Full Breakdown
Jenna Johnson's Struggles with Corey Feldman on Dancing With the Stars Season 34
9/24/2025, 12:01:20 PM
Behind the Scenes Drama
Season 34 of *Dancing With the Stars* has been marked by significant behind-the-scenes challenges, particularly for professional dancer Jenna Johnson and her celebrity partner, Corey Feldman. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a former pro dancer and Johnson's brother-in-law, revealed that Johnson is facing a "really difficult time" working with Feldman, who lacks formal dance training and has struggled with choreography and work ethic. Chmerkovskiy emphasized that Johnson's challenges stem from the pressure of the competition, stating, “Obviously, Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey... it is really difficult for her.”
Performance and Elimination
Feldman and Johnson's journey on the show was short-lived. They received the lowest score of the season premiere, a mere 9 out of 20 for their tango to Billy Joel's "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me." Their performance in the second week, a Cha Cha to "Baby Got Back," did not fare much better, earning them a score of 15 out of 30. Ultimately, the pair was eliminated during the first double elimination of the season, alongside former NBA player Baron Davis and his partner Britt Stewart.
Challenges in the Partnership
The difficulties in Johnson and Feldman's partnership were compounded by Feldman's absence from rehearsals for five days shortly after the cast announcement. Johnson expressed her concerns on social media, revealing that she had not seen Feldman since their initial meeting on *Good Morning America*. This lack of practice contributed to their poor performance scores and raised questions about their compatibility as a team. Chmerkovskiy noted that the demands of the show, including interviews and rehearsals, can be overwhelming, particularly for a novice like Feldman.
Official Statements & Responses
Maksim Chmerkovskiy called for respect for Johnson, highlighting her status as a reigning champion. He stated, “You’re talking about a reigning champ, so put some respect on the name, everybody.” He also pointed out that the challenges Feldman faces are not solely due to his age but rather a combination of his inexperience and work ethic. Despite the struggles, he expressed confidence in Johnson's abilities as a "tough coach" who could navigate the difficulties of the partnership.
Criticism & Opposition
Insiders have described the current season as a "shit show," indicating that several contestants, including Feldman, may not be fully committed to the rigorous demands of the competition. Reports suggest that both Johnson and her husband, fellow pro Val Chmerkovskiy, are feeling the strain of their respective partnerships, with producers warning them against complaining about their celebrity partners.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, Jenna has a bit of an uphill climb with Corey,” — Maksim Chmerkovskiy
- “Obviously, we're all together if you need to be, but you're talking about a reigning champ, so put some respect on the name, everybody.” — Maksim Chmerkovskiy
The challenges faced by Jenna Johnson and Corey Feldman on *Dancing With the Stars* highlight the complexities of celebrity partnerships in competitive environments, raising questions about the balance between entertainment and the demands of performance.
