Cheryl Burke’s head injury on ‘DWTS’ leaves AJ McLean ‘mortified’
Prior to their Psycho themed tango on Monday’s “Dancing With the Stars,” partners AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke dealt with a real life horror. During Sunday’s rehearsal, Burke fell and audibly smacked her head against the ground.
“I was completely mortified,” recalled McLean. “I was with her every second. She's family now. I got to protect her, just like she does for me.”
Burke was cleared to dance by the medical staff and did a great job. After the performance she was all smiles, even though she was still a little sore.
“I'm actually doing okay,” said Burke. “You know, I go in and out a little bit. I think I hurt my rotator cuff more than my neck but I'm hard-headed, thank God.”
Video Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]
- Prior to their Psycho-themed tango on Monday's "Dancing With The Stars," partners AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke dealt with a real life horror during the previous day's rehearsal.
AJ MCLEAN: Are you OK? Do you hear any ringing?
CHERYL BURKE: Hit my head hard.
AJ MCLEAN: It happened so fast. I just heard her head hit the floor.
- The dangerous fall left many viewers worrying about the dancer, but after some ice and a good night's rest, the medical staff cleared her to perform.
CHERYL BURKE: I'm actually doing OK, you know? I-- yeah, go in and out a little bit. I think I hurt my rotator cuff, actually, more than my neck. But you know, I'm hard headed, thank God, right?
AJ MCLEAN: Yes. Yes.
CHERYL BURKE: So we're good. We're good.
AJ MCLEAN: She's a freakin' trooper.
- Fans weren't the only people who were relieved. Her Backstreet Boy partner was extremely glad she was OK, because they have become like family.
AJ MCLEAN: I was completely mortified. I mean, that's why I went down. I was there with her every second. Like, oh, my God, are you OK? Are you OK? Like, she's family now.
CHERYL BURKE: Yeah.
AJ MCLEAN: So I've got to protect her, just like she does for me.
- Yes. I love that.
AJ MCLEAN: Yes.
- We love you. We are so happy that you're healthy.
