What Alfonso Ribeiro Finally Addressed About Those Dancing With the Stars Vote Rigging Rumors
A Season 21 recollection
On the October 22 episode of their podcast LexLos, Alexa PenaVega recalled a backstage conversation with Hayes Grier, who was 15 during Season 21. She said he believed he had more votes than anyone, despite being in the bottom. He had millions of followers, she noted, who could vote for him.
PenaVega said she believed votes counted, but also remarked that the show was produced. Her husband, Carlos PenaVega, competed against her on the series.
Ribeiro weighs in
The podcast clip reached Dancing With the Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro, who responded with an explanation of the voting process. The article does not include the details of his clarification. Questions about the show’s transparency have also come from other reality stars, including Paige DeSorbo.
Earlier questions about voting
DeSorbo and Hannah Berner criticized the competition after their friend and Summer House co-star Ciara Miller was eliminated on October 6. Their comments added to public debate over how votes affect outcomes.
Executive producer Conrad Green discussed the voting system in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year. The show combines judges’ scores with public votes, though questions about its transparency remain.
Key points
- Alexa PenaVega recalled Hayes Grier questioning the voting during Season 21.
- PenaVega said votes mattered, while noting that the show was produced.
- Alfonso Ribeiro responded to the renewed discussion about voting fairness.
- The format combines judges’ scores with votes from the public.