During the recent semifinals of the popular Italian dance competition Ballando con le Stelle, Bianca Guaccero and her dance partner Giovanni Pernice not only dazzled viewers with their skilled performances but also sparked engagement rumors. The episode aired on December 14, 2024, showcasing the couple's undeniable chemistry and talent on the dance floor.
After performing their electrifying Jive, which earned them high praise, the mood shifted dramatically when Milly Carlucci, the program's host, addressed Pernice directly. "La signora Rosaria ha detto che è molto contenta della vostra relazione e che spera che tu diventi il suo genero. Tu che cosa rispondi?" (Ms. Rosaria said she is very happy with your relationship and hopes you become her son-in-law. What do you respond?). Without hesitation, Giovanni responded, "Vedremo, ma stiamo sulla strada buona" (We'll see, but we're on the right track), which momentarily threw Bianca off, causing her to cover her face with her hands.
This playful engagement brought light-hearted humor to the tense atmosphere of the competition. Milly jokingly threatened Giovanni, saying, "Occhio, che se non mantieni la parola ti vengo a cercare" (Be careful, if you don’t keep your word, I’ll come after you). To this, Selvaggia Lucarelli, another judge, added, "Propongo l'ingresso in pista di Paolo Belli e la firma del contratto" (I propose the entrance of Paolo Belli and the signing of the contract). Bianca’s mother, present for the performance, chimed in, "Posso firmare anche io?" (Can I sign too?), adding to the warm and comedic atmosphere.
The emotional weight of the performance was only heightened by the presence of Bianca’s mother, Rosaria, who hails from Puglia. She expressed her joy at being able to surprise her daughter, noting her absence from previous events due to health issues. "Quando mia figlia mi vedrà, sono sicura che sarà molto sorpresa" (When my daughter sees me, I’m sure she will be very surprised), said Rosaria, who proudly acknowledged being 80 years old and yet still lively enough to dance alongside her daughter.
Post-performance, Rosaria expressed immense pride for Bianca. "Io ho desiderato tanto Bianca, la mia bambina" (I longed for Bianca, my little girl), Rosaria stated. "Mia figlia è sempre stata molto sensibile... sono molto contenta che Bianca abbia scelto di partecipare a Ballando con le Stelle perché questo programma le ha dato e le sta dando tanto" (My daughter has always been very sensitive... I am very happy Bianca chose to participate because this show has brought her so much). She also praised Giovanni, indicating her approval of the relationship, saying, "Giovanni è venuto a conoscere me e mio marito... mi piace molto come persona" (Giovanni came to meet my husband and me... I like him as a person).
Throughout the competition, Giovanni and Bianca faced pressures typical of reality shows, with Giovanni expressing frustrations about their earlier placement. "È stata una situazione choc andare quasi al ballottaggio. Non va bene quel quarto posto che ci è stato assegnato!" (It was shocking to almost be relegated to the ballot box. That fourth position we were assigned isn’t good!). Despite the ups and downs of the competition, their performances have consistently captured the attention of the judges and audience alike.
Their heartfelt Paso Doble danced to "Combattente" left the audience roaring with applause, perhaps contributing to their surge toward the finals set for December 21. The pair has embraced their role as frontrunners, cleverly weaving personal stories within their performances. Judge Alberto Matano lauded their recent performance as "la migliore che avete fatto finora" (the best you’ve done so far), praising the enchanting choreography.
The judges were unanimous on their performance quality, with Ivan Zazzaroni exclaiming, "È il più bel jive di sempre a Ballando!" (It’s the best Jive ever seen on the show!) and Carolyn Smith describing it as "eccellente, uno spettacolo che voglio vedere ogni sabato sera" (excellent, a show I want to see every Saturday night). Their outstanding performances consistently earned them the highest scores, and they now head to the finals armed with valuable momentum.
To sum up, the sparkling performances of Bianca Guaccero and Giovanni Pernice have won the hearts of judges and audiences alike. Their emotional connection, compounded by the lively presence of Bianca’s mother, hints at deepening bonds both on and off the dance floor. The atmosphere is tense with excitement as viewers eagerly await the finale of Ballando con le Stelle, hopeful for the couple’s success and perhaps for more news about their future together.
