Shock Elimination Looms as Dancing with the Stars Kicks Off new Season
The glittering ballroom of Dancing with the Stars is set for its first elimination of the new season, and judge Arthur Gourounlian has hinted that viewers might be in for a surprise. Speaking to RTÉ entertainment, Gourounlian revealed that the first couple to leave the dancefloor could be a “shock elimination,” defying fan expectations.
“I’m actually panicking because people are saying, ’Oh, we know who’s going to go.’ I was like, ‘No, I don’t know who’s going to go – as it might very well be a shock elimination!'” Gourounlian shared. The judge, now in his fourth season, has been hearing fans express their love for certain contestants, but he believes the results of the public vote might not align with popular predictions.
As with every season of the RTÉ One hit, no one wants to be the first couple eliminated. Gourounlian empathized with the contestants, acknowledging the emotional toll of early exits. “First of all, nobody wants to go in week one [of eliminations] because they feel like it’s an embarrassment and a fail – but it’s not,” he said.
This season, Gourounlian is relieved that he won’t be voting to save or eliminate couples until the dance-offs later in the series.”thank God I’m not sending anybody home this Sunday; it (elimination by the judges in the dance-off) is starting a little bit later on. It is always sad,” he admitted. Reflecting on his husband Brian Dowling’s experience as a contestant in 2020, Gourounlian recalled, “He was upset that he left. I was like, ‘Do you know what? Pick yourself up. Life carries on. You did seven weeks. What’s next?!'”
Despite his reputation as a tough judge, Gourounlian insists he’s still the same person. “I’m still the nice Arthur!” he laughed, though he admitted he sometimes likes “to push the boundaries.”
As the tension builds, fans are eagerly tuning in to see who will survive the first elimination. Dancing with the Stars airs Sundays at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
| Key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Judge’s Prediction | Arthur Gourounlian hints at a ”shock elimination” in the first week. |
| Public Vote | Results may defy fan expectations, according to Gourounlian. |
| Judges’ Role | Gourounlian won’t vote to eliminate couples until later in the series. |
| Emotional Impact | Early exits can feel like a “fail,” but Gourounlian encourages contestants to stay positive. |
| Next episode | Dancing with the Stars airs Sundays at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. |
For more updates on Dancing with the Stars and other television news, click here.
“Shock Elimination Looms: Expert Weighs In on Dancing with the Stars’ New Season Drama”
senior Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another insightful interview on world-today-news.com. Today,we’re diving into the latest buzz surrounding the new season of Dancing with the Stars.Joining us is dance competition expert and former professional dancer, Mia Thompson. Mia, thank you for being here today.
Mia Thompson: Thanks for having me! It’s always exciting to talk about dancing with the Stars, especially with so much anticipation around this season.
Senior Editor: Absolutely. The big news this week is judge Arthur Gourounlian’s hint about a potential “shock elimination” in the first week. What’s your take on that?
Mia Thompson: I think arthur’s comment is really intriguing. A shock elimination suggests that the public vote might not align with what fans are predicting. We’ve seen this happen in past seasons, where a fan-favorite or a strong performer unexpectedly exits early.It’s a reminder that the competition is unpredictable, and that’s part of what makes it so thrilling.
Senior Editor: Speaking of the public vote, Gourounlian mentioned that the results could defy fan expectations. Do you think viewers might be underestimating certain contestants?
Mia Thompson: Absolutely. Sometiems, contestants who aren’t initially in the spotlight surprise everyone with their growth and dedication. The public vote is influenced not just by dancing ability but also by personality and relatability. A contestant who starts off as an underdog can quickly gain traction if they connect with the audience.
Senior editor: Gourounlian also expressed relief that he won’t be voting to eliminate couples until later in the season. How do you think this change affects the dynamics of the competition?
Mia Thompson: It’s a smart move. Early eliminations are frequently enough emotionally charged, and having the public vote take the lead initially allows the judges to focus on providing constructive feedback. It also gives contestants more time to prove themselves before facing the judges’ decisions in the dance-offs. This approach can lead to fairer outcomes and more compelling performances as the competition progresses.
Senior Editor: Arthur talked about how early exits can feel like a “fail” for the contestants. how do you think they should handle that emotional toll?
Mia Thompson: It’s tough, but I agree with Arthur’s advice to stay positive. Being the first to leave doesn’t diminish the hard work and courage it takes to step onto that stage. Contestants should focus on the experience they gained and the connections they made.Many former stars have gone on to achieve great things after Dancing with the Stars, so it’s crucial to see it as a stepping stone rather than a setback.
Senior Editor: Lastly, Arthur mentioned he’s still the ”nice Arthur,” despite his tough judging reputation. How do you think judges balance encouragement with constructive criticism?
Mia Thompson: It’s a delicate balance. Judges need to be honest to help contestants improve, but they also have to be mindful of the contestants’ confidence. Arthur’s approach of pushing boundaries while maintaining empathy is a great example of how to inspire growth without discouraging performers. A good judge finds a way to challenge contestants while still being supportive.
Senior Editor: Fantastic insights, Mia.Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. For our readers, don’t forget to tune in to Dancing with the Stars this Sunday at 6:30pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
Mia Thompson: Thanks for having me! I can’t wait to see how this season unfolds.
