DWTS Pro Reveals How Voting and Scoring Really Work in Eliminations

Former 'Dancing With The Stars' professional dancer, Lindsay Arnold Cusick, has offered an insider's perspective on the show's intricate voting and scoring system. In a recent online video, Cusick clarified how eliminations are determined, emphasizing the 50/50 split between judges' scores and viewer votes. She explained that each couple receives a percentage of a 'score pie' and a 'vote pie,' with their combined total determining their safety. Cusick, who has experienced both ends of the spectrum during her time on the show, recounted instances where high viewer support propelled couples forward despite lower judges' scores, and conversely, strong technical performances helped those with fewer votes. She cited a specific season with partner Alex Skarlatos where they advanced despite being 'booed' by the audience, highlighting the power of fan votes. Addressing common viewer frustrations, Cusick stressed that professional dancers and their celebrity partners have no influence over the voting or judging processes. 'All that the couples can do is work hard all week long, put out the best dance that they can, the rest is out of their hands,' she stated. Her explanation aims to demystify the elimination process for fans and underscore the dual importance of both performance quality and public appeal in the long-running dance competition.