Dancing with the Stars was not just an ordinary start to the competition. It was a heartfelt tribute to the late head judge, Len Goodman, who passed away in April 2022 at the age of 78. This beloved ballroom dancing legend was remembered and honored in a touching ceremony led by co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
Tribute to Len Goodman:
As the episode began, Alfonso Ribeiro acknowledged Len Goodman's absence, setting the stage for a touching tribute. Julianne Hough expressed the sentiment that Len had been a part of nearly all 31 seasons of Dancing with the Stars, making him irreplaceable. She emphasized the desire to keep his spirit alive.
A poignant moment came when a photo of Len Goodman appeared on the screen behind the ballroom floor. This image transitioned to the new Mirrorball Trophy, which has been renamed the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy in his honor. Julianne Hough affirmed, «Len will always be going forward with us,» while Alfonso Ribeiro added, «As a tribute to him, we redesigned and renamed our ultimate prize.»
The co-hosts also assured viewers that the show has a «spectacular tribute to Len from our dancers that you won't wanna miss» planned for a few weeks later in the season. This further signifies the profound impact Len Goodman had on the show and the dancing community.
Len Goodman's passing in April 2022 was a somber moment for fans and the dance world alike. He had battled bone cancer and passed away peacefully in Kent, England, surrounded by his family.
Len Goodman's contribution to Dancing with the Stars was immeasurable. He served as a head judge on the show from its inception in 2005 until his retirement in 2022. Beyond the American version, he was also