After two decades as part of Italy’s beloved dance competition, Angelo Madonia has made headlines with his recent dismissal from ‘Ballando con le Stelle’. His exit marks the end of an era for both the show and Madonia, who has recently begun to share the emotional aftermath of his departure.
Angelo Madonia's dismissal came as quite the shock, not only to the public but to himself. "A Monday, I was called. The production spoke with me and gave me more reasons about the decision. I said few words and accepted the decision. For the first time in 20 years, I have been dismissed," Madonia stated during his appearance on ‘Domenica IN’ hosted by Mara Venier.
Since leaving the show, speculation has run rampant about the possible causes of his dismissal. Reports have suggested conflicts with the jury and distractions related to his personal life, particularly his relationship with fellow contestant Sonia Bruganelli. Madonia, aiming to quell these rumors, emphasized, "I was not distracted by Sonia Bruganelli or our relationship. I left having all tens from the jury. I was totally focused."
He expressed disappointment not only about his abrupt departure but also the perception surrounding his time on ‘Ballando’. Despite the chaos unraveling behind the scenes, Madonia found solace in the achievements he and his partner, Olympian Federica Pellegrini, managed during their weeks on the show.
Many have questioned his contentious exchanges with the judging panel, particularly with judge Selvaggia Lucarelli, who had openly criticized his approach. Madonia explained, "I did not behave consistently with the program’s lines concerning the jury. I wanted to speak about Federica’s hard work and sacrifices, not other topics." This insistence on professionalism highlights how much he values respect within the competition, both for his partner and for his own reputation.
Mainstream Italian media have speculated about the nature of his relationship with Bruganelli, hinting it may have distracted him from his professional obligations. Madonia countered this narrative strongly, asserting, "The editing of the videos created this perception. If I’m busy selecting music, and the footage is cut misleadingly, it might appear as if I’m distracted. I left with top marks, so where was the distraction?"
His dedication to his job is evident, but not without its complications. Addressing the speculation surrounding his relationship and how it has bled over onto his professional life, Madonia clarified, "I am the most accredited pro on Ballando with the most titles. I didn’t want my private life to overshadow my work on the show."
Reflecting on his time, Madonia expressed bittersweet feelings. "I could have chosen how to convey this decision, but I’ve left with pride due to the job I did for my partner. I’ve cheered Federica Pellegrini on until the finale. If the eventual ranking improves after the points from my weeks with her, I’m glad for her success." His respect for both Pellegrini’s talent and his own commitment rings clear throughout his dialogue, even as he navigates the strange terrain of his exit.
Openly discussing his departure has also exposed his vulnerabilities. Confronted with the concerns many fans of the show share, he recounted, "There’s disappointment wrapped up with the finality of being overlooked for the effort I’ve put forth. This dismissal has washed away years of my hard work and dedication to the program."
Despite the dissatisfaction expressed about his departure, it has also compelled Madonia to examine what lies ahead. He revealed, "I had already decided this would be my last season on Ballando con le Stelle. I’ve respected myself as both a man and as a professional, and this has played out to be the right closure at this stage of my life."
Madonia’s reflections spotlight the tighter connection between professional roles and personal lives, especially within reality television. He emphasized the importance of respecting oneself and maintaining integrity through even the toughest transitions, wishing to leave the right kind of legacy.
Angelo Madonia's dismissal from ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ rings with the nuances of challenge and change, highlighting the paths performers navigate within the competition and beyond. His commitment to the art form, his respect for his partner, and his grievances with how his departure was perceived suggest the complexity of human relationships within the demanding world of reality TV.
