How much was Dwight Howard paid for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ even though he lost $295,000 in prize money?

Dwight Howard was unable to repeat Iman Shumpert’s success with Daniella Karagach in his stint Dancing with the stars. But that doesn’t mean he didn’t win big. The main prize is to reach the final week DWTS and the prize is the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy and bragging rights. There is no prize money. Instead, like most reality competitions, ABC incentivizes people to stay in the race longer with weekly paychecks.

Dwight and Daniella lasted longer than expected, earning eighth place and an appearance in the finals. He cut a remarkable figure in the six weeks he spent in the ballroom.

Dwight Howard danced to a pretty penny

Dancing with the stars Of course, for Dwight Howard it wasn’t about the money. During subsequent press tours, he has often said that he wants his children to see their Superman father try every challenge except basketball.

He was aiming for the Mirrorball Trophy, but fans agree that he is not the equal of his competitors. Like Joey Graziadei, who won season 33 with Jenna Johnson.

According to multiple reports, every celebrity is participating DWTS, including Howard and Graziadei, receive a six-figure paycheck every week. diversity reported that contestants earn around $125,000 during the rehearsal period and the first two weeks on air.

An additional amount is added each week to avoid elimination. So the participant can receive an additional $10,000 per week. If you reach week 5, the bonus increases to $15,000. Weeks eight and nine cost $30,000 each. There is a $50,000 bonus for making the semifinals and finals, as well as winning the grand prize. diversity also said that the maximum earnings a celebrity contestant can earn is about $295,000.

Dwight Howard stayed in the ballroom for six weeks. That would be about $170,000. It is unclear whether he will be paid for his appearance in the final. But when you consider that an NBA player would have to play about 18 games in six weeks and rehearse for about 20 hours beforehand DWTS starts broadcasting, that’s a sizable paycheck for an NBA player off the court.

The professionals like Daniella Karagach have a different contract. Until a few seasons ago, they were reportedly making around $1,200 per episode. Like a veteran bonus, returning choreographers receive a raise to around $5,000. This brings her total salary per season to around $100,000.

DWTS was invaluable to Superman

Any time of the year DWTS has this one “How is he still?” candidate. Dwight Howard is the one in Season 33. DH was less than impressive and narrowly avoided elimination. But Daniella Karagach is a smart choreographer. Despite their shocking height difference, she managed to make his physique work. It earned him the top 10 of the season from Carrie Ann Inaba.

Howard, on the other hand, has achieved remarkable form since winning the 2020 NBA championship. Some fans even believe his lean muscles and fancy footwork make him ready for an NBA comeback.

The paycheck and training were great. The experience was the real gain. “I learned so much, not only from dancing, but also from how to be a partner. How to really listen to your partner, understand what they’re saying, and try to model all these different things and really have your partner’s back. All these things are the key,“said Howard after his exit.

Being competitive, D-Howard wanted to make it to the finals because of the flex. He admitted that the fans and the odds were not in his favor and he failed. Still, “We didn’t win the trophy but I know I gave 110% every day and I’m happy with where we are.” With $170,000 in the offseason, the bitterness of losing the mirrorball is tempered.