Cheryl Burke is revealing the reasons why she thinks she was not included in the poignant tribute that Dancing with the Stars paid to the late head judge Len Goodman.
Goodman, who passed away on April 22, 2023, at the age of 78, from bone cancer, was honored with a breathtaking ballroom number that was performed by both current and previous dancing professionals. The performance took place during the “Most Memorable Year” edition of the program, which aired in October 2023.
Burke, who competed on the long-running series for a total of 26 seasons until leaving after the 31st season, feels that her iHeartRadio podcast, titled “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans,” was a factor in her expulsion from the competition.
The 39-year-old Burke made this statement on the most recent episode of the Amy and T.J. Podcast. “I would assume that some people may not be happy with my podcast that I have here with iHeart,” Burke said.
Burke said that “every single celebrity and dancer on this show has had an experience.” This statement was made after Burke made a joke that “maybe it’s the title” was the problematic aspect of the situation.
“I don’t care if you’re the first eliminated, or if you went all the way till the end, or if you had a bow out due to like Sarah Evans, like a divorce that she was going through,” she further said. “This show is something that is a special experience that gives you the opportunity to go through these various emotions, and I believe that it is important that we talk about it. I also believe that it is entertaining for the fans who have been by their side for so many decades now, and it is just a great time.” It’s the equivalent of an hour in length.”
Despite the fact that not everything is “all glitter and rhinestones,” the professional dancer said that every event involves “the bad, the good, and the ugly.”
“Regardless, I think at the end of the day, everyone can say about this show is that they took something away from the show and it made them into a better person somehow, whether that be them losing weight or them gaining confidence or whatever it is,” she continued talking about. “And I always, I always am going back to the fact that I am in gratitude for my experience and my time with the network and with you know, Dancing with the Stars in general.”
When she was asked whether she still feels like she is a member of the Dancing With the Stars family, she said, “Definitely not.”
It is so personal, and individuals are able to differentiate between the two. ‘Are you a sociopath?’ I may ask you. Simply because I can not comprehend it. She responded, “I want to know how you are able to do that.” “I don’t know how you separate it because for me as an artist, dance is so vulnerable, you know, like literally so vulnerable, like Naked and Afraid.”
In an effort to get a response, PEOPLE has contacted representatives from Dancing with the Stars.
It was in a post that Burke made on Threads on October 19, 2023, that she first confirmed that she would not be attending the homage that was held for Goodman. “For those of you who are wondering if I will be a part of Len Goodman’s tribute that will be broadcast on Dancing With the Stars the following week, I am sorry to say that I was not invited. However, I will be there in spirit and I can’t wait to cheer on my former colleagues!” she wrote. According to what she tweeted, “I am sending love and light to everyone. 🤍🙏🏼 #riplen.”
At the time, individuals attempted to get in touch with representatives from Dancing with the Stars; however, they did not answer.
Burke paid homage to Goodman in her own unique manner, posting an emotional video on Instagram, in which she discussed the ways in which the late ballroom dancing great had influenced her professional life. This occurred many hours before the tribute was shown.
One of the things that she stated on the video was, “Mr. Len Goodman.” We are grateful to you for becoming the face of ballroom dancing and for always standing up for what was right, regardless of the circumstances. Because the idea of Dancing with the Stars is about teaching celebrities how to ballroom dance, and because the term “ballroom” came before the word “dance,” it is all due of your many decades of expertise and knowledge. You are such a significant part of the reason why Dancing with the Stars is such a tremendous phenomenon.
She went on to laud his “tough love and no B.S. approach,” and she added that Goodman’s “respect for the art and sport of ballroom dance showed me and millions of people how much you truly cared.” She went on to say that she was impressed by their relationship.
“I truly believe the show is a success and is loved and viewed by millions to this day because of your influence, your passion and love for the ballroom genre,” she said, later adding, “Thank you so much for representing us ballroom dancers and never compromising what we stood for in the ballroom community. I would want to express my gratitude to you for giving happiness to both my life and the lives of millions of others who have been following our journey over the years.