Val Chmerkovskiy is sharing blunt opinions about the contestants competing to become a pro on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars. On the July 21 episode of his Stepping on Toes podcast with Danielle Fishel, he singled out AJ Pritchard and said some of his behavior came across as arrogant, according to E! News.
Chmerkovskiy said Pritchard, who previously danced on Strictly Come Dancing, seemed overly confident while competing with partner Selena Hamilton on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. He acknowledged Pritchard’s background and accomplishments, including the British Open Dance Championship, but said that experience alone does not justify a lack of humility.
The 40-year-old dancer said anyone joining the show should be willing to prove themselves in the moment rather than leaning on past success. He added that if a contestant feels they are already above the process, then signing up for the competition may not make sense.
Even with his criticism, Chmerkovskiy said he appreciates that Dancing With the Stars gives more ballroom talent a chance to reach a wider audience. He joked that new dancers are welcome to join the franchise, though they would still have to get past him.
