10 Celeb Dancers Who Embarrassed Themselves on 'Dancing With the Stars'

For an astounding 33 seasons and counting, Dancing with the Stars has waltzed its way into our living rooms, pairing professional dancers with celebrity contestants in a dazzling spectacle that sees these pros valiantly transforming their stars into elegant ballroom dancers. Week after week, these contestants face the daunting panel of judges, garnering scores and feedback while hoping for the audience votes that will keep them in the race for the illustrious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, now forever etched in memory of the iconic late judge. Since its premiere in 2005—taking a cue from the British hit Strictly Come Dancing—this show has become the ultimate stage for celebrities to prove they can twirl, tango, and cha-cha their way to glory.

Now, let's address the elephant in the ballroom: while a few hopefuls glide effortlessly toward that coveted trophy, there remain a fair share of celebrity dancers who are more like clumsy penguins flapping their flippers in an attempt to keep up. With some contestants managing to improve week after week, while others seem to coast on the supportive waves of their fanbases, it is undeniable that everyone leaves their unique footprint on the dance floor—even if it’s not the kind you'd want to step in.

Take, for instance, the unforgettable Season 27 competitor, country radio DJ Bobby Bones, paired with the ever-patient Sharna Burgess. Picture this: a man so rhythmically challenged that his partner had to literally count the beats out loud to keep him on track. But who proved to be the real victor here? Bones! Yes, thanks to his loyal fans, he snatched the season's title, prompting a rule change to ensure that actual dancing talent would be recognized. His win raised eyebrows, with even Bones admitting he lacked the grace of a true dancer. It’s as if he tripped over the very trophy he was awarded, reminding us all that sometimes the dance-offs aren’t decided by the most skilled but rather by the loudest cheers from the stands.

Fast-forward to Season 7 and we meet the reality TV sensation Kim Kardashian, who glided onto the show immediately following the premiere of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Partnered with Mark Ballas, fresh off a victory from the previous season, Kim dazzled us with her initial foxtrot, earning a respectable score of 19. But wait—was that the sound of air escaping her balloon? Indeed, she met her match in the ballroom, and alas, her journey concluded at a mere third week. Judges praised her technical finesse but noted a distinct lack of chemistry with Ballas—Kardashian even confessed that he felt “like a brother,” which, one must admit, isn’t quite the sultry vibe one expects during a sultry rumba.

Then we have the endearing yet less-than-graceful Apple co-founder, Steve Wozniak, sharing the spotlight with Karina Smirnoff in Season 8. Wozniak, bless his innovation-loving heart, showcased a samba that even the most forgiving judge, Bruno Tonioli, deemed among the worst he'd ever laid eyes on. Yet, even encumbered by a foot fracture, Wozniak charmed audiences to keep him in the competition for several weeks. He may have traded elegance for sheer enjoyment, but who’s judging? After all, dancing is primarily about having a good time, isn't it?

Speaking of entertaining efforts, who could forget Jerry Springer in Season 3? Oh, Jerry, the host we all adore for his controversial skits attempted to learn the waltz for his daughter's wedding, but he stumbled into fifth place despite a mountain of low scores. The judges commended his enthusiasm, but let’s face it—his dances occasionally resembled a series of delightful but misguided theatrics. He may not have been a technical maestro, but his joyful spirit lit up the floor. And that, dear readers, often turns out to be what we tune in for: the spectacle and the camaraderie, more so than the competition.

On the flip side stood conservative TV host Tucker Carlson, whose cha-cha in Season 3 fell flat at a staggering 12 points. His elimination, which waltzed right into the spotlight, was as predictable as the exit of a contestant who spent more time seated than dancing. But hey, who wouldn't enjoy watching someone attempt to cha-cha from their throne? Which brings us to Kenny Mayne, ESPN host, who also faced a cruel fate in Season 2 despite his phobia of serious dancing. Though he started off relying on his humor—because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good laugh?—he got voted off quicker than you could blink. Still, his spirit remained, almost like a quirky dance partner you can't help but root for.

Finally, we have the legendary boxer Evander Holyfield, who, with Edyta Śliwińska at his side, made history as the first athlete in the competition. Despite that glimmer of initial promise, his steps fell apart like a poorly-constructed punchline. His final performance was greeted with mixed reviews, and he was soon sent packing. Somehow, the judges still managed to find a silver lining in his efforts, noting his unfaltering cheerfulness even while dancing like a fish out of water.

And so, as we tumble into the enchanting chaos of Dancing with the Stars, we find ourselves swept up in a blend of talent, determination, and well-intentioned mishaps. The mirrorball trophy glimmers ever brightly, but let's not forget: while some may dance like they were born to, others simply dance like they were thrown into the deep end of an uncharted ballroom, and for that, we applaud them all.