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via Imago

via Imago

“I learned so much, not just from dancing but how to be a partner,” said Dwight Howard. Two weeks have passed since Howard’s final twirl on “Dancing with the Stars,” a journey that left fans scrolling through countless emotional reels and nostalgic posts. Just when the basketball world thought Howard might retreat from the spotlight after his dance competition finale, the NBA star has pirouetted into a new realm of entertainment—proving that his star power extends far beyond the basketball court and dance floor.

DH12 has recently got an unexpected recognition from Phil Rosenthal, creator and host of the hit Netflix food travel series Somebody Feed Phil. On Instagram, Rosenthal shared his Spotify Wrapped-inspired post, spotlighting fan-favorite moments from his show. Among the most cherished guest appearances? None other than Dwight Howard.

The post also announced that the show will be returning for its eighth installment. “Thanks for watching! Season 8 is coming ❤️ #somebodyfeedphil #spotifywrapped,” read the caption of the post.

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Howard’s episode of Somebody Feed Phil offers a refreshing glimpse into the lighter, more personal side of the basketball superstar. Filmed during his stint with the Taoyuan Leopards in Taipei, Taiwan, the episode showcases Howard in a new light—a fun-loving, food-curious guest eager to embrace local culture.

Together with Phil, Howard was amazed by Michelin restaurants, teahouses in Jiufen, and fruit ice in Ximending, as well as Keelung Night Market, Huaxi Street Night Market, and the famous overseas Din Tai Fung, street snacks scallion pancakes.

Howard’s basketball career in Taipei was equally noteworthy and his performance with the Taoyuan Leopards was great. In the 2022-23 T1 League season, Howard averaged 23.2 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game dominant stats that underscored his continued ability to excel at an elite level.

Now coming to the show, Rosenthal’s Somebody Feed Phil has become a beloved staple for foodies and travel enthusiasts, blending humor, heartfelt storytelling, and culinary exploration. The show follows Rosenthal as he travels the globe, connecting with people and cultures through food.

The places selected for the last season were Mumbai, Washington D.C., Kyoto, Iceland, Dubai, Orlando, Taipei, and Scotland. “TAIPEI Takeaways: Wait for your buns to cool. Dwight Howard is tall,” wrote Rosenthal in an Instagram post.

For Howard, the appreciation from Rosenthal and Somebody Feed Phil fans is a meaningful nod to his ability to connect with audiences far beyond the basketball arena. As fans celebrate Howard’s continued evolution, it’s clear that his star power transcends any one stage. However, it seems like the former NBA champ can’t get over his DWTS days.

Dwight Howard laments over DWTS exit

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The curtain fell on the 32nd season of Dancing with the Stars on November 26th, crowning Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson as champions. However, for former NBA superstar Dwight Howard, who was eliminated on November 12th, the show’s magic lingers on.

Since his elimination, Howard has turned to Instagram as a platform to express his longing for the show. His feed is a montage of memories: behind-the-scenes reels, snapshots with his dance partner Daniella Karagach, and reflections on his journey. “Wow first Tuesday without @dancingwiththestars 🥲.” posted Howard recently.

Moreover, the 38-year-old posted a reel a few days back in which Howard was seen clutching a little replica of the Mirror Ball trophy and also showed a glimpse of his notepad app on his phone filled with the words, “I’ll win Dancing with the Stars.

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The NBA veteran and his partner got eliminated during the 500th episode of “DWTS”. They had a great start that night with an Argentine Tango but missed the opportunity during the surprise dance event in which they attempted a Paso double. This in turn resulted in them getting only 22 out of 30 points, which brought their elimination. While his dance floor days may be over, his journey reminds fans of the joy and connections the show brings, both on and off the stage.