DWTS Judge’s Scoring Error Puts Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas in Spotlight

The season 34 premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” featured a major judging error. Judge Bruno Tonioli mistakenly awarded contestant Whitney Leavitt and pro partner Mark Ballas a higher score than intended. The flub occurred during the couple’s first performance, a sharp tango that initially impressed the panel.

The scoring mistake immediately sparked debate among fans. It ultimately helped propel Leavitt and Ballas to the top of the Week 1 leaderboard. According to reports from entertainment news desks, the error was quickly acknowledged but the result was allowed to stand.

How the DWTS Scoring Flub Unfolded Live on Air

Bruno Tonioli visibly held up a score of 7 for Leavitt and Ballas’s tango. His comments were positive, aligning with the score he displayed. However, a technical error occurred when he entered the number into the electronic scoring system.

Tonioli accidentally input an 8 instead of the intended 7. This single-point difference changed the couple’s total score. Their new total became 15 points out of a possible 20 from the two-judge panel.

The mistake was not corrected before the show moved on. This live television moment highlighted the unpredictability of the competition. It instantly gave Leavitt and Ballas an unexpected advantage and a memorable start to their season.

Impact on the Competition and Fan Reaction

The erroneous score placed Leavitt and Ballas in a tie for first place. They shared the top spot with frontrunners Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. This positioning gave them crucial momentum heading into the second week of competition.

Fan reaction on social media was swift and divided. Some viewers argued the error was unfair to other couples. Others saw it as a fortunate break that added drama to the season premiere.

Despite the controversy, the couple’s performance was widely praised. Their technical skill and chemistry were noted as signs of strong potential. The scoring incident, while a distraction, did not overshadow their capabilities as dancers.

The DWTS scoring error created an unexpected narrative for Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas. Their journey on the show will now be closely watched by fans. This incident serves as a reminder that in live television, anything can happen.

Info at your fingertips

What was the DWTS scoring mistake?

Judge Bruno Tonioli held up a score of 7 but entered an 8 into the system. This gave Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas one extra point on their total score for the night.

Did the judges correct the error?

Tonioli acknowledged the mistake, but the score was not changed. The higher total of 15 points was allowed to stand for the remainder of the episode.

Who did Leavitt and Ballas tie with for first place?

The incorrect score resulted in a tie for first place. Leavitt and Ballas tied with the duo of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson on the Week 1 leaderboard.

How did fans react to the scoring flub?

Reactions were mixed. Some fans found it unfair, while others saw it as a typical moment of live TV drama that benefited the couple.

What dance did Leavitt and Ballas perform?

For their Week 1 performance, the couple performed a tango. Their technique and stage presence received positive comments from the judges.