Behind the Scenes: Anna Aronov's Final DWTS Revelations
Judge and former professional dancer reflects on the pressures of live TV, emotional eliminations, and the power of dance amid wartime broadcasting
With the grand finale of Dancing with the Stars just around the corner, head judge Anna Aronov is pulling back the curtain on the intensity, emotional weight, and behind-the-scenes experience of this season. In an interview with Israel Hayom, the former professional dancer admitted, “Honestly, I’m glad it’s ending tonight.”
As the competition heats up and the final lineup is set following this week’s dramatic “second chance” episode, Aronov shared candid thoughts about the live-show format and her role on the judging panel.
“As a dancer, I only experienced live broadcasts,” Aronov explained. “There’s something incredibly intense about knowing that when you’re performing, hundreds of thousands are watching you in real time. It’s like standing on the biggest stage in the world.”
She continued:
“Even though you don’t physically feel it, the pressure is enormous. You have just a minute and a half to impress not only the judges but everyone who turned on their TV, made popcorn, and sat down to watch. That adds an overwhelming sense of gravity to the performance.”
As head of the judges' panel, Aronov expressed gratitude for the position but admitted it comes with a heavy emotional toll.
“I'm thankful for the opportunity, but I’m also the one delivering the hard news. I’m the messenger who has to say, ‘Your journey in the competition is over’, and that’s not easy. So yes, it’s a relief that tonight it all wraps up.”
A Season of Light in Dark Times
This year’s season was broadcast under the shadow of national conflict, and Aronov acknowledged the emotional complexity of continuing the show in wartime.
“There’s something pure about Dancing with the Stars. It’s not about drama or scandal, it’s about talent, perseverance, and art,” she said. “What makes it beautiful is that each celebrity chooses to share a personal story through dance. Not because they have to, but because they want to. It’s one of the most meaningful ways to honor a loved one or pay tribute to a family.”
High Stakes and Tough Calls
In the latest episode, five previously eliminated pairs competed for a single spot back in the live shows: Sigal Shachmon and Sergey Stepanov, Alona Saar and Eitan Krips, Moran Samuel and Sean Ziv, Ben Yosipovich and Polina Chikatunov, and Ruslana Rodina with Adam Raphaillov.
Ultimately, it came down to Ben & Polina and Moran & Sean, with judges Eli Mizrahi and Leah Yanai favoring Ben, while David Dvir voted to keep Moran in. The final decision fell to Aronov, who made the call with visible difficulty.
“It’s almost impossible to decide something like this. It’s extremely tough,” she said, before ultimately choosing to return Ben and Polina to the competition.
As the finale approaches, all eyes are on the remaining couples, and on Aronov, whose sharp professionalism and emotional depth have helped shape this unforgettable season.