Dancing With the Stars is back on ABC and Disney+, but insiders say the glitz and glamour hide a storm brewing behind the scenes. While fans watch smiling celebrities and flawless TikTok clips, the reality on the dance floor is far less sparkling. According to family members and insiders, many pros and stars are struggling, frustrated, and, in some cases, downright miserable.
One of the most talked-about pairings this season is Corey Feldman, 54, and Jenna Johnson, 31, a two-time DWTS champion. On camera, the pair laugh and joke, giving fans the impression of a smooth, fun partnership. But those smiles may be masking deeper tension.
Family Warns: Don’t Believe the On-Screen Smiles
Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Johnson’s brother-in-law and former DWTS pro, has spoken out about the behind-the-scenes reality. He says the camaraderie fans see isn’t always real.
“All the cast show up smiling and saying everything’s great,” he told the Daily Mail. “But that’s just surface. Sometimes, it’s not true.”
He explained that Johnson is facing a particularly tough challenge with Feldman, who has no formal dance training. “It’s an uphill climb,” Maksim said. “I know she’s having a much more difficult time than people realize. She’s a reigning champ, and she deserves respect for what she’s doing.”
Missed Rehearsals and Low Scores Fuel Frustration
Feldman reportedly missed five days of rehearsal before the premiere, and it showed. The duo earned a shockingly low score for their Tango, a 9 out of 20—the lowest of the night. Family and insiders suggest the problem isn’t just Feldman’s dancing. They point to missed practice and a lack of focus as major issues.
“Corey is struggling with the demands,” Maksim said. “It’s not just the choreography. It’s interviews, rehearsals, therapy, everything happening at once. Jenna has to guide him while keeping the partnership on track. It’s very hard, and it’s exhausting for her.”
Couples Feel Pressure, Warning From Producers
The strain isn’t limited to Johnson and Feldman. Her husband, Val Chmerkovskiy, also a pro dancer this season, is paired with influencer Alix Earle. Insiders say both Val and Jenna are “miserable,” but producers warned them not to complain about their celebrity partners.
“DWTS is a massive production,” Maksim said. “It’s more than dancing. You have to navigate schedules, personalities, and pressures. Some stars just aren’t ready for that, and it takes a toll on the pros.”
Social Media Masks Real Struggles
Even the TikTok content may be misleading. Johnson admitted she hadn’t seen Feldman in person for days after the cast was announced. Fans wondered where their behind-the-scenes clips were. When rehearsals finally began, she shared photos and videos to show they had started working together.
But insiders say the fun, flirty TikTok posts don’t reveal the real tension. A source described this season as chaotic, with several stars failing to commit fully. “It takes work to win this show,” the source said. “Rehearsals, practice, dedication—it’s not happening for everyone.”
DWTS Faces Challenges With a New Generation of Stars
This year’s cast mixes traditional celebrities with social media personalities, including Jordan Chiles, Hilaria Baldwin, Danielle Fishel, Robert Irwin, Whitney Leavitt, Elaine Hendrix, and Alix Earle. DWTS veteran Peta Murgatroyd says the show is trying to evolve by bringing in TikTok stars with large followings.
“They saw last season’s impact of social media stars,” she said. “The reach is huge. It helps ratings. But it also adds pressure. These stars aren’t always used to a process as intense as DWTS, and that creates tension.”
Behind-the-Scenes Drama Could Spill On Stage
This week, Johnson and Feldman are scheduled to perform the Cha Cha Cha. Whether they can overcome missed rehearsals, clashing personalities, and the massive pressures of the show is anyone’s guess. What’s clear, insiders say, is that the smiles on camera may not tell the full story. For some pros and stars, DWTS isn’t just glitter and applause—it’s a daily grind, full of frustration and hidden stress.
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+ and is available to stream on Hulu. Feldman’s representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
