Allison Holker's Heartfelt Experience with Late Husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss on Season 18 of 'SYTYCD'

Allison Holker revealed that she sensed the presence of her late husband, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, while serving as a judge on season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance.

She shared in an exclusive interview with We on Wednesday, May 22, that she feels like he is always with her, both on and off the show. Holker expressed her gratitude for the support she feels from him, describing it as if he is putting wings on her back. She finds his energy comforting and feels protected by him every day.

Holker and Boss met on season 7 of SYTYCD in 2010. They got married in 2013 and had two children together, Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 4. Boss also adopted Holker's daughter, Weslie, 15, from a previous relationship.

Returning to SYTYCD as a judge for season 18 was a special moment for Holker, as it felt like coming full circle.

This show has been like a continuous gift to me. It always seems to find me just when I need it the most, even when I didn't realize it. I first discovered it when I was 18 years old, still in high school and struggling with bad eyebrows. It brought me love, opportunities, a career, lasting friendships, and even children. This show has truly meant everything to me. And now, as a judge, it continues to have the same impact, reaching out to me when I was hesitant to return to work.

Holker shared that being a part of the show made her feel like she was honoring Boss, who was a judge on SYTYCD during seasons 15 and 17.

"I always felt like I belonged on the show, especially when I saw the other dancers and heard people’s stories. It felt like I was honoring not only my own journey but also his journey and the journey that brought us together," she mentioned. "Being on the show just feels right, like this is where I am meant to be. I know he is with me every single day."

After Anthony Curley was announced as the winner on Monday, May 20, Holker hosted a season 18 finale party at Jax’s Studio City.

“Anthony is wonderful. Stephen would have absolutely adored Anthony,” she told Us.

Keep scrolling to see exclusive photos from Holker’s SYTYCD season 18 finale party:

Allison Holker Felt Support From Late Husband Judging SYTYCD

Credit: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Allison Holker's Experience with Late Husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss on 'SYTYCD' Season 18

Allison Holker felt a lot of support from her late husband, Stephen "tWitch" Boss, while she was a judge on season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance.

"I just feel like every single day, — [on the] show and not [on the] show — I just feel him putting wings on my back,” Holker, 36, exclusively told We on Wednesday, May 22. “I just feel so much support from him, and I'm really grateful for that because I think some people might see that kind of energy and be a little bit scared of it. But it's so beautiful and I feel like he protects me day in and day out.”

Holker met Boss, who died by suicide at age 40 in 2022, when they were both contestants on season 7 of SYTYCD in 2010. They tied the knot in 2013 and went on to welcome son Maddox, 8, and daughter Zaia, 4. Boss also adopted Holker’s daughter from a previous relationship, Weslie, 15.

Holker shared with Us that being a judge on season 18 of SYTYCD felt like a significant moment for her, coming full circle.

She expressed, “This show has been a constant source of blessings for me. It has a way of finding me when I least expect it, providing me with what I didn't even know I needed. I first encountered it at 18, while still in high school and sporting bad eyebrows. Since then, it has given me love, opportunities, a career, friendships, and children. The show has truly been everything to me. Even now, as a judge, it continues to offer me the same support, reaching out to me during a time when I was feeling hesitant about returning to work."

Holker shared that participating in the show made her feel like she was paying tribute to Boss, who was a judge on SYTYCD during seasons 15 and 17.

She expressed, "Every time I was on the show, watching the other dancers and listening to people's stories, I just felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be, honoring not only my own journey but also his journey and the path that brought us together. Being on the show feels like the right place for me, and I believe he is with me every single day."

Holker hosted a season 18 finale celebration at Jax’s Studio City after Anthony Curley was declared the winner on Monday, May 20.

She expressed her admiration for Anthony, mentioning that Stephen would have been thrilled with his victory.

Keep scrolling to see exclusive photos from Holker’s SYTYCD season 18 finale party:

Allison Holker Felt Support From Late Husband Judging SYTYCD

Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Tight Bonds

Maks Chmerkovskiy, who is a fellow judge on SYTYCD with Holker, attended the event along with his wife, Peta Murgatroyd. Peta is currently expecting their 3rd child. The couple also has two sons together, Shai (7) and Rio (23 months).

Holker shared that one of the most memorable parts of the event for her was the opportunity to build a strong relationship with Maks and JoJo Siwa. She mentioned that sitting on the panel with them made Maks feel like an older brother to her.

Allison Holker Felt Support From Late Husband Judging SYTYCD

Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Stylish Celebration

Holker looked stunning in a sparkly brown pantsuit as she posed for a photo with Dancing With the Stars pro Sasha Farber. Farber, who is 40 years old, opted for a casual look with a cardigan sweater over a white tank top and dark jeans.

Allison Holker Felt Support From Late Husband Judging SYTYCD

Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Moving With Gratitude

As Holker navigates life after her husband’s death, she told Us that she tries to be grateful even during the moments when she feels “low or discouraged.”

Life is full of beauty and endless experiences, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Those who live life to the fullest have often endured pain and hardships,” she shared. “Despite the ups and downs, I choose to see it all as a blessing, grateful for the opportunities to live so fully.”

Allison Holker Felt Support From Late Husband Judging SYTYCD

Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images

The Next Generation

At the finale party, Holker spent time with three of the top 10 contestants from season 18 of SYTYCD: Braylon Browner, Easton Magliarditi, and Olivia Oher. As her own children grow older and approach the age of many SYTYCD contestants, Holker has considered whether they would be interested in participating in the show.

When asked about her kids, Holker shared, "Weslie would never, Weslie absolutely would never, ever, ever." However, she mentioned that she could definitely see Maddox taking on the challenge. Describing Maddox as a natural performer who thrives on the attention of the audience, Holker said, "He loves being on stage, he loves having people watch him."

Allison Holker Felt Support From Late Husband Judging SYTYCD

Credit: Charley Gallay/Getty Images

Last Season's Champ

Season 17 winner Alexis Warr attended Holker’s finale party dressed in a denim strapless jumpsuit.

With reporting by Amanda Williams

Editor's P/S:

Allison Holker's experience on "So You Think You Can Dance" Season 18 was a poignant journey of healing and honoring her late husband, Stephen "tWitch" Boss. She felt his comforting presence throughout the season, believing he put "wings on her back" and protected her. Holker's return to the show as a judge was a full-circle moment, connecting her to their shared history and the legacy they created together.

Through her participation, Holker not only celebrated her own journey but also paid tribute to Boss's impact on the show. She shared that being on the panel alongside Maks Chmerkovskiy and JoJo Siwa forged a strong bond, with Maks becoming a supportive figure in her life. Holker's resilience and gratitude in navigating life after loss serve as an inspiration, reminding us to embrace the beauty and challenges with an open heart.