Val Chmerkovskiy Calls Out AJ Pritchard's Arrogance on 'Next Pro': Why Attitude Matters in Dance Competition

Val Chmerkovskiy, the legendary DWTS pro with three Mirrorball Trophies to his name, recently spoke out about contestant AJ Pritchard’s behavior on ABC’s‘Next Pro’competition. During an episode of his podcast“Stepping On Toes,”Val didn’t hold back, calling Pritchard’s arrogance a“huge turn-off”and expressing concern about how his attitude affects his dance partner, Serena Hamilton. While Val acknowledged that Pritchard has serious credentials, having worked as a pro on“Strictly Come Dancing”for years, he emphasized a crucial point: past success doesn’t mean much when you’re starting fresh on a new stage.

The main criticism centers on Pritchard’s reliance on his previous accomplishments rather than proving himself in the present moment. Val pointed out that everybody competing has won something, has a background, and comes with experience. What separates standout competitors from the rest is the ability to show humility and put in the work right now, not rest on laurels from years ago. Beyond the attitude issue, Val also took aim at Pritchard’s physical correction methods with Hamilton, specifically his use of his foot to push her hip back during rehearsals. According to Val, this approach creates a negative energy that viewers and judges pick up on immediately.

The broader lesson Val is trying to convey resonates far beyond dance competitions. In any competitive environment, your attitude and how you treat others around you can make or break your success. Pritchard may be talented, but if he continues leaning on past wins and treating his partner without the respect she deserves, it’s going to show on screen. The winner of‘Next Pro’earns a spot as a professional dancer on Dancing With The Stars Season 35, so the stakes are high. What do you think—can Pritchard turn his attitude around in time, or has he already lost the respect of judges and viewers?