Dancing With The Stars: How Are Scores Calculated?

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For fans tuning in each season, understanding how contestants are judged on Dancing with the Stars can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code. The scoring system blends technical skill with entertainment value, creating a formula that determines who takes home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

Let’s break down exactly how judges arrive at their scores and how audience votes play a crucial role.

The Judges' Scoring

Each performance on Dancing with the Stars is evaluated by a panel of judges, typically consisting of dance experts and celebrity personalities. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Scoring Range: Judges score each dance on a scale, usually from 1 to 10. The higher the score, the better the performance.
  • Technical Skill: Judges assess contestants on their technique, including footwork, posture, timing, and precision. A strong understanding of the dance style is essential.
  • Performance Quality: Beyond technicalities, judges look for artistry, emotion, and connection with the music. A captivating performance can earn higher marks.
  • Consistency: Maintaining a high level of performance throughout the competition is critical. Judges consider a contestant's progress and consistency when assigning scores.

What Judges Look For

Judges provide commentary after each dance, explaining their scores and offering constructive criticism. They often focus on:

  • Choreography: How well the choreography suits the contestant and showcases their strengths.
  • Musicality: The dancer's ability to interpret and express the music through movement.
  • Chemistry: The connection and synchronization between the celebrity contestant and their professional partner.

Audience Voting

While the judges' scores carry significant weight, audience votes also play a vital role in determining the final outcome. Here's how it works:

  • Voting Window: After all the couples have performed, viewers can vote for their favorite contestants via phone, online, or through the show's app.
  • Vote Weight: The audience votes are combined and converted into a percentage. This percentage is then added to the judges' scores to determine the final leaderboard.
  • Impact on Elimination: The couple with the lowest combined score from the judges and audience is typically eliminated each week.

Maximizing Your Voting Power

To support your favorite contestants:

  1. Vote Early: Don't wait until the last minute to cast your votes.
  2. Use All Available Methods: Take advantage of all voting platforms to maximize your impact.
  3. Rally Support: Encourage friends and family to vote as well.

Combining Judges' Scores and Audience Votes

The blend of judges' scores and audience votes ensures that both technical skill and popularity influence the results. The exact formula may vary slightly from season to season, but the core principle remains the same:

  • Fair Representation: Both judges and viewers have a say in who stays and who goes.
  • Balancing Act: A contestant with high judges' scores can be saved even with fewer audience votes, and vice versa.

Understanding the scoring system of Dancing with the Stars enhances the viewing experience, allowing fans to appreciate the artistry and effort that goes into each performance. So, tune in, cast your votes, and enjoy the show!