Dancing for More Than a Trophy: When Second Place Wins It All

The Unforeseen Outcome: A Dance Journey Culminates in Controversy

During his time on the popular dance competition, Manheim showcased exceptional talent, consistently delivering strong performances, including two perfect scores with his professional partner Witney Carson. However, in a surprising turn of events, the Mirrorball trophy ultimately went to radio personality Bobby Bones and his partner Sharna Burgess, a result that many viewed as controversial given their lower judges' scores.

Finding Triumph in Defeat: The Value of an Underdog Narrative

Despite not winning, Manheim views his second-place finish as a victory in itself. He lightheartedly stated that the loss actually worked in his favor, as it solidified his image as the "robbed" contender. This narrative has continued to resonate with fans, leading to ongoing validation and recognition for his impressive dancing skills, something he believes he might not have received had he won outright.

Catalyst for Change: Impacting the Show's Voting System

Manheim also takes pride in the fact that his season's outcome prompted a significant reevaluation of 'Dancing With the Stars'' voting procedures. Following a series of instances where technically superior dancers were eliminated in favor of less skilled, but more popular, contestants, the show implemented a new policy in season 28. This adjustment allows judges to intervene and save a talented couple from elimination, aiming to balance popular votes with dance prowess. Manheim humorously referred to himself as a "very political man" for contributing to this systemic change.

A Shared Experience: Supporting Fellow Dancers

The actor extended his empathy to his 'Zombies' co-star, Chandler Kinney, who faced a similar situation in season 33 of 'Dancing With the Stars', falling short of the Mirrorball despite strong performances. Manheim expressed his frustration, noting that he had hoped Kinney would "avenge" his loss, only to see her encounter a comparable fate. He humorously alluded to the show's potentially "rigged" nature, albeit clarifying that he doesn't truly believe it to be so, acknowledging Kinney's exceptional talent.

Echoes of Disagreement: The Public and Judges' Verdict

The controversy surrounding Bones' victory has persisted over the years. Notably, in 2024, former 'DWTS' pro and co-host Julianne Hough openly admitted her strong disagreement with Bones being crowned champion, highlighting the disparity between fan popularity and actual dancing ability. Bones himself concurred with this sentiment, humbly admitting his lack of dancing skill but crediting his fanbase for his unexpected win, playfully referring to it as a triumph over the "evil empire of dance."