The score places him among the lowest-scoring contestants in the show’s history, trailing only Master P’s historical 8 out of 30 from 2006.
A Disco Routine Set to Jean Knight’s Music
Ahead of the premiere, Rodriguez joked that rehearsals produced an unexpected result: instead of losing weight, Jimmy Kimmel’s sidekick said he gained 10 pounds. Rodriguez told Entertainment Weekly that he viewed his partner as an inspiration, stating, Witney is the best. She's an example that women can do anything. She's pregnant and she's dancing.
At the start of his journey, Rodriguez was hopeful the judges would enjoy his punchy performances, sharing earlier in the month that Bruno Tonioli told him in the morning, You got to bring sexy back to Dancing With the Stars.
While Rodriguez moved and grooved through the routine with enthusiasm alongside his pregnant pro partner, the judges quickly drew a line between entertainment value and technical execution. Derek Hough noted the lack of technique while praising the effort, telling Rodriguez, Was the technique there? No. Was the effort there? Absolutely.
Bruno Tonioli added that the routine was unforgettable, remarking, Nobody will ever, ever forget this… Technique can only get better.
Carrie Ann Inaba commended Rodriguez for bringing personality to the ballroom, pointing out that it was super entertaining and every movement was executed with the intention that was proper, noting that entertainment value and how the audience responds matters.
Judges Hand Down a 10-Point Total Amid Audience Boos
When it came time for the scores, however, the judges changed their tune. Inaba awarded Rodriguez a 4, while Hough and Tonioli each handed out a 3, bringing his total to 10 points out of a possible 30 as Rodriguez muttered, “Oh my god. The score drew loud boos from the studio audience, prompting cohost Julianne Hough to note,
We got booing here, guys,and host Alfonso Ribeiro to add,
Man, it’s getting good in here, baby. It’s getting good.”
The 10-point total lands Rodriguez’s score as one of the lowest in DWTS history, placing him just behind Master P and his partner, Ashly DelGrosso, who earned an 8 out of 30 during week 4 of season 2 in 2006. At the time, Tonioli told Master P, You looked like a child lost at the mall looking for his mother,
adding, I can't judge something that has nothing to judge.
Reflecting on that era, the late Len Goodman called it “cruel” that the audience would vote Master P back each week, while Inaba tried to soften the blow by telling Master P it was his best dance yet.
Surviving the Bottom Three on Premiere Night
Despite earning one of the lowest scores in the show’s history, Rodriguez remained upbeat, proud to be partnered with Carson, and appeared thrilled to have completed his first competitive dance.
The low score placed Rodriguez and Carson among the bottom three couples on premiere night. However, viewer votes kept the pair safe in the competition, while Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman went home instead. ET on ABC and Disney+.