Perth dancer Faith Ward, living her dream as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, has made multiple appearances on live US television following her starring role in the hit Netflix series America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders.
Press tour across New York City
Season three of the popular show was released last week, prompting veterans and rookies to embark on a press tour across New York City. The first stop was the Today show, where eight cheerleaders, including Ward, gave two performances and discussed the latest season alongside team director Kelli Finglass.
“What an incredible morning! I can’t stop smiling,” Wellington-born Ward said on Instagram.
The team continued their promo with visits to Netflix studios and InStyle Magazine.
Surprise appearance on The Tonight Show
Ward and her teammates wrapped up with an exciting appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, an opportunity for which Ward had “no words”. The segment began with Fallon discussing his love for the Netflix show, which debuted in 2024, and expressing doubt that the cheerleaders could be in town to feature on his program. “It’s impossible,” he said.
Three cheerleaders—Kleine Powell, Charly Barby, and Parker Kilpatrick—were among the unsuspecting live crowd wearing disguises. Powell jumped up and said, “What if it isn’t impossible, Jimmy?” Fallon replied, “Wait, what are you talking about?” Barby chimed in: “This is The Tonight Show, right?” “Yeah.” “I think what they’re trying to say is at The Tonight Show, nothing is impossible,” Kilpatrick added before all three ripped off their clothes to reveal their iconic cheer uniforms. The trio then joined the rest of the team onstage to dance to Move Shake Drop by DJ Laz, Pitbull, and FloRida.
Ward was in awe at appearing on national and international late-night TV. “Will never recover ahhh,” she said on Instagram.
Fan support and Netflix success
Ward’s fans rallied around her. One fan said, “You’re the cutest, loved you on the show and hope to see you back.” Another commented, “Who would have thought Faith...look at our little Aussie/NZ girl and the opportunities she is experiencing. Well done Faith.”
The Netflix show goes behind the scenes of recruiting the 2025 squad from thousands of auditions worldwide through brutal training camp. As the first New Zealander to make the famous team and the third Australian, Ward features heavily throughout the seven-episode third season. She became a fan favorite after defying the team’s tradition of wearing hair down by styling her blonde locks in a high ponytail at Finglass’s request.
