans were curious about how she would approach her role this time.
Before the episode aired, Burke told People that her focus would be on encouragement and authenticity. “It’s gonna be emotional, but I’m here in a different way,” she said. “I really hope to give constructive criticism, but also be encouraging. I’ve been in their shoes, and I know what it takes.”
And she certainly held true to her word—her judging style was measured, fair, and thoughtful. On social media, many praised her for standing by her scores even when they differed from the rest of the panel. “She was the best judge tonight by far,” one fan posted, while another wrote, “She wasn’t afraid to score lower than the others—and that’s refreshing.”
Still, not everyone was impressed. Some viewers found her feedback “too technical” or “a bit dull,” while others wished she’d shown more of the lighthearted flair the show is known for. “She’s a great dancer and knows her stuff, but she just didn’t seem to be having fun,” one user commented.
Despite the split opinions, Burke’s presence reignited a conversation about whether DWTS should bring her back permanently. Many fans argued that her expertise adds credibility and depth to the judging panel. Whether or not she gets that call from ABC, one thing is clear—Cheryl Burke’s legacy on Dancing With the Stars is far from over.
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