Dancing with the Stars fans were heartbroken to learn that former head judge, Len Goodman, passed away in April 2023. During Season 32, a tribute was planned for the beloved judge, which would feature current pros and some former DWTS pros. The waltz that the dancers performed to Moon River was emotional and gorgeous. But fans were shocked that longtime pro-Cheryl Burke, who had retired the previous season along with Len, was not invited.

“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!” she said. It seemed wrong to exclude fan favorites from that special dance. Why couldn’t Cheryl just sit in the audience?

The night of the tribute, Cheryl shared an emotional Instagram video message about Len. “Thank you for representing us ballroom dancers and never compromising what we stood for in the ballroom community,” she said. “Thank you for changing my life and bringing joy to millions of people watching us throughout the years.”

Why wasn’t Cheryl invited to the tribute?

Cheryl was a guest on the Amy & TJ podcast, where she discussed the snub. She believes that her iHeartRadio podcast, titled Sex, Lies, & Spray Tans, led to her being excluded. “I would assume that some people may not be happy with my podcast that I have here with iHeart,” she explained. Cheryl quipped that “maybe it’s the title” that was problematic.

The former DWTS pro said, “Every single celebrity and dancer on this show has had an experience.” Cheryl continued, “I don’t care if you’re the first eliminated, or if you went all the way till the end. This show is something that is a special experience that you go through these different emotions and I think it’s important that we talk, and I think it’s entertaining for the fans who have been sticking by their side for so many decades now, and it’s just a great time,” she added. I agree. Let’s get some of the backstage stories.

Cheryl doesn’t feel like she’s part of the DWTS family

“And I always, I always am going back to the fact that I am in gratitude for my experience and my time with the network and with you know, Dancing with the Stars in general,” Cheryl said.

But when asked if she still feels like a member of the DWTS family, she responded, “Definitely not.” And then she gave a simple explanation as to why. “It’s so personal, and people can separate the two. I’m like, ‘Are you a sociopath?’ Because I don’t get it. I don’t know how you do that,” she stated.

I’m still saddened that Cheryl wasn’t included in Len’s tribute. But I’m happy that she is moving on with her podcast.