‘This Is Rigged’: Viewers Say That This Pair Was ‘Criminally Underscored’ at the ‘DWTS’ Finale – Details

“DWTS” viewers are calling out the judges for underscoring a final contestant who reflected on his journey throughout the competition before the finale aired and the results were announced.

Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) has come to an end after the five finalists performed on stage for the last time on November 26. After watching the finale, netizens are disappointed by how a certain dancing couple was scored for their performance, with many expressing how they deserved better.

User comment about the “DWTS” judges scores for one pair, posted on November 27, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson are the pair who social media users feel were heavily underscored. For their final performance, the duo executed a “Redemption Tango” to Post Malone and Morgan Wallens song “I Had Some Help.”

Witney Carson and Danny Amendola during their final performance on the “DWTS” finale, posted on November 27, 2024 | Source: YouTube/Dancing With The Stars

Dressed in eye-catching, matching red outfits, Amendola and Carson gave it their all as they spun and swayed across the stage, exuding sheer elegance.

Witney Carson and Danny Amendola. | Source: YouTube/Dancing With The Stars

The pairs routine included quick footwork and structured movements, dips, and an impressive move, which saw Amendola spin Carson around the center of the stage while holding onto one of her arms and legs.

Witney Carson and Danny Amendola. | Source: YouTube/Dancing With The Stars

After they completed their performance, Carson and Amendola readied themselves to receive their final scores from the judges.

A video shared on TikTok by a “DWTS” viewer showed that all three judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, gave the pair nines, making their total score for the evening 27/30.

Alfonso Ribeiro standing with Danny Amendola and Witney Carson as they received their scores from the judges during the “DWTS” finale on November 26, 2024. | Source: Getty Images

To say online observers were outraged by the scores would be an accurate statement, as many flocked to social media to express their grievances.

“The down scoring [sic] on Danny and Witney has been HORRIFIC. Danny has done AMAZING! Witney is an AMAZING coach. Granted theres remarkable talent this season but, they have done Danny wrong this whole season,” vented an upset Instagrammer.

Witney Carson and Danny Amendola. | Source: Getty Images

The same user continued, “Makes me not want to watch DWTS anymore. Congratulations to whoever takes home the mirror ball home. Any one of these couples could win because they were all just that good. In my book theyre all winners!!! RIGGED THOUGH! [sic].”

Like the aforementioned netizen, another agreed that Amendola has experienced injustice concerning his scores the entire season, “Underscored the whole season and then with this song choice it just wasnt fair.”

“I was hoping for at least a 10. He has the mentality of a true champion—a winner. The choreographies were stunning [sic]. I dont understand why it wasnt a 10, but I love and support them wholeheartedly. Lets go!! Theyve made this season absolutely incredible, and I <3 them!” penned another Amendola supporter.

Someone else echoed a similar sentiment regarding how Amendola was scored, “Not one single 10 again???? What???????” “this is ridiculous they always have something to say about his dancing and never can give him 10s [sic],” added another person.

Jumping on the injustice bandwagon, a spectator , “Danny and Witney constantly getting criminally underscored is my villain origin story,” while another exclaimed, “This is rigged!!! Danny Im sorry you are being robbed.”

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson. | Source: Getty Images

“Judging is so off every week for them,” stated an Instagrammer. Another chimed in with, “Was not happy with the score you gave them. They were the best. They deserved 10s [sic] all around.”

Witney Carson and Danny Amendola. | Source: Getty Images

Prior to their performance, “DWTS” shared an Instagram Reel that took a look back at Amendolas journey on the show, which featured a snippet of when he met Carson for the first time.

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson sharing a hug after meeting, posted on November 26, 2024 | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

Footage also included the football stars reflections about his time in the competition. “The DWTS experience has been an amazing journey for me. I have learned so much about the art of dance, so much about what goes into a great performance,” began Amendola.

Danny Amendola discussing his journey on “DWTS.” | Source: Instagram/dancingwiththestars

He continued, “Witneys been amazing in this experience. You know, shes really developed me. When I started, I didnt know if I could get this far. I believed I could be in the championship and win, but I took it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one rehearsal at a time. We put so much time and effort into choreographing and rehearsing to get ready for each week.”

Amendola also mentioned experiencing a “turning point in the season,” which he revealed happened when he and Carson performed their contemporary dance on the “Dedication Night” episode of the show.

“You really had to pour in [sic] your emotions into the dance. You know, thats something Ive never done before and until then, I didnt know what went into that performance, but I really experienced a lot of growth,” explained Amendola.

The footballer went on to reveal, “The main thing Ive learned about myself in this journey is that regardless of how big the mountain is, if you put your head down, work hard, and climb it, then you can get to the top. Because of DWTS, I will no longer be afraid of stepping outside of my comfort zone.”

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Yesterday (November 26), Carson took to Instagram with a photo of the duo who was dressed to the nines, posing in front of the “DWTS” finale backdrop.

“FINALE ✨ last time we will ask you to vote… Bittersweet! What a memorable season its been with ya buddy @dannyamendola! Lets go get that mirrorball,” captioned the professional dancer alongside the post.

Alas, Carson and Amendola did not win the coveted Mirrorball trophy, as the prize and first place went to fellow competitors Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson.

During the finale, which saw contestants receive supportive video messages from their loved ones, co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that Amendola and Carson placed fifth.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten, and Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong awaiting to hear the finale results on “DWTS.” | Source: Getty Images

Fourth place went to Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold; Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong placed third, and Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten came second.

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