Lights, music, dance—and a loud reaction from the audience! In the Dancing With the Stars season 34 premiere, Hollywood veteran Corey Feldman experienced a rocky start when his tango with pro Jenna Johnson earned him the first boos of the season. The twist? One judge defended the decision by saying he was simply doing his job.
🎭 What Happened
- Feldman and Johnson danced a tango set to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me.” The performance included spins, dips, and heartfelt moments — including Feldman opening up about his scoliosis and how this opportunity is helping him improve his posture. EW.com+1
- Judge Derek Hough gave them a 4 out of 10. As the score was shown, some in the audience booed loudly. EW.com
- Judge Bruno Tonioli gave a slightly better score — a 5 — and in response to the crowd’s reaction, he defended Hough, saying: “He’s doing his job!” EW.com
⚖️ What It Means
- Feldman and Johnson’s combined score was 9/20, leaving them lower down the leaderboard. People.com
- It’s only the start of the competition; judges often use the premiere to set the bar and show areas for improvement. Feldman himself acknowledged he has “a lot to learn.” People.com
- Audience votes will play a big role as the weeks go on. Though the low score stung, it’s not the end — support from fans can sway results. EW.com
🔍 The Big Picture
For Feldman, this moment shows both the vulnerability and the challenge of stepping into DWTS. He’s not only dancing for entertainment — he’s using it as a way to overcome physical hurdles, and that adds a different kind of drama and tension. The audience’s boos reflect high expectations from viewers, especially for public figures with long careers, but also hint at the gap between effort and polish.
Judge’s feedback, especially tough scoring, often makes headlines, but it also motivates contestants to refine technique, timing, and presence. Feldman will need all that plus strong audience backing if he wants to stay in the competition.
Even though the boos stung, the judge’s words remind us: sometimes harsh criticism comes with the territory. Feldman is just getting started. Let’s see if he can turn this jolting moment into fuel for improvement in the weeks ahead.