Jordan Chiles has long been known for her strength and accuracy, but her most recent performance on Dancing with the Stars demonstrated something more profound: her capacity to exude unadulterated, melodic energy. Her homage to Tina Turner was a brilliant celebration of performance, femininity, and strength rather than merely choreography. The Olympic gymnast, dancing to Turner’s iconic “River Deep – Mountain High” with her professional partner Ezra Sosa, displayed Turner’s unparalleled charm in a performance that left judges and spectators in awe.
The opening chords sounded, and the ballroom exploded. Jordan combined the rhythm of jazz with the explosiveness of gymnastics in his daring yet flowing movements. Derek Hough referred to her as “the queen of rock and roll and the queen of the ballroom,” while Carrie Ann Inaba called her “sick in a rock ‘n’ roll kind of way.” Flavor Flav, who was a guest judge, was so excited that he leaped to his feet and exclaimed, “You are a warrior! That was accurate and pleasant! His sincere joy was especially heartwarming, demonstrating the emotional bond Chiles had established with her homage.
Chiles’ performance ended with a score of 38 out of 40, which fans found confusing despite the enthusiastic responses. Despite their profuse praise, Derek and Bruno gave 9s. Online fans went into a frenzy over the incident, claiming she had been “robbed.” “Tell us we’re wrong — that wasn’t a perfect 40?” was the caption for a video that Gymnastics Now posted. Support erupted in the comment section, with many people emphasizing how flawless the performance felt throughout. “She carried that routine with electric energy,” one viewer commented. It was flawless.
Table: Jordan Chiles — Biography and Professional Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jordan Lucella Elizabeth Chiles |
| Age | 24 years |
| Date of Birth | April 15, 2001 |
| Birthplace | Tualatin, Oregon, USA |
| Profession | Olympic Gymnast, Athlete, Performer |
| Known For | Team USA Gymnastics, Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Contestant |
| Partner on DWTS | Ezra Sosa |
| Notable Performance | “River Deep – Mountain High” by Ike & Tina Turner |
| Score | 38 out of 40 (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night) |
| Reference | https://www.intlgymnast.com/news/jordan-chiles-channels-tina-turner-to-dazzle-dwts-judges/ |
Chiles’ presence was only enhanced by the debate, which framed her as a performer who is not limited by scoring systems. Her inventiveness in converting athletic discipline into expressive movement is especially noteworthy; it shows how art and sports can coexist harmoniously. Turner, who is renowned for pushing the boundaries of art, would probably have valued that same unafraid inventiveness.
This performance was particularly poignant because it reflected Chiles’ own tenacity. She had talked openly about the heartache of losing her Olympic bronze medal due to a scoring dispute at the 2024 Paris Games just months prior. She began to doubt her own value as a result of the experience. She stated bluntly, “It seemed like every time I accomplished something, it was taken away.” In front of millions of people, her dance thus turned into a cathartic moment in which she regained her authority. Her redemption arc turned into the stage.
Flavor Flav’s participation in her DWTS adventure also gave the narrative an unexpectedly relatable touch. The rapper’s encouragement during her Olympic challenges marked the beginning of their improbable friendship. It felt symbolic to see him there as a judge the same evening she personified Turner’s tenacity—a merging of two different cultural eras supporting one another. With the caption, “First person I saw — my girl @jordanchiles,” he shared a video of himself hugging her prior to the performance. We’re already rocking and rolling! His excitement was remarkably sincere and very positive.
Jordan’s portrayal of Tina Turner was an immersion rather than merely a copy. Turner’s fiery stage presence was evoked by every hair flip and body spin, but she stayed true to herself. She reinterpreted her essence rather than copying Turner. Because she was able to channel instead of mimic, her performance was incredibly powerful. As one fan commented, “She didn’t just dance to the music; she danced as if she was the music,” viewers characterized it as “alive.”
Her personal development has also been reflected in her DWTS journey. Making the switch from gymnastics to dance required a new level of vulnerability. Chiles clarified, “Every movement in gymnastics must be flawless.” “Imperfection is what tells the story in dance.” Her artistry has significantly improved as a result of that viewpoint; she is now a storyteller who engages audiences with emotion rather than skill, having previously been a precision athlete.
Chiles didn’t dwell on her disappointment, despite the controversy surrounding her 38/40 score. Rather, she celebrated a group win later that night when she and her team received a perfect 40 while performing to Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.” With a score of 78 out of 80 for the evening, she finished second overall, solidifying her standing as a very effective performer who can excel in a variety of styles.
Her transition from Olympian to performer serves as an example of how artistic flair and athletic prowess can coexist. This dichotomy—expression combined with strength—defines the trend toward multifaceted talent in contemporary entertainment. Chiles joins athletes like Laurie Hernandez and Simone Biles who have redefined performance and visibility beyond the realm of competition. Together, their careers demonstrate how athletic narratives can encourage a new generation of women to value adaptability and individuality.
However, Chiles’ thankful and humble approach to her performance was what really struck a chord with the audience. She thanked Tina Turner for “teaching women everywhere to stand tall, no matter the noise” in her homage. That was a very personal and very clear statement. Her homage was more than just a dance performance; it was a celebration of joy, tenacity, and womanhood.
Tina Turner’s impact is still felt today, as young performers’ creative aspirations are still shaped by her vivacity, defiance, and genuineness. Chiles successfully brought that legacy to a new audience by introducing Turner on such a prominent platform. For younger viewers, who might know Turner more through reputation than through personal experience, it was especially helpful. Chiles made a living, breathing performance out of that history.
Her performance also brought attention to a powerful cultural theme: the healing power of art. Dance has evolved into a way for Chileans to cope with the pressures of competition and public scrutiny. It reminded viewers that even in the face of hardship, happiness and fortitude can coexist harmoniously. The tribute was meaningful in addition to being entertaining because of the link between individual suffering and group empowerment.
