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In a notable development on the television show Dancing With the Stars, influencer Alix Earle has garnered attention from renowned artist Lady Gaga. This recognition followed Earle’s Halloween costume inspired by Gaga’s iconic Paparazzi music video, which premiered in 2009.
Earle shared clips of her costume on TikTok, prompting a heartfelt comment from Gaga, who expressed her support.
Lady Gaga’s comment read, “Girl I love you, and I’m rooting for you on DWTS! Thank you for this; it’s so sweet.” This interaction highlights the mutual admiration between the two entertainers and underscores Earle’s rising prominence on the show.
Halloween Night performance captivates audiences
During the recent Halloween Night episode aired on October 28, Earle performed a captivating tango with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Their routine featured Billie Eilish’s haunting track, Bury a Friend. The performance began with a dramatic entrance, as the pair emerged from a dirt pit, reminiscent of theatrical elements seen in Gaga’s performances, such as the skeleton pit from her The Mayhem Ball tour.
Viewership and ratings surge
This particular episode proved to be a hit, attracting an average of 6.74 million viewers, a notable increase from the previous week’s 6.63 million. The show has experienced a consistent rise in viewership since its premiere, demonstrating its ability to engage audiences even against major sporting events like the World Series.
Controversy arises over judging decisions
However, not everything was smooth sailing for Earle on the show. Following her performance, controversy erupted when her stepmother, Ashley Dupré, publicly criticized guest judge Cheryl Burke for assigning a score of nine to the duo’s tango, while other judges awarded them perfect tens.
Dupré’s reaction, which included a disparaging comment about Burke’s appearance, sparked backlash from viewers who deemed her remarks inappropriate.
Body positivity and public responses
In a TikTok video, Dupré expressed her admiration for Earle’s performance, calling it “f—ing amazing,” but quickly turned her attention to Burke’s scoring, stating, “Oh, go take more Ozempic.” This comment drew ire from many followers, who labeled it body-shaming.
Some expressed disappointment in Dupré’s remarks, arguing they contributed to a culture of bullying.
In response to the criticism, Burke, who has been candid about her body transformation journey, addressed the negativity in a separate TikTok post. She stated, “I’m not on Ozempic. I’m not sick,” clarifying that the changes in her appearance stemmed from personal growth and life experiences rather than anything nefarious.
Apology and reflection
Recognizing the impact of her words, Dupré later issued an apology, stating, “I just wanted to jump on here and apologize for making comments that were insensitive.” She acknowledged that her competitive instincts had clouded her judgment and emphasized her commitment to promoting positivity.
Burke’s response to Dupré’s comments resonated with many, as she highlighted the importance of kindness and the weight of public words, particularly in front of children. Her message serves as a reminder of the influence that public figures hold and the responsibility that comes with it.
Celebrating talent and kindness
As Earle continues her journey on Dancing With the Stars, the support from Lady Gaga, coupled with the controversies surrounding judging scores, underscores the complexities of reality television. The blend of talent, admiration, and public scrutiny creates a dynamic narrative that keeps audiences engaged. Ultimately, it is a celebration of both artistry and the importance of maintaining a culture of kindness within the competitive arena of entertainment.
