Bobby Bones claps recently made headlines with his spirited response to comments made by Julianne Hough and Mickey Guyton on “Watch What Happens Live.” During the show, both Hough and Guyton expressed their opinions on his surprising win on “Dancing with the Stars,” with Guyton specifically naming Bones as the celebrity who she felt should not have won the competition. This sparked Bones to address the criticism in a candid and humorous Instagram video.
In his Instagram video, Bones began by acknowledging the criticism he received. He humorously described how, every time a new season of “Dancing with the Stars” is announced, media coverage often brings up his win as an example of a less-than-stellar dancing performance. He elaborated on his experience by recounting how Julianne Hough, a former professional dancer and judge on the show, was asked about the worst dancer in the history of the show. Bones noted that Hough initially hesitated, but Guyton quickly pointed out his name, which Hough seemed to agree with.

Bones, known for his work as a radio host and television personality, didn’t shy away from embracing his less-than-perfect dancing skills. “I was the worst dancer,” Bones admitted. “I take pride in that.” He made it clear that while he didn’t possess exceptional dancing abilities, he worked hard throughout the competition. He took the opportunity to celebrate his victory, referring to himself as the “greatest champion ever” because he won based on the immense support of his fanbase. He contrasted his experience with that of talented dancers who might have been eliminated early due to lower public votes despite high scores from judges.
Bones’ victory in Season 27 of “Dancing with the Stars” was indeed a topic of controversy. Despite consistently receiving low scores from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli, Bones managed to win the mirrorball trophy largely due to the overwhelming support from viewers. This led to a significant discussion about the role of fan votes versus judges’ scores in determining the outcome of reality competition shows.

The controversy surrounding Bones’ win led to changes in the show’s format. In response to complaints about the judging process and the impact of fan votes, “Dancing with the Stars” introduced the “judges’ save” in subsequent seasons. This change aimed to address concerns about the fairness of the competition and to ensure that talented dancers who might be at risk of elimination due to low public support would have a chance to stay in the competition longer.
Bones also addressed the broader issue of public perception and how it can affect participants. He acknowledged that despite his perceived lack of dance skills, he was able to connect with audiences and garner their support, which played a crucial role in his success. He noted that this dynamic of fan support versus judges’ assessment is a common theme in reality competitions, where public appeal can sometimes overshadow technical performance.
In addition to reflecting on his own experience, Bones extended his support to other contestants who faced similar challenges. He mentioned Harry Jowsey from Season 32 of “Dancing with the Stars,” who, despite receiving low scores from judges, remained in the competition due to a strong fan following. Bones recorded a special message for Jowsey, offering words of encouragement and expressing solidarity with the challenges of being judged and voted on by the public.

Bones’ response to the criticisms highlights the complex nature of reality TV competitions, where the intersection of fan votes and judges’ scores can create a multifaceted dynamic. His candid reflection on his performance and victory provides insight into the broader conversation about how reality TV shows balance the expectations of both participants and audiences.
As “Dancing with the Stars” prepares for its upcoming Season 33, the debates about judging criteria and fan influence continue to be relevant. Bones’ experience serves as a reminder of the role that public opinion plays in shaping the outcomes of reality competition shows and the impact it can have on the participants involved. His ability to embrace and celebrate his unique journey, despite the criticisms, underscores the resilience and adaptability required to succeed in the world of reality television.