After an inaugural “Disney100” night that was truly a night to remember, the 10 remaining duos on season 32 of Dancing With The Stars are about to take a trip down memory lane for “Most Memorable Year” night, an evening that is certain to be jam-packed with familiar faces.
While the remaining celebrities will be dancing to smash hits from the year that they declared to be the most notable in their life so far, the professional dancers on Dancing With The Stars have another trick up their sleeve.
The pros will be recognizing the “Most Memorable Year” in Dancing With The Stars history with tribute to former head judge Len Goodman. Goodman passed away in April of 2023, so to honor his life and his illustrious career, Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson choreographed a massive group number that is unlike anything fans have seen in the history of the beloved competition series.
Dancing to “Moon River” by Henry Mancini, all of the season 32 pros will be a part of the dance, as well as judge Derek Hough and host Julianne Hough. In addition to this, legendary pro dancers from past seasons will also return to the ballroom for the tribute, including Kym Johnson, Anna Trebunskaya, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska, Tony Dovolani, Louis van Amstel, Maks Chmerkovskiy, and Mark Ballas — how sweet is that?
While fans seriously cannot contain their excitement for this oh-so special tribute, avid Dancing With The Stars viewers were sad to see some individuals skipping out on the performance, such as Sharna Burgess, Witney Carson, Lindsay Arnold, and more. To top it off, one of the most notable stars who is missing from the lineup is the one and only Cheryl Burke, a 25-time pro who hung up her dancing shoes just last year.
If you are just as curious as we are as to why Cheryl will not be returning for the tribute to Len Goodman, just keep scrolling.
Why won’t Cheryl Burke be a part of Len Goodman’s tribute during “Most Memorable Year” night on Dancing With The Stars?
To announce the disheartening news, Cheryl took to TikTok first.
“I saw a promo with some familiar faces, some of the OG pros from like season 1 through season 4 or 5 — Maks, Mark, Edyta, Karina, Anya, Louis… They’re doing amazing. I’m sure it’s going to be so amazing. It’s so great to see their faces, and I would have liked to have been a part of that. I feel like I’m a part of the OG crew, but yeah, more on this next week I guess. It’s just sad.”
To double down on the announcement, Cheryl also shared the news via Threads.
“For those of you asking if I’ll be a part of Len Goodman’s tribute next week on DWTS, unfortunately, I wasn’t invited, however, I’ll be there in spirit and can’t wait to cheer my former colleagues on! Sending love and light to everyone. 🤍🙏🏼 #riplen”
While she is disappointed that she was not asked to be a part of this oh-so special tribute, the back-to-back Mirrorball Trophy recipient is keeping a relatively positive attitude, however, fans are not happy (to say the least).
“I’m sorry they didn’t invite you, but every single person who has been involved with the show since the beginning should be there. The tribute should be it’s own stand alone special & whoever wants to say something about Len should have the opportunity on the special tribute to do so. It’s only right & fair. He deserves nothing less than that. He is a legend & is missed by all the viewers & everyone who knew him!! 🧡”
“Well that is absolute b******t Cheryl. Tony left 5 years ago and he’s on the show… I am sure this must have stung big time. Shame on DWTS for a slight like this. We love you and I will always remember you and Drew — save a horse, ride a cowboy. Big hugs 💗😘🌺”
“That’s appalling that you weren’t invited. You are an OG… @dancingwiththestars PLEASE INVITE the OG from season 1! How dare you not invite Cheryl!”
“How were you not included?!?!? You are OG DWTS. #riplen”
“What’s up with producers? Also, why no Sharna, Lindsay or Witney?”
This is unfortunately not the first time the Dancing With The Stars producers have excluded longtime members of the cast. Earlier this year, Sharna Burgess revealed that she was not asked to be a part of the hit competition show for season 32, despite the team telling her that she was always welcome — yikes!
Will Cheryl spill some more tea on her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast after this massive group number airs? Only time will tell…
Until then, be sure to tune into “Most Memorable Year” night on Tuesday, October 24, from 8pm to 10pm ET/PT on both ABC and Disney Plus, with next-day streaming on Hulu.