Amanda Kloots’ ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Journey: Finding Healing, Hope, and Connection in the Spotlight

For Amanda Kloots, co-host of The Talk and one of the four formidable finalists on Dancing With the Starsseason 30, the ballroom floor has become much more than just a stage for competition. Following the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Nick Cordero, in 2020, her participation in DWTS has unexpectedly blossomed into a profound journey of self-discovery, resilience, and healing. As she prepared for the grand finale, Amanda spoke exclusively with HollywoodLife, opening up about how the demanding yet exhilarating experience of the show has served as a unique form of therapy, helping her navigate grief and rediscover joy.

“I think just to be able to give myself time out of my day to do something that I love and to be able to then perform and release those emotions… Every single dance was something different. Every single dance was a different character, was a different part of myself that I was able to express, which is therapy,” Amanda passionately shared with HollywoodLife. She elaborated on the transformative power of dance, explaining how each routine presented a unique opportunity for emotional release and self-expression. From the fiery passion of a tango to the poignant storytelling of a contemporary piece, every performance allowed her to tap into different facets of her personality and process complex feelings in a way that felt both liberating and deeply personal. It was a rare chance, amidst the demands of motherhood and her professional life, to dedicate time solely to herself, to learn a new skill, and to embrace a challenge that ultimately helped her find herself again during a period when she felt profoundly lost.

The journey has been meticulously crafted and shared with her dedicated DWTS partner, Alan Bersten. Beyond teaching her the intricate steps of ballroom dancing, Alan has played an invaluable role in Amanda’s emotional growth. He has gently guided her toward realizing that she can indeed “connect” with someone again, a significant revelation after years of becoming fiercely “independent” following the devastating death of her beloved husband, Nick Cordero.

“I think for me it’s just been trusting somebody again,” Amanda reflected, highlighting one of the most profound lessons she’s gleaned from her partnership with Alan. “Having that person in your life. I’ve seen Alan more than any other person in my life. For the last 3 months, I’ve seen him every single day. Just to be able to be around somebody like that again and feel like you can connect with someone, trust them, enjoy their company, laugh with them. It’s just been nice to feel close to someone like that again.” After experiencing such a monumental loss, the natural inclination is often to build walls, to navigate life independently to protect oneself from further pain. Amanda’s journey mirrored this, making the re-establishment of trust and intimacy with another person a significant emotional hurdle. Alan, through his patience, kindness, and unwavering support, helped her bridge that gap. Their constant presence in each other’s lives, from rigorous rehearsals to shared moments of triumph and vulnerability, fostered a deep friendship. This connection helped Amanda shed her apprehension about sharing moments and emotions again, rediscovering the joy of human companionship and reaffirming her capacity for connection. “After losing Nick, you get so independent, and you kind of worry about the ability to connect with somebody again and nervous about sharing moments like that again. It’s been so wonderful to have that with Alan and find that again and find a good friend in him again. He’s a great guy.”

One of the most emotionally charged and unforgettable moments of their journey came during the semi-finals, when Amanda and Alan performed a poignant contemporary routine to a powerful cover of Nick’s song, “Live Your Life.” The decision to dance to Nick’s song was deeply personal, a heartfelt tribute that resonated with millions. Amanda noted that the “flood of love and support” she received from people across the globe after that performance was “incredible.” She added, “It meant the world to me because I’m really passionate about sharing grief stories and efforts to help people that are grieving.” She described the experience as an immeasurable gift from Alan, explaining, “I told Alan he gave me one of the best gifts in the entire world because I did not understand in dancing and those emotions [I was feeling] in dancing that story were going to help me so much and it really did. It brought a new layer of healing for me, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.” This particular dance wasn’t just a performance; it was a public act of vulnerability, an artistic expression of enduring love and loss that touched the deepest chords of her own healing process and offered solace to countless others experiencing similar pain. The careful choreography, the emotive movements, and the choice of music combined to create a transcendent moment, solidifying its place as a pivotal point in her emotional journey on the show.

From the very beginning, Amanda harbored a deep-seated intuition that she would, at some point during the season, dance to Nick’s song. It was a quiet aspiration, a goal that intertwined with her competitive drive. “I kind of instinctually knew that even when I first signed up for this show, I wanted to be able to do this. I hoped I would get to the point in this competition where I was able to dance to his song,” she confided to HollywoodLife. “I knew that it was something that would help me, and I felt like that was just a goal, especially the version of his song that we danced to. It’s so beautiful and it’s sung by a woman and I just knew it would mean a lot to me.” The particular version chosen, sung by a woman, added another layer of tenderness and resonance, making it feel even more intimately connected to her own experience. While the week of preparation was undoubtedly challenging, emotionally taxing as she relived profound memories, she found solace in the process. “Yes, emotionally it was very tough and the whole week was tough learning the dance and helping Alan with little moments here and there to tell the story, but like I said, it was almost very therapeutic in a way.” The act of channeling her grief into movement, of collaborating with Alan to tell such a deeply personal story through dance, transformed a potentially overwhelming experience into a powerful act of therapeutic release. It was an homage, a moment of profound personal significance that she had envisioned and, through sheer determination and artistry, brought to life.

Amanda’s husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero, tragically passed away in July 2020 after a courageous 95-day battle with COVID-19. He was just 41 years old. A significant part of Amanda’s motivation and joy comes from her role as a mother to their son, Elvis, who is now 2 years old. While Elvis is too young to be in the bustling ballroom audience, Amanda beamed as she shared his delightful reaction to her performances. “He does love to watch mom dance, which is adorable. He now dances around the house. It’s been really fun to see him as the show has progressed care about watching me dance. It’s really sweet, and it’s been really fun.” This innocent admiration from her son adds an extra layer of sweetness and purpose to her journey, reminding her of the beautiful legacy she continues to build.

Reflecting on Nick’s unwavering support throughout their life together, Amanda fondly remembered, “Nick was always my number one fan, my biggest cheerleader. He always pushed me to do things and go outside my box. I know he would be super proud of everything that I’ve accomplished.” His spirit, she believes, continues to inspire her to embrace challenges and to live life to the fullest. His encouragement to “go outside her box” resonates deeply with her decision to join Dancing With the Stars, a venture that undoubtedly pushed her far beyond her comfort zone but yielded immense personal rewards. She carries his memory, his love, and his belief in her with every step she takes, knowing he would be beaming with pride at her courage and resilience.

The culmination of their incredible journey led Amanda and Alan to the highly-anticipated freestyle during the season 30 finale. This final dance is often the most personal and spectacular, allowing partners to showcase their unique bond and the skills they’ve honed throughout the competition. The Talk co-host raved that Alan did an “incredible job” crafting the routine, ensuring it was a perfect reflection of their partnership and her journey. “I have the other pros as backup dancers, which is incredible because I can’t believe I’m sharing the ballroom floor with them,” Amanda exclaimed, expressing her awe and gratitude at performing alongside such talented artists. “They’re all so amazing.” The choice of music for the freestyle was equally significant: “It’s to my favorite song of all time, ‘Sky Full Of Stars’ by Coldplay, and it literally just brings the biggest smile to my face. I think it’s the best way to end my journey on the show.” This song, with its uplifting melody and profound lyrics, encapsulates the hope, joy, and newfound perspective Amanda has embraced throughout her time on Dancing With the Stars. It’s a perfect anthem for a journey that transformed grief into a celebration of life, love, and resilience.

As for the coveted mirrorball trophy, if she were to win, Amanda already has a special place in mind for it in her home. “I think I’ll probably keep it on my fireplace,” she shared. “There is a nice place for it there, and it’s sort of central in my house.” However, while the trophy would undoubtedly be a magnificent symbol of her achievement, Amanda emphasized that the true victory lies in the journey itself. “In a way, I will say that I feel like I already won. Getting to the finale, being able to say that we danced every dance that we were allowed to do is pretty magical. I think winning the mirrorball would just kind of be the cherry on top, but I feel like the sundae is already complete.” Her perspective highlights the profound personal transformation she has undergone, transcending the competitive aspect of the show. For Amanda, the experience of finding healing, forming deep connections, and honoring Nick’s memory through dance has been an unparalleled reward. “I think the four finalists are all so different, and we all bring something different to the show that it kind of feels like we each won.” This sentiment underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect among the finalists, celebrating the diverse journeys and unique contributions each brought to an unforgettable season of Dancing With the Stars.

Amanda Kloots’ time on Dancing With the Stars has truly been a testament to the power of human spirit, demonstrating how even in the wake of immense sorrow, new paths to joy, connection, and self-discovery can emerge. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us all that healing is a continuous journey, often found in unexpected places, and that every step, especially a dance step, can lead towards a brighter tomorrow.