Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Tackle Fame, Pressure Amid World Cup Fever

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:48:10 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Netflix docuseries version three sees the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders dealing with newfound fame, scrutiny and new opportunities like World Cup appearances.

The DCC docuseries has turned the squad into celebrities, but with that comes scrutiny. Stars Kleine Powell and Megan McElaney discuss how the spotlight affects performance, job balance and mental health. They note the positive impacts on dance culture and the wider world, while still valuing teamwork over fame. Meanwhile, the squad’s recent push for better pay and world‑cup performances highlights their growing influence.

Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders tackle fame, pressure amid World Cup fever

Five, six, seven, eight… America’s Sweethearts are back.

Season three of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders docuseries has dropped on Netflix, bringing the squad into the spotlight like never before.

The show has turned the cheerleaders into celebrities, mixing viral moments with the drama of daily life. BBC Newsbeat spoke to breakout stars Kleine Powell and Megan McElaney to find out what this newfound attention means for them.

“It has been actually really insane,” Powell says. “I think it’s had a positive impact on the dance world and on the world in general with how we integrate our lives into this dance and cheerleading show.”

Earlier seasons focused on the tough selection process to become a DCC. Fans see the squad’s director Kelli Finglass give frank feedback to new recruits, yet the possibility of becoming a celebrity has never deterred applicants. Powell stresses that new cheerleaders should be motivated by friendship and teamwork, not self‑promotion.

The increased exposure also brings downsides, such as “a little bit of an anxiety factor,” says McElaney. “We’re all perfectionists and we want to put our best foot forward.”

Fan recordings of pre‑match routines can be stressful, but the squad stays supportive. McElaney mentions Kleine’s locker‑room checks: “Hey, how are you doing? Everything good?”

Many cheerleaders balance full‑time jobs with night‑time training, yet they maintain a strong team spirit.

The squad’s previous season championed better pay; “it was exciting to be part of that change” Powell says, and they will continue to fight “for the future of new DCCs.”

They’ve built bridges between sports, performing during World Cup matches in Dallas. Their routines wowed English fans during the opening game against Croatia. “England is so rowdy,” Powell jokes. “I love that energy for our pre‑season games.”

Despite the fame, Powell and McElaney do not see themselves as celebrities. “It’s so kind when people view us as that, but for us, it’s about dance, friendship, and being on a team.”