The first episode of Season 34 of “Dancing with the Stars” aired on Tuesday.
First premiering in 2005, “Dancing with the Stars” is a competitive television series that pairs celebrities with professional dancers. The couples perform a new dance each week, and based on the judges’ scoring and audience input, a couple is eliminated each week until the finale.
Last season had a memorable ending in November 2024, with the crowning of former Bachelor Joey Graziadei and professional dancer Jenna Johnson. This season is expected to be just as memorable, with stars ranging from wildlife conservationists to social media influencers and even Olympians.
“I think this season is going to be better than last season just because I didn’t know as many people in the last season and this season I know a lot more people,” said Candise Battin, a sophomore majoring in computer science.
The 14 couple pairings for Season 34 were released last week and showcase a wide range of talent and competition.
A handful of this season’s stars are made up of actors such as Corey Feldman, Elaine Hendrix and Danielle Fishel. Two reality TV stars, Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, who starred in “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” will also be competing.
Alongside these entertainers, a few singers will be playing the roles of stars this season. Professional Branon Armstrong is coupled up with Lauren Jauregui from “Fifth Harmony.” Returning for her third consecutive season on DWTS as the youngest dancer on the show is 20-year-old Rylee Arnold, with Grammy-winning partner, Scott Hoying.
“Scott and Rylee might be an underdog simply because Riley is so young, making her less experienced. And with Scott, he is from Pentatonix and has a very large social media following, but I don’t think their backgrounds put them ahead from the start. I think they will have to prove themselves,” said Chad Bynum, a sophomore majoring in computer science.
A couple of athletes will compete this year, such as NBA All-Star Baron Davis, who will be dancing with Britt Stewart. Similar to season 33, this season will have another Olympic gold medalist, Jordan Chiles, competing with partner Ezra Sosa.
Season 34 will feature three social media influencers paired with professionals, including Hilaria Baldwin and Dylan Efron. One of the most popular stars this season is social media influencer Alix Earle, who has nearly 18 million followers across her numerous social media platforms Earle brings in a new audience into this season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
“I don’t think Alix’s large social media presence gives her an unfair advantage because dance judges, especially the ones they have on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ are all professionally trained, and they’ll never let a bias like that sort of cloud their vision,” Bynum said.
The remaining two stars are wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and comedian Andy Richter.
Casting producer Deena Katz said in a Glamour article that “compatibility is key when creating pairings between stars and pros.”
“I think what a couple needs to do well is a good connection. Because they just met and you have a pro and then someone who is not a pro. But if they have a good connection and actually spend time together, then it will make a good duo,” said Macy Spicer, a sophomore majoring in dance.
Season 34 is expected to be full of competition, talent and lots of excitement. The premiere is just the first step in a long stretch of themed nights, dances and more.
“I absolutely think that there will be more younger audiences watching this season. I remember watching ‘Dancing with the Stars’ when I was growing up as a show that my grandmother watched,” Bynum said. “But last year I remember everyone, like all of my dance friends were freaking out about ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ We all had to watch the finale together.”
