Giada De Laurentiis Reveals Why She Broke Down in Tears After Her ‘DWTS’ Debut
Giada De Laurentiis’ first Dancing With the Stars performance ended with more than a judges’ score — it also brought an emotional release for the longtime Food Network personality.
After performing a tango with professional partner Alan Bersten during the September 16 live broadcast, De Laurentiis became visibly emotional. Speaking with Us Weekly afterward, the 53-year-old chef explained that the tears came after a buildup of anxiety and self-doubt surrounding her ballroom debut.
De Laurentiis made clear that the emotions viewers saw were ultimately “tears of joy,” while also crediting Bersten with helping her through the pressure of the competition.
Giada De Laurentiis Says the Emotions ‘Overtook’ Her
De Laurentiis told Us Weekly that several factors contributed to her emotional reaction.
“I think it’s the scores, but I think it’s also just, like, all the anxiety and the self-doubt,” she said.
She also acknowledged the unusual experience of entering a dance competition and performing alongside younger contestants.
De Laurentiis compared the emotional buildup to a volcano erupting, saying she had been trying to keep her feelings contained before eventually reaching a point where she could no longer do so.
The reaction came after she and Bersten completed their first competitive performance together.
Giada and Alan Bersten Earned 16 Out of 30 for Their Tango
De Laurentiis and Bersten opened their ballroom run with a tango performed to Shocking Blue’s “Venus.”
The routine received a combined score of 16 out of 30 from the judges.
Once the scores arrived, De Laurentiis’ emotions became visible to viewers. She later explained that Bersten had already noticed throughout the day that she appeared ready to cry.
According to De Laurentiis, Bersten encouraged her to let those emotions out rather than suppress them.
She initially resisted because she was thinking about everything surrounding the live performance, including her makeup and other preparations. After finishing the dance, however, she said she reached the point where she “couldn’t hold it anymore.”
De Laurentiis Calls Her Reaction ‘Tears of Joy’
While her emotional response followed an intense night, De Laurentiis clarified that the tears were positive.
She described them specifically as “tears of joy.”
Bersten also told Us Weekly that he was glad his celebrity partner did not hide what she was feeling.
De Laurentiis praised the 32-year-old professional dancer for being supportive throughout the experience. She recalled Bersten reassuring her that she should simply do her best and that he would support her regardless of the outcome.
“He’s very supportive and sweet,” she said.
That reassurance became especially meaningful when the pair faced the possibility of elimination.
Elimination Added Another Layer of Pressure
Completing a live dance was only one part of the emotional experience for De Laurentiis.
She also had to wait to find out whether she and Bersten would remain in the competition.
De Laurentiis recalled Bersten telling her that even if they were eliminated, she had done the best job she could.
When they were ultimately announced as safe, the chef expressed relief but admitted she found the elimination process difficult.
“Oh my God, this is like the worst feeling ever,” she recalled thinking after learning their fate, adding, “Elimination’s terrible.”
For De Laurentiis, the experience underscored how quickly the pressure of Dancing With the Stars can extend beyond choreography and judging scores.
Daughter Jade Supported Her Mom’s Ballroom Debut
De Laurentiis also received encouragement from her 18-year-old daughter, Jade, whom she shares with ex-husband Todd Thompson.
Although the mother and daughter had not yet spoken after the performance when De Laurentiis talked with Us Weekly, Jade had already sent her a supportive message.
De Laurentiis said her daughter texted her in all caps before the performance: “You got this.”
She jokingly noted that there was more to the message that she could not repeat.
Bersten suggested that Jade’s words could become the pair’s “new mantra” as they continue their DWTS journey.
The family support is particularly meaningful because De Laurentiis previously discussed how her daughter helped inspire her decision to take on the ballroom challenge.
Food Network Friends Are Cheering Giada On
De Laurentiis is also receiving encouragement from familiar faces in the culinary world.
She said fellow Food Network personalities reached out before her premiere, including Guy Fieri.
According to De Laurentiis, Fieri told her, “You better shake it, and you better bring it, make us all proud.”
The messages added another source of support as De Laurentiis stepped outside the environment where audiences are accustomed to seeing her.
Rather than preparing dishes for television, she is now learning choreography, performing live and facing judges and eliminations alongside a professional ballroom partner.
What Comes Next for Giada De Laurentiis on DWTS?
With her first performance behind her and her place in the competition secured for another round, De Laurentiis now has the opportunity to build on her debut.
Her premiere illustrated that the challenge is not solely physical. By her own account, anxiety and self-doubt were significant parts of the experience leading up to the performance.
At the same time, De Laurentiis has a support system that includes Bersten, her daughter and friends from the Food Network community.
Her emotional reaction after the tango ultimately reflected the release of that pressure. As she clarified afterward, the tears viewers witnessed were tears of joy after completing a challenge far outside her familiar culinary world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Giada De Laurentiis cry after her DWTS debut?
De Laurentiis told Us Weekly that anxiety, self-doubt, the judges’ scores and the overall intensity of the experience contributed to her emotional reaction. She described the moment as “tears of joy.”
Who is Giada De Laurentiis’ DWTS partner?
Giada De Laurentiis is partnered with professional dancer Alan Bersten on season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.
What dance did Giada De Laurentiis perform during her debut?
De Laurentiis and Bersten performed a tango to Shocking Blue’s “Venus.”
What score did Giada De Laurentiis receive on DWTS?
De Laurentiis and Bersten earned a combined score of 16 out of 30 from the judges for their premiere tango.
What did Giada De Laurentiis’ daughter say before her performance?
Her daughter Jade sent her an encouraging text before the performance that began with the all-caps message, “You got this.” De Laurentiis jokingly declined to repeat the rest of it.
