Contestants on Dancing with the Stars have to put in a lot of work before their routines are ready for the stage. After Monday’s episode, Nelly opened up about the weight he lost during the season and the demands that the competition puts on his body. 

At the beginning of the DWTS competition this year, Nelly didn’t exactly stand out. His first performance received two 5s and one 6. However, there’s been a steady progression in his performance quality which is reflected in his scores. In week 4, Nelly and his partner, Daniella Karagach, danced a paso doble to “All I Do Is Win” and received 7s from all of the judges. The following week, they received all 8s for their samba performance to “Rhythm of the Night”. During Monday night’s episode, Nelly and Daniella performed a Viennese waltz to “Humble and Kind” by Tim McGraw. Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the judges, was blown away by their elegant performance. The dancing duo received three scores of 8 for their performance earlier this week. Following Monday’s routine, Nelly opened up about his weight loss and the physical demands of the competition. 

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I’ve probably lost a good maybe 10, 11 pounds,” Nelly said after the DWTS episode on October 19, according to Us Magazine. “It was a little different when I was in St. Louis because the gyms are open in St. Louis, so I get a chance to go to the gym. I don’t really get a chance to go to the gym here [in Los Angeles], so I’m doing a lot of home sit-ups and push-ups, things like that,” the rap artist continued. Nelly also commented on how it’s harder than it looks to toss his partner, Daniella, while training and performing. “It’s a lot of cardio! You’re twisting and you’re burning and you’re hurting in new places that you never thought but it’s cool,” the Country Grammar artist stated.

Nelly Performing Dancing With the Stars

Nelly also talked about the scrutiny that comes with being a contestant on Dancing with the Stars. “I feel like the judgment should come with understanding! I’m from the hood in St. Louis, Missouri. There are no ballrooms. I’ve never danced, choreographed in my life and you’re judging me like I should know these things and I just picked up this choreography in five days,” the hip-hop musician explained. Nelly has grown admiration for Daniella and has become protective of what people say about their technical skill and performances. “As far as my technique, that’s in this young lady’s lap, and when those judges don’t see that, I get offended because I’m taking up for her,” Nelly said. “I don’t care about me, but she’s put in the work and they shouldn’t be doing that to her.

Many of the celebrities that take part in the Dancing with the Stars competition don’t have a background in dance or choreography, Nelly is no exception. He’s clearly putting in the hard work to become a better dancer and it shows in his performances every week. Dancing is absolutely physically demanding, but you’re whipped into shape quickly during the competition, as Nelly knows first hand. We know that this competition is more challenging than it looks, keep up the good work Nelly!

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Source: Us MagazineNelly Instagram