Hot Mess with Alix Earle
Episode: Show Day at Dancing with the Stars (Unfiltered)
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Alix Earle
Guest: Val Chmerkovskiy (Dance Partner, DWTS Pro)
Episode Overview
This energetic, unfiltered episode takes listeners behind the scenes with Alix Earle as she prepares for her live performance on “Dancing with the Stars.” From morning nerves and dance rehearsals to makeup transformations and showtime jitters, Alix and her pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy candidly share the emotional rollercoaster and camaraderie of show day. The episode blends humorous banter, the pressure of live TV, and the thrill (and terror) of pulling off a show-stopping jive in front of millions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Show Day Nerves — Facing Fears and Trust
- Alix reveals her anxiety about performance, especially about executing her signature “baby freeze” move—an acrobatic party trick she's integrating into the routine.
- Val reassures Alix and reflects on his experience:
- "If you even for a second feel like you don't want to do it, just let me know." (00:30)
- On performing the baby freeze in stilettos: “She’s a trailblazer.” (01:18)
- Alix discusses her past trauma with trust falls, amplifying the nerves about certain stunts:
- “Someone dropped me when I was younger doing a trust fall at recess. So now I have such a fear of them.” (02:09)
2. Creative Process — Building the Performance
- Behind-the-scenes talk on choreography, incorporating Alix’s party tricks for fan appeal:
- “Baby Freeze is my go to party trick. It's like a little handstand, headstand, legs over your head.” (01:46)
- Val playfully admits he took Alix’s baby freeze idea seriously, despite Alix insisting it started as a joke.
- “I did bring it up...as a joke. I took it seriously.” (02:40)
3. The Longevity of Nerves
- Val opens up about still feeling nerves on every show day, after 20 seasons:
- “Same nerves, same feeling.” (02:49)
- Alix’s nervous excitement is palpable as she prepares for her big moment.
4. Technique, Teamwork & Encouragement
- The duo fine-tunes choreography, focusing on arm isolation and performance details:
- “The way to isolate that is by having strong, still arms.” - Val (04:46)
- “You don’t suck. It’s nine in the morning, you’re not warmed up, and you’re dancing.” - Val (05:03)
- "Thanks guys, you guys are so sweet." - Alix (05:13)
- Playful banter keeps the mood light, as they joke about costumes, nerves, and dance jargon.
5. Backstage Vibes — Hair, Makeup, and the Club Motif
- Alix chats with her glam team, sharing the styling vision for their ‘Studio 54’ inspired performance:
- “We’re doing really fun, like, green 70s vibes for today.” (06:29)
- “We just had a few cocktails, then we're busting down on the dance floor.” (06:45)
6. Theme Night & Musical Choices
- Alix and Val break down song and dance style selection for the “One Hit Wonder” week.
- “We don't want to be intense all the time...Mambo Number Five was just a great contrast to the really spicy Britney Spears 'Circus'...” - Val (07:59)
- Alix shares her preference not to go first, with Val offering perspective:
- “You’re never ready. It's never going to be ready. So stressing about how—yeah, I mean focus. Fun. Come on, come on.” - Val (08:43)
- “There’s a reason you’re opening the show. Let that booster you go.” - Val (09:11)
7. Performing Live & Post-Performance Reflection
- Countdown to the live show captures the backstage adrenaline:
- “30 seconds, folks. Here we go. 10 seconds...” - Val (10:09)
- Alix’s internal dialogue during performance—fighting nerves, aiming for fun, and pulling off the baby freeze.
- Post-performance, Val debriefs with encouragement:
- “You did amazing. We're gonna keep it up. This is just the beginning.” - Val (15:22)
- Alix considers the balance of dance and real life, expressing the craziness of the schedule and yearning for downtime with friends.
8. Camaraderie & Shoutouts
- Moments appreciating the behind-the-scenes crew (“the shepherd, the Sherpa”). (15:10)
- Lighthearted complaints about lukewarm coffee as the day wraps up.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Trust and Fear:
- “Someone dropped me when I was younger doing a trust fall at recess. So now I have such a fear of them.” – Alix (02:09)
- Why Do the Baby Freeze?
- “Baby Freeze is my go to party trick. It's like a little handstand, headstand, legs over your head.” – Alix (01:46)
- “I've never seen a lady in stilettos pull [this move] before, but here we are. She's a trailblazer.” – Val (01:18)
- Pre-Show Nerves:
- “I don't want to go first. I'm not ready.” – Alix (08:39)
- “You're never ready. It's never going to be ready. So stressing about how—yeah, I mean focus. Fun. Come on, come on.” – Val (08:43)
- On Performing:
- “You can do anything you want. You’re ready to fly. Fly. Pointing your toes and finishing your arms and having lots of energy.” – Val (11:44)
- “That's what I'm thinking. It's one minute. It's one minute I can get these legs to fucking move, hopefully.” – Alix (13:03)
- End-of-Episode Uplift:
- “We're gonna keep it up. This is just the beginning.” – Val (15:22)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:30 – Val reassures Alix; baby freeze move origins
- 01:18–01:46 – Baby freeze explained and contextualized
- 02:09 – Alix shares her fear of trust falls
- 02:49 – Val describes show-day nerves, even after 20 seasons
- 04:34–05:13 – Technical rehearsal, encouragement from Val
- 06:29–06:45 – Backstage makeup and theming
- 07:59–08:39 – One Hit Wonder night explained, Alix’s nerves go first
- 10:09 – Live performance countdown
- 13:03 – Alix’s pre-performance pep talk
- 15:22 – Post-show debrief and encouragement
Episode Takeaways
- This episode captures the unique blend of vulnerability and exhilaration behind live TV performances.
- Alix’s candidness about nerves, the pressure to innovate, and the desire to have fun resonate for anyone who's faced high-stakes moments.
- Val’s seasoned guidance, playful mentorship, and mutual respect shine, offering listeners both an inside look at DWTS and a heartfelt take on creative partnership.