Hot Mess with Alix Earle

Episode: Backstage at Dancing with the Stars (September 17, 2025)

Overview

In this episode, Alix Earle takes listeners behind the scenes of her Dancing with the Stars journey—from wardrobe fittings and first dance rehearsals to meeting her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, and navigating the chaos of press days. With her candid, energetic tone, Alix shares her nerves, excitement, awkward moments, and the realities of diving into a demanding ballroom competition. Special guests include Val (her dance partner) and friend Jake, plus plenty of fun dog (Asia) updates.

Key Discussion Points

1. Wardrobe Fittings & Creative Costuming (00:30–03:23, 11:07–12:07, 21:07–22:14)

• Alix details her experiences at the Dancing with the Stars costume fitting:
  • Shares hopes for outfits that are "flattering," "snatched," and with "crystals all over" (00:52).
  • Discusses wanting to pay tribute to Britney Spears’ "Circus" video with a nude, crystal-covered look—"nude for Disney Channel!" (01:37).
  • Costume designer discusses options: "Normally, everything is custom made for you, but for promos now we have to use something we have already." – Costume Designer (02:31)
  • Alix tries on various looks, excited but indecisive: "We’re having a problem, a good problem. I’m liking all of them now." (03:17)
  • Reflects on how everything is custom-made and draws inspiration directly from Britney’s music videos (21:07).

2. Meeting Her Dance Partner & Initial Nerves (07:45–08:48)

• Shares her anxiety about meeting her partner: "I’m nervous to meet my partner. Like, hello. Hi. What do you say? Hi. Do I fangirl?" (04:36)
• Val Chmerkovskiy introduced as her pro partner:
  • "This is my 20th season... I just want to make her proud of herself." – Val (07:50)
  • Alix: "Do you think I was shy at first?"
    Val: "Yeah, for sure. I think you were naturally a bit closed off." (08:06)
  • Playful banter about first impressions and their developing rapport:
    "So now keeping it real over here. We’re not that close. We’re not that friendly." – Alix (08:34, sarcastically)

3. Rehearsal Realities: Excitement, Physical Strain, and Learning Curve (13:16–15:58, 22:14–23:18)

• Alix expresses concerns about live performance: "I told Val that I’m a little nervous for the live performance and that I’m a little afraid I’m gonna, like, blank out and forget it all. But Val told me, don’t do that, or he’s gonna find a new partner." (13:45)
• Discusses her first rehearsal for the Cha Cha:
  • "We’re dancing for four hours straight. I’m a little nervous." (14:09)
  • Jokes about lacking hip movement: "I seriously looked like someone shoved a pole up my arsehole, and I was stuck like this." (15:58)
  • Recognizes the unique challenge: "Ballroom dancing is so different than any type of dance training I had before... It’s so strenuous and exhausting. But like I’m having so much fun with it." (23:01)

4. Fun Behind-the-Scenes with Friends and Family (16:58–18:45)

• Alix spends downtime at Jake’s house, discusses Asian food cravings, and ongoing jokes about her dog Asia being a “vibe-check” expert.
  • "Asia just likes your backyard... Maybe when I leave out of town, you guys can watch her. And that's your fostering a dog?" – Alix (18:08)
  • Jokes about her camera rig looking like “WALL‑E.” (17:14)

5. Navigating Media Days and Publicity (19:43–21:07)

• Shares the chaos and excitement of press days:
  • "Rise and shine vlog. It’s a little 4am glam session right now. But the power just went out. We have a long press day ahead of us. I have to get there at 6am..." (19:43)
  • Looks forward to Good Morning America, the VMEs, and practicing with Val in New York.

6. Building Confidence & Embracing the Experience (21:11–23:01)

• Admits surprises—physical pain ("my feet are gushing blood from every which way") and the emotional vulnerability of starting something totally new.
  • "I thought I was prepared because I’m always in heels, but I guess I was wrong." (22:14)
  • "I’m so nervous and I get so shy. And I think now we’re finally at a point...I can be Big Al. I can be myself." (22:42)
  • Reflects on her competitive side and hope for viewers to see another dimension: "I’m excited for fans to see my competitive side. I don’t think that’s a side anyone’s really seen yet." (13:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Outfits & Self-Image:
  "I definitely want to make sure things are flattering and, I don’t know, make my butt look good or something, or nice and snatched." – Alix (00:54)
  "A nude for Disney Channel. Crystals all over it." – Alix (01:37)

• On First Day Jitters:
  "I don’t think the first performance, like, I’m going to be able to do. Like, I’m going to blank out and not remember any of it." – Alix (01:25)

• On Partner Chemistry:
  "I think also coming in, there’s so much pressure. Like, we have to look like we like each other. We have to look like it’s fun…. And that would be inauthentic to who I am. At least. And I guess who you are." – Val (08:15)

• On Physical Toll:
  "When I said that my feet weren't going to hurt and I was going to be fine...my feet are gushing blood from every which way." – Alix (22:14)

• On Being a Competitive Underdog:
  "I’m competitive with, like, myself. Like, I don’t want to see other people lose, but I want myself to do better. But in this case, other people are gonna have to lose..." – Alix (13:46)

• On Embracing Vulnerability & Growth:
  "I think now we’re finally at a point...I can be Big Al. I can be myself. I can be normal. And I think our vibes together is really, really fun." – Alix (22:42)

Timestamps for Core Segments

• Wardrobe and Song/Skit Prep: 00:30 – 04:00, 21:07 – 22:14
• Meeting Val / First Impressions: 07:45 – 08:48
• First Rehearsals and Dance Training: 13:16 – 15:58, 22:14 – 23:18
• Downtime at Jake’s and Asia Updates: 16:58 – 18:45
• Press and Media Day Adventures: 19:43 – 21:07
• Reflection on Partner Dynamic and Growth: 21:11 – 23:30

Tone, Energy, and Style

Alix’s signature blend of high energy, humorous honesty, and occasional self-deprecation shines throughout the episode. She’s open about her insecurities, excitement, and growth, and she keeps listeners engaged with behind-the-scenes details and candid anecdotes—all filtered through her relatable, youthful perspective.

Summary Takeaway

This episode offers an unfiltered glimpse at the whirlwind of joining Dancing with the Stars — from flashy outfits and awkward meetings to crushed toes and newfound confidence. Alix’s journey so far is marked by vulnerability, a steep learning curve in ballroom performance, and a budding partnership with Val that promises plenty of sass, support, and “Earl Girl” energy for the weeks ahead.

Final Note:
“Tune in to Dancing with the Stars and watch your girl take on the Cha Cha.” – Alix (23:30)