Top 10 Cringiest Dancing with the Stars Moments

The “O.C.”’s star isn’t exactly rooting around for a 10-paddle to describe her experience in the dance competition. According to Barton, she only agreed to appear on the show if she could be involved in her costumes’ designs— but she claims that agreement wasn’t adhered to. She also confessed that rehearsals were tough, and she and her dance partner, Artem Chigvintsev, got off on the wrong foot. Ultimately, she felt like she was competing in “The Hunger Games” and was glad to be eliminated early. Let’s just say we’re not entirely shocked, as she wasn’t necessarily acting like she wanted to be there.

Army vet Noah Galloway decided to propose to his girlfriend during his season’s semi-finals. And while it should’ve been the talk of the evening, many of us were focused on co-host Erin Andrews’ reaction just behind them. We can’t imagine many people want an eye-roll photobomb captured alongside one of the most magical moments of their lives. It wasn’t too great for Andrews either, who received clapback from viewers who likely thought she’d ruined the moment or was being rude. However, it turns out there was a very innocent and reasonable explanation behind it. Even so, that moment will forever live in infamy, and we can’t help but roll our eyes when we see it.

Picture it: It’s 2016, and America is in one of its most heated election campaign periods. But “Dancing with the Stars” has recently returned, and you want to kick back and immerse yourself in its glitz and glamor. Then, Geraldo Rivera and his partner Edyta Śliwińska take their places on the dance floor, and our eyes widen three times the size of the prize mirrorball. We might’ve been able to overlook the terrible impression if at least the dancing was better. And don’t even get us started on that backdrop! There was no saving grace here. After just two dances, it was time to tell Rivera, “You’re Fired!”

We imagine that many celebs experience anxiety-fueled nightmares after signing up for “DWTS”. What if they trip? What if they have a wardrobe malfunction? What if they forget the routine? Well, unfortunately, the latter was a nightmare come true for singer Chynna Phillips. You can see the exact moment her mind goes blank during her tango to the “Mission: Impossible” theme song. But if somehow you missed it, it becomes glaringly obvious when she goes the wrong way, forcing her partner to steer her back in the right direction. While we felt for her, we also couldn’t look away. To add insult to injury, viewers weren’t very forgiving, and she was eliminated.

Although the actress and her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, made it to the finals, the journey was far from smooth sailing. For instance, Maks lost his balance during their Rumba to “Over the Rainbow,” proving that even pros aren’t immune to mishaps. But as they say, the show must go on! Sometimes, the judges are lenient enough to overlook unpreventable accidents as long as the dancer quickly pulls themself together and keeps going. It’s a different story when they sit in the middle of the dance floor to fix their shoes while their partner spins around them. That sure takes some mirrorballs.

If “Dancing with the Stars” gave out Mirrorballs for backtalk, Maks Chmerkovskiy certainly would’ve been season 13’s winner. The pro dancer was upset after head judge Len Goodman called his rumba with soccer player Hope Solo the duo’s “worst dance” so far. Goodman tried to shut down Maks’ protests, leading the pro dancer to fire back with a savage remark. Carrie Ann Inaba called Chmerkovskiy out for being “disrespectful,” while cast members reportedly had more mixed opinions. Look, no one sees how hard the celebs work more than their dance partners. And while it’s sweet that he wanted more recognition for that effort, this whole exchange was just one ginormous yikes!

#4: Dance Off! Season 1

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As any seasoned “DWTS” viewer knows, it’s not always the best dancer who lifts the trophy. Indeed, some fans were outraged when Kelly Monaco beat out John O’Hurley for season one champion, even though he was seen as the consistently stronger dancer. How did ABC decide to handle the controversy? Well, with a re-match, of course. This time, the vote was completely determined by the viewers. But let’s be honest: fans had already been pretty vocal over who they wanted to win. So, almost no one was surprised when O’Hurley was crowned re-match champ. Still, it all seemed so awkward and unnecessary. Well, at least they donated the prize money to good causes.

#3: Tyra Banks Gets the Bottom Couple Wrong Season 29

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It’s live television, folks; anything can happen! And didn’t Tyra Banks prove that while hosting seasons 29 to 31? Some viewers were pretty unforgiving when she messed up Charli D’Amelio’s boyfriend’s name. She also received a lot of flack when she happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time while Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy were getting their scores. But we’d say it doesn’t get more cringe-worthy than calling out the wrong couple while revealing the bottom two. Props to Banks, who handled the situation as well as anyone caught off-guard could. She later blamed it on a “technical” issue, but nothing could save this moment from excruciating infamy.

#2: Michael Bolton’s Barking Jive Season 11

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We get it, “Dancing with the Stars” isn’t just about perfecting dance technique; it’s also about putting on a show. Most viewers aren’t looking out for sharp downward leg action and perfect retractions; they just want to be entertained. That being said, watching Michael Bolton crawl around on his hands and knees to start was ruff! That image will be etched into our minds forever, and the judges had a bone to pick with it, too. The dance may have begun with Bolton in a dog house, but it ended with Bruno Tonioli in the doghouse. The singer found his criticism too harsh and subsequently wanted an apology. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Who’s Chris Kattan, Witney? Season 24 If Only There Was a Way to Research Your Partners Before You Meet Them Clowning Around, Season 21 We Have Just One Question: Why? Kim Kardashian’s Mamb-No, Season 7 Let’s Just Say This Routine Ain’t “Got Back” Wendy Williams’ Cha-Cha-Cha-Tastrophe, Season 12 We Admire Her Efforts, but It’s Probably a Good Thing Most of Her Job Is Done Sitting Down Billy Ray Cyrus Wants His Mullet Back, Season 4 But Apparently, It Doesn’t Want Him

#1: Master P's Paso Doble Season 2

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The rapper and actor was a last-minute addition to the show, after his son Romeo had to bow out following an injury. He and his partner, Ashly DelGrosso, overwhelmingly underwhelmed the judges with their first three dances. But then came the Paso Doble. The Paso is meant to be strong, striking, powerful, and dramatic— and well, this dance basically ticked none of those boxes. If anything, it almost looked like Master P had gone on a casual stroll and had somehow accidentally become entangled with a dancer. The result was the lowest-scoring dance of the series, with the routine getting an 8 in total. Sure, his intentions were good, but the execution was most certainly misunderstood. Which cringe-worthy “Dancing with the Stars” moments make you want to Quickstep away from your television? Paso down into the comments and let us know!