Tom Bergeron Receives Surprise Mirrorball Trophy 5 Years After Leaving Dwts

Tom Bergeron's Unexpected Dance Down Memory Lane

Tom Bergeron has once again captured the spotlight, not for his hosting gig, but for a surprise that left him speechless. Five years after his dramatic exit from Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), the beloved former host was presented with an honorary Mirrorball Trophy. This dazzling surprise came courtesy of production designer James Yarnell, who has been a dear friend of Bergeron since their days on Hollywood Squares in the late ‘90s.

In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on April 2, Bergeron expressed his joy, "Five months ago, I had an incredible time returning for the 20th anniversary of @dancingwiththestars... Today at lunch, the show’s Production Designer, my Emmy-award winning friend @j.r.yarnell, had a sweet, shiny surprise for me."

“The first thing that came to mind was Bruno Tonioli’s portable bronzer or Carrie Ann Inaba’s smelling salts,” Bergeron joked, showing off the large black box with the DWTS logo.

The Gift That Brought Closure

The honorary trophy marks a significant moment for Bergeron, who led DWTS for 28 seasons until his 2020 departure. The unexpected gift seemed to bring a touch of closure to his rocky relationship with the show. Bergeron had previously shared on Cheryl Burke’s podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, that he felt disillusioned with the show, stating, "I’d never go back because it’s not the same show.”

Despite the tension, Bergeron made a triumphant return for the 20th anniversary episode last November. He attributed this change of heart to original showrunner Conrad Green, who reached out and rekindled Bergeron’s fond memories of the show’s early days. "Green extended the olive branch and got me reminiscing about all the fond memories," Bergeron shared with Good Morning America.

Behind the Scenes of DWTS Finances

While Bergeron’s honorary trophy adds a personal touch to his DWTS journey, the financial side of the show remains a hot topic. In 2019, Variety reported that contestants earn $125,000 for rehearsals and the initial weeks, with potential earnings up to $295,000. However, Bobby Bones, winner of season 27, claimed he pocketed close to $400,000, hinting at varied contracts.

As for the professional dancers, little is disclosed about their earnings. Jenna Johnson mentioned on a podcast that pros continue to earn even if eliminated early, but winning doesn’t guarantee a bigger paycheck. Meanwhile, troupe members reportedly earn less, as Lindsay Arnold shared her salary was notably reduced after being demoted.

Dancing With the Stars continues to captivate audiences with its blend of glamour, drama, and of course, dance magic. For more behind-the-scenes secrets and updates, stay tuned.