Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov gave Dancing With the Stars viewers plenty to talk about on Disney Night—but it was the judges’ scores, rather than just the performance itself, that left many fans frustrated.
The Olympic ice skater and her professional partner took the ballroom floor during the November 2 episode with a lively Quickstep set to “A Star Is Born” from Hercules. Their routine delivered an unexpected milestone for the long-running competition, as Amber appeared to become the first woman to lead a male partner in a dance on DWTS.
Despite the significance of the moment and the enthusiastic reaction from viewers, the couple’s final score of 34 out of 40 sparked a wave of criticism online.
Amber Glenn Makes DWTS History
During week eight of season 35, the contestants embraced the magic of Disney Night, performing routines inspired by beloved films and Broadway productions.
Amber and Pasha chose “A Star Is Born” from Hercules for their Quickstep, bringing a fresh and memorable twist to the ballroom.
As the judges offered their feedback, Carrie Ann Inaba highlighted what appeared to be a first in the history of the show.
“Am I mistaken—is that the first time we’ve had a woman leading a man on this show, in the history of Dancing With the Stars?” Carrie Ann asked. “I do believe it was, so bravo to you for stepping into the power in all the right ways!”
The moment added another layer to an already standout performance, with Amber and Pasha earning praise for both their dancing and the creativity behind the routine.
Fans Say the Couple Was Underscored
When the scores were revealed, however, many viewers felt the judges had not given the performance the recognition it deserved.
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, guest judge Cynthia Erivo and Bruno Tonioli awarded the pair three scores of 8 and one score of 9, giving them a total of 34 points out of a possible 40.
Fans quickly took to Instagram to share their disappointment.
“Absolutely underscored,” one viewer wrote.
Another fan argued that the couple “deserved AT LEAST all 9s,” while another praised the choreography and the pair’s willingness to try something different, writing, “Underscored yet again! Shoutout to Pasha for the creativity and letting Amber lead.”
For many viewers, the combination of a strong Quickstep and a potentially history-making moment made the final score feel lower than expected.
Amber and Pasha Move Forward
Fortunately for Amber and Pasha, the controversy over their scores did not bring their journey on Dancing With the Stars to an end.
The pair advanced to the next round of the competition, giving them another opportunity to impress both the judges and viewers.
With Grammys Night set to follow, fans will be watching closely to see what Amber and Pasha bring to the ballroom next. After making a memorable mark on Disney Night, the pair have already shown they are willing to take creative risks—and that could make their next performance one to watch.