DWTS’ Vinny Guadagnino and Koko Iwasaki Discuss Len Goodman’s ‘Harsh’ Scoring: ‘Trying Not to Beat Myself Up’

• Vinny Guadagnino and Koko Iwasaki did a cha-cha on Monday’s episode of Dancing With the Stars.
• They were saved from the bottom two by fan votes after Len Goodman called their performance “a shambles”.
• The reality TV star and ballroom dancer admitted that Len’s comments were harsh.

More than just rough love? During the Monday, October 24, broadcast of Dancing With the Stars, Vinny Guadagnino and partner Koko Iwasaki were open about the harsh criticism they received from Len Goodman.

On the ABC competition’s Michael Bublé night, the Jersey Shore alum, 34, and the ballroom dancer, 31, did a cha-cha to “Save the Last Dance for Me,” receiving a total score of 36. Despite a few hiccups, the pair garnered great acclaim from the Canadian crooner, who served as a guest judge. The Grammy winner, 47, described the dance as “wonderful,” while Derek Hough dubbed the  personality the “people’s champion.”

The 78-year-old British native, on the other hand, was less enthused, calling the performance “a shambles.” The couple finished in the bottom two but were saved by fan votes.

Vinny and Koko of DWTS Speak Out About Len’s ‘Harsh’ Judging: We Were Called ‘Fire’

Following the emotional episode, Koko told Us Weekly exclusively that Len’s comment “was a little harsh.” Vinny, for his part, admitted to making a few more errors than he would have liked.

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“I messed up a couple of my steps at the start… “I know it, and I’m not denying it,” the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation actor admitted to Us. “So, he can judge whichever he likes. I’m glad we recovered and kept going [because] it was still a fire dance, you know, and we’ve done it so many times, obviously, from start to finish. I’m trying not to be too hard on myself for finishing last.”

Vinny stated that Len has the ability to score “anyway he wants,” adding, “That’s his perspective.”

Throughout season 31, the reality TV star and first-time DWTS pro has had a difficult time. The twosome received some harsh remarks from the judges during the September 19 premiere programme, but they didn’t appear bothered.