Image Source: People.com
Dancing with the stars voting is facing fresh scrutiny after Alfonso Ribeiro responded to comments from Alexa PenaVega about whether audience votes determine which contestants remain on the show.
The discussion began after PenaVega revisited her experience competing on Season 21 during the October 22 episode of the podcast she hosts with her husband, Carlos PenaVega. She recalled a conversation with Hayes Grier, who was around 15 years old when he competed in 2015.
Alfonso Ribeiro Pushes Back on DWTS Voting Claims
According to Alexa PenaVega, Grier became concerned about the results after landing in the bottom three. She said he believed he had more votes than anyone because of his large social media following.
“I think this show is rigged. I have more votes than anybody,” PenaVega recalled Grier saying during the podcast conversation.
PenaVega explained that she understood why he felt that way. Grier had millions of followers, and she believed it would have been easy for many of them to vote by text message. Still, her comments were presented as part of a larger story about her former castmate rather than as a direct accusation against the series.
When a shortened clip of the discussion circulated on social media, Ribeiro quickly responded. The longtime host and former Season 19 champion rejected the suggestion that audience support was ignored.
“No chance,” Ribeiro commented. “We want everyone who’s popular to stay on. It’s basic logic.”
PenaVega later said the clip did not include the full context of her remarks. She encouraged viewers to hear the entire discussion before drawing conclusions about what she meant.
What Alexa PenaVega Said About the Format
PenaVega maintained that DWTS voting matters, but she also suggested that several elements influence the competition. In her view, judges’ scores, audience participation, storytelling and production choices all contribute to how each season develops.
She also referred to a disclaimer explaining that producers have authority over aspects of the program. Her comments appeared to reflect the difference between a television competition and a simple popularity contest, where viewers alone decide the winner.
That distinction has fueled debate among fans for years. Supporters argue that the combination of judges’ scores and public votes creates a balanced result. Critics, meanwhile, sometimes question whether editing, dance assignments, music choices or contestant narratives can shape audience opinion.
Producer Previously Denied Manipulating Votes
The latest discussion is not the first time the show has faced claims that its results are fixed. In May 2025, Ryan O’Dowd, BBC Studios’ president of unscripted television and a producer connected to the series, addressed the issue in an interview with Deadline.
O’Dowd said the program must remain credible and that viewers need to feel they have a genuine voice in determining who advances. He stated that the show has never manipulated votes and would not want to do so.
That statement directly addresses the central concern raised by fans: whether public voting is actually counted as advertised. While the production team controls many creative decisions, official assurances indicate that audience votes are not secretly changed to produce a preferred outcome.
Why Dancing With the Stars Voting Still Matters
Audience voting remains one of the most important parts of the competition. Judges can reward technique, timing and performance quality, but viewers often respond to personality, improvement and emotional connection.
- Judges’ scores evaluate technical performance and presentation.
- Audience votes give fans a direct role in eliminations.
- Production choices can influence how each performance is presented.
- Contestant popularity may affect public support throughout the season.
For contestants, the controversy highlights how difficult it can be to explain an unexpected result. A celebrity may perform well with the judges but still face elimination if the public response is weaker. Conversely, a popular performer may continue advancing despite receiving lower scores.
Ribeiro’s response and PenaVega’s clarification have now renewed interest in how the system works. Neither exchange provided evidence that votes are manipulated, but both showed why transparency remains essential for the show and its loyal audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does audience voting affect Dancing With the Stars eliminations?
Yes. Audience votes are combined with judges’ scores to help determine which contestants advance and which couples are eliminated.
Did Alfonso Ribeiro say DWTS voting is rigged?
No. Ribeiro rejected that idea and said popular contestants should remain on the show, arguing that audience support is part of the competition.
What did Alexa PenaVega clarify about her comments?
PenaVega said a shortened social media clip removed important context. She explained that she was recounting a conversation involving Hayes Grier while also discussing the show’s broader format.
Has a DWTS producer denied manipulating votes?
Yes. Ryan O’Dowd said in 2025 that the show has never manipulated votes and would not want to do so because credibility is essential.
