“Bruno Tonioli Sparks Controversy After Flubbing Whitney Leavitt’s Score at Dancing With the Stars Premiere — Fans React to Shocking Judge Error”
The Dancing With the Stars Season 33 premiere had fans on the edge of their seats, not just for the dazzling routines, but for a moment that left the ballroom buzzing: judge Bruno Tonioli flubbed Whitney Leavitt’s score, sparking confusion among contestants and viewers alike.
The iconic Italian judge, known for his exuberant commentary and passionate critiques, accidentally misread Leavitt’s performance score, awarding points that didn’t match his intended judgment. The slip occurred during the live broadcast, moments after Leavitt delivered a polished and highly praised contemporary routine.
The Moment Everyone Talked About
As Leavitt finished her performance, Tonioli leaned forward, poised to announce his score. In the heat of the live moment, he called out a number that conflicted with the scores shown on screen, prompting fellow judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough to exchange brief looks of surprise.
The audience immediately reacted on social media, with viewers sharing clips of the flub and debating whether it was a simple mistake or a miscommunication. One viewer tweeted: “Bruno totally flubbed Whitney’s score! Can we get a redo?” Another wrote, “Whitney nailed that dance — Bruno needs to watch the replay!”
Bruno Tonioli Responds
After the episode, Tonioli addressed the incident on social media, acknowledging the live TV mishap with his trademark humor.
“Live TV is thrilling, unpredictable, and sometimes a little chaotic — tonight was one of those moments!” Tonioli wrote. “Whitney was incredible, and I meant every word of my praise. The score mix-up was all part of the fun!”
The flub has sparked discussions about the pressure of live judging, particularly on a show that blends entertainment with real competition. Tonioli’s quick acknowledgment and good humor have helped fans move past the confusion, but many still remember the moment vividly.
Whitney Leavitt’s Reaction
Whitney Leavitt, a fan-favorite contestant known for her precision and charisma, took the error in stride. In a post-show interview, she laughed off the mix-up, saying, “Bruno’s energy is contagious, and yes, he flubbed the score, but I can’t be mad — I felt the love from all the judges and the audience!”
Her grace under pressure has earned her even more admiration from fans, who praised her professionalism and poise. “Whitney handled it like a pro,” wrote one viewer on X. “That’s a true champion mindset.”
The Bottom Line
While Bruno Tonioli’s scoring mishap became the talk of social media, it also highlighted the unpredictable nature of live television and the human side of judging a high-stakes dance competition. The incident didn’t overshadow Whitney Leavitt’s stellar performance, but it added a layer of drama and excitement to the premiere episode.
As the season continues, fans are sure to watch every score closely — and perhaps keep an eye out for any more lively antics from Bruno Tonioli. One thing is certain: the ballroom is never short on surprises.
