Ally Brooke Begs 'DWTS' Judges to Save James Van Der Beek Instead of Her
The Dancing With the Stars semi-finals came to an emotional and surprising end when long-time frontrunner James Van Der Beek was eliminated from the ballroom competition show. Fellow contestant Ally Brooke tried to give up her spot in the finale for Van Der Beek, but the show's judges and host didn't seem to be going along with it.
Brooke and Van Der Beek wound up in the bottom two on Monday night's episode, and when it came time for the judges to choose which contestant would move on to the finals, they chose Brooke. As judge Carrie Ann Inaba announced Brooke's name, the pop singer could be seen sadly shaking her head. She then immediately turned to host Tom Bergeron and tearfully asked if she could give up her spot in the finale to Van Der Beek, who had received lower scores than normal after dealing with a family tragedy earlier in the week.
Brooke again pleaded with the judges, and turned to Van Der Beek, saying "James can I give it to you, please?” While Van Der Beek's response was inaudible, he appeared to be comforting Brooke.
In a post-show interview with Entertainment Tonight, Brooke further explained her reaction to the elimination.
"I don't believe it's fair that he was sent home, so I just wanted to give my spot to him," she said. "He's been through so much and he's overcome so many things. Especially this past week, I just felt it was right to give it to him. Obviously he didn't accept it. I talked to him and he was proud of me. He told me, 'Don't be afraid to shine.' So I'm going to take that with me and I just have to do this for him, is what I feel."
Fans at home took note of the exchange and applauded the pop star for her selflessness.
What an emotional ending tonight on #DWTS ... that was tough! @AllyBrooke so genuine wanting to save James. 🥺 pic.twitter.com/0SqChyYZ8u
— DENISE (@denisekonair) November 19, 2019
Offering her place to James... class act #DWTS
— Tim VwVoyager (@Tim__White) November 19, 2019
The fact Ally was willing to give up her place shows y’all need to quit sending hate to Ally she didn’t ask for this to happen #DWTS
— Thomas Steven 🍀 (@thomassteven00) November 19, 2019
OKAY but can we talk about how GENEROUS and KIND Ally was just now. What a great human being..offering her spot in the finals instead 😥 #DWTS #DancingWiththeStars
— Ashley Altman (@a_altman_) November 19, 2019
What an act of class and humility @AllyBrooke just showed all of us on #DWTS....incredibly selfless.
— N.R. Kastroll (@MrMayorK) November 19, 2019
#DWTS @AllyBrooke that was so nice for you to try to give up your finals spot to @vanderjames! This is been the closest semi-finals this show has ever seen! I wouldn’t have cared who were in the finals, but it also wouldn’t have been justice if #TeamTime2Shine weren’t in.
— 🌈Brandon💖Monster💜Kat💙Wu🏳️🌈 (@MonsterKatWu) November 19, 2019
.@AllyBrooke trying to give her pass to the finals to @vanderjames is the most heart wrenching thing I’ve ever seen, and to watch him console her just made me cry. #DWTS
— Julia ✌🏻🌈 (@canadianjules_) November 19, 2019
@DancingABC what an emotional roller coaster tonite. @AllyBrooke you are such a class act. @vanderjames our prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for letting us into your lives this season. #dwts #SemiFinals
— Leesa Beasley (@daydreameer) November 19, 2019
Despite her best efforts, Brooke will be the one to go on to next week's final. With the high scores she has been receiving week after week, there's a high likelihood she could take home the Mirrorball trophy.
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