5 Shocking Revelations About Honey Boo Boo's Time On Dancing With The Stars: Juniors And Where She Is Now

The world first met Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson as a sassy, energetic child beauty pageant star, but in 2018, she made a surprising pivot to the ballroom floor. Her appearance on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors was one of the show's most talked-about moments, showcasing a side of the reality star that fans had never seen before—a determined young dancer ready to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy. This article, updated for December 2025, dives deep into her journey, the behind-the-scenes drama, the surprising financial details of her participation, and the major life updates that have followed her time on the dance floor.

From the moment she was announced as a contestant, the then-13-year-old Thompson brought her signature charisma and confidence to the spin-off series. While her run on the show was shorter than some fans hoped, her time on DWTS: Juniors marked a significant transition in her public life, moving her from her early childhood fame into a more mature, competitive spotlight. Her experience with professional partner Tristan Ianiero and mentor Artem Chigvintsev remains a pivotal chapter in her ongoing reality television career.

Alana "Honey Boo Boo" Thompson: Biography and Career Profile

Alana Thompson, known universally by her nickname "Honey Boo Boo," is an American television personality who rose to fame as a child beauty pageant contestant. Born into a Georgia family, her life has been documented on reality television for over a decade, making her one of the most recognizable young figures in the genre.

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• Full Name: Alana Frances Thompson
• Stage Name: Honey Boo Boo
• Date of Birth: August 28, 2005
• Current Age (as of December 2025): 20 years old
• Birth Place: McIntyre, Georgia, USA
• Parents: June "Mama June" Shannon (Mother)
• Siblings: Anna "Chickadee" Cardwell (deceased), Jessica "Chubbs" Shannon, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird
• Early Career Highlight: Competing on TLC's reality series Toddlers and Tiaras (2012), where her colorful personality and catchphrases first gained national attention.
• Breakout Star: Starred in her own spin-off series, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012–2014).
• Subsequent Reality Shows: Featured prominently in Mama June: From Not to Hot, which later became Mama June: Road to Redemption, documenting her family's struggles and triumphs.
• Notable Achievements: Competing on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018, and graduating high school.

The Shocking Reality of DWTS: Juniors—Scores, Elimination, and Partner Chemistry

Alana Thompson competed on the inaugural and only season of Dancing with the Stars: Juniors in 2018, where she faced off against other celebrity children, including Miles Brown, Mackenzie Ziegler, and Tripp Palin. Her participation was a major draw for the series, bringing in viewers curious to see the high-energy star tackle ballroom dancing.

Partnering with Tristan Ianiero and Mentor Artem Chigvintsev

For her journey, Alana was partnered with professional junior dancer Tristan Ianiero. The pair were mentored by long-time DWTS professional Artem Chigvintsev, who guided them through the technical challenges of the competition. The partnership was a blend of Alana's natural stage presence and Tristan's technical skill, though they often struggled to earn high marks from the judges.

A Short But Memorable Run

Despite her infectious enthusiasm, Alana and Tristan's run was relatively short. They were eliminated in Episode 5, placing them 8th overall in the competition. Their elimination was a tearful moment for the young star, who had expressed a strong desire to win the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.

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One of their most memorable performances was a Halloween-themed Charleston, which they performed to the song "Witch Doctor" by Cartoons. The high-energy, quirky routine earned them a respectable score of 23 out of 30 from the judges—Val Chmerkovskiy, Mandy Moore, and Adam Rippon.

However, another performance, which was not enough to send them through to the next round, resulted in a score of 21/30. While they were criticized for technical shortcomings, the judges consistently praised Alana’s confidence and ability to entertain the audience, acknowledging her powerful stage presence despite the lack of formal dance training.

Life After the Ballroom: College, Custody, and the Shocking Reality TV Paycheck

Alana Thompson’s appearance on DWTS: Juniors was more than just a dance competition; it was a significant financial and personal stepping stone. The latest updates on her life in late 2025 reveal how the show contributed to her future and the major shifts in her family life.

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The Surprising DWTS Paycheck

One of the most talked-about aspects of her reality TV career has been her earnings. According to her mother, June Shannon, Alana was paid a total of $60,000 for her participation on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors. However, after California taxes and other deductions, the actual take-home amount was closer to $35,000. This substantial paycheck highlighted the financial opportunities afforded to young reality stars, even for a short run on a spin-off show.

Custody and College Focus

In a major personal development, Alana's older sister, Lauryn "Pumpkin" Efird, gained legal custody of her. This change provided a more stable environment for Alana as she navigated her late teenage years and prepared for her future. A significant focus for Alana has been her education. She has been open about her plans to attend college, with the goal of becoming a neonatal nurse.

In 2025, Alana is reportedly using her reality TV earnings to help pay for her college education, demonstrating a commitment to a future outside of the constant reality TV lens.

A New Chapter: The Lifetime Film

As of late 2025, Alana Thompson is actively involved in a new project that reflects on her own life story: a Lifetime film titled I Was Honey Boo Boo. This project marks a new chapter in her career, moving from reality star to the subject and contributor of a biographical dramatization. The film is expected to offer a deeper, more personal look at the complexities of growing up in the spotlight, from her early pageant days on Toddlers and Tiaras to her family's struggles documented on Mama June: Road to Redemption.

Her time on Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, while brief, demonstrated her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and take on new challenges. It served as a moment of transition, showing the public that the energetic child star was growing up and ready to pursue a future focused on personal goals, education, and taking control of her own narrative.