Shocking Twist: COVID Strikes Artem Chigvintsev On 'Dancing With the Stars' Latin Night 32—Will He Return?
Artem Chigvintsev, a participant on 'Dancing With the Stars' season 32, will be unable to perform on Latin Night alongside partner Charity Lawson due to a positive COVID-19 test
ABC/Andrew Eccles
On the live broadcast of Dancing With the Stars on Tuesday, October 3, Artem Chigvintsev will not be present. However, Charity Lawson will have temporary partner Ezra Sosa for support.
"Due to COVID, Artem will be unable to dance tonight. We send our well wishes for a speedy recovery! ️ Charity will be performing with Ezra for #LatinNight," shared the official DWTS Instagram account on Tuesday, along with a picture of Lawson and Sosa.
Responding to the post, 27-year-old Lawson expressed her gratitude to Sosa for stepping up.
"What a remarkable duo! I am incredibly thankful for @ezra.sosa's swift intervention and successful completion of the job!!!" expressed the ex-Bachelorette celebrity. "Make sure not to miss tonight's event and kindly cast your VOTE for me!" In response, Sosa, aged 22, vowed to make Chigvintsev, now 41, exceptionally proud.
Dancing with the Stars/Instagram
Chigvintsev also shared the news on his own social media page and praised his replacement.
Regrettably, I will not be participating in Dancing With the Stars as I have tested positive for COVID," he announced on Instagram Stories on Tuesday. "On the bright side, Charity will still be performing with an exceptional partner named Ezra. They have put in tremendous effort and are doing an outstanding job. I kindly request that you shower them with your love and support."
Additionally, the skilled dancer encouraged fans to vote for the duo despite his unavailability.
During the season 32 premiere of DWTS on September 26, Lawson and Chigvintsev secured the highest score of the night with 22 out of 30 points for their tango performance to Rihanna's "Only Girl (In the World)." As the competition is just beginning, Lawson and Chigvintsev appear to have a strong and promising partnership. Last month, Lawson excitedly shared that she couldn't contain her excitement and literally screamed when Chigvintsev was announced as her partner.
"I couldn't believe it when I found out that I was paired with him. This is amazing!" she exclaimed. "I've watched the show before, so I know that Artem is truly one of the best. I feel incredibly lucky because he has been absolutely incredible."
Chigvintsev, on the other hand, admitted that he felt some pressure when he was partnered with another contestant from Bachelor Nation. (Previously, he had been paired with Kaitlyn Bristowe, and they were crowned winners of season 29.)
"Typically, it's uncommon to have two consecutive seasons with Bachelorettes," he elaborated. "There's a certain level of anticipation, especially given how Kaitlyn and Gabby performed exceptionally well in their respective seasons. Our aim is to maintain that level of expectation for you."
Bristowe, 38, also provided Lawson with some guidance ahead of her first performance on the dance floor.
Lawson shared with Us that Kaitlyn advised him to maintain patience, a virtue he already possesses. Furthermore, she praised their exceptional instructor and expressed her confidence in his ability to impart substantial knowledge, which Lawson acknowledged he has already gained. Don't forget to catch the newest episodes of Dancing With the Stars on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, airing on both ABC and Disney+.
In this article
Artem Chigvintsev
Charity Lawson
