‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ Finalist Adele Zaikman Responds to Critics Who Say She Has ‘No Personality’

Adele Zaikman is speaking out after facing criticism from some viewers over her reserved personality on Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. The 24-year-old competitive Latin dancer, who has reached the inaugural season’s finale, defended introverted people and said personality can be expressed in different ways — including through dance.

Zaikman addressed the criticism in a message shared on her Instagram Stories on Thursday, August 27, after receiving continued support from viewers during her run on the competition series.

“Just because there are introverted people in this world, doesn’t mean they have no personality,” Adele wrote.

The finalist also defended the idea that not everyone needs to be outspoken or highly expressive in public to have a strong personality.

“Personality shines brightly on the dance floor, and that’s what matters,” she added.

Zaikman’s comments come as she prepares for the season finale of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, where she will compete alongside fellow finalists AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton.

The winner is set to earn a professional dancer role on the upcoming Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.

Adele Zaikman responds to criticism over her personality

During the competition, Zaikman has earned attention primarily for her dancing rather than for an outspoken on-screen persona.

While her performances have been praised by judges, some viewers have criticised what they perceive as a more reserved or quiet personality during the show.

In her social-media message, Adele made it clear that being introverted should not be confused with having no personality.

“Being a good and humble person — that’s the kind of personality we want our role models to have,” she wrote.

She also said she wanted to speak up for people who take longer to become comfortable around others.

“I will always advocate for people who are slower to open up or [are] more private,” Zaikman said.

Her comments highlighted an issue that often surfaces around reality television and competition programmes: contestants are frequently judged not only on their talent, but also on how their personalities are edited, perceived and discussed online.

A quieter contestant may be viewed differently from a highly expressive or outspoken competitor, even when both bring significant skill to the competition.

‘Once I open my heart, it speaks louder than words’

Zaikman also reflected on the emotional experience of being someone who may take longer to open up publicly.

“I know how lonely it can feel,” she wrote.

“There is a place for everyone in this world, and you should never feel like there’s something wrong with you for being that way.”

The dancer concluded her message with a more personal reflection about self-expression.

“But once I open my heart, it speaks louder than words,” she said.

Her statement resonated with supporters who have followed her journey throughout the first season of The Next Pro.

For Zaikman, dance appears to be one of the primary ways she communicates her emotions and personality.

The finalist suggested that audiences who may not always see a highly expressive off-stage personality can find that expression in her performances.

Judges have praised Adele’s performances

Despite the criticism from some viewers, Zaikman has been one of the stronger performers of the competition.

She has received significant praise from the judging panel during the season, including a memorable comment from Derek Hough.

Hough compared Zaikman to a Rolls-Royce, telling her that she “danced expensive.”

The unusual compliment became one of the standout pieces of feedback from the competition and reflected the judges’ appreciation for her style, polish and technical presentation.

Her success on the dance floor ultimately helped secure her place in the final.

Zaikman has consistently demonstrated that a performer’s public personality and their artistic expression do not necessarily have to look the same.

A dancer may be quiet away from the spotlight while being powerful, emotional and expressive during a performance.

That distinction has become central to Zaikman’s response to the criticism.

Adele thanks fans for their support

Before responding to the criticism, Zaikman also used Instagram Stories to thank viewers who have supported her throughout the competition.

“Thank you so much, everyone, for all the love,” she wrote.

“Your messages warm my heart and make me feel like my art and dancing truly speak to you.”

The finalist specifically mentioned the different styles of dance she has performed during the show.

“Whether it’s a fierce samba or a smooth foxtrot, seeing you connect with and appreciate my work means so much to me,” she wrote.

“It’s such an amazing feeling.”

The message showed that, despite the negative comments she has received, Zaikman remains focused on the relationship she has built with viewers through her performances.

For many contestants on competitive television, audience response can become an important part of the experience. Social media has also made it possible for performers to interact directly with fans — but that access can bring criticism as well.

Zaikman’s latest comments offer a reminder that public personalities are often more complex than what audiences see during a television broadcast.

Adele pays emotional tribute to eliminated contestant Allen Genkin

Zaikman’s comments about being supportive and remaining true to oneself were also reflected in a recent tribute she shared for fellow The Next Pro contestant Allen Genkin.

Adele performed with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko and Genkin during the competition’s August 27 episode.

However, Genkin, 36, was eliminated shortly before the finale.

After his departure, Zaikman shared an emotional Instagram tribute praising him for the support he had provided throughout the competition.

“Allen, I can’t even count the number of times you were there for each and every one of us on The Next Pro,” she wrote.

She described Genkin as one of the most caring, gentle and supportive people involved in the competition.

Zaikman also praised him as a dancer and artist, saying his journey was about more than simply advancing in the competition.

“The competition was important to you, but on top of that, I feel like what mattered most to you was remaining true to yourself and who you are — and that is so rare,” she wrote.

The tribute also revealed how close the contestants had become away from the stage.

Zaikman recalled Genkin cooking for the group during days off, checking in on other contestants and helping people feel comfortable during the demanding competition.

“You made us all feel at home,” she wrote.

Her message added another layer to the image of Zaikman presented during her social-media response: while she may be more private or slower to open up publicly, she has also spoken warmly about the relationships she formed with her fellow contestants.

Adele Zaikman heads into the finale

Zaikman will now compete in the season finale against AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton.

The finale represents the conclusion of the inaugural season of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.

The competition has followed dancers hoping to secure a major opportunity within the broader Dancing With the Stars franchise.

For the finalists, the pressure is especially high because the winner is expected to move into a professional role on the upcoming 35th season of DWTS.

That opportunity could make the finale a major career moment for the winning contestant.

Zaikman’s journey has included strong feedback from the judges, public debate about her personality and an ongoing connection with viewers who have supported her performances.

Her latest Instagram message suggests that she is entering the final with a clear perspective on how she wants to be seen.

Rather than attempting to become more outspoken simply to satisfy audience expectations, Zaikman has chosen to defend a different kind of public personality.

Her message is straightforward: being private or introverted does not mean a person lacks depth, emotion or individuality.

For Adele Zaikman, the dance floor is where much of that individuality becomes visible.

When is the ‘DWTS: The Next Pro’ finale?

According to the information provided, the Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro season finale airs on ABC on Monday, August 31, at 8 p.m. ET.

Adele Zaikman will compete against AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton for the title.

The winner is expected to earn the opportunity to become a professional dancer on the upcoming Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars.

As the finale approaches, Zaikman’s response to criticism has added another conversation to the competition — one that extends beyond choreography and scores.

Her message has focused on a broader idea: there is no single correct way for a person to express personality.

Some people may be loud and immediately expressive. Others may take time to become comfortable and reveal themselves through their work.

For Zaikman, that work is dance — and with the finale now approaching, she will have one more major opportunity to let her performances speak for themselves.