Sherri Shepherd’s heartfelt reaction to her exit from Dancing with the Stars Season 14 in 2012 transcended mere performance woes. On April 3, 2025, during a candid discussion on her show, Shepherd revealed the deeper implications behind her tears:
“People thought I was crying because I didn’t execute my pasodoble correctly, but I literally was crying because I was calculating my bills.”
At that time, Shepherd’s thoughts were consumed by her financial responsibilities, particularly concerning her son’s tuition and mortgage obligations. This revelation offered a poignant perspective, illustrating the multifaceted challenges contestants face, beyond the glitz and glamour of televised performances.
Sherri Shepherd Reflects on Her Dancing with the Stars Elimination
The Burden of Financial Worries
Shepherd’s departure from the competition in week three was more than just about dancing; it was heavily influenced by her financial situation. As she articulated:
“I’ve gotta take that car back because I thought I was going to get the Mirror Ball…I need money!”
For contestants, the longer the journey, the greater the potential financial reward. Shepherd emphasized the critical role money played in her motivation to stay on the show, acknowledging that her winnings would directly support her essential expenses. The emotional weight of her elimination was compounded by the daunting realization of losing out on vital income.
Challenges of Competing on Dancing with the Stars
Despite the financial strain, Shepherd expressed gratitude for her participation in Dancing with the Stars, highlighting the experience as profoundly enriching. She remarked:
“One of the best experiences I ever had because I love to dance.”
The opportunity to dive into her passion for dancing was invaluable, and even with an early exit, she appreciated the time spent alongside her dance partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. Their rehearsals and performances fostered a meaningful connection and contributed to her positive experience.
Sherri Shepherd’s Expanding Reality TV Career
Catch Sherri on The Masked Singer
Sherri Shepherd’s journey through reality television continued well beyond her Dancing with the Stars stint. In 2019, she made waves on The Masked Singer as The Penguin, thrilling in her ability to sing and dance. Reflecting on this experience, she enthused:
“Number one, you get to sing. Two, you get to dance and you do it in costume, and they pay you some really good money!”
Much like her earlier dance challenges, this venture allowed Shepherd to showcase her diverse talents to a broader audience. In January 2024, she fondly reminisced about her time on Dancing with the Stars and cheekily prompted Val Chmerkovskiy to repeat a particular performance lift they once attempted. He responded humorously, saying:
“You were hot then and you’re fine now.”
This playful exchange underscored the lasting camaraderie they built during the competition.
For fans wanting to catch the latest episodes or revisit Shepherd’s journey, Dancing with the Stars is available for streaming on ABC platforms and Disney+.