Jenna Johnson is finally explaining the dramatic scream that Harry Shum Jr. unleashed during their Dancing With the Stars routine — a moment that quickly became one of the most talked-about parts of “Viral Hits Night.”

The professional dancer addressed the reaction on Wednesday, September 23, joking about what she called “the scream that was heard around the world” and “the controversy.”

The moment came during the pair’s Viennese waltz to the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris” on Tuesday night. Near the climax of the performance, Shum suddenly broke away from the choreography and screamed directly into the camera before Johnson pulled him back into the dance.

According to Johnson, there was much more meaning behind the unexpected moment than viewers were able to see.

The Scream Was About Anxiety And Pressure

Johnson explained that the pair had originally planned to explore a deeper emotional story through their dance. However, with 14 other couples still competing, their introductory video package had to be kept short.

She said the shortened package did not have enough time to explain everything she and Shum had discussed during rehearsals.

The dance was designed around emotions including anxiety, self-doubt and the pressure of feeling as though you do not belong.

Johnson said she and Shum had talked about what it feels like to reach a breaking point emotionally.

She also shared how she personally responds to intense anxiety, explaining that there are moments when she simply wants to scream — whether into a pillow or inside her car.

For Johnson, screaming represented a physical release when emotions become overwhelming.

Jenna Johnson Wanted Harry To “Go Crazy”

During rehearsals, Johnson asked Shum if he would be willing to take their expression of anxiety to an extreme.

According to the dancer, Shum agreed that they should “always go crazy.”

Johnson said she was grateful to have a partner who was willing to embrace unusual ideas and support her creative vision.

She particularly praised the actor for committing completely to the emotional moment.

“The full visceral experience of his full-body scream was just, honestly, I think my favorite part.”

Johnson acknowledged that the scream divided viewers.

“You either loved it or you hated it. Totally fine. But that was our art. That was our expression.”

She added that art is subjective and said she understood that the moment would not resonate with everyone. At the same time, she hoped viewers who connected with the emotions behind the routine could understand why the scream was included.

Judges Give The Routine 18 Out Of 30

Despite the attention surrounding the performance, the Viennese waltz received a mixed response from the judges.

Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli awarded the couple a combined score of 18 out of 30.

Hough described the routine as “beautiful,” while Tonioli called it a “great performance.”

Inaba was more critical, and her comments prompted boos from the studio audience.

She noted that Shum appeared to fully let go during some sections of the routine but became more timid and uncertain when returning to hold.

Inaba suggested that connecting those contrasting moments could make the performance stronger.

For Johnson, however, the controversial scream was always intended to be part of the emotional story the pair were trying to tell.

Source: Compiled from various sources