Social media influencer Alix Earle was a force on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 34. Not only did she and her professional partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, deserve a spot in the finale, but their second-place finish was celebrated because they delivered incredible performances across all three routines. After the Judges’ Choice, Instant Dance Challenge, and the Freestyle routine, Earle and Chmerkovskiy were the only couple on the night to have a perfect score for everything!
They won over fans and the judges, and Derek Hough has since reflected on their experience in an Instagram post.
Derek Hough Shares Thoughts on Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy
After Season 34 wrapped, Hough showed his thoughtfulness by penning a post celebrating all the finalists and their celebrity partners. His post also offered words for fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, and DWTS hosts, his sister, Julianne Hough, and co-host and former Mirrorball champion, Alfonso Ribeiro. One section stands out: his comments about Earle and Chmerkovskiy.
In a photo of the pair posing together on the ballroom dance floor, Hough wrote, “Alix, holy moly, you have been an absolute revelation this season. Seeing you go from being relatively shy to this charismatic powerhouse, headlining superstar on that floor has been nothing short of amazing. You grew into a truly extraordinary performer who lit up that dance floor with power, energy, and so much joy.”
He also had praise for three-time Mirrorball champion Chmerkovskiy. “And Val, you’re one of the best to ever do it, and this season was just another testament to how you bring out the absolute best in your partners,” Hough wrote.
Fans Praise Derek Hough’s Thoughtfulness
Hough’s decision to celebrate each contestant earned him the praise of fans. “And this is why derek is a fan favorite,” a fan wrote. “Derek you are truly an amazing person and you inspire us all,” another person shared.
“This is the best,” a third fan shared.
Other reactions include, “Love this and you know i love you even if i do curse you out at times,” “This is such a beautiful tribute to everyone on this season. You’re one of my faves Derek,” and “What a BRILLIANT season! @derekhough, you’re a true master of your craft. “
Although the ABC dance competition has not been officially renewed for Season 35, this season’s ratings were exceptional, and it is expected to return next September. The season had its “biggest premiere numbers since 2020 — and then proceeded to grow its viewership for five consecutive weeks,” Vulture reports. The publication also states how DWTS won over “Gen Z and younger millennial viewers, two demographics that had supposedly abandoned linear TV.”
