Charli D’Amelio’s DWTS Journey: Landon Barker’s Unwavering Support & Family’s Thrilled Reactions
Social media sensation Charli D’Amelio is ready to take the ballroom by storm as she embarks on her journey to claim the coveted Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars season 31. The 18-year-old TikTok star, globally recognized for her infectious dance moves and massive online following, is stepping onto a new stage, bringing her undeniable talent to a live television audience. This season promises an extra layer of excitement and a unique family dynamic, as Charli will be competing directly against her own mother, Heidi D’Amelio, creating a friendly yet fierce mother-daughter rivalry unprecedented in the show’s history. As she dives headfirst into rigorous rehearsals and the intense competitive environment, Charli finds strength and motivation in the unwavering support of her boyfriend, Landon Barker, along with the enthusiastic encouragement from his famous family members, Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian. This article delves into the details of Charli’s preparations, the role of her supportive network, and the highly anticipated competition that awaits her.
The excitement surrounding Charli D’Amelio’s participation in Dancing with the Stars season 31 has been palpable since the cast announcement. As a household name and one of the most followed personalities on TikTok, Charli brings a massive and dedicated fanbase to the show, making her a formidable contender. Paired with veteran professional dancer Mark Ballas, who returns to the ballroom after a hiatus since 2017, Charli’s prospects for success are looking incredibly bright. In a recent interview with media outlets, including HollywoodLife, Charli openly discussed the crucial support she’s receiving from her boyfriend, Landon Barker, highlighting how his presence and encouragement are making a significant difference as she navigates the demanding schedule and intense pressure of the competition.
Charli emphasized the constant presence and invaluable encouragement from Landon, stating, “He’s with me every step of the way throughout this journey.” This level of personal support is undoubtedly vital for a young star facing the challenges of a high-stakes competition like DWTS. Beyond Landon, Charli also shared that Travis Barker, Landon’s father, and Kourtney Kardashian, Travis’s wife, have also expressed immense excitement and well wishes for her new venture. “Travis and Kourtney, I’ve told them about it, and they were super excited as well,” Charli confirmed. The collective enthusiasm from the Barker-Kardashian family adds a significant layer of encouragement, showcasing a strong, blended family unit rallying behind Charli. “I think overall, it’s just going to be really fun. I have a very great group around me. Landon’s awesome, so I’m glad he’s going to be there supporting me,” she reiterated, highlighting the positive atmosphere her loved ones create.
While the immediate family circle has been overwhelmingly supportive, Charli admitted she hasn’t yet had the chance to connect with Kourtney’s siblings, Kim Kardashian and Rob Kardashian, both of whom have famously competed on Dancing with the Stars in past seasons. Kim Kardashian notably participated in season 7, and Rob Kardashian was a finalist in season 13, demonstrating the family’s prior experience with the rigorous demands of the show. Their insights could be incredibly valuable, though Charli’s focus currently remains on her early training. With only three days of rehearsals under her belt at the time of the interview, the learning curve is steep, and Charli is dedicating all her energy to mastering the intricate dance routines. She expressed her hope that Landon can already “see the improvement” she’s made in such a short period, a testament to her dedication and rapid progress. “He’s always super sweet and excited whenever I’m excited about something,” Charli noted, underscoring Landon’s consistent positive reinforcement and genuine interest in her journey.
Charli D’Amelio and Landon Barker’s romance became public knowledge in June 2022, capturing the attention of their widespread fan bases. HollywoodLife exclusively learned that Landon had harbored a “crush” on Charli for a considerable period before their relationship blossomed. This insight into their history suggests a deeper connection than a mere fleeting celebrity pairing. A source close to the couple revealed, “Things are really new for them both and even though they’re young, they have agreed they want to take things slow despite the strong feelings they have for one another.” This deliberate approach to their relationship, despite their young age and intense public scrutiny, speaks volumes about their maturity and commitment to building a solid foundation. Landon’s presence and overt support at such a crucial time for Charli on DWTS further solidify the strength of their bond, providing her with a stable and loving environment amidst the whirlwind of competition and public life. His constant encouragement and excitement are crucial emotional pillars for Charli as she navigates this demanding new chapter.
Beyond her relationship with Landon, Charli’s Dancing with the Stars journey is made even more extraordinary by the unique dynamic she shares with her mother, Heidi D’Amelio. Stars of The D’Amelio Show, Heidi and Charli are poised to make DWTS history as the very first mother-daughter duo to face off against each other in the ballroom. This unprecedented situation adds an intriguing layer of complexity and excitement to season 31. Charli reflected on this unusual competition, noting, “I’ve never really competed against my mom in anything.” She further elaborated on their family dynamic, explaining, “We’re not a competitive family with each other, but we are competitive with other things.” This distinction is crucial; while their family bond remains strong and supportive, the inherent nature of DWTS as a competition means that a friendly rivalry is almost inevitable. For Charli, dance is a particularly significant area where her competitive spirit shines. “For me, especially dance, so I think we’re both excited and happy for each other, but there’s definitely that little bit of competition that will come up this season,” she confessed. This unique scenario promises heartwarming moments, playful jabs, and perhaps even an extra spark of motivation for both D’Amelio women as they vie for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Another highly anticipated aspect of season 31 is the return of two-time Mirrorball champion Mark Ballas, Charli’s professional partner. His absence from the show since 2017 has been felt by fans, and his comeback alongside a star of Charli’s caliber is creating significant buzz. Mark Ballas is no stranger to success in the ballroom, having previously won DWTS twice with celebrity partners, demonstrating his exceptional choreography skills and ability to bring out the best in his students. His experience, creativity, and proven track record make him an ideal partner for Charli, who, despite her TikTok dance background, is still new to the formalized and intricate styles of ballroom dancing. With Mark’s guidance, Charli undoubtedly has a strong shot at taking home the coveted trophy. The combination of Charli’s innate rhythm and massive popularity with Mark’s veteran expertise forms a potent partnership that viewers and judges alike will be eager to watch unfold. The chemistry and synergy between them will be a key factor in their success throughout the demanding season.
The 31st season of Dancing with the Stars marks a significant shift for the beloved competition, as it premieres live on September 19 exclusively on Disney+. This move to a streaming platform signifies a new era for the show, making it accessible to a wider, digitally native audience, perfectly aligning with Charli D’Amelio’s own online origins. The live format, a hallmark of DWTS, will continue to bring raw, unedited excitement, allowing viewers to witness the triumphs and challenges of the celebrity and professional dance pairs in real-time. The Mirrorball Trophy, a symbol of dedication, talent, and perseverance, represents the ultimate prize, and Charli D’Amelio, with her strong support system and formidable partnership with Mark Ballas, is undoubtedly a top contender. Her journey on Dancing with the Stars is set to be a captivating blend of personal growth, family competition, and the pursuit of dance excellence, all unfolding under the watchful eye of millions of fans.
As Charli D’Amelio steps into the national spotlight on Dancing with the Stars, she carries with her not only the expectations of her vast TikTok following but also the heartfelt encouragement of her closest confidants. Landon Barker’s unwavering presence, coupled with the enthusiastic support from Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian, provides a strong emotional foundation as she tackles the rigorous demands of the show. The friendly yet competitive dynamic with her mother, Heidi D’Amelio, adds an unparalleled narrative twist, promising both heartwarming moments and intense ballroom battles. With seasoned pro Mark Ballas guiding her every step, Charli is well-equipped to make a profound impression this season. Fans are eagerly anticipating her performances, watching with bated breath to see if this social media trailblazer can translate her digital dance prowess into a Mirrorball victory.