The finale of Italy's beloved dance competition, Ballando con le Stelle, aired on December 21, 2024, showcasing dramatic performances and behind-the-scenes tensions, culminating in unexpected controversies. This high-stakes night saw actress Bianca Guaccero and her partner Giovanni Pernice crowned the champions, but it was the scoring from judge Selvaggia Lucarelli—especially her zero rating of fellow contestant Federica Nargi—that stole headlines.
Having captivated audiences all season, Guaccero's dynamic partnership with Pernice set the stage for their triumph, but it was the emotional rollercoaster involving Nargi and her partner Luca Favilla, who ended up third, which stirred passionate debate among viewers and fans alike. Nargi’s poignant quote, “Non voglio pensare che siamo alla fine, mi prende male” reflects the anxiety of the finale and her emotional investment in the competition.
Lucarelli's scoring decision sparked significant backlash on social media. Many viewers believed she had favored Nargi earlier and were shocked by the sudden zero input, which, according to her, was driven by strategic motives. She elaborated on her reasoning through various Instagram stories, stating, "Nargi e Favilla erano la mia coppia preferita. Fin dalla prima puntata, come si è visto. Arrivati alla dodicesima puntata era evidente che non avrebbero vinto, perché Guaccero e Pernice erano oggettivamente imbattibili." This quote indicates her respect for the winning couple's undeniable excellence, yet it raises questions about her judgment during the finale.
The heated atmosphere of the night was matched by the depth of performances showcased. Federica Nargi and her partner Luca Favilla demonstrated exceptional skill and choreography, and their connection with the audience made them front-runners among fans. Despite this, their final score disappointed many, which led to discussions about fairness and transparency among judges.
Public sentiment varied dramatically, with many taking to social media to express their disbelief. Critics of Lucarelli's score felt it might have unduly influenced the final outcomes of the season, disproportionately affecting Nargi, whose performances had garnered fan support throughout the show. Discussions heated up online, questioning the integrity of scoring practices and the impact of judges' perceived biases.
The emotional weight of the show reached new heights, with intimate performances from each contestant highlighting not just their dancing prowess but also their personal journeys through challenges and triumphs. During the finale, Lucarelli praised the female contestants, noting, “È stata un'edizione al femminile, in cui tutte le protagoniste hanno dimostrato qualcosa,” underscoring the empowerment and visibility gained by women throughout the competition.
Critics also observed how the presence of conflict, primarily fueled by Bruganelli's role during the season, transformed the dynamics on stage. Bruganelli's influence was apparent as the tension among contestants created compelling storytelling elements. This engagement not only intensified viewer interest but also validated the emotional stakes for the competitors.
The night ended with celebration as Guaccero and Pernice seized victory. Yet, the fallout from Lucarelli’s unexpected scoring lingered long after the confetti settled. Many fans hoped for broader discussions on judging criteria and clarity moving forward, ensuring all contestants felt equally seen and valued.
Although Nargi left with bronze, her fanbase has only grown, with calls for her appearance on upcoming platforms like the Sanremo Festival—a potential next step cementing her place as more than just a reality TV figure. Whether or not Lucarelli's zero would affect her future remains to be seen, yet it served as documentation of the unpredictable nature of live entertainment.
Reflecting on this year's Ballando con le Stelle, it stands clear: What could have simply been another dance contest morphed through interplays of talent and tension, creating lasting impacts well beyond the dance floor.
