Danielle with the Stars

Special 20th Anniversary Recap: Sharna Burgess in the 4th Judge’s Chair
iHeartPodcasts | November 13, 2025

Overview

Sharna Burgess, long-time Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) pro, recaps the landmark 20th Anniversary celebration in the ballroom, reflecting on the emotional impact of the night, memorable performances, and her insider perspective as a seasoned dancer and judge. Sharna dives deep into each remaining couple’s performance, discusses standout moments and judge dynamics, evaluates scores with her candid ballroom expertise—all while honoring the legacy and community of DWTS.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The 20th Anniversary Party & Opening Number (04:04)

• Atmosphere: Sharna describes the night as “emotional,” filled with nostalgia, reunions with longtime colleagues, and recognition from key figures like Conrad Green and Dina Katz.
• Conrad Green’s Speech: Called “the magic” behind the show’s enduring success.

  “He’s brought it back to life, bigger and better than ever, while keeping the nostalgia of what we were all those years ago.” (05:05)

• Opening Number: Choreographed by Derek Hough, blending traditional and contemporary dance elements.
  • The “original six” pros returned.
  • Tribute to Len Goodman with “Moon River” and the spotlight on his judge’s chair.
  • Tom Bergeron’s return: “He is the sound of Dancing with the Stars, he always will be.” (07:18)

Detailed Breakdown: Couple by Couple

Elaine & Alan – Salsa (09:45)

• Judge Reactions:
  • Tom joined as a guest judge; called Elaine’s performance “really, really good” and gave a heartfelt hug.
  • Carrie Ann on Elaine: “I see resilience. Two weeks ago, she could barely even dance, and now she's out there just kicking booty.” (12:10)
  • Derek: “Salsa queen… this is the quarterfinals, and that’s all I’m going to say.” (13:05)
• Sharna’s Perspective: Highly technical continuous spins impressed her, but wanted “more rhythm and flavor” and “legs stretched out.”
  • “I was actually very aligned with the judges’ nine, nine, nine, nine.” (15:10)
  • Lauded Elaine’s “absolute fire of never giving up.”

Robert & Whitney – Foxtrot (16:49)

• Immensely Emotional:

  “In the room, I was sobbing. Damn near ugly crying, actually… the energy and the emotion in the room was absolutely spectacular.” (18:04)

• Judges’ Comments:
  • Bruno: “Poetic tribute that touched all of us.”
  • Carrie Ann: “Some moments can change the way we do things… Who cares about lifts?”
  • Derek: “He’s not just walking through the footsteps, he’s dancing through them.”
• Sharna’s Technical Notes: Praised Robert’s “lovely rise and fall,” clean footwork, and genuine artistry, though noted some “over-exaggeration in the body action.”
  • “He is all the things that you want a Dancing with the Stars contestant to be tied with the Irwin family legacy.” (25:34)
  • Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 (in the room, Sharna gave a 9/10 after rewatching for technique).

Andy & Emma – Quickstep (29:36)

• Journey Reflection:

  “He is what this show has always been about. Someone that doesn’t know how to do it… getting out there and doing it anyway.” (32:02)

• Judges:
  • Carrie Ann: “It is a privilege watching you show up week after week, even when it’s hard.” (29:57)
  • Derek: “You’re doing it, man! Great lightness in your steps.”
• Technical Observations: Frame was “down,” “lots of gapping,” but “love his performances.”
  • Sharna’s score: 5/10 for technique, judges higher (8-7-7-7).
  • Andy’s journey ended this week, with Sharna expressing pride in both Andy and Emma.

Dylan & Danny – Argentine Tango (43:25)

• Praise for Strength:

  “This woman’s core… the strength in her core makes me miss my dancer body. Good Lord…” (43:36)

• Judges:
  • Derek: “That was your breakthrough moment by a long shot. The improvement has been astonishing.”
  • Tom: “Your brother’s the actor, but you’re the leading man.”
  • Carrie Ann: Compared Dylan’s tango to Gilles Marini’s as the best for a male celeb.
• Sharna’s Notes:
  • “Holy crap,” “chain step” and lead-follow were authentic and advanced.
  • Risky double twist lift “did not land in dress rehearsal; they nailed it live.” (48:26)
  • Scores: 10s from judges, Sharna gave a 9/10 to 10 (leaning 10 in the moment for difficulty).

Jordan & Ezra – Cha-Cha (54:39)

• Judges:
  • Bruno: “You brought sexy back,” but also a bit wild.
  • Carrie Ann: “Shoulders are coming up in the turns.”
  • Derek: Loved the “texture,” but cautioned not to overdo tricks.
• Sharna’s Critique:
  • “Cha-cha is hard this late in the game… can get monotonous.”
  • Jordan was too “stick straight,” lacking power and hip action, arms overextended “like a gymnast.”
  • Score: 9/10 from Sharna, matching judges, but admits she nearly went 8.

Alex & Val – Foxtrot (1:03:30)

• Judges:
  • Bruno: “Have I entered ballroom heaven?” Called it “Old Hollywood.”
  • Carrie Ann: “She’s letting go. We’re really seeing a true, authentic Alex.”
  • Derek: “Clean, classic, stylish, sophisticated.”
  • Tom: “Goosebump-inducing… a chemistry class.”
• Sharna’s Take:
  • “So animated… loved everything about it. Arms, lines, musicality all gorgeous.”
  • Still notes “gapping” between hips, wanting “body contact.”
    • “It’s just the one thing that’s left, man.”
  • Gave it a 10/10, same as judges.

Whitney & Mark – Argentine Tango (1:09:40)

• Judges:
  • Carrie Ann: “Whatever you do, I’ll go watch it. Nailed it.”
  • Derek: “Choreography off the charts… dripping in silky smooth precision.”
  • Tom: Urged people to vote because “they have immunity and won’t dance again tonight.”
  • Bruno: “Razor sharp. Best dancer—or dance—of the night.”
• Sharna’s Technical Praise:
  • “Best musicality you’re going to see,” Mark’s choreography brings out musical nuances.
  • Only note was wishing for “a touch more sultriness, sex kitten energy.”
  • “Still gave it a 10.”
    • “On a technical level, on a performance level, she was still absolutely brilliant.” (1:14:48)

Notable Moments, Quotes & Judging Discussion

Tom Bergeron’s Return

• “Having him back in the ballroom, having his voice… He is the sound of Dancing with the Stars, he always will be.” (07:18)

Len Goodman Tribute

• The “Moon River” waltz and spotlight on Len’s chair were universally moving for cast, pros, and audience.

Artistry vs. Technique

• “There are some moments that get to just be artistry. And I feel like this was artistry.” (23:00, on Robert’s Foxtrot)

On Critique and Social Media Negativity

• “All opinions are welcome, but all words are not… The bullying has got to stop, man. The spreading hate and attacking people… only to be attacked for it…” (1:30:25, closing sentiment)
• Shared Bobby Bones’ return of his mirror ball over ongoing hate. Advocated for kindness and respect.

Inside the Judges' Table (1:18:54)

• Sharna appreciated the judges’ package, shedding light on how much teamwork goes into delivering balanced feedback.
• Carrie Ann's willingness to speak up:

  “Someone’s got to say it. And I love that she’s really taken on that role.” (1:19:30)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Emotional Opening & Anniversary Reflections: 04:00 – 09:30
• Elaine & Alan Salsa: 09:45 – 16:49
• Robert & Whitney Foxtrot: 16:50 – 29:35
• Andy & Emma Quickstep: 29:36 – 43:24
• Dylan & Danny Argentine Tango: 43:25 – 54:38
• Jordan & Ezra Cha-Cha: 54:39 – 1:03:29
• Alex & Val Foxtrot: 1:03:30 – 1:09:39
• Whitney & Mark Argentine Tango: 1:09:40 – 1:18:53
• Judges Package & Dynamic: 1:18:54 – 1:23:40
• Celebrity Challenge/Relay Rundown: 1:23:41 – 1:29:50
• Reflections on DWTS, Social Media, and Community: 1:30:25 – End

Tone & Final Thoughts

Sharna maintains her signature balance of expert dance analysis, warmth, and candor throughout. She celebrates personal growth and artistry while offering honest, technically rooted feedback. Her closing message is one of gratitude for DWTS's impact on her life and a call for more kindness from fans.

“The truth of the matter is it shaped my life… and so to be there and celebrate 20 years with everyone was really special and emotional.” (1:29:50)

For First-Time Listeners

This episode offers a vivid, behind-the-scenes portrait of the DWTS community and competition, brimming with insider details, emotional highlights, and actionable dance critique. It stands as both a celebration of the show's 20-year legacy and a reminder of the importance of kindness and camaraderie—on the ballroom floor and beyond.