Full Breakdown
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: A New Era of Competition and Themed Nights
9/19/2025, 1:45:11 PM
Overview of Season 34
The 34th season of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) premiered on September 16, 2025, featuring a diverse cast of fourteen celebrities competing for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The season is co-hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, with judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, as Carrie Ann Inaba missed the premiere due to illness. This season celebrates the show's 20th anniversary with a lineup of exciting themed nights.
Themed Nights Schedule
The season includes a variety of themed episodes designed to engage viewers and showcase the contestants' talents. The confirmed schedule is as follows:
- September 30: TikTok Night
- October 7: Disney Night
- October 14: Dedication Night
- October 21: Wicked Night
- October 28: Halloween Night
- November 4: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night
- November 11: 20th Birthday Party
- November 18: Prince Night (Semi-Finals)
- November 25: Finale
The "Wicked Night" episode, airing on October 21, will feature performances set to iconic songs from the musical "Wicked," coinciding with the upcoming film adaptation, "Wicked: For Good," set to release in November 2025.
Contestant Highlights
Among the notable contestants this season are Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, and Hilaria Baldwin, who has received attention for her return to dance after a hip injury. Irwin's debut performance earned him a score of 15 out of 20, with judges praising it as one of the best first dances in the show's history. Baldwin, paired with Gleb Savchenko, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to dance again, despite the challenges of balancing her family life with the competition.
Jordan Chiles, an Olympic gymnast, is also competing this season. After a rocky start, she aims to adapt her athletic skills to the ballroom. Chiles noted the adrenaline rush of performing live, stating, "I felt pure adrenaline, joy, excitement, and relief all at once."
Official Statements & Responses
Joey Graziadei, the host of the "Dancing with the Stars Official Podcast," emphasized the competitive spirit of this season, stating, "The vibe right now is competition... there’s this many people who can absolutely win." This sentiment reflects the excitement surrounding the diverse cast and their performances.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the enthusiasm, some fans expressed concerns regarding the scoring system, particularly after the premiere where scoring errors were noted. For instance, Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas initially received a score of 14, which was later corrected to 15 due to a judge's mistake. Critics have called for more transparency in the judging process to ensure fairness.
What's Next
As the season progresses, viewers can expect intense competition and emotional performances. The upcoming "Wicked Night" promises to be a highlight, showcasing the talents of the contestants while celebrating the beloved musical. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, fans are eager to see who will emerge victorious in this landmark season of "Dancing with the Stars."
