Giada De Laurentiis entered Dancing with the Stars unable to prep or perfect the experience. With her daughter Jade beginning college, she became a beginner before millions and danced through a broken toe.
Her run ended on Viral Hits Night, when she and professional partner Alan Bersten became the third couple eliminated.
“I tried my best and it wasn’t best enough,” Giada said afterward. “But I tried my best.”
The next day, Giada said she was honored to represent women in their 50s trying something new and urged others to “try something that scares you.” She thanked Alan and Jade, whose daily calls from college meant more than any trophy.
Before her elimination, Giada spoke with us about ballroom nerves, feeding Alan and why saying yes already felt like a victory.
What did saying yes to Dancing with the Stars require from you emotionally?
My daughter, Jade, wanted me to, and with her out of the house starting her own journey off at college, I thought it was the right time to throw myself into something totally out of my comfort zone.
What did it mean to have your daughter push you beyond your comfort zone?
It meant everything to me. That’s why I did it, and I want her to know she can do anything she puts her mind to; that it’s OK to push beyond your comfort zone.
You have spent your career being the expert in the room. What was it like becoming a beginner again in front of millions of people?
It was inspiring, emotional, challenging… everything you hope any experience like this would be.
A recipe gives you measurements and a method, while dancing asks you to trust your body, your partner and the moment. Has surrendering that control been freeing or terrifying?
Both!
You performed your first tango with a broken toe. Was there ever a moment when you considered stepping away?
The show must go on, and I had amazing support from my family and Alan, my partner on the show.
What surprised you most about the experience?
Definitely the physical demands and how strenuous the performances are.
Tell us about Alan.
He is so kind and genuine, he loves pasta, and we always had fun whether rehearsing or on the show.
If Alan walked into Luna by Giada after a long rehearsal and handed you complete control of his order, what would you serve him?
My Signature Lemon Spaghetti.
What initially drew you to Scottsdale as the home for Luna?
Scottsdale has a great dining and hospitality scene, so many great restaurants and the community here has been so supportive of Luna.
At this stage of your life, with Jade beginning college and you stepping onto a completely new stage, did this feel like reinvention or the discovery of a side of yourself that was always there?
It feels great to challenge myself and do something that is completely out of my comfort zone. It’s good to push yourself and be uncomfortable… it’s been invigorating.
Before the results, we asked Giada what would make saying yes feel like a victory, whether her journey ended with a Mirrorball or much sooner.
Just doing it, being here and putting myself out there and trying something new, makes it all worth it.
MORE GIADA
At Caesars Republic Scottsdale, Luna by Giada serves Italian cuisine with a California twist, including her famous Lemon Spaghetti. Visit lunabygiadascottsdale.com for Aperitivo Happy Hour, live music and its Nov. 17 Fisher Vineyards wine dinner.