‘Careful Doesn’t Win DWTS’: Cheryl Burke Channels Len Goodman in Poignant Return

Cheryl Burke made an emotional return to Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, stepping back into the ballroom as a guest judge and honoring the late Len Goodman with a heartfelt tribute that resonated across fans and fellow dancers alike.

The 41-year-old former pro appeared during the Halloween Night episode alongside judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. Her message to the contestants captured both nostalgia and wisdom: “Authenticity is what I would love to see from all of you. Technique and dance as if it’s your last chance. As the late Len Goodman said, careful doesn’t win Dancing With the Stars.”

Cheryl Burke’s Return to the Ballroom

Burke’s return to DWTS marked her first time behind the judges’ table after a three-year absence from the show. She last competed as a pro in Season 31, wrapping up a career that included two Mirrorball Trophy wins—one with Drew Lachey in 2006 and another with NFL legend Emmitt Smith that same year.

Speaking to Us Weekly before her appearance, Burke described her comeback as “surreal” and “like going back home.” She reflected on her long journey with the series, saying, “I’ve spent most of my life in that ballroom. It’s where I found my voice.”

Burke revealed that discussions about her return had been ongoing for nearly a year, signaling how much the show still means to her. “I never thought this day would come,” she said. “It’s great to hopefully empower these couples. Even if I wasn’t judging, I’d be watching.”

Honoring Len Goodman’s Legacy

Len Goodman, the longtime head judge of Dancing With the Stars, passed away in 2023, leaving behind a lasting influence on the show’s dancers and fans. Burke’s quote of Goodman’s famous advice—“Careful doesn’t win Dancing With the Stars”—reminded the ballroom of his legacy of courage and passion.

Burke emphasized that she wasn’t searching for perfection but rather for dancers who expressed emotion and authenticity. “It’s the imperfections and the detail that make ballroom so beautiful,” she explained. Her words echoed Goodman’s philosophy of valuing heart and personality over flawless precision.

Her tribute came during one of the season’s most memorable episodes, blending the energy of Halloween Night with the emotional tone of remembrance. Fans across social media praised Burke’s words, many noting that her return brought “the soul of Len Goodman” back into the judging panel.

Cheryl Burke’s Reflections and the Future of DWTS

Burke admitted her departure from the show in 2022 had been “heartbreaking,” calling it the hardest decision of her career. Yet, her return marks not just a homecoming but a reminder of the enduring family spirit that defines Dancing With the Stars.

As she continues to explore new roles in the entertainment world, Burke’s message stands as a tribute to both her mentor and her own evolution: “I am the woman I am today because of this show.”

“Careful doesn’t win Dancing With the Stars” — and Cheryl Burke’s return proves that Len Goodman’s voice still guides the ballroom floor.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did Cheryl Burke say about Len Goodman during her return?

She quoted Goodman’s iconic line: “Careful doesn’t win Dancing With the Stars,” reminding contestants to perform fearlessly and authentically.

Q2: When did Cheryl Burke last compete on DWTS?

Burke last performed as a pro in Season 31, which aired in 2022, before stepping away from the competition.

Q3: What episode did Cheryl Burke guest judge on?

She appeared on the Halloween Night episode of Season 34, which aired on October 28, 2025.

Q4: How many times has Cheryl Burke won DWTS?

She won the Mirrorball Trophy twice — once with Drew Lachey and once with Emmitt Smith, both in 2006.

Q5: Where can viewers watch Dancing With the Stars?

The show airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams on Disney+.