Jon M. Chu Reveals Sweaty-Palms Pressure of Guest Judging on Dancing with the Stars

Director Jon M. Chu appeared as a guest judge on Dancing with the Stars. He was there for the show’s special Wicked Night. The event aired on October 21, 2025.Chu recently opened up about the intense pressure he felt. He described experiencing genuine nerves during the live broadcast. His honesty provides a rare look behind the scenes of reality TV judging.

The Live Television Judging Challenge

Chu explained the unique difficulty of live judging. He told Parade that the process was incredibly fast. Judges must lock in their scores immediately after a performance ends.”You have to press lock before you have any comments,” Chu said. This means the first comment must be ready for live television. There is no time for second thoughts or edits.Chu admitted this was a major challenge for him. He stated clearly, “I am not an actor in any sort of way.” Despite the stress, he found the show’s team to be very welcoming and kind.

Connecting the Ballroom to Broadway

Chu’s appearance was a strategic crossover. He is the director of the hit film “Wicked” and its upcoming sequel. The sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.His role on DWTS helped bridge his cinematic work with a live audience. The Wicked Night theme celebrated the musical’s enduring popularity. This synergy offered fans a unique entertainment experience.The director’s foray into reality TV highlights his versatile career. It also shows how major productions use different platforms for promotion. This kind of cross-promotion is common in the modern entertainment industry.

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Jon M. Chu’s candid account proves that live television remains a uniquely demanding environment, even for Hollywood’s most accomplished directors. His experience underscores the unpredictable nature of shows like Dancing with the Stars.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is Jon M. Chu?

Jon M. Chu is a renowned film director and producer. He is best known for directing “Crazy Rich Asians” and the two-part “Wicked” film adaptation. His work often blends musical spectacle with large-scale storytelling.

What was the theme for the DWTS episode he judged?

He judged during the show’s Wicked Night. The episode celebrated the music and characters from the Broadway musical “Wicked.” All performances were inspired by the show’s iconic songs and story.

When is the Wicked sequel coming out?

The sequel film, “Wicked: For Good,” is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. It continues the story from the first “Wicked” movie. The films are based on the long-running Broadway musical.

Where can you watch Dancing with the Stars?

The show airs live on ABC and streams on Disney+. New episodes are available the next day on Hulu. Viewers can check local listings for exact broadcast times.

Why was Jon M. Chu so nervous?

He was nervous because of the live, unscripted nature of the show. Judges must react and score performances instantly for a national audience. This creates a high-pressure situation with no room for error.