The cast and judges for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars have been revealed ahead of the new season’s premiere. Derek Hough returned to the show as a judge, joining Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli in their preview of the upcoming season. Hough took part in a segment with Good Morning America where he shared memories from his early days on the show. He reflected on how the competition has changed since his own time as a contestant, and looked forward to the new professional dancers joining this season. The judges also appeared together in a joint preview, showing their excitement for what’s coming next.
Hough said the show feels fresh and full of energy, with a strong group of contestants ready to compete, according to USA Today. Julianne Hough will continue hosting the show alongside her brother Derek, who has been a judge since Season 32. Julianne Hough was once a professional dancer herself, winning two championships in Seasons 4 and 5 before stepping away from the competition. Derek Hough competed for nearly a decade, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy six times before switching roles to judge in 2020. Season 35 will feature a mix of returning and new professional dancers, including Witney Carson who is the current reigning champion. Carson recently won Season 34 with Robert Irwin, and will be competing again this season.
The new season of Dancing with the Stars is set to begin on Tuesday, September 15th with back-to-back episodes. The show’s return brings back its familiar format, while also introducing new energy and talent. Fans can expect to see both longtime favorites and newcomers as the competition gets underway, according to a report from BroadwayWorld. The judging panel remains unchanged, with Hough, Inaba, and Tonioli all set to guide the dancers through the season. The show’s promotional efforts include clips from Good Morning America that highlight both past and future moments in the competition. These segments aim to give fans a look at how the show has grown over time and what’s coming next.
The upcoming season will bring together a mix of experienced dancers and new faces to the ballroom. Derek Hough’s personal journey from contestant to judge gives a unique perspective on how the show has evolved. The judges’ enthusiasm shows that Season 35 is shaping up to be a strong continuation of the series.
Season 35 will premiere with two episodes on September 15th and 16th. The show’s return is supported by a strong lineup of professional dancers and familiar faces on the judging panel. Fans who have followed the show through multiple seasons will find comfort in its consistent structure and growth. The combination of past memories and future excitement makes Season 35 an important moment for the show’s legacy.
The announcement of the host and judges helps build anticipation for what promises to be a dynamic season of competition.
IMAGE: Derek Hough & Julianne Hough at the 2nd annual Kaleidoscope Ball – Designing the Sweet Side of L.A. at the Beverly Hills Hotel presented by Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA and hosted by Maria Menounos. Photo: Mingle Media TV / Wikimedia, taken 2014-04-10, CC BY-SA 2.0