Barry Williams Opens Up About Derek Hough's Challenging Critique on Recent 'DWTS' Routine
Barry Williams candidly discusses the impact of Derek Hough's challenging critique on his latest ‘DWTS’ performance during Monster Night
Barry Williams took Derek Hough's critique to heart, as the actor strives to enhance his performance in the ballroom.
"Derek definitely has his own preferences. He suggested that I try a slightly different interpretation of the song," said Williams, 69, in an exclusive interview with We after the live show of Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, October 31. "Although I felt that we had included quite a bit of Viennese waltz and it was a beautiful routine, I value Derek's opinion and respect him immensely. I know he can be quite strict, as he is a tough judge."
Williams and her partner, Peta Murgatroyd, performed a Viennese waltz with a Little Red Riding Hood theme. They danced to the song "It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World" by James Brown. Although judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Niecy Nash praised the pair, Derek Hough had some constructive criticism for Williams. Despite receiving boos from the audience, Hough expressed his love for her but felt that the character of the dance overshadowed the actual dance itself. However, he acknowledged her consistent improvement week after week.
Hough expressed his desire for more ballroom content in future performances by the pair. Bruno Tonioli concurred with Hough, mentioning that the Brady Bunch star temporarily lost his timing. Williams and Peta received a combined score of 31, with Hough awarding them a 7 while the rest of the panel gave them 8s. (Later in the evening, the duo also earned an additional point in the "Dance Monster-thon" marathon dance.)
Barry Williams. ABC/Andrew Eccles
Before hitting the ballroom floor, Williams shared how he wanted to impress the judges after his breakthrough the week before.
“I am putting in my best effort to master this choreography,” he admitted during a confessional. “Because after a successful week with impressive scores, it is essential for me to deliver a stellar performance, ensuring that the judges recognize me as a genuine contender.”
Williams expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the support of his fans during a post-show interview with Us. He described it as an incredible feeling to have fans actively voting for him to continue in the competition. Williams emphasized that the involvement of not just friends and family, but also fans, adds to the significance of the show. He shared his appreciation for their active participation in the voting process, allowing them to celebrate together the excitement of advancing to the next week and spending another Tuesday night together.
Williams, who continues to participate in the competition on a weekly basis, expressed his overall satisfaction and increased stamina.
According to him, each week feels like a fresh start due to the introduction of a new dance routine. This unfamiliarity poses challenges that he is actively striving to overcome on the show. He emphasized that the most demanding aspect is the need to readjust and adapt to the new routine every week.
Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
With reporting by Hannah Kahn
