Full Breakdown
Val Chmerkovskiy Balances Family and Dance Amidst Personal Challenges
10/8/2025, 3:11:43 PM
Family Health Concerns
Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer on "Dancing With the Stars" (DWTS), faced a challenging night before the show's Disney Night episode on October 7, 2025. His wife, Jenna Johnson, shared that their 2-year-old son, Rome, had been hospitalized briefly but was recovering at home. In an emotional Instagram video, Johnson documented their experience at the hospital, where she comforted Rome, who was wearing an oxygen mask. She expressed gratitude that Rome was now home and praised Chmerkovskiy for his calm demeanor during the stressful situation.
Disney Night Performance
Despite the personal challenges, Chmerkovskiy returned to the dance floor with his partner, social media influencer Alix Earle, for the Disney-themed episode. The couple performed a Viennese Waltz to "Once Upon a Dream" from "Maleficent," showcasing their growing chemistry and earning their highest score of the season with 24 out of 30. Their performance was well-received, with fans praising their connection and improvement throughout the season. Chmerkovskiy and Earle's partnership has become a highlight of Season 34, with their combined score placing them comfortably in the middle of the leaderboard.
Behind the Scenes of DWTS
The production of DWTS involves rigorous preparation, with contestants arriving on set as early as 8 a.m. for a 5 p.m. showtime. Chmerkovskiy, who has been a part of the show since 2011, has hinted at contemplating retirement, acknowledging that his tenure may eventually come to an end. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities the show has provided and emphasized his commitment to its legacy.
Upcoming Live Tour
Looking ahead, Chmerkovskiy and Johnson are set to return for the "Dancing With the Stars: Live!" tour in 2026, which will kick off on January 22 in Akron, Ohio, and span over four months across 74 cities. The couple plans to bring their son, Rome, along for the tour, allowing them to share their professional journey as a family.
Official Statements & Responses
In discussing the upcoming tour, Chmerkovskiy remarked, "What a treat to be back on the road... at a time when the show is in its peak again." Johnson added that the tour would provide an opportunity for the professional dancers to showcase their skills in ways that are not possible on television.
Criticism & Opposition
While the couple has garnered significant support from fans, there have been rumors circulating about potential cheating among cast members, particularly involving Hilaria Baldwin and her partner Gleb Savchenko. Such rumors have sparked discussions among fans, though they remain unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Wanna preface this by saying everything’s fine now and thank goodness Rome is home sleeping,” — Jenna Johnson, Val Chmerkovskiy's wife
- “I’m not delusional about the fact that my tenure on the show will eventually come to an end before the show comes to an end.” — Val Chmerkovskiy
- “We get to show him all of America and show him what mommy and daddy do for a living,” — Jenna Johnson on bringing their son on tour
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Chmerkovskiy and Earle to see if they can maintain their momentum and continue to impress both judges and fans alike.
