Corey Feldman Reflects on His ‘DWTS’ Journey and Jenna Johnson’s Dedication

Corey Feldman, the former child star and contestant on Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), recently shared candid thoughts about his partnership with professional dancer Jenna Johnson. Despite their early exit from the competition, Feldman expressed deep admiration for Jenna’s talent and commitment, admitting that she “deserved better” amid reports that labeled her as “difficult” to work with.

The duo was eliminated during the show’s “One-Hit Wonders Night” in a double elimination round, which also saw Baron Davis and Britt Stewart leave the competition. Feldman, 54, spoke openly about the emotional toll the experience took on both him and Jenna, highlighting the challenges they faced throughout the season.

“I feel really terrible because she deserved better, personally speaking,” Feldman said after learning they were sent home. Jenna, who won the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy last season with “Bachelor” alum Joey Graziadei, leaned in affectionately as Feldman expressed his regret, showing the strong bond they had developed despite the difficulties.

The Challenges Behind the Scenes: Intense Rehearsals and High Expectations

The road to success on DWTS is notoriously demanding, and Feldman admitted that the rigorous rehearsal schedule was the biggest challenge for him. “They chose a few stars — and I use that term loosely — who just don’t want to put in the work,” a source told the Daily Mail, reflecting some of the tensions behind the scenes.

Jenna Johnson, known for her exceptional dance skills and previous championship win, faced an uphill battle with Feldman, who was still adapting to the intense physical and mental demands of the competition.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Jenna’s brother-in-law and former DWTS pro, echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the difficulties Jenna encountered while working with Feldman.

“It takes work to win ‘Dancing With the Stars’ — rehearsals, practice, really immersing yourself — and a few people don’t seem to want to do that,” Chmerkovskiy said. He also noted that Feldman’s age and unfamiliarity with choreography might have contributed to the challenges they faced.

Despite these obstacles, Jenna remained supportive and compassionate. She later revealed in an interview with Good Morning America that she and Feldman “just had a little cry in the trailer together,” a moment of vulnerability that underscored their mutual respect and emotional connection.

Low Scores and Tough Competition: The Reality of DWTS Season 34

Feldman and Johnson’s performances received mixed reviews from the judges. Their cha-cha to Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back” earned a total score of 15 out of 30, while their tango to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” scored 9 out of 20 during the season premiere. The absence of judge Carrie Ann Inaba during the premiere, which left only Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough to score, added to the pressure on the contestants.

Feldman acknowledged that the competition was fierce, stating, “Everybody — I mean, everybody — on this show was, like, exceptional. This wasn’t just a bunch of maybes or mediocres. Like, everybody was on point. So, you know, at least I was amongst greatness.”

The intense competition and high standards made it clear that Jenna Johnson’s reputation as a top-tier professional dancer was well-earned. Feldman’s heartfelt apology and recognition of Jenna’s efforts highlight the respect and admiration that developed between the pair, despite the challenges they faced.

Conclusion

Corey Feldman’s honest reflection on his time on Dancing With the Stars reveals the dedication and hard work required to succeed on the show, as well as the emotional bonds formed between partners. His admission that Jenna Johnson “deserved better” after being branded “difficult” sheds light on the pressures behind the scenes and the importance of teamwork and mutual support.

If you’re a fan of DWTS or interested in the behind-the-scenes stories of reality TV, stay tuned for more updates and exclusive interviews. Don’t miss the upcoming episodes of Season 34 airing on ABC and Disney+, and be sure to follow your favorite stars as they continue their dance journeys!

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