Hot Mess with Alix Earle

Episode: My Last Night in the DWTS Ballroom
Date: December 5, 2025
Host: Alix Earle

Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged and celebratory episode, Alix Earle recounts her final night in the "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) ballroom. Alix brings listeners behind the scenes with candid reflections, team banter, and unfiltered moments as she and her dance partner Val (plus friends and family) navigate the finale whirlwind. The episode blends the anticipation, nerves, excitement, and pride of reaching the season’s end, highlighting both the intensity of competition and the lifetime friendships forged along the way.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Coming Finale & Reflections on the Journey

• [01:10] Alix opens up about the excitement and disbelief that the finale is imminent, remarking on how real it feels.
• [02:03] Discusses favorite moments from the season, particularly Disney Night and the marathon dance.
  • Val: "Disney night. That was a fun one. Being Maleficent. The reaction that people had to that dance was kind of the first time...I was like, oh, let's go." ([02:22])
  • The marathon’s intensity and adrenaline—“I seriously was seeing stars. I don't think I've ever done that much cardio in my life.” ([03:05] - Alix)

2. Practice, Panic, and Perfectionism

• [03:40] Alix talks about feeling more stress over “instant dance” challenges than the choreographed routines, worrying about quick costume changes and keeping up with Val’s pace.
• [06:56] She reflects on how people doubted her seriousness and work ethic at first, but that DWTS gave her a chance to show a different side.
  • Alix: "No one ever takes me seriously or...understands that I want to be dedicated to something." ([06:56])

3. Partnership with Val: The Dynamic and Growth

• [07:14] Both Alix and Val open up about their dynamic—Val wasn’t sure what to expect, and Alix confesses her hunger to learn.
  • Val: "I'm not here to be like, it's my way...This is you, and I'm gonna curate how you want." ([07:14])
  • Emotional affirmation: "I'm so proud of you...You're part of our family forever." ([35:26])

4. Real Talk Behind Rehearsals

• [09:01] Listeners hear honest, sometimes tense rehearsal moments: feedback, frustration, encouragement, and laughter.
  • Val: "You're just getting frustrated."
  • Alix: "I'm trying to do what you're saying and you're saying it's not..." ([09:02])
  • Val: "You're not willing to practice it...You're not willing to change..." ([09:02])

5. The Big Night: Emotions, Routines, and Friendships

• [14:33] Alix describes “dream recovery night” before the show (comfy food, downtime, anticipation).
• [15:48] Pre-show energy in the dressing room—final pep talks, last-minute nerves, and comic moments (“I got to work my pants today!”).
• [16:28] Emotional gratitude:
  • Val: "Getting to know you has been one of the biggest highlights of this whole experience."
  • Alix: "Same for me. You are amazing." ([16:50])

6. Showtime: Performance Highs and Lows

• [21:03] Reactions post-performance:
  • Val: "Definitely your best dance of the season…you just had an energy about you.” ([20:57])
  • Alix: “I feel like I’m gonna puke…just excitement.” ([21:03])
• [22:16] Rallying her fanbase: “The girls you gotta show up to tonight and vote. Sweeties. They come in swinging...I got your guys back.” ([22:16])
• [31:00] Honest critique after the cha-cha:
  • Val: “She was stressed...could’ve followed me a little bit more...But as far as performance, really, really solid.” ([31:00])

7. The Freestyle & The Curtain Call

• [31:59] Alix gets sentimental about what could be her last-ever DWTS dance.
• [32:15] Nerves subside: “I feel better because the freestyle is so fun.”
• [33:53] Celebration and camaraderie: fellow contestants, friends, and family express pride and support.

8. Results, Reflections & The Real Win

• [36:14] Announcement of the winners—Alix places second, but is unfazed.
  • Alix: “It's not about first place. It's about that I had the best time of my life and I made so many friends along the way, so that is a win for me." ([40:49])

9. Goodbyes, Tears, and Looking Ahead

• [41:06] Happy tears, gratitude, and hopes for the future.
• [41:51] Hints at what's next (“He said, please be a pop star…I'll sing. I think you can do anything. With a little audio tune!”)
• [43:17] Parting thoughts from Val: “The best part…has been getting to share this with you guys...I'm in your corner 100. And I'm just so grateful...I'm forever indebted.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Alix: “No one ever takes me seriously or...understands that I want to be dedicated to something.” ([06:56])
• Val: “I'm not here to be like, it's my way...This is you, and I'm gonna curate how you want.” ([07:14])
• Alix: "I seriously was seeing stars. I don't think I've ever done that much cardio in my life." (about the dance marathon, [03:05])
• Val: “Getting to know you has been one of the biggest highlights of this whole experience." ([16:50])
• Alix: “It's not about first place. It's about that I had the best time of my life and I made so many friends along the way, so that is a win for me." ([40:49])
• Val: “The best part...has been getting to share this with you guys...I'm in your corner 100. And I'm just so grateful...I'm forever indebted." ([43:17])
• Alix: "If I ever try to start singing in my career. Oh, yeah, Tell me." ([41:54])
• Alix: "I'm so excited. Like, well, actually I'm sad, but I'm excited right now. Four and a half crying right now." ([45:03])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:10] — Realization: "Tomorrow will be our last day in here. It's starting to feel real."
• [02:17] — Highlight Reels: Disney Night and the competitive journey
• [03:05] — Dance Marathon: “Seeing stars” and the sheer physical challenge
• [06:56] — Overcoming Others’ Doubts: Alix proves doubters wrong about her dedication
• [09:01-10:29] — Honest, Tense Rehearsal Feedback
• [14:33] — Pre-show rituals and nerves
• [16:28] — Emotional gratitude and the impact of partnership with Val
• [21:03] — Post-performance reaction: “Best dance of the season” and handling adrenaline
• [31:00] — Cha-cha critique: striving for perfection even under stress
• [36:14] — The big reveal: “The winners and new champions of Dancing with the Stars are...”
• [40:49] — Alix’s outlook: “I won because I had the best time and made friends...”
• [41:51] — Future dreams and the “pop star” tease
• [43:17] — Val’s final, heartfelt message
• [45:43] — Reflections on coming in second: “I have no regrets and felt this sense of relief...”

Tone and Language

The episode is energetic, emotional, playful, and candid. Alix and her guests shift naturally between vulnerability and laughter, with Alix’s signature unfiltered, upbeat tone leading the way.

For New Listeners

This episode is a raw, behind-the-scenes audio scrapbook of Alix Earle’s time on Dancing with the Stars. It’s packed with honest self-reflection, inside jokes, dancefloor drama, deep friendship, and the kind of full-hearted gratitude that comes from giving it your all and loving every moment.

In summary:
"My Last Night in the DWTS Ballroom" is an ode to personal growth, resilience, and joy in the journey—both on the ballroom floor and off. Whether you watched the season or not, this episode leaves you feeling like family to Alix and her crew.