Ariana Madix Is Out to Prove She’s More Than Scandoval on ‘DWTS’
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 2 minutes
Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix stepped into the Dancing with the Stars ballroom for the first time on Tuesday night. Before dancing the Tango with partner Pasha Pashkov, Madix shared her desire to prove that “Scandoval” does not define her.
Ariana Madix Rises Above ‘Scandoval’ on DWTS
“My life has been a roller coaster in the last year,” Madix said during Tuesday’s episode. “My partner of nine years and one of my best girlfriends were having an affair behind my back. And everybody got to watch it all play out and my life blow up on television.”
Scandoval rocked the pop culture landscape earlier this year on Vanderpump Rules, as it was revealed that Madix’s longtime partner Tom Sandoval was cheating on her with their co-star, Rachel Leviss.
Madix went on to say that “this scandal does not define me,” adding, “Feeling like you were a joke to your partner of nine years is devastating. But I want to show other women none of that stuff has to hold you back.”
The star said she hoped to show “a more confident and vibrant version of myself,” emphasizing, “I don’t need anybody else. I love me.”
SEE ALSO: ARIANA MADIX REFUSES TO FILM WITH EX TOM SANDOVAL ON ‘VANDERPUMP RULES’
Madix Impressed the Judges with Her Tango
During Tuesday’s premiere, Madix danced a fiery Tango with her partner Pasha Pashkov, set to “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld. The judges were impressed by the performance, giving her a combined score of 21 out of 30.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba told Madix that “cheaters suck,” adding, “But you just showed every woman and every man who was watching how you handle a cheater. You come out here and turn it up!”
Madix was tied with Jason Mraz for second place, just behind Bachelorette star Charity Lawson, who earned a score of 22. At the end of the night, Madix was announced as safe from elimination after the judges’ scores were combined with the viewers’ votes.
What did you think of Madix’s Tango during the DWTS premiere? Are you rooting for her this season? Let us know in the comments below.
