"Girls who see themselves in me" - Ilona Maher reveals the real reason for her song's choice during DWTS finale

Olympic Games Paris 2024 - Rugby Sevens - Source: Getty
Ilona Maher during the women's pool C rugby sevens match between during the 2024 Olympic Games in France. (Photo via Getty Images)

Ilona Maher recently revealed why the Femininomenon song was chosen for her final performance on DWTS. She explained that the song had a deeper and personal meaning, highlighting that her performance was meant to resonate with girls who might look up to her.

Maher and her pro partner Alan Bersten grooved to “Shake a Tail Feather,” showcasing their jive skills in the first round. In the freestyle round, they chose Chappell Roan's feminist song from "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess."

The rugby player and her pro partner collected a perfect score, earning tens from all three judges. The Olympian pro-dancer duo secured second place after the ultimate showdown on the 33rd season of DWTS.

Maher, who has always championed body positivity and has consistently encouraged girls to embrace their strength and beauty revealed the reason by choosing the particular song for her ultimate performance.

She stated that she chose the song to represent all the girls who identify with her journey while describing herself as a strong and powerful woman, who is also capable of being graceful.

"I chose this song for all the girls who see themselves in me," Maher said. "I am strong and powerful but I also can be graceful so the Mirrorball won't be so much for me. I think it will be for all the girls who have been told they are too big or they are too muscular and they are not pretty."

"Forever grateful they paired us" - Ilona Maher expresses her joy in being paired with pro partner Alan Bersten for her appearance on DWTS

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten at the "Dancing With The Stars" rehearsal studios in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by GC Images)
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten at the "Dancing With The Stars" rehearsal studios in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by GC Images)

Following their appearance on the 33rd season of Dancing With The Stars, Alan Bersten expressed his gratitude for the experience while praising his partner Ilona Maher. He emphasized their bond beyond the show, referring to the Paris Olympic medalist as a "friend for life."

"I am so incredibly thankful for this season," Bersten wrote. "Ilonamaher you are truly remarkable! I am so lucky to have been partnered with you!! You’re my friend for life! @dancingwiththestars is the best show on tv and it’s a family I’m so lucky to be a part of!"

Conveying her appreciation, Maher graced the comment section and wrote:

"Forever grateful they paired us together."

Throughout their appearance at the DWTS, Maher and Bersten were seen making waves on social media with their engaging content.

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Edited by Vaishnavi Iyer
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