5 Shocking Details About The Dancing With The Stars Season 34 Premiere You Missed

The ballroom is officially open for business! As of this week, Thursday, December 18, 2025, the buzz surrounding the recent Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere is still at an all-time high, cementing its status as one of the biggest television events of the year. The latest season, which officially kicked off on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, on ABC and Disney+, delivered on its promise of star-studded glamour, unexpected partnerships, and some truly jaw-dropping debut performances that have already set a high bar for the coveted Mirrorball trophy.

Fans were treated to a fresh lineup of celebrities, from beloved actors and athletes to social media icons, all paired with fan-favorite professional dancers. The premiere night was a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, intricate footwork, and the always-entertaining critiques from the legendary judging panel. This comprehensive guide breaks down the most essential details, the full cast, and the key moments that defined the Season 34 launch.

The Complete DWTS Season 34 Celebrity & Pro Pairings

The success of any Dancing with the Stars season hinges on the chemistry between the celebrity and their professional partner. Season 34 introduced 14 brand-new couples, featuring a mix of returning champions and fresh faces in the professional lineup. This complete list of duos is the definitive guide to who is competing for the Mirrorball.

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• Robert Irwin & Witney Carson: The wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, paired with a fan-favorite pro.
• Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy: The popular social media personality joins forces with the two-time Mirrorball champion.
• Whitney Leavitt & Mark Ballas: The star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is paired with the three-time champion, marking a highly anticipated return for Mark Ballas.
• Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik: Author and wellness enthusiast, paired with the talented Jan Ravnik.
• Corey Feldman & Jenna Johnson: The iconic 80s actor and comedian is partnered with the energetic Jenna Johnson.
• Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach: The filmmaker and brother of Zac Efron is paired with the Season 30 champion, Daniella Karagach.
• Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten: The actress, known for The Parent Trap, is paired with Season 28 winner, Alan Bersten.
• Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa: The Olympic gymnast brings her athleticism to the ballroom with pro Ezra Sosa.
• Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov: The Boy Meets World star is paired with Pasha Pashkov.
• Andy Richter & Britt Stewart: The actor and comedian is paired with the dynamic Britt Stewart.
• Scott Hoying & Koko Iwasaki: The lead of Pentatonix is partnered with Koko Iwasaki.
• Hilaria Baldwin & Brandon Armstrong: The author and wellness expert is paired with Brandon Armstrong.
• Tamar Braxton & Gleb Savchenko: The singer and reality star is paired with Gleb Savchenko.
• Nev Schulman & Emma Slater: The TV host is paired with the returning Emma Slater.

Behind the Ballroom: Judges, Hosts, and Major Changes

The creative and competitive energy of Dancing with the Stars is largely driven by its core team of hosts and judges. Season 34 maintained the beloved lineup that has guided the show through its recent successful run, ensuring a familiar and electric atmosphere for the premiere.

The judging panel, affectionately known as the "Judges' Table," saw the welcome return of the iconic trio: Carrie Ann Inaba, known for her passionate and technical critiques; Bruno Tonioli, the master of dramatic flair and high-energy comments; and former pro-dancer and three-time Mirrorball champion, Derek Hough, who provides a modern, expert perspective.

Hosting duties were once again helmed by the charismatic duo of Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Ribeiro, a former champion himself, brings an insider's perspective, while Hough, a two-time Mirrorball winner and former judge, provides a seamless blend of experience and warmth to the live broadcasts. Their synergy keeps the show running smoothly, especially on a high-stakes night like the premiere.

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A significant change for this season was the continuation of the simulcast on both ABC and Disney+, allowing more fans than ever to tune in live and cast their votes. The voting process remains crucial, with viewers able to support their favorite duos up to 20 times each week via the official website and text message during the live East Coast and Central time broadcasts.

Premiere Night Shockers and Early Leaderboard Predictions

The Season 34 premiere was a spectacle, opening with a massive, high-energy group number set to "Kill the Lights." This set the stage for a night of surprising debuts and technical triumphs.

One of the biggest shocks of the night was the immediate dominance of certain couples. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas wowed the judges with a technically superb Tango. Their routine, set to "Golden," earned them the highest score of the premiere, instantly marking them as early frontrunners for the championship. Derek Hough was particularly impressed, noting the routine's complexity and execution.

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Another standout was Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. Following in the footsteps of his sister, Bindi Irwin, Robert delivered a performance full of charm and surprisingly strong technique, closing out the night and earning one of the top scores. His natural stage presence and clear connection with Witney Carson immediately resonated with the audience and the judges.

However, the premiere is only the beginning. The season promises a range of exciting, themed nights that will test the celebrities' versatility and skill in various dance styles. Future themes include fan-favorite events like "One-Hit Wonders Night," "TikTok Night," "Disney Night," "Dedication Night," and the highly anticipated "Wicked Night." These themed weeks are designed to push the couples outside their comfort zones and provide maximum entertainment for viewers at home.

The competition is fierce, with two stars tied at the top of the leaderboard after the first night. The initial scores are crucial, but the ultimate fate of each couple rests on the combination of judges' scores and the crucial viewer votes. As the celebrities navigate the demanding schedule and master new styles like the Cha-Cha, Foxtrot, Jive, and Paso Doble, the pressure to deliver a flawless performance will only intensify. Fans are already predicting a tight race for the Mirrorball trophy this year, making Season 34 a must-watch event.