The 2024 edition of Ballando con le Stelle, Italy’s popular dance competition, concluded recently, leaving viewers divided over the results and reigniting discussions about past controversies involving some contestants. The finale saw Federica Pellegrini, the swimming legend, finish second, behind Giovanni Pernice, who, along with his partner Bianca Guaccero, claimed victory.
Pellegrini, paired with Pasquale La Rocca, expressed her disappointment not at the ranking but at the comments made by the jury during the show. She reflected on Instagram, saying, "Ognuno fa il proprio mestiere... mi ha fatto rimanere un po' male," referring to moments when the judges indicated her competitor, Federica Nargi, might have deserved the second place more than she did. This remark came as the public, through televoting, decided the final outcomes. Pellegrini conceded, "Riconosco che Federica Nargi poteva essere tecnicamente più forte di me," acknowledging some technical superiority, but she also pointed out the public’s voting influence throughout the season.
Following the finale, the conversation shifted to Giovanni Pernice, who won after addressing allegations of harassment from his previous partnership. He stated, "We did it!! WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!" capturing the joy of both his win and the support he received from fans, especially those from the UK. Despite the difficult year filled with scrutiny, Pernice expressed relief at being cleared of physical aggression allegations, underscoring his standpoint as simply being “a strict teacher.”
The narrative of the evening grew more complex with the dynamics between jurors. One notable moment came when Selvaggia Lucarelli awarded Nargi with a score of zero, prompting discussions about fairness and personal biases within the judging panel. Pellegrini mentioned feeling somewhat blindsided by these decisions and suggested, "L'ho trovata subito molto reale... mi ha scombussolato," recognizing Lucarelli's bluntness but asserting the need for constructive criticism.
Throughout the season, Pellegrini faced additional challenges when her dance partner Madonia left the show after conflicts with Lucarelli. La Rocca was brought in as her new partner, and Pellegrini remarked on the sudden changes, stating, "Non capisco perché avrei dovuto" ask for approval for the switch. The final weeks of training were arduous, and Pellegrini admitted to shedding tears over the emotional rollercoaster leading to their final performance.
While Pernice's victory was celebrated, some scrutiny remained over the voting procedures and transparency, particularly how social media could sway public votes. Pernice himself admitted on Instagram, "We can totally see which part of the votes are coming from the UK and you are being unbelievably amazing," indicating the influence of fan engagement beyond the show.
Season 2024 of Ballando con le Stelle mirrored the power dynamics often seen not just on stage but also off it, as relationships, past events, and public perception intertwined with the reality competition. Although it concluded on a high note with significant performances, it also opened the floor for discussions about the pressure placed on contestants, particularly during moments of evaluation by judges known for their sharp critiques.
The aftermath of the show may sow seeds for future seasons, as jurors and contestants alike reflect on the emotional stakes involved. Fans are already buzzing about who might return for the next edition, and whether the controversies will lead to changes within the competition format itself.
For now, though, the spotlight shines brightly on Pernice and Guaccero as champions of this spirited season, yet the path to glory was fraught with hurdles illustrating the complex narratives woven through competitive reality television.
