Singer Shiri Maimon Opens Up About Motherhood and Criticism on Dancing with the Stars

Shiri Maimon, who scored 33 points in the premiere episode of Israel's "Dancing with the Stars" on Keshet 12, revealed the personal and emotional challenges she faces competing on the show. Having first gained fame over 20 years ago on "Kochav Nolad" (A Star is Born), Maimon described how this time the criticism affects her differently because her children, including her 13-year-old son Itai, watch and hear the judges' comments.

Reflecting on her early career, Maimon recalled the painful disappointment she experienced on "Kochav Nolad," where she felt her dreams shattered. Returning now to a competitive format, she admitted the old feelings resurface but the stakes feel higher as a mother. She shared a poignant conversation with her son, who questioned why she received a low score and reassured her she was good, highlighting the emotional complexity of performing under public scrutiny while being a parent.

Maimon emphasized that knowing her children are watching changes her perspective, making her more conscious of her performance and the impact of criticism. Despite these emotional challenges, she and her dance partner Rafael Fleishman led the scoreboard in the season opener with the highest score of the night, 33 points, narrowly ahead of Amir Banai and Romi Nof who scored 32.

Considered one of the strongest contestants this season, Maimon's candid reflections add depth to her journey on the show, revealing the balance she strives for between pushing her limits and setting a positive example for her children.