‘Dancing with the Stars’ pro tests positive for COVID-19, can’t perform with partner Cody Rigsby

On Monday’s Dancing with the Stars, host Tyra Banks opened the show by quickly updating the audience with the news that pro dancer Cheryl Burke has tested positive for COVID-19. Burke, who is fully vaccinated, was obviously not going to be at Monday’s live show, and Banks explained what that meant for Burke’s partner, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby.

“She and Cody 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. However, this does not mean they're out of the competition.”

Banks would explain later in the night that while Burke and Rigsby were not going to be performing live, they would still be judged based on a pre-recorded practice session from last week. All things considered the performance looked fairly polished and their score was a decent 24 out of 40.

Viewers were clearly missing Burke, with plenty of well wishes being sent her way on social media. And fans also made it clear with their voting that they want Burke and Rigsby back, as the pair safely made it through to next week.

Video Transcript

CHERYL BURKE: OK, guys, so I have really bad news. I am positive, which means I have COVID. If I feel so bad for Cody. I feel like I'm letting him down.

KYLIE MAR: During week 2 of "Dancing with the Stars" Monday, we learned that pro dancer Cheryl Burke tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated. And host Tyra Banks explained what that meant for Cheryl's partner, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby.

TYRA BANKS: During training, she and Cody Rigsby were in close contact. Now although he is also fully vaccinated, out of an abundance of caution he is not in the ballroom with us tonight. However, this does not mean that they're out of this competition.

KYLIE MAR: Since the pair couldn't be there to perform in person, they were instead judged on a recorded practice session from last week for which they received decent scores. And more importantly, we got an update on Cheryl.

TYRA BANKS: How are you feeling?

CHERYL BURKE: You know, I'm feeling OK. And I'm just grateful that I got vaccinated. So I know it could have been way worse, and I'm proud of Cody. He worked so hard this week. And I just hope to be back soon in the ballroom.

TYRA BANKS: Nice, we want you back, Cheryl.

KYLIE MAR: Viewers were clearly missing Cheryl too with plenty of well wishes being sent her way on social media and also making it clear with their voting that they want her back.

TYRA BANKS: The first five couples dancing next week are Cody and Cheryl.

[CHEERS AND APPLAUSE]

[WHOOSH]