Los Angeles, September 10, 2025 – Lights, music, spotlight—Dancing With The Stars returns for a glittering Season 34 as the iconic dance competition celebrates 20 years of rhythm, rivalry, and red-hot performances. The new season kicks off Tuesday, September 16 with a live two-hour premiere event you won’t want to miss.

To celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary, ABC and Disney+ are rolling out the red carpet for a season packed with fresh faces, fiery choreography, and fierce competition. The show will air LIVE across local time zones on both platforms and stream the next day on Hulu.

FAMILIAR FACES, NEW CHALLENGES

Returning to host are the charismatic Alfonso Ribeiro and dynamic Julianne Hough, keeping the energy high and the transitions seamless. On the judges’ panel, longtime fan favorites Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough bring their sharp critiques, signature flair, and heartfelt encouragement to every performance.

And, of course, the stakes have never been higher—each celebrity and their pro partner are dancing not just for the glory, but for the honor of lifting the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, a tribute to the late, beloved head judge.

A PREMIERE TO REMEMBER

The live season premiere promises an electrifying opening number choreographed by Ray Leeper, set to the high-energy track “Kill the Lights” by Whitney Myer.

Viewers will also get their first look at the all-new DWTS dance troupe—Carter Williams, Hailey Bills, Onye Stevenson, and Jaxon Willard—who will deliver a powerful routine to “Just Keep Watching” by Tate McRae.

MEET THE CELEBRITIES HITTING THE BALLROOM

This season’s cast features a vibrant mix of actors, athletes, musicians, reality stars, and influencers, each paired with a pro dancer. Here’s a breakdown of the night one performances:

• Jen Affleck (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) & Jan Ravnik – Salsa | “NUEVAYoL” – Bad Bunny

• Hilaria Baldwin (author & wellness influencer) & Gleb Savchenko – Cha Cha | “Let’s Get Loud” – Jennifer Lopez

• Jordan Chiles (Olympic gold medalist) & Ezra Sosa – Salsa

• Baron Davis (NBA All-Star) & Britt Stewart – Cha Cha | “U Can’t Touch This” – MC Hammer

• Alix Earle (social media personality) & Val Chmerkovskiy – Cha Cha | “Circus” – Britney Spears

• Dylan Efron (TV personality & influencer) & Daniella Karagach – Cha Cha | “Milkshake” – Kelis

• Corey Feldman (actor/musician) & Jenna Johnson – Tango | “It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me” – Billy Joel

• Danielle Fishel (Boy Meets World) & Pasha Pashkov – Tango | “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” – Kelly Clarkson

• Elaine Hendrix (film & TV actress) & Alan Bersten – Cha Cha | “Woman” – Kesha ft. The Dap-Kings Horns

• Scott Hoying (GRAMMY® winner, Pentatonix) & Rylee Arnold – Tango | “Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga

• Robert Irwin (wildlife conservationist) & Witney Carson – Jive | “Born To Be Wild” – Steppenwolf

• Lauren Jauregui (Fifth Harmony) & Brandon Armstrong – Tango | “yes, and?” – Ariana Grande

• Whitney Leavitt (The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives) & Mark Ballas – Tango | “Golden” – HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI, and more

• Andy Richter (comedian & actor) & Emma Slater – Cha Cha | “Hold On, I’m Coming” – Sam & Dave

VOTING IS BACK — AND YOUR VOTES COUNT

Fan votes remain a critical part of the competition. During the live simulcast in the Eastern and Central time zones, fans across the U.S., its territories, and Canada can cast their votes online at dwtsvote.abc.com. U.S. fans with participating mobile carriers can also vote via SMS/text. (Canadian fans can only vote online.)

Scores from judges and viewer votes from weeks one and two will be combined to determine which couples face elimination after the second episode.

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF DANCE, DRAMA, AND TRANSFORMATION

Since its debut, Dancing with the Stars has become more than just a competition—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Season 34 honors the show’s enduring legacy while ushering in a new era of stars, stories, and standout routines. With a balance of nostalgia and new energy, this season is set to captivate longtime fans and new viewers alike.

Produced by BBC Studios, the series continues to spotlight personal growth, partnership, and the sheer power of live performance.