Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro star Adele Zaikman has hit back at fan criticism that she displayed little emotion during the ballroom competition.
“Just because there are introverted people in this world, doesn’t mean they have no personality,” Adele, 24, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Thursday, August 27, after thanking Next Pro viewers for their continued support. “Personality shines brightly on the dance floor, and that’s what matters.”
She continued, “Being a good and humble person — that’s the kind of personality we want our role models to have.”
Adele has been one of the judges’ favorite performers — Derek Hough even called her a Rolls Royce because she “danced expensive” — throughout the inaugural season of The Next Pro.
In her social media statement, Adele stressed that she “will always advocate for people who are slower to open up or [are] more private” amid the ongoing disparagement about her onscreen appearance.
“I know how lonely it can feel,” she noted. “There is a place for everyone in this world, and you should never feel like there’s something wrong with you for being that way — but once I open my heart, it speaks louder than words.”
The competitive Latin dancer ultimately scored a place in the Monday, August 31, finale, alongside fellow finalists AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton. (The winner will serve as a pro on the upcoming season of 35 of DWTS.)
“Thank you so much, everyone, for all the love. Your messages warm my heart and make me feel like my art and dancing truly speak to you,” Adele gushed via her Stories earlier on Thursday. “Whether it’s a fierce samba or a smooth foxtrot, seeing you connect with and appreciate my work means so much to me. It’s such an amazing feeling.”
Adele recently danced with pro dancer Gleb Savchenko and fellow Next Pro hopeful Allen Genkin during the Monday, August 27, episode. In the end, Allen, 36, was eliminated just shy of the finale.
“Allen, I can’t even count the number of times you were there for each and every one of us on The Next Pro. You are definitely one of the most caring, gentle, and supportive people — and such an incredible dancer and artist,” Adele wrote in an Instagram tribute to Allen the next day. “The competition was important to you, but on top of that, I feel like what mattered most to you was remaining true to yourself and who you are — and that is so rare. Every single person who crosses paths with you adores you.”
She added at the time, “I’m so sad to watch tonight’s elimination. You have been such a huge part of my journey, and I’m proud to say that I have been part of yours. I’m sure that if you hadn’t shared this experience with me, it wouldn’t have been the same. You made us all feel at home — cooking for us on our days off, taking care of us, checking in on me and always being there.
The Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro season finale airs on ABC Monday, August 31, at 8 p.m. ET.
