Mark Ballas has a clear message for the haters who believe he gets special treatment on Dancing With the Stars: It’s absolutely not true. The long-time pro on the show took to social media to address the rumors that he’s a favorite of the judges and production team, and therefore gets the best songs each week.
The rumors were especially rampant this week as it’s the much anticipated Wicked Night, and Mark and his partner Whitney Leavitt (Of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives fame) are set to dance a quickstep to the tune “Popular.”
Mark shared a lip-sync video on both Instagram and TikTok ahead of Tuesday’s show, using the audio from the movie Hook saying, “I want, I want, I want, me, me, me, me, mine, mine, mine, mine, now, now now.” He added the caption: “How some of you think I am in the DWTS music meetings.”
He continued by listing his choices for music in order, revealing that he and Whitney will be dancing to his fourth choice song. His official list of choices were:
“For Good,” with a request for a Viennese Waltz with 6/8 timing. It will performed as a rumba by Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa.
“The Wizard and I,” with a request for jazz, since they recently did a foxtrot. This song will be danced by Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold, who are doing it as a contemporary.
ADVERTISEMENT“What Is This Feeling,” with the same notes to make it a jazz number instead of a foxtrot. This song went to Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy who will be doing jazz.
“Popular,” which Mark noted, “could be a cute Quickstep but … ‘the tempo needs to be more consistent which the band can make happen.'”
He added after his list, “But honestly this is one of my FAVORITE shows of all time and l’d be happy with any song. I LOVE the music so much.”
Celebs (and His Mom!) Weigh In
The comments were instant gold. Fellow pro Ezra Sosa joked, “wait…we can have MUSIC MEETINGS?! 💀💀” while Emma Slater added, “Not that we have music meetings mind you 😂😂😂😂.” Celebrity contestant Dylan Efron quipped, “Don’t buy it… wasn’t ‘I’m Not That Girl’ everyone’s first choice?”
Even Mark’s mother, legendary ballroom dancer Shirley Ballas, jumped in to show her support, writing, “I have no words. This is spot on. 💯 You make me laugh from an ocean away. Keep delivering your work the best way you know how. Bring joy to those that love you ❤.”
Meanwhile, one fan deadpanned what everyone else was thinking: “Not them screaming favoritism and you got the last song of your requests 😂.”
Others chimed in to defend Mark’s talent and professionalism:
“I love this post/caption bc ppl really don’t know how it works week to week and I think it’s a fascinating part of the process!”
“People just hate to see a diva slay.”
“He gets the best songs!!! OR, and hear me out on this, he’s just such a good choreographer that he can make any song seem like ‘the best song.’”
“God forbid a man is just really good at his job.”
“HAHAH they really think you have every decision and say.”
Setting the Record Straight With Humor
Ballas’s video served as a masterclass in how to shut down rumors with humor and grace. Rather than lashing out, he let the facts — and a funny Hook clip — speak for themselves.
Now in his 20th season on DWTS, Mark has built a reputation as one of the show’s most creative choreographers. His routines are consistently crowd favorites, and his ability to adapt to each theme week after week has kept him among the most respected pros in the ballroom.
With Wicked Night shaping up to be one of the most anticipated episodes of the season, it’s safe to say Mark and Whitney will be ready to prove once again that it’s talent and not favoritism that makes the magic happen.
Related: ‘DWTS’ Pro Mark Ballas’ Childhood Dance Video Is Pure ’90s Gold
This story was originally reported by Parade on Oct 21, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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