America Can’t Stop Voting for Andy Richter on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ — And Here’s Why He Deserves to Stay
Every season of Dancing With the Stars has its surprise story. This year, that story has a name: Andy Richter. The 58-year-old comedian, best known as Conan O’Brien’s quick-witted sidekick, walked into the ballroom nervous, unsure, and ready for laughs. But a few weeks later, he’s doing more than dancing — he’s winning hearts across America.
Everyone expected the adorable Robert Irwin and his partner Whitney Leavitt to dominate the leaderboard. However, Andy has quietly become the emotional favorite of DWTS season 34. Fans can’t stop voting for him, and it’s not because of his fancy footwork. It’s because of his heart.
From sidekick to center stage
Andy never pretended to be a dancer. In week two, he admitted on camera that he had been “dreading” his performances. That moment of honesty changed everything. Viewers connected with his vulnerability.
One fan wrote on X, “Watching Andy find confidence through dance made me cry. He’s reminding us all to love ourselves again.”
That wave of emotion swept through social media, turning Andy from a late-night comedian into a symbol of courage. Fans didn’t just laugh with him anymore — they cheered for him.
Judges aren’t always right — fans have the final word
Despite the love online, Andy didn’t impress the judges. Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli placed him near the bottom. They gave him the second-lowest score of the night. Still, the audience wasn’t ready to say goodbye. Their votes kept him safe — again and again.
For weeks, Andy hovered near the bottom of the leaderboard. But his partner, Emma Slater, never gave up on him. She saw something deeper than just missed steps.
“People forget this show isn’t only about dancing,” Emma said in an interview. “It’s about transformation, courage, and joy. Andy deserves to be here as much as anyone else.”
She’s right. DWTS is about growth, not perfection. And Andy is proof that heart counts just as much as high scores.
Dancing for something bigger
On TikTok Night, Andy performed a routine inspired by Hozier. It wasn’t technically perfect, but it was raw and emotional. Carrie Ann Inaba praised him for “giving your heart completely.”
Two weeks later, Andy dedicated a performance to his daughter, Cornelia. The moment melted everyone watching.
Even though the judges mentioned his “off musicality,” Carrie Ann couldn’t stop smiling. “You brought all the joy into this room,” she told him. That kind of feedback matters more than any number on a scorecard.
Emma Slater’s secret ingredient: kindness
Behind every surprising contestant, there’s a professional who believes in them. For Andy, that’s Emma Slater. Her patience and warmth have turned the nervous comedian into a confident performer.
Former DWTS pro Sharna Burgess praised Emma on her podcast, The Penthouse With Peta.
“Emma has this magic,” Sharna said. “She doesn’t care about showing off. It’s not about her choreography or her ego. It’s about making her partner shine.”
Another former pro, Peta Murgatroyd, agreed. “I love watching Andy and Emma together,” she said. “She brings out the best in people. She nurtures them until they believe in themselves.”
That nurturing spirit has created one of the most heartfelt partnerships in the show’s history.
Critics say he’s not good enough — but history disagrees
Every season has its skeptics. Some viewers argue that Andy doesn’t belong in the competition because he’s not the best dancer. But longtime DWTS fans know better.
Remember Bobby Bones in season 27? He faced the same backlash and still took home the Mirrorball Trophy. He later told Page Six, “People hate us because they ain’t us. Keep working — it’s not where you start, it’s where you end.”
And Bobby isn’t the only example. Past winners like Emmitt Smith, Hélio Castroneves, and Hines Ward all started with zero dance experience. What carried them through wasn’t perfect technique — it was effort, charm, and connection with the audience.
Andy fits that same mold. He’s the underdog America loves to root for.
The power of being real
In a world of influencers and perfectly polished stars, Andy feels refreshingly real. He doesn’t hide his nerves or his mistakes. He laughs when he trips, smiles when the crowd cheers, and dances like he’s just happy to be there.
His social media numbers may be small — only about 106,000 followers — but that doesn’t matter. Fans say his authenticity is what makes him unforgettable.
DWTS fans love a comeback story, and Andy’s is one for the books.
Why America keeps voting for Andy Richter
There’s something magical about watching someone grow in front of millions. Week after week, Andy shows up, works harder, and brings positive energy to the dance floor.
Here’s why fans can’t stop voting for him:
- He’s relatable. Andy represents everyone who has ever been scared to try something new.
- He’s honest. He talks about his fears and insecurities with a humor that feels genuine.
- He’s joyful. No matter his scores, he leaves the ballroom smiling.
- He’s improving. Each performance feels stronger and more confident.
- He’s grateful. He never takes his spot for granted.
One viewer summed it up perfectly: “Andy may not be the best dancer, but he’s the best story. And that’s why I vote every week.”
The big birthday showdown
Next week’s episode falls on Halloween — and it’s also Andy’s birthday. Fans are already rallying online to keep him in the competition through his special day. It would feel cruel to send him home now.
With every routine, Andy reminds us that Dancing With the Stars isn’t just about dancing. It’s about joy, growth, and human connection. He may never be the most technical performer, but he’s become the emotional center of season 34.
The takeaway
Andy Richter didn’t come to DWTS for fame or trophies. He came to face his fears, move his body, and maybe, find a new kind of happiness. Along the way, he’s inspired millions who see themselves in his journey.
As one fan wrote, “Andy’s not just dancing. He’s showing us it’s never too late to believe in yourself.”
And that’s the real reason America keeps voting to keep him on the floor.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Don’t forget to vote “Andy” to 21523. Sometimes, the best reason to dance is simply to keep the joy alive.
