Angelo Madonia, the popular dancer and choreographer, has spoken out following his unexpected dismissal from the widely-viewed dance competition show, Ballando con le Stelle. Known for his dynamic performances, Madonia recently found himself at the center of controversy after the conclusion of this season, during which he partnered with Olympian swimmer Federica Pellegrini, who finished second.
During his appearance on Domenica IN, Madonia expressed genuine happiness for Pellegrini's achievement, stating, "I am happy for the result achieved by Federica Pellegrini, I feel involved. And for the victory of Bianca Guaccero and Giovanni Pernice, I am also happy for him." His supportive words reflect his admiration for the efforts of his former dance partner, even as he faces his own exit from the show.
Madonia's dismissal, which was announced shortly after the finale, stemmed from reported conflicts with the show’s jury, particularly with the outspoken judge, Selvaggia Lucarelli. He recalled the moment of termination, explaining, "I learned through a Rai press release, and no one called me to ask how I was." This lack of communication has been a significant source of disappointment for him.
Reflecting on the circumstances, Madonia noted the intense scrutiny he faced being on the show, especially concerning his private life and relationship with Sonia Bruganelli, who was also entangled in the show's dynamics. He adamantly denied any distraction because of his personal issues, asserting, "I left with 10, with the highest scores. If I had been distracted by other things, there wouldn’t have been any 10s." Such scores highlight his professional dedication even amid personal tribulations.
Throughout the season, Madonia struggled to redirect conversations back to the performance aspects of the show rather than to his private life. He voiced frustration over discussions straying from the dance and Pellegrini's skill. "I would have preferred to talk only about the work done by Federica,” Madonia lamented, emphasizing his desire for the focus to remain on their professional bond.
This season marked what would have been Madonia's final participation with Ballando con le Stelle, as he had already contemplated retirement. He expressed, “After nine weeks, I would have liked to have the final focus on the effort of Federica.” His dedication to his craft is palpable, and he felt the show did not adequately recognize the hard work he contributed.
Despite the challenging events, Madonia continues to maintain his professionalism and respect for the show, reflecting on the lessons learned. He stated, “I have shown respect to myself as a man and also as a professional.” Yet, the disappointment of not being acknowledged for his work lingers as he navigates this sudden career change.
The conflict between Madonia and Lucarelli escalated tensions considerably during the season's run, souring his relationship not only with the judges but potentially with his colleagues, too. The fallout from the dismissal raised questions about the show’s internal dynamics, as Lucarelli criticized Madonia's responses during judging critiques, leading to what he described as “divergences” with the program’s expectations.
Overall, Angelo Madonia's experience on Ballando con le Stelle serves as both cautionary and inspiring. While it has left him grappling with disappointment, his commitment to his role as both teacher and dancer remains unwavering. Following this recent chapter, viewers are left wondering how Madonia will reshape his career and navigate the residual fallout from the show.
