Giada De Laurentiis addresses “DWTS” elimination after week 2 exit: ‘I pushed myself out of my comfort zone’
Giada De Laurentiis addresses “DWTS” elimination after week 2 exit: ‘I pushed myself out of my comfort zone’
Leigh BlickleyThu, September 24, 2026 at 2:20 PM UTC
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Alan Bersten and Giada De LaurentiisCredit: Disney/Christopher WillardKey Points -
Giada De Laurentiis speaks out on her elimination from DWTS.
The Food Network host says she “pushed myself out of my comfort zone.”
She also sends love to pro partner Alan Bersten and her daughter, Jade.
Giada De Laurentiis is truly grateful for her Dancing With the Starsexperience.
The chef and TV personality was the third celebrity eliminated from the season 35 competition after a lackluster showing during week 2’s “Viral Hits Night.” De Laurentiis and her partner, Alan Bersten, earned a 12 out of 30 from the judges for their salsa to “Bella Ciao” by Becky G, and were sent home on Tuesday, Sept. 22, following the week 1 exits of Conner Leavitt and Sarah Jane Nader.
De Laurentiis didn’t seem surprised but was definitely sad about her elimination, and addressed it in an Instagram video on Wednesday.
“I just wanted to take a second and thank everybody for all their support through this journey on Dancing With the Stars,” she began. “And all the moms that shared their stories. It was really, really, really inspiring. And, you know, I’m honored to represent women in their 50s trying something new. Try something that scares you because, honestly, guys, it is a rush! It is a rush.”
Wearing a big straw hat and bold-framed glasses outside, De Laurentiis, 56, noted how special it was to perform in the ballroom with Bersten and how the experience strengthened the bond she has with her 18-year-old daughter, Jade.
“A shoutout to Alan: he was such a loving partner. Truly. So patient, and helped me get really determined. So, it was really great,” she continued. “And, watching Jade watch me dance? To me, that and having her check in with me every day, texting me how I was doing and sending me support and love from the East Coast, that was the Mirrorball. That was everything. It was really special and something I won’t forget.”
De Laurentiis concluded by mentioning all of the “cool people” she met on set, noting that she “had a great time.” The Food Network host was a member of the cast with the likes of Julia Stiles, Ezra Frech, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., Tatyana Ali, Amber Glenn, Tyler Cameron, Taylor Hanson, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Jackson Olson, Connor Wood, and Guillermo Rodriguez.
“I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and I think that’s what life is all about,” De Laurentiis said. “So, I got nothing but love and I can’t wait to root everybody on. Thanks, you guys. Muah.”
On Tuesday night, De Laurentiis could be seen mouthing “I’m sorry” to Bersten after they were eliminated from the show. Bersten was quick to comfort De Laurentiis, repeatedly shaking his head in response to her apology, before pulling her into a hug.
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When speaking with Entertainment Tonightafter the live show, the pair discussed the apology.
“You’re never allowed to apologize to me,” the dancer told De Laurentiis as she explained that she’d “wanted to make him proud.”
“Giada, you’ve made me proud,” Bersten replied. “I’m sorry to interrupt you, but you made me proud.”
Giada De Laurentiis was eliminated during week 2 on ‘DWTS’Credit: Disney/Christopher Willard
De Laurentiis added that it was “automatic” for her to “feel terrible” about being eliminated as Bersten’s experience was cut short, as well.
“You shouldn’t,” Bersten fired back. “I love you so much.”
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The chef and pro dancer had a tiff in the lead-up to “Viral Hits Night” and shared a snippet in their pre-recorded package on Tuesday.
They seemingly argued over their routine’s steps during rehearsals, with tensions rising at one point. Bersten diffused the situation by telling De Laurentiis, “I’m the person with the least amount of patience, and I’m trying to tell you let’s be patient.”
Dancing With the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streams on Disney+.
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
