Full Breakdown
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: Premiere Overview and Contestants
9/16/2025, 1:36:01 PM
Season Premiere Details
"Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) is set to return for its 34th season on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. This season marks the show's 20-year anniversary, featuring a lineup of 14 celebrities paired with professional dancers competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will guide viewers through the season, while judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough will evaluate the performances.
Celebrity Contestants and Dance Routines
The premiere will showcase a variety of dance styles, including the Tango, Cha-Cha, Salsa, and Jive. Notable pairings include:
- Jen Affleck (from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives") and pro Jan Ravnik, performing a Salsa to "NUEVAYoL" by Bad Bunny.
- Hilaria Baldwin and pro Gleb Savchenko, dancing a Cha-Cha to "Let’s Get Loud" by Jennifer Lopez.
- Jordan Chiles, Olympic gold medalist, paired with pro Ezra Sosa for a Salsa.
- Baron Davis, NBA All-Star, and pro Britt Stewart, performing a Cha-Cha to "U Can’t Touch This" by MC Hammer.
- Alix Earle, social media personality, with pro Val Chmerkovskiy, dancing a Cha-Cha to "Circus" by Britney Spears.
- Robert Irwin, wildlife conservationist and brother of Bindi Irwin, will perform a Jive with pro Witney Carson to "Born To Be Wild" by Steppenwolf.
Other contestants include Corey Feldman, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui, Whitney Leavitt, and Andy Richter, each paired with their respective pros.
Opening Performances
The premiere will feature an opening number choreographed by Ray Leeper to "Kill the Lights" by Whitney Myer, along with a performance by the new troupe consisting of Carter Williams, Hailey Bills, Onye Stevenson, and Jaxon Willard, dancing to "Just Keep Watching" by Tate McRae.
Voting and Viewer Engagement
Fans will have the opportunity to vote during the live airing of the show. Voting can be done online at dwtsvote.abc.com or via text through participating U.S. wireless carriers. The combination of live viewer votes and judges' scores from the first two weeks will determine which couples face elimination.
Criticism and Expectations
The competitive nature of the show has sparked discussions among contestants. Jen Affleck noted her co-star Whitney Leavitt's competitive spirit, stating, "The competition is for sure friendly... but I know she’s very competitive." This rivalry adds an intriguing dynamic to the season.
Conclusion
As "Dancing with the Stars" embarks on its 34th season, fans can anticipate a mix of talent, drama, and entertainment. The premiere promises to deliver exciting performances and engaging moments as celebrities take to the dance floor for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
