# DWTS’ Alfonso Ribeiro Responds to Alexa PenaVega’s Quip That Show Is Rigged

> Alfonso Ribeiro defends DWTS voting system after Alexa PenaVega claims show is rigged.
- Title: DWTS’ Alfonso Ribeiro Responds to Alexa PenaVega’s Quip That…
- Summary: Alfonso Ribeiro defends DWTS voting system after Alexa PenaVega claims show is rigged. Alfonso Ribeiro says DWTS voting is fair, countering Alexa PenaVega's…
- Keywords: alfonso ribeiro, alexa penavega, dancing with the stars, dwts, season 21, abc, voting system, social media, tiktok, lexlos podcast, entertainment, celebrity
- Source: E! Online — https://eonline.com/news/1437481/dwts-alfonso-ribeiro-responds-after-alexa-penavega-suggests-show-is-rigged
- Published: 2026-10-26T17:03:16+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: alfonso ribeiro, alexa penavega, dancing with the stars, dwts, season 21, abc, voting system, social media, tiktok, lexlos podcast, entertainment, celebrity
## Alfonso Ribeiro responds
Alfonso Ribeiro, DWTS host and season 19 winner, quickly addressed Alexa PenaVega's claim that the show is rigged.
## Alexa PenaVega's podcast comment
Alexa PenaVega recalled Hayes Grier, a 15-year-old season 21 competitor, saying the show is rigged after landing in the bottom three.
## Hayes Grier's quote
Hayes Grier told Alexa PenaVega, 'Man, you know what? I think this show is rigged. I have more votes than anybody.'

> Hayes is only like 15 years old, he's the sweetest kid
## Alexa's reasoning
Alexa PenaVega explained Hayes Grier had millions of followers, making it easy for him to text votes to win the show.
## Alfonso's response
Alfonso Ribeiro stated, 'No chance,' we want everyone who’s popular to stay on the show, it’s basic logic.

> No chance
## Alexa clarifies
Alexa PenaVega admitted the TikTok clip was incomplete, urging viewers to watch the full episode for context.

> The clip picks up mid-story
## Alexa's voting explanation
Alexa PenaVega emphasized votes matter but producers also choose winners based on their demographic and story.

> The show's also produced
## DWTS producer response
DWTS producer Ryan O’Dowd confirmed the show never manipulates votes, stating it needs to be credible for viewers.

> The show really needs to be credible
## DWTS voting system
DWTS has a voting system where audience votes and judges' scores both influence who stays on the show.
## Contestant pay
DWTS contestants earn $125,000 for rehearsal and first two weeks, with potential earnings up to $295,000.
## Pro pay
Pros earn a base salary of around $110,000, with potential earnings up to $400,000 if they last through the season.
## Pairing process
Pros get no say in celebrity pairings, with matches based on height, build, personality, and compatibility.
## Rehearsal schedule
Pros and celebrities rehearse four hours daily, with no days off between show days and rehearsals.
## Key takeaway

Alfonso Ribeiro says DWTS voting is fair, countering Alexa PenaVega's claim that the show is rigged due to social media influence.