At a Glance
- Ezra Sosa says he was genuinely so upset after his opening-night performance.
- Fans on TikTok rallied to reassure him he didn’t mess up.
- The 25-year-old finished third in the 34th season with Jordan Chiles.
- Why it matters: A star’s candid admission sparks a conversation about performance pressure.
Published on January 23, 2026 03:18PM EST
Opening Night Turmoil
On January 22, the 70-stop Dancing with the Stars Live! tour kicked off in Akron, Ohio. The 25-year-old dancer who had just wrapped the 34th season of the competition took the stage with his partner, Olympic-gold-medaling gymnast Jordan Chiles. While the crowd cheered, Ezra Sosa later admitted that he felt the show was “messing up” and that he had a breakdown during intermission.
He shared the raw moment on TikTok the following day, writing: “I’m genuinely so upset with myself, I’ll be better for you guys ❤️🩹.” The post quickly went viral, with fans commenting that they hadn’t noticed any mistakes.
Fans Rally
Comments poured in almost immediately:
- “girl no one ever notices these things!!!”
- “I was indeed there and thought you ate DOWN I didn’t notice any mess ups and I’m a dancer too!”
The outpouring of support highlighted how audiences often miss the subtle moments that performers feel. The comments served as a reminder that the pressure of live performance can be invisible to the eye but palpable to the performer.
The Season Behind the Break
Sosa’s journey to the live tour began in the fall of 2025, when he partnered with Jordan Chiles for the 34th season of Dancing with the Stars. The pair advanced to the finale and finished in third place. The season had been a roller-coaster; the duo had been eliminated in the second round the previous year with partner Anna Delvey.
During a November interview, Chiles praised Sosa as “such an amazing partner.” She added, “Words can’t describe the journey that we’ve been on, and so I just have to say, thanks for always being there by my side.” The quote underscores the close bond that developed during the season.
Beyond the Stage
Even after the competition ended, the pair maintained their friendship. They celebrated with matching tattoos that read “Just Married!”-a playful nod to viral rumors that Sosa, who publicly came out as gay in 2022, was secretly engaged to Chiles.
The tattoos, while lighthearted, symbolize the camaraderie that extends beyond choreography. They also illustrate how performers use personal milestones to connect with fans.
Take-Away Messages
- Authenticity: Sosa’s open admission reminds audiences that even stars grapple with self-criticism.
- Community Support: Fans can play a vital role in a performer’s mental well-being.
- Evolution of Partnerships: The relationship between Sosa and Chiles shows how professional collaboration can evolve into lasting friendship.
The episode serves as a reminder that the world of live dance is as much about emotional resilience as it is about technical skill.
