The 32nd season premiere of Dancing With the Stars kicked off with a heartfelt tribute to the late judge, Len Goodman. Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough honored Goodman, who passed away in April at the age of 78 after a battle with bone cancer. Prior to his retirement from the show a few months before his death, Goodman expressed his desire to spend more time with his grandchildren and family in the United Kingdom.
Ribeiro began the show by acknowledging Goodman’s absence, stating, “We’re obviously missing a big part of our Dancing With the Stars family tonight.” Hough added, “Len was on this panel for nearly all of our 31 seasons. And although he is irreplaceable, we wanted to keep his spirit alive.”
As a tribute to Goodman, the show unveiled the newly renamed Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Executive producer Conrad Green explained that they wanted to make Goodman a permanent part of the show and honor his importance to Dancing With the Stars. The infamous mirrorball trophy will now be lifted on the show, reminiscent of how the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl.
Hough also teased a spectacular tribute to Len from the dancers in the coming weeks, further ensuring that his legacy will be remembered and honored. This is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated so much of his life to the world of dance and brought his expertise and passion to both Dancing With the Stars and the British version of the show, Strictly Come Dancing.
Before joining Dancing With the Stars in 2005, Goodman served as a head judge on Strictly Come Dancing from its inception in 2004 until 2016. His wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of dance made him an invaluable asset to both shows. His departure from the Dancing With the Stars panel was truly a loss, but his impact on the show and its contestants will never be forgotten.
The renaming of the mirrorball trophy is a significant gesture that ensures Goodman’s memory will remain alive in the hearts of the show’s participants and viewers alike. The trophy, now known as the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, will forever carry his name and serve as a reminder of his invaluable contributions to Dancing With the Stars.
Throughout his time on the show, Goodman provided valuable critiques and guidance to the celebrity contestants and professional dancers. His sharp wit and honest feedback became a trademark of his judging style and endeared him to both the fans and participants of the show.
Goodman’s absence on the panel this season is deeply felt, but the tribute during the season premiere serves as a reminder of his lasting impact. The dancers will no doubt pull out all the stops to pay homage to Goodman in the coming weeks, ensuring that his legacy is celebrated and cherished.
As Dancing With the Stars embarks on its 32nd season, it does so with a heavy heart but also with a renewed sense of purpose. The presence of the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy serves as a constant reminder of the man who helped shape the show into what it is today.
In conclusion, the tribute to Len Goodman during the season 32 premiere of Dancing With the Stars was a touching way to honor his memory and pay homage to his contributions to the show. The renaming of the mirrorball trophy ensures that Goodman’s legacy will live on, and the upcoming tribute from the dancers promises to be a spectacular celebration of his life and career. As the show continues without him, Goodman’s spirit will always be present, reminding everyone of his importance and the mark he left on Dancing With the Stars.
