DWTS’ Tom Bergeron Issues Message to ABC in Final Guest Judge Moment

Tom Bergeron thinks the proof is in the pudding.

On November 11th, while appearing as a guest judge on the 20th season of Dancing With the Stars—his first return to the show since being unexpectedly let go in 2020—Tom used his final on-air moments to address ABC instead of giving feedback on the performances of Alix Earle and Robert Irwin’s relay dance.

He praised the celebrity contestants and their partners, Joey Graziadei and Xochitl Gomez, then announced, “As this is my final judging opportunity, I’d like to address the network directly.”

Looking directly at the camera, Tom said, “The show is breaking ratings records once more, so let’s have the results show return next season. We should allow viewers across the country to vote – everyone should get a chance.”

The audience cheered when the request was made. It involved the old format of Dancing With the Stars, where contestants performed one night and the results—including the elimination of the lowest-scoring couple—were revealed the next.

The special episode included guest appearances and a look behind the scenes, and it also gave viewers more time to vote.

Tom recently told The Hollywood Reporter that he missed having results revealed on Tuesdays. He felt it created a fairer voting system nationwide, as viewers on the West Coast couldn’t easily participate unless they streamed the live show.

Andy, who won over audiences with his sincere effort and weekly progress, said he felt like a winner even though he didn’t win the competition.

Honestly, this experience has been transformative for me. At 59, I can truly say I’m a different person. This show, and especially working with Emma, has completely changed my outlook. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her – she had an incredible ability to bring out the best in me and knew exactly how to guide my talents.

To find out more about the celebrities competing for the Mirrorball Trophy on this season of Dancing With the Stars, keep reading.

The show was fantastic,” the 70-year-old said. “It felt like a fun variety show where contestants were eliminated each week. I believe if it aired today, the ratings would prove it’s time to revive it.”

For the past ten years, since 2013, Dancing With the Stars has followed the same format: one two-hour episode airs each week.

On a recent birthday special of the ABC show, viewers voted for their favorite couples. Surprisingly, popular contestant Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater were eliminated before the semi-finals.

Andy, who won over audiences with his sincere effort to get better each week, said he still felt like he’d achieved something positive, even though he didn’t win.

The 59-year-old shared, standing with Emma, that the show had completely transformed his life. He said he was a changed man thanks to both the experience and Emma herself, emphasizing that he wouldn’t be where he was without her, and that she understood how to best utilize his talents.

To learn more about the celebrities competing for the Mirrorball Trophy on this season of Dancing With the Stars, keep reading.