Val Chmerkovskiy Calls Out AJ Pritchard's Arrogance: Why Past Wins Don't Matter on "Next Pro"

Val Chmerkovskiy didn’t hold back during a recent episode of his“Stepping On Toes”podcast when discussing AJ Pritchard’s behavior on ABC’s“Next Pro.”The three-time DWTS champion called Pritchard’s arrogance a“huge turn-off,”pointing out that while Pritchard has legitimate credentials as a former“Strictly Come Dancing”pro and accomplished competitive dancer, his attitude suggests he’s resting on past laurels rather than proving himself in the present competition. Val’s core message: everyone competing has impressive accomplishments, so showing up with humility and focusing on the here-and-now is what actually matters.

Beyond the attitude critique, Val also highlighted Pritchard’s physical teaching methods with his partner Serena Hamilton, specifically calling out his use of his foot to push her hip during their jive routine. Val argued this approach isn’t winning over judges or viewers, adding to the overall impression of someone who isn’t adapting to the competition’s culture. The win on“Next Pro”leads to a DWTS Season 35 pro spot, so the stakes are high, and Val’s essentially saying that personality and approach can be just as important as technical skill when judges are deciding who gets the job.

The podcast moment has sparked broader conversation about confidence versus arrogance in competitive environments. Pritchard’s trajectory from“Strictly”pro to“Next Pro”contestant represents a second chance at a major dance platform, but according to Val, that opportunity demands a fresh perspective and genuine respect for the process. Does Val’s criticism resonate with you, or do you think Pritchard’s confidence is exactly what he needs to succeed? Drop your take in the comments.