Bobby Bones Reflects on Julianne Hough’s “Not the Best Dancer” Remark: Embracing His DWTS Legacy as the ‘Greatest Champion Ever’
Season 27 Mirrorball champion, Bobby Bones, recently took to social media to address comments made by Dancing With the Stars co-host and professional dancer, Julianne Hough. Despite Hough’s candid admission that Bones “was not the best dancer” during his victorious run on the highly popular ABC competition series, the charismatic radio personality firmly stated that Hough would “get no slander” from him. His response, delivered with his signature blend of humor and humility, has sparked renewed conversation about the unique dynamics of fan-driven reality television competitions and what truly defines a champion.
The interaction began when Julianne Hough, a beloved figure in the Dancing With the Stars universe, with a history as both a professional dancer and a judge, made an honest observation about Bobby Bones’ technical prowess during an interview. Hough, known for her sharp eye for dance and articulate commentary, shared her perspective on a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. When asked which contestant’s win she “strongly disagreed” with, Hough, alongside country singer Mickey Guyton, pointed to Bobby Bones. Her reasoning was straightforward: “I actually agree with you and I think it’s because of the fan base. It’s all about fan base on that show. He was not the best dancer.” This comment, while factually accurate regarding his scores, certainly stirred the pot among fans and media outlets, bringing Bobby Bones’ unforgettable Season 27 victory back into the spotlight.
Bobby Bones’ Humorous and Honest Rebuttal
In a direct and lighthearted response, Bobby Bones, the 44-year-old radio host, wasted no time in sharing his thoughts. On Monday, August 19, he posted an Instagram video, ensuring his millions of followers and the broader public understood his stance. “Julianne Hough can get no slander from me,” he declared, setting a respectful tone. He then embraced the label, continuing, “I was the worst dancer. I take pride in that. Now, I tried as hard as anybody in the history of the show, but I can’t dance now. I couldn’t dance then.” This self-deprecating humor, combined with his undeniable work ethic during the competition, resonated deeply with his fan base and exemplified the very reason he became a champion.
Bones, who starred in season 27 of the dance competition series with Sharna Burgess, then shifted his narrative to highlight the collective effort behind his win. He posed a rhetorical question with a knowing smile: “But you know who took down the big evil empire of dance? Well, it’s not evil or an empire, but me and you! We did it together.” This statement cleverly reframes his victory not as an individual triumph of skill, but as a shared achievement with his dedicated supporters. It’s a testament to the powerful connection he forged with viewers, demonstrating how authenticity and relatable struggles can often win over purely technical perfection in the world of reality television.
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Defining the ‘Greatest Champion Ever’
Bobby Bones continued to elaborate on his unique victory, drawing a clear distinction between technical dancing ability and the essence of being a champion. “I’m the greatest champion ever,” the renowned radio host asserted, before quickly adding a crucial clarification: “I didn’t say I was the greatest dancer, but the greatest champion ever. I’m the man of the people. I’m the man that you guys selected.” This statement succinctly captures the spirit of his win. In a show that combines professional judging with audience participation, Bones’ journey became a powerful narrative of the underdog, proving that passion, dedication, and a strong connection with the audience could overcome lower scores from the judges.
He further extended his amicable tone towards Julianne, acknowledging her place among admired figures. “But Mickey Guyton, what? Julianne Hough, you’re cool,” he quipped, reinforcing that there were no hard feelings whatsoever. This casual dismissal of any potential conflict showcased his mature and confident approach to public criticism. It’s a testament to his understanding of how these entertainment shows operate, where opinions are part of the game, and genuine relationships often prevail over competitive remarks.
The Impact on Dancing With the Stars Rules
Bobby Bones concluded his video with a bold claim that hints at the significant impact his win had on the popular dance competition. “I’m a terrible dancer. I was a terrible dancer, but they changed the rules after I left because the fan vote was so good.” While the exact nature of these “rule changes” can be debated or attributed to various factors, Bones’ perception highlights a widely acknowledged truth: his season served as a stark demonstration of the immense power of the fan vote. Throughout Season 27 of DWTS, Bobby consistently received some of the lowest scores from the judges. Week after week, professional critiques highlighted his technical deficiencies, yet week after week, the fervent support of his enormous fan base propelled him forward, ultimately leading him to clinch the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. This outcome undeniably raised questions about the balance between technical skill, as assessed by a panel of experts, and sheer popularity, as expressed through viewer votes. It underscored the show’s entertainment value beyond just pure dance artistry, emphasizing the journey, character, and connection with the audience.
Julianne Hough’s Perspective: Acknowledging the Fan Base
Julianne Hough’s initial comments, which prompted Bobby Bones’ response, were made during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. She was quite specific about the dynamics that led to Bobby’s win. The 36-year-old dancer, singer, and actress, who has seen many seasons of DWTS from various vantage points – as a two-time professional champion, a judge, and now as a co-host – possesses an intimate understanding of the show’s mechanics. Her observation that Bobby “was not the best dancer” but won due to his “fan base” was not intended as a personal attack but rather a seasoned insight into the show’s unique blend of athletic competition and popularity contest. She recognized that the show operates on multiple levels, where fan engagement can often overshadow technical scores, especially in the final rounds. This perspective is crucial for understanding the complexities of Dancing With the Stars, where charisma and relatability often prove just as vital as perfect footwork and intricate choreography.
The fact that Mickey Guyton, another respected figure in the entertainment industry, agreed with Hough further solidifies this observation. It’s a widely acknowledged phenomenon in reality TV: the audience often votes for whom they connect with emotionally, for the underdog story, or for the personality that brings joy and effort, rather than solely for the most technically proficient performer. Bobby Bones embodied this perfectly; his consistent effort, genuine humility about his dancing abilities, and infectious enthusiasm won over millions of viewers, transforming him into a champion despite the judges’ scores.
The Undeniable Chemistry: Bobby Bones and Sharna Burgess
Bobby Bones’ journey on Dancing With the Stars was also significantly shaped by his partnership with Australian professional dancer, Sharna Burgess. Their dynamic was a key factor in their success. Sharna, a highly skilled and patient professional, faced the challenge of choreographing for a partner who openly admitted his struggles with dance. Yet, together, they created memorable performances that, while not always earning top marks from the judges, consistently captivated the audience. Sharna’s ability to highlight Bobby’s personality and make the dances enjoyable, despite his limitations, was crucial. Their partnership became a compelling narrative of perseverance, mutual respect, and the sheer joy of trying something new, regardless of inherent talent. This partnership underscored the often-overlooked aspect of DWTS: the transformative journey of the celebrity contestant and the creative efforts of their professional partners.
Beyond the Scores: What Defines a DWTS Champion?
Bobby Bones’ Mirrorball win sparked considerable debate among fans, critics, and even within the professional dance community. Was it fair for a contestant with consistently low scores to win? This question delves into the very core of what Dancing With the Stars aims to be. Is it a pure dance competition, judged solely on technical merit, or is it an entertainment spectacle where charisma, effort, personal growth, and audience connection play an equally, if not more, significant role? Bones’ victory suggests the latter. He became a champion not just because of his steps, but because of his story – a relatable individual stepping far outside his comfort zone, giving his absolute all, and inviting the audience to be part of that vulnerable yet exhilarating journey. His win resonated with many who might not consider themselves natural dancers but appreciate the courage and determination required to perform on such a grand stage.
The “man of the people” title that Bobby proudly embraces is perhaps the most fitting description of his legacy on DWTS. He demonstrated that in the realm of reality television, genuine connection and perceived relatability can be more powerful than perfect pirouettes or intricate lifts. His journey was a masterclass in audience engagement, proving that a strong fan base, cultivated over years in radio and other media, could translate into overwhelming support in a voting-based competition. This phenomenon is not unique to Dancing With the Stars; it’s a recurrent theme across various reality talent shows where public opinion holds sway.
No Bad Blood: A Sign of Mutual Respect
Crucially, the exchange between Bobby Bones and Julianne Hough appears to be entirely amicable, free of any genuine animosity. The clip, which Bobby dramatically captioned with the word “dramatic,” quickly circulated on social media. Julianne herself chimed in, offering her support with a laughing emoji and an applause emoji in the comments section of his Instagram post. This lighthearted interaction confirms that there’s no bad blood between the two, despite Julianne’s earlier, and honest, assessment of Bobby’s dancing abilities. It highlights the professional respect and camaraderie that often develops behind the scenes of these demanding productions. Both individuals understand the nature of public discourse in entertainment, and their mutual respect shines through, proving that a little playful banter can simply be part of the show.
In conclusion, Bobby Bones’ reaction to Julianne Hough’s candid remarks perfectly encapsulates his endearing persona and his unique place in Dancing With the Stars history. He acknowledged his technical shortcomings with pride, celebrated his victory as a testament to fan power, and maintained a respectful, humorous tone with Julianne. His journey reminds us that in the glitzy world of reality dance competitions, while skill is important, the heart, effort, and connection with the audience can sometimes be the most powerful winning combination of all, securing a legacy as the ‘greatest champion ever’ in the eyes of the people.