How 'Dancing With the Stars' handled Cheryl Burke's COVID-19 diagnosis
After his pro partner, Cheryl Burke, tested positive for COVID-19, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby did not perform during Monday night's "Dancing With the Stars" episode.
"Dancing With the Stars" host Tyra Banks made the announcement at the beginning of the show.
"During training, she [Burke] and Rigsby were in close contact," Banks said. "Although he's also fully vaccinated, out of an abundance of caution, he's not in the ballroom tonight."
Despite the fact that the couple sat out on this week's performance, Banks said they are not necessarily out of the competition.
Banks explained that Rigsby and Burke will need the help of votes to stay in the competition.
Judges also evaluated Rigsby's full routine, which was filmed during rehearsal.
This week, Rigsby and Burke were slated to dance a salsa to "Don't Go Yet" by Camila Cabello. At the end of the taped performance, Burke and Rigsby separately joined in virtually for the judges' comments.
While Len Goodman praised the pair's performance saying it was "full of razzle-dazzle," the other three judges, Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli found a few issues. Rigsby and Burke ended up receiving a score of 24 out of 40.
After receiving their scores, Burke said she was feeling OK.
"I'm just grateful that I got vaccinated so I know it could have been way worse," Burke said. "And I'm proud of Cody. He worked so hard this week. I just hope to be back soon in the ballroom."
Rigsby added, "The world hands you thing. You need to ride the wave and pivot. That's what we did."
Earlier on Monday, Rigsby sent Burke well wishes via Instagram Stories ahead of "DWTS," sharing that he had spoken with her a few times since her diagnosis.
"I want to send all my love and thoughts and healing energy to Cheryl Burke," he said. "She seems to be in good spirits and feeling well, but I've been through COVID and I know how crazy this virus can be and it can change at any moment, so just keep her in your thoughts."
On Sunday night, Burke announced that she had tested positive for COVID-19. The news came just hours before her scheduled performance with Rigsby, during Monday's episode of "DWTS."
"I feel so bad for Cody. I feel like I'm letting him down," Burke said in a video she shared to social media. "It's so overwhelming."
The two-time Mirror Ball champion, who is fully vaccinated, said she first began feeling sick Sunday morning and decided to get tested after her symptoms got progressively worse as the day went on.
"I figured I should let you guys know, since I've been as open and as real and vulnerable as I could be here," Burke said. "I just hope I didn't spread it."
The dancing couple, who are still in the competition after Monday's first elimination of the season, is now looking forward to competing next week for Britney Spears night, where the stars will honor the performer's music and artistry.
"Dancing With the Stars" airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
