Overview
- Val Chmerkovskiy said on his Stepping on Toes podcast this week that AJ Pritchard comes across as “a bit arrogant” and urged him to present that confidence more softly.
- Chmerkovskiy criticized specific rehearsal actions he observed, saying Pritchard corrected partner Selena Hamilton with curt physical demonstrations and that approach could alienate viewers and peers.
- Judges Derek Hough and Mark Ballas previously flagged Pritchard for lacking energy in the Next Pro premiere and noted extra pressure because of his prior Strictly Come Dancing experience.
- Pritchard is competing on Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro to win a slot on season 35, and outlets have contacted representatives for both dancers but no substantive response has been published yet.
- The dispute underscores a wider tension on the show between established competitive resumes and the expectation of humility and partner-focused storytelling from prospects seeking U.S. TV roles.