Karina Smirnoff Interviewed About Julianne Hough And Dancing With The Stars
US Weekly interviewed Dancing With The Stars Karina Smirnoff. She comments on Julianne Hough and how she feels about her judging the show. More below and at the link…
“I think she is a great girl, I’ve known her for many years,” Smirnoff, 36, told Us of Julianne. “I think that she is wonderful, gorgeous, and talented, but I don’t know if it’s ethical that she is judging while her brother is competing.”
Julianne, 26, was added to the show’s judging panel earlier this month, after appearing as a dancer on the competition program in previous seasons. She joins veteran judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
“I may be the most fair person in the world, but if my mom is dancing and she trips, I would be like, ‘Well, I didn’t see that…'” Smirnoff continued to Us. “That is my mother, and I will go stand by her side and support her regardless. Do I think it’s fair? No. But it is a TV show. That is what we have to remember. It’s not necessarily the Bible, it’s just a TV show.”
I think it’s going to be just fine. You are right, Karina! It’s just a tv show in the end.
No comment and she should’ve said the same thing.
That’s her opinion.
I wish she wouldn’t have said anything too, Jim.
I wonder if she would have said the same thing if Maks was the fourth judge.
Yeah I agree. Somethings are just better left unsaid.
This is starting to backfire on her with some fans 🙁
Some think because she’s been hanging around (because of shows of course) with Maks & bro, that they are rubbing off on her.
She didn’t really speak out when Jules had been a guest judge. She did kind of comment about Maks when he judged during Corbin’s season in the package, but then after hearing Maks comment, she ran over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Karina did say she wanted Len’s job if he retired, so maybe there are some sour grapes? Who knows.
I do think we have seen the last of Karina getting a contender though….just a feeling 🙁
It’s a TV show no one is curing cancer here. She just stated her opinion.
Did they ask her if Carrie Ann should be judging Artem?
Kind of disappointed in her answer…perhaps I hold Karina at a higher standard than some of the others. But I wish she could have said something more PC here.
” Do I think it’s fair? No. But it is a TV show. That is what we have to remember. It’s not necessarily the Bible, it’s just a TV show.”
It seems like everyone skips the last sentence.
@Alicia- I did read the last sentence, but it doesn’t just negate the first sentence.
In my opinion The last sentence sums it up. It doesn’t matter who the judge is because it’s all BS anyway.
Well Karina, I guess Maks should never be allow to judge again because it’s very unethical for him to judge you (ex-fiancé), Peta(ex-gf), Val (brother) and Tony(best friend and business partner). Right?
I thought Karina was very pc while giving her honest opinion. Julianne’s not some untouchable God where everyone has to say they think it’s great she’s a judge or else they get ripped on. Karina was complimentary towards her as a person and at the same time she doesn’t love the idea of a permanent judge judging a family member. I didn’t think it was big deal.
And I think Karina would feel the same way if Maks were a permanent judge. Karina’s never been anyone’s lapdog, certainly not Maks’.
I think Karina knew her answer would generate media buzz. I don’t doubt her sincerity though. I agree that relatives should not judge. I just wish she would have been more professional and kept it to herself.
I have no problem with Karina’s opinion….as long as it’s the same opinion she had when it was rumored that maks would be a full time judge. And I’m not so sure about that.
But, as someone else said, it is BS….and this is a reality show in any case. When you pit an ice dancer against a 65 year old, it’s not exactly a level playing field anyway. So, really….you’re worried about the judging??
Also this is a PRINT interview and we all know how those can take a few of peoples words and misconstrue them. They did that awful thing with Derek, and Sharna was on the bad end of one last year too. So who knows what all was really said.
Sour grapes, Karina, shame on you.
True Jess. I plan to give her the benefit of the doubt being I have loved Karina for a long time and knowing how the media can make things sound and twist what a person says.
I agree with Karina’s comments 100%. I love Julianne and like Karina she too is an excellent dancer. Julianne should not be a judge while her brother is competing. Well said Karina. I hope your great dancing performances and you as well- will be treated right this season on DWTS.
Totally agree, Jess.
I’ve always mentioned that I don’t like the idea of a pro who has been on DWTS being a judge. Julianne has been gone a while, but she still falls in that category. However, I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt that she will be unbiased with her judging.
As far as Karina’s comments, I definitely disagree, because if Derek trips, he will be the first to admit it. And, I don’t agree that Julianne will ignore it either. Maybe, Karina knows she would be biased judging her brother, but even Derek has said (if I remember correctly) that Julianne can be a harsh critic. Besides, how many times has fans accused each of the judges every season for favoring and the beetching about it all season long. Just like other posters have commented and I agree, it’s just a TV Entertainment Show not a REAL competition.
I agree with you PHeidi….I really have to wonder if Karina would have said the exact same thing if Maks would have been chosen instead of Julianne. After, all they were lovers, and now act like best friends, and she is doing those Ballroom With A Twist shows with Maks. I like Karine, she is beautiful and a great dancer, but that’s not what this is about.
I just get tired of people throwing those little darts at Derek and if it was anyone else, it most likely might be a whole different ballgame. (Derek doesn’t need 6 balls, comes to mind) JMO
Karina has expressed her desire to judge so she may also be trying to strengthen her position for when Len retires since the scenario with Maks would have been the same. It sort of appears like they are phasing her out as a pro so I think she is using a little strategy.
@ Rose1
How does it appear are they phasing Karina out as a pro?
Cheryl’s been around longer and I don’t see any signs of Karina being phased or pushed out in any way.
I don’t really understand why pros cannot express their opinions? So they sit and nod and agree with everything that is happening even when they dont? I understand that they’re on a TV show, and unless this is in their contract not to say what they want, they shouldn’t be forced to be mindless drones. She even expressed her opinion eloquently (unlike other people who have expressed their opinion) I dont understand why thats such a bad thing.
I don’t think they are phasing out Karina as a pro either. Why? Is this because they gave her a 51 year old partner? If so, don’t forget (and I just posted this on twitter)that both Donny Osmond and Jennifer Grey were 50 years old when they won. Kirstie Alley was 60 when she got to 2nd place. If her partner has the moves, determination, etc and everything falls into place for this couple, they have just as good as chance as anyone.
And Randy Couture is not your average 51 year-old either. He’s more fit than most men in their 20’s and 30’s.
I didn’t even know Karina’s dog Randy was named after him. She must be ecstatic! I’m excited to watch this pair.
She can certainly express her opinion. But that’s the funny thing…we can express ours too. 🙂
Karina stated her opinion so she certainly expressed. But no pro should everyone to agree with them. People disagree I do find it funny no one is calling out CAI judging former boyfriend Artem. Surprised more reporters didn’t jump at that. More interesting and likely to bring more bias.
They mentioned CAI and Artem here at Pure but I didn’t know about it until then so I don’t think your average viewer would know. And um…….eeeewwwwww!
I just wanted to know why so many didn’t like this.
@Megan #31
I can’t speak for anyone else, it’s not my place, but it’s what she didn’t say that is the problem. It would have come across with me better if Karina would have said it wasn’t ethical for ANY pro to be judging a family member. Even though she did mention it’s just a TV show. Julianne hasn’t been the only pro judge guest in the past. Both she and Maks have judged their brothers Derek and Val and their partners.
@Ashley L
I didn’t know about CAI and Artem until I heard the Pros announced on GMA, and when I looked up Artem and read about him, I came across an article about him dating her for like a couple years. Anyway, no big deal in her judging him this season. Maks judged Peta and Karina in the past and they were his past lovers. I don’t watch SCD because I’ve never found it on my TV cable. He is a really good dancer though and seems to be a nice person.
Personally, I don’t love her first sentence, but I do appreciate her last sentence. And plus, I don’t watch this show for the judges – in fact, I skip through the comments when I’m on a time crunch. I watch for the DANCES – isn’t that what we all watch for, anyway?
Jess #17, agreed! 100 percent agreed.
@Aviva #33
Actually, I don’t dwell on the judges when the show starts. The main thing to me is the dancing and getting to know the celebrates and watching them improve from week to week. Not that I don’t enjoy the pros, because I do, since they are the ones who are behind what happens out on the dance floor. I get more of a charge out of the drama between the judges and Tom jumping in with his humorous ways to get things moving on. I just love T.B.
#32 KreativeKat It’s not accurate. Maks was a guest judge when Val was already eliminated.
I can see Karina’s point and both agree and disagree. I think that the whole concept of judging a family member is silly (and yes, I would have felt that way had it been Maks judging Val) but I also think Julianne will be fair. I’m also glad that Karina had the guts to say what she was feeling instead of beating around the bush of being all smiley about it.
Thank you Jocelyn. I totally agree with you and I am happy that Karina felt so secured to express her true opinion. Karina knows her statement is accurate for any family member(s) judging a competition. Yes, Karina had guts to say that and showed no fear at all.
Well as long as Jules judges with her head, and not her lady parts, doesn’t call anyone animal names or castigate a dance because they weren’t “in hold enough”, I don’t think I will have a problem with her. lol
@37- Thanks! 🙂
Good for Karina for being honest. I would bet she’s not the only pro concerned about Julianne judging.
Sure looks like you’re trolling the site looking to start another controversial convo, MelissaC. I suggest you quit trying so hard, or you might find yourself shut out.
Thanks Miss Heidi and I couldn’t agree more!
DWTS is a joke. Julianne judging Derek is no different than CAI judging her ex(es)
I’ve given up caring about fairness on dwts.
The thing is, DWTS has never been fair. Is it fair for a contestant with previous dance experience to compete against a celeb with two left feet?
Is it fair to judge an over 50 celeb against a teenager or someone in their twenties?
Would you really want to see a completely fair show? Wouldn’t that be rather boring? Quite frankly it really wouldn’t be the DWTS we all love. It’d be a ho-hum, white bread, watching paint dry DWTS.
You said it. No, I really don’t want to see a completely fair show and one that was boring and like white bread, etc. Our favorite show (or one them) is our “favorite” and what’s more a “success” for many reasons and what you listed are some of them….like it or not.
@Susan2 #44
Absolutely!!! It is not a REAL competition. This show doesn’t even set the couples up like a REAL competition. This show is about a celebrate learning how to Ball Room dance. The part the Pro plays is their teaching the different styles of Ball Room and putting their own choreography into each dance to bring about a dance performance that will show positive results from the judges.
In my opinion, it is the celebrate (star) that wins the MBT. And, the Pro gets the double to it as a compliment for doing his/her job. But, in all reality, some viewers make it all about the Pro and his/her talent and protest if things don’t go their (viewers) way. When I starting watching this show in 2009, I was so excited to watch the stars entertain us with learning to dance Ball Room style. I still watch it for the same reason.
How many times have I read here that the show is a joke? Countless. Yet, people still watch it and come here and make a sweeping statement such as that. I am with you, Susan2 #44, DWTS was never really fair. Compared to so many of you here, I’m a bit new. But I got the show for what it is–entertainment based on a dance competition. Despite my favorites, I always look forward to how the show surprises me, whether it’s the good kind or the bad. I may grumble and get exasperated and complain, but hey, isn’t that what the show aims for? To get its audience invested/interested enough to care to tune in to know what’s happening?
Thanks to the mods for allowing us to visit and play here!
I personally think it’s all about ratings. I think the judges are getting older, and they are looking to bring fresh blood in gradually. I just wish Julianne was a pro again. I love her cheorography, and I think her talent is wasted on a judging panel. That’s mho.
As for the Karina’s comment, we all have an opinion and nobody is going to be happy regardless of it. I think she was just being honest as to how she felt. I don’t think she said anything to stir up any drama, which of course is what it’s doing. I think the whole DWTS group is one big family, and I think they all support each other, so if they don’t take it personally, I won’t.
I have no problems with Karina’s comments because she does have a point, because if I were to judge a family member or a close friend, I would be bias towards the people I’m close to also. And it’s her opinion, she’s entitled to it.
As for whether Karina would have the same opinion if Maks was the 4th judge instead, well maybe she would, maybe not, we wouldn’t know for sure would we?
No, but, we don’t know “for sure” Julianne is going to be as bias as you and Karina say either, do we?? But, if she is biased at times, how is that any different than when the other judges have and can be biased, etc.
As I said before, Linda – Karina is absolutely entitled to her opinion. And we’re entitled to OURS.
Funny thing about opinions is that everyone has one. And has the same right to it.
firstly, I never implied that I thought “for sure” that Julianne will be bias towards certain pros, all I said was that I have no problems with Karina’s comments because she does have a point about it not being ethical, because usually it’s not, not often do family members judge each other in competitions.
But I mentioned nothing about Julianne specifically being bias, maybe she will maybe she won’t, we’ll just have to wait and see.
Secondly, although I don’t agree with alot of comments posted here, but I still respect everyone’s opinions because we are all entitled to our own opinions.
To me, Karina’s comments just seem out of character for her. She’s never seemed that focused on the judges/scoring aspect of DWTS. I’m surprised that she wouldn’t approach the situation with a welcoming attitude — that’s what I would have expected from the person I’ve observed over all these years.
Contrary to what others have said, if I agreed to judge a competition in which a family member was involved, I would bend over backwards to avoid any appearance of bias. If I didn’t have that mindset I wouldn’t agree to do it.
Furthermore, Derek clearly doesn’t need an “in” on the judges panel to win. On the other hand, Maks needed a giant ringer, a showmance, and TPTB promoting him and his partner at every opportunity. I mean, did anyone last season get to see a video of the team they actually voted for online, instead of a video of M&M? In addition, Maks has said that he thinks it’s Val’s turn to win (pee-wee baseball here we come!), so there’s not much question about how he would behave were he a judge. I would still prefer 3 judges and the return of confessionals. But Julianne and Maks are not equivalents. I’m not concerned about Julianne’s integrity; I have great concerns about Maks’s.
well Maks won’t be a judge this season (even though he has said that he wouldn’t mind coming back as a judge), so we don’t know how he would handle the job full-time. But both Maks and Julianne had guest judged on the show before for season 17, and as far as I can remember, Maks wasn’t particularly bias even though Val was competing. And despite this “rivalry” of sorts between Maks & Derek that fans always love to believe, Maks did compliment Derek when he was a guest judge.
But overall, whether it’s Julianne or Maks and as much as I like Maks, I personally would not want either of them to be a full-time judge on the show. If they have to bring in a 4th judge, I would prefer someone who is a highly respected professional who has no relatives competing on the show.
As I’ve said – you’re entitled to your opinion. You’re not entitled to be snotty on our blog. Now, try not to be such a buzzkill going forward. We haven’t discussed this post since the day it went up. You’re the only one currently up in arms about it.
All great points, Susan. And perhaps Maks’ mindset is why he didn’t get the job.
As for Karina’s comments – well, I have to roll my eyes pretty hard at anyone talking about Ethics and a reality show (NOT a dance competition) in the same breath. I mean, come on. This show was more manipulated for one person to win last season than it’s EVER been before. And I mean ever, including the winner take all Cha Cha for Chelsea. The video on the facebook page always being Meryl/Maks, the judges NEVER mentioning the choreography the way they usually tear Derek’s down when he has had a ringer (I dare you to go back and watch all of Nicole’s dances and Len’s comments), CAI swooning over the showmance, the convenient “counting” of the switch up votes…the list goes on. And she’s worried about Julianne??? LOL – Julianne will likely do as she’s TOLD to do. And if it’s clear she didn’t get the judging memo – good for her.
I don’t think they tamper with the votes – despite what some say I do think that would get them in trouble – but it’s very clear that some seasons they have a reason to push a certain couple. Sometimes it works (Meryl) and sometimes it doesn’t (Zendaya, Chelsea). I kind of think that every season there is someone they want to get to the end (not necessarily win), but it becomes clear to them early on that that person can’t dance well or the votes just aren’t there, so they don’t work as hard at it. I think Leah Remini was one of those people. Usually you can see why they want that person around. Zendaya and Chelsea were both ABC “family” members. Wasn’t Leah going to have a show on a ABC related enterprise or did they just like her because of her personality??
Chelsea & Mark were classy about not winning…Zendaya & Val….not so much lol.