‘This Is Rigged’: Viewers Say That This Pair Was ‘Criminally Underscored’ at the ‘DWTS’ Finale – Details

Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) has come to an end after the five finalists performed on stage for the last time on November 26. After watching the finale, netizens were disappointed at how one dancing couple was scored for their performance, with many stating that the couple deserved better.

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson are the pair who social media users feel were heavily underscored. For their final performance, the duo executed a “Redemption Tango” to Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s song “I Had Some Help.”

Dressed in eye-catching, matching red outfits, Amendola and Carson gave it their all as they spun and swayed across the stage, exuding sheer elegance.

The pair’s routine included quick footwork and structured movements, dips, and an impressive move, which saw Amendola spin Carson around the center of the stage while holding onto one of her arms and legs.

After they completed their performance, Carson and Amendola readied themselves to receive their final scores from the judges.

A video shared on TikTok by a “DWTS” viewer showed that all three judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, gave the pair nines, making their total score for the evening 27/30.

To say online observers were outraged by the scores would be an accurate statement, as many flocked to social media to express their grievances.

“The down scoring [sic] on Danny and Witney has been HORRIFIC. Danny has done AMAZING! Witney is an AMAZING coach. Granted there’s remarkable talent this season but, they have done Danny wrong this whole season,” vented an upset Instagrammer.

The same user continued, “Makes me not want to watch ‘DWTS’ anymore. Congratulations to whoever takes home the mirror ball home. Any one of these couples could win because they were all just that good. In my book they’re all winners!!! RIGGED THOUGH! [sic].”

Another netizen agreed that Amendola has experienced injustice concerning his scores the entire season, “Underscored the whole season and then with this song choice it just wasn’t fair.”

“I was hoping for at least a 10. He has the mentality of a true champion—a winner. The choreographies were stunning [sic]. I don’t understand why it wasn’t a 10, but I love and support them wholeheartedly. Let’s go!! They’ve made this season absolutely incredible, and I <3 them!” penned another Amendola supporter.

Someone else echoed a similar sentiment regarding how Amendola was scored, “Not one single 10 again???? What???????” “this is ridiculous they always have something to say about his dancing and never can give him 10s [sic],” added another person.

Jumping on the injustice bandwagon, a spectator commented, “Danny and Witney constantly getting criminally underscored is my villain origin story,” while another exclaimed, “This is rigged!!! Danny I’m sorry you are being robbed.”

“Judging is so off every week for them,” stated an Instagrammer. Another chimed in with, “Was not happy with the score you gave them. They were the best. They deserved 10’s all around.[sic]”

Prior to their performance, “DWTS” shared an Instagram Reel that took a look back at Amendola’s journey on the show, which featured a snippet of when he met Carson for the first time.

Footage also included the football star’s reflections about his time in the competition. “The ‘DWTS’ experience has been an amazing journey for me. I have learned so much about the art of dance, so much about what goes into a great performance,” began Amendola.

He continued, “Witney’s been amazing in this experience. You know, she’s really developed me. When I started, I didn’t know if I could get this far. I believed I could be in the championship and win, but I took it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one rehearsal at a time. We put so much time and effort into choreographing and rehearsing to get ready for each week.”

Amendola also mentioned experiencing a “turning point in the season,” which he revealed happened when he and Carson performed their contemporary dance on the “Dedication Night” episode of the show.

“You really had to pour in [sic] your emotions into the dance. You know, that’s something I’ve never done before and until then, I didn’t know what went into that performance, but I really experienced a lot of growth,” explained Amendola.

The footballer went on to reveal, “The main thing I’ve learned about myself in this journey is that regardless of how big the mountain is, if you put your head down, work hard, and climb it, then you can get to the top. Because of ‘DWTS,’ I will no longer be afraid of stepping outside of my comfort zone.”

On November 26, Carson took to Instagram with a photo of the duo who was dressed to the nines, posing in front of the “DWTS” finale backdrop.

“FINALE ✨ last time we will ask you to vote… Bittersweet! What a memorable season it’s been with ya buddy @dannyamendola! Let’s go get that mirrorball,” captioned the professional dancer alongside the post.

Alas, Carson and Amendola did not win the coveted Mirrorball trophy, as the prize and first place went to fellow competitors Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson.

During the finale, which saw contestants receive supportive video messages from their loved ones, co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that Amendola and Carson placed fifth.

Fourth place went to Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold; Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong placed third, and Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten came second.