Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster as we dive into the world of Dancing With the Stars! Alan Bersten's pride in his partner, Elaine Hendrix, is palpable as they gear up for the season 34 finale.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Bersten, 31, expressed his belief that Hendrix, 54, finally received the scores she deserved during Prince Night. "It's not just about the previous weeks, but she worked tirelessly this week and truly earned that perfect score. Her hustle is off the charts!" he exclaimed.
During the semi-final episode, the remaining six couples showcased their talent with two dances each. Bersten and Hendrix's foxtrot earned them all nines, with judge Carrie Ann Inaba encouraging Hendrix to push her limits further. And push she did! Their paso doble performance was so impressive that it earned them their first perfect score of the season, leaving Inaba so moved that she dramatically fell to the floor.
When asked about her reaction to the judges' praise, Hendrix shared, "I fought for it!" with cohost Julianne Hough.
The Parent Trap star gushed about Bersten's support throughout the season, crediting him for helping her see her potential and go beyond her own expectations. "He's been an integral part of this journey. I came in determined to give it my all, and Alan has been instrumental in helping me achieve more than I ever imagined." she explained.
As they prepare for the supersized finale, where each pair will perform three dances, Hendrix and Bersten are maintaining a positive mindset. "We've come this far, and we're just going to keep doing what we do best. We can't control the outcome, so we might as well enjoy the process," Hendrix told Us.
The competition is fierce, with Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas eliminated on Tuesday night, leaving Hendrix and Bersten to face off against Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy, Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, and Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach in the finals. Despite the tough competition, Bersten emphasized the importance of having fun. "Enjoy the dancing, because this is our last chance to dance together on this floor. Let's make it memorable!" he added.
The duo has faced challenges, including Hendrix's injury during Halloween Week. However, she bounced back stronger than ever, focusing on her strength and determination. "There was no permanent damage, so now it's about managing the pain and dancing through it with my eyes on the prize!" she shared.
After missing a live performance due to her injury, Hendrix dedicated herself to healing. "Ironically, I feel stronger now than I did at the beginning of the season. I'm focusing on that strength and using it to power through!" she added.
Don't miss an episode of Dancing With the Stars, airing Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
And here's where it gets controversial... Do you think Hendrix's scores were truly deserved, or was there an element of favoritism? Share your thoughts in the comments! It's time to spark some friendly debate among DWTS fans.
