When social-media star Alix Earle stepped onto the ballroom floor with pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy for the milestone 20th anniversary episode of “Dancing with the Stars,” she embraced the challenge like a major moment in her career. The pair took on the elegant foxtrot to Singin’ in the Rain by Matthew Morrison, delivering a performance that blended vintage choreography with Earle’s modern presence. With the ballroom alive with celebration, their routine marked a key step in Earle’s dance journey and in the show’s celebratory legacy.
Earle & Chmerkovskiy’s Performance with Scores
The couple’s foxtrot was described as “flawless” by Derek Hough. They receive a perfect score of 40 out of 40.
The foxtrot, with its smooth flow and subtle lead-and-follow, begged a different approach from Earle than some of her more dynamic dances. According to coverage, she publicly shared on TikTok her pledge to “perfect a foxtrot” ahead of the milestone episode.
For Earle, this week represented more than just another routine: it was a moment to prove versatility. Earlier in the season she faced scrutiny—pro Chmerkovskiy addressed criticism around her casting and readiness. He acknowledged to People that “there’s always going to be commentary when someone from social media enters the ballroom,” and stressed their work in the studio to anchor technique and integrity of the dance. Because the song “Singin’ in the Rain” evokes classic Hollywood charm, the choreography leaned into show-dance glitz while still staying grounded in ballroom fundamentals. In doing so, Earle and Chmerkovskiy merged nostalgic formality and contemporary energy—an apt pairing for “Dancing with the Stars” at age 20.
The Backstage Politics & Public Pressure
Behind the glitz of the dance floor lay a swirl of backstage narratives. Chmerkovskiy gave an interview in which he addressed the so-called controversy around Earle’s entry into the competition. He described their work together as rigorous and chalked up the noise to “the nature of the beast” when an influencer steps into a ballroom format long dominated by more traditional celebs.
On the scoring front, there was also chatter. Coverage from Flavor Flav’s elimination night noted that his score for the Earle/Chmerkovskiy standing next to him was branded “an accident” in a behind-the-scenes remark—highlighting the amplified scrutiny on how the judges were treating newer vs. veteran cast members.
Earle’s performance this week therefore carried dual weight: she had to prove her own credibility, and the judges and audience effectively judged the casting choice by extension. The foxtrot to such a beloved and iconic song became a flashpoint in that dynamic.
Injury Prior to Show Night
Earle suffered a rehearsal injury the day before the milestone 20th-birthday episode of Dancing with the Stars, after a practice session with Joey Graziadei. According to the article, a behind-the-scenes TikTok clip shared by Graziadei shows Earle holding an ice pack to her face and wincing in pain. Despite the mishap, Earle confirmed she would still perform her upcoming dance with pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy.
Graziadei and Earle kept the tone light amid the concern: Graziadei teased “How’s your dance going?” in the clip, and Earle responded jokingly. Chmerkovskiy also chimed in humorously in the comments, showing that the team kept their spirits up. Fans expressed support and curiosity in the comments, noting details like what appeared to be Earle’s makeup on Graziadei’s shirt—underscoring how even rehearsals can get rough in the grind of the show.
