Who is the new DWTS pro replacing Val Chmerkovskiy?

Alan Bersten is the new DWTS pro stepping into the void left by Val Chmerkovskiy. He is officially confirmed as Jenna Dewan's partner for the upcoming episode, a direct result of Chmerkovskiy's one week suspension. This swap creates an immediate ripple effect across the Season 35 lineup, forcing a rapid reshuffle that fans have been closely tracking since the news broke.

The catalyst for this change is Chmerkovskiy's removal from the Dedication Night episode. It is the first instance of a professional dancer being sidelined for a single performance in the show's history. The production team had to move quickly to secure a stand-in, ensuring the high-stakes performance scheduled for next week does not fall apart due to a missing lead.

The Confirmed Replacement

Reports from Us Weekly and ABC News confirm Bersten will take over the role. He was previously eliminated in Week 3 after his partnership with Giada De Laurentiis ended. His return is not an external hire but a strategic re-pairing of a dancer already embedded in the current season's dynamics.

This choice guarantees Dewan has a partner who already understands the season's specific production rhythms. Producers likely selected Bersten because he is integrated into the Season 35 environment. This minimizes disruption to the tight production schedule and preserves the chemistry needed for a live broadcast.

The Dance and the Dedication

The couple is set to perform a Viennese waltz to Unchained Melody. The song carries heavy emotional weight for many viewers and sets a specific tonal expectation. The selection signals a focus on connection and vulnerability rather than pure athletic display or technical complexity.

The routine is dedicated to Dewan’s mother, Nancy. This personal tribute adds a layer of sentiment to the performance. It transforms the dance from a competitive element into a moment of remembrance, a theme that is central to Dedication Nights on the show.

Context of the Suspension

The need for a replacement stems directly from Chmerkovskiy’s suspension. He shared a social media post referencing the Will Smith Oscars incident, which sparked widespread criticism. The show’s producers issued a statement calling the post inappropriate and inconsistent with the values of the program.

Chmerkovskiy issued a public apology on Instagram, acknowledging his poor judgment. He stated that he regretted the reference and apologized directly to Carrie Ann Inaba. This sequence of events led to his temporary removal from the next episode of the series.

Fan Reactions and Debate

The replacement has not been without controversy. Former pro Gleb Savchenko publicly criticized Bersten’s skill level during a recent livestream. He suggested that a troupe member might have been a better choice, questioning why the show selected Bersten for such a high profile slot.

Savchenko’s comments highlight the ongoing debate about the depth of the professional roster. While Bersten is a former winner of the Mirrorball Trophy, critics argue that his current form may not match the level of the suspended dancer. This debate underscores the high expectations placed on the show’s cast.

Looking Ahead

The audience will soon see how this pairing holds up under pressure. The Dedication Night episode is a pivotal moment in the season, often featuring some of the most emotional performances. The choice of Bersten is a calculated risk by the producers to maintain continuity.

As the season moves forward, the focus will shift back to the main competition. The drama surrounding the lineup changes may fade, but the performance itself will remain a talking point. Viewers will be watching to see if the chemistry between Dewan and Bersten can deliver the expected result.