Susanna Riva The new edition of Dancing with the Stars is approaching, and with it come the first comments from the contestants. Guillermo Mariotto, one of the show's longtime faces, shared his thoughts on the changes to the judging panel and the roles of several key figures.
As the program prepares to return to air on Rai Uno on October 3, Mariotto spoke about the renewed mood that characterizes this edition, underlining how the program has always been able to adapt to change.
Mariotto on Selvaggia Lucarelli: a farewell that doesn't change the program.
Selvaggia Lucarelli 's departure from the judging panel of Dancing with the Stars has sparked much discussion. Initially, Mariotto downplayed the impact of this decision, comparing it to Raimondo Todaro 's exit a few years ago. However, in a recent interview with Gente , the designer changed his tune, calling Lucarelli a brilliant and special presence.
"Selvaggia was a brilliant and special presence. In her place will be someone else, with a different way of acting and expressing her thoughts. I, like every season, will do my part to keep the show going," said Mariotto. The designer reiterated that, despite the changes, the program's structure is solid and has always held up well.
Amanda Lear's pivotal role
Among the most significant changes in the history of Dancing with the Stars, Mariotto recalled the crucial role of Amanda Lear , who was one of the program's first judges. "Amanda Lear was my mentor, my television godmother. She's brilliant, crazy, and astute. She was the one who gave me the right key for the show," the designer revealed.
Mariotto recounted how Lear taught him to comment on performances authentically and to look beyond appearances. “He told me, 'Forget it and move on, listening to what you feel, not saying what you think.' He taught me to look where everyone else isn't looking, to look elsewhere: that's where something is happening. I learned from the best,” he added.
A special memory
The bond between Mariotto and Lear is also evident in an anecdote the designer shared. During an episode where Lear was a guest, Mariotto followed her backstage, demonstrating his affection and admiration for his colleague. This episode confirmed how important Lear was to his professional growth.
The Future of Dancing with the Stars
Mariotto also discussed the show's future, advising new contestants to watch past seasons to best prepare. "We've been on the air for twenty years, but once some of them get on the show, they seem to fall out of the clouds," he said, emphasizing the importance of knowing the show's history.
The designer expressed his desire to continue contributing to the success of Dancing with the Stars, reiterating that no one is irreplaceable, but that everyone can make a unique contribution. "I've learned on the job that no one is irreplaceable," Mariotto concluded, looking optimistically to the new edition of the show.