Gladys Knight’s ‘Dancing’ Goal: ‘I Want The Trophy’

Gladys Knight has her eye on the mirrorball, but she’s hoping her “Dancing with the Stars” journey inspires others.

“It was the challenge really of it… And there’s certain things — if we feel like we can do ‘em, [and we do] — it sets an example for young people. Hey, age is all in the mind,” Gladys told Billy Bush and Kit Hoover on Friday’s Access Hollywood Live
of her reasons for doing the show.

And Gladys wants to make it all the way to the top.

“I want the trophy,” she said. “But, if I don’t get it, I want to make the journey the best that I can make it.”

With a stunning “DWTS” debut – she tied for fourth on the leaderboard – Gladys is putting credit where it’s due – on her partner, Tristan MacManus.

“I’ve got the best partner in the world,” she added of her pro. “The way he teaches, he’s very patient, but he’s direct… He paints pictures for me.”

The legendary singer said the benefits of “Dancing” have already made an impact.

“I lost a whole shoe size,” she said. “I said, ‘What’s going on here? I actually lost a shoe size.’”

“Dancing with the Stars” returns on Monday at 8/7c on ABC.