Today : May 11, 2025
Arts & Culture
09 May 2025

Dancing With The Stars Thrives With Viewer Engagement And Surprising Salaries

The show’s popularity soars as audience votes impact outcomes and earnings remain secretive.

The popular dance show Dancing with the Stars continues to captivate audiences on VTM, drawing in a dedicated viewership every Sunday. Originally a format from the British BBC, VTM has managed to adapt the show while adhering to strict guidelines set by the original creators. However, recent developments have allowed for some adjustments that enhance the viewing experience.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dancing with the Stars is the financial compensation for its celebrity participants. While the exact earnings of the contestants remain a closely guarded secret—accessible only to VTM, the production house De Mensen, and the participants themselves—there are some insights into how much they can earn. Reports indicate that the longer a contestant remains in the competition, the higher their earnings become.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, contracts for exclusive faces of the channel, such as Bart Appeltans, differ significantly from those of external celebrities. The publication cites Humo, which reveals that contestants who advance far enough in the competition can earn an average of around 10,000 euros. This figure is comparable to what participants might make on similar shows, such as The Masked Singer.

However, the earnings for the professional dancers involved in the show are reportedly quite low. A television producer commented, “Honestly? They earn little. For them, it’s mainly pure marketing. And that applies to the jury members as well.” This sentiment reflects the reality that while the show garners significant viewer engagement, the financial rewards for those behind the scenes may not be as substantial.

As the show progresses, audience engagement remains high. Fans are not just passive viewers; they actively participate by voting for their favorite contestants. This dynamic adds an exciting layer to the competition, often leading to unexpected eliminations. For instance, just last week, one of the top favorites, Miss Angel, was eliminated due to insufficient votes from the audience. Such twists keep viewers on their toes and contribute to the show's ongoing popularity.

Another notable aspect of the show is its ability to adapt while maintaining the essence of the original format. The BBC has granted VTM the flexibility to include more candidates in its Flemish version of Dancing with the Stars. This change allows for a greater number of episodes than originally planned, enhancing the overall entertainment value for viewers.

As the competition heats up, the stakes are higher not just for the contestants but also for the production team and the network. Every week, the excitement builds as audiences tune in to see who will dance their way to victory and who will face elimination. The blend of audience voting and professional judging creates a unique viewing experience, one that has proven to be a winning formula for VTM.

In summary, Dancing with the Stars on VTM is more than just a dance competition; it’s a phenomenon that combines viewer engagement, celebrity culture, and the thrill of competition. As the show continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to the changing landscape of reality television and audience expectations.