A Star-Studded 20th Anniversary Cast
The ballroom is officially open as “Dancing with the Stars” pirouettes into its landmark 34th season, celebrating 20 years on the air. The new season, which premiered on September 16, 2025, boasts a diverse and intriguing cast of celebrities ready to compete for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The show airs live on Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Hulu.
This year’s lineup features a wide array of personalities, including:
- Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin (paired with Witney Carson)
- Actor and 80s icon Corey Feldman (paired with Jenna Johnson)
- Reality TV star and producer Dylan Efron (paired with Daniella Karagach)
- “Boy Meets World” actress Danielle Fishel (paired with Pasha Pashkov)
- Author and podcaster Hilaria Baldwin (paired with Gleb Savchenko)
- Social media influencer Alix Earle (paired with Val Chmerkovskiy)
Returning to guide the competition are hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, alongside the seasoned judging panel of Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba.
Early Ballroom Drama and Setbacks
While the performances have just begun, the season is already rife with challenges and behind-the-scenes drama. The premiere night saw an unexpected shake-up when longtime judge Carrie Ann Inaba announced she would miss the first show due to illness. The show proceeded with only two judges, leaving contestants to be scored by Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
More significant, however, are reports of backstage turmoil. Insiders claim the season is in “total chaos,” with some pointing to contestant Corey Feldman. Sources allege a lack of commitment from the actor, with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, brother of pro Val Chmerkovskiy, stating that his sister-in-law and Feldman’s partner, Jenna Johnson, is having a “really difficult time.” The physical demands of the competition are also taking a toll, as influencer Alix Earle revealed she suffered severe bruising and lost a toenail during rehearsals.
A Desire for a Do-Over
As new stars find their footing, past contestants reflect on their time on the show. Talk show host Sherri Shepherd, who competed on Season 14 in 2012, recently expressed her desire for a second chance. During an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” Shepherd stated she believes she was “unfairly eliminated” in the fourth week. Calling it the “best experience of my life,” she hopes to return for a potential fan-favorite season.
The Business of the Ballroom
The commitment required from celebrities is significant, but it comes with substantial compensation. Contestants reportedly earn a starting salary of $125,000 for rehearsals and the first two episodes. This figure increases with each week they survive elimination, with bonuses that can bring a finalist’s total earnings to over $295,000. While the professional dancers’ salaries are lower, their dedication is crucial to the show’s success.
A ‘Make-or-Break’ Season?
With the show celebrating its 20th anniversary, producers are feeling the pressure to maintain high ratings. According to some reports, this is viewed as a “make-or-break” season. Showrunners have noted a deliberate shift in casting strategy, steering clear of divisive political figures to create a more unifying and celebratory atmosphere for its milestone year. This season also sees the return of fan-favorite pro Mark Ballas and the debut of new dancer Jan Ravnik, while several veteran pros, including Sasha Farber and Artem Chigvintsev, are not competing, as reported by digitaltrendstoday.com. With a blend of fresh talent, returning champions, and unfolding drama, Season 34 is shaping up to be one of the most-watched chapters in the show’s long history.
