7 Shocking Secrets And Updates On DWTS Season 34 (2025) You Need To Know Now

The ballroom is heating up once again, and as of today, December 12, 2025, the buzz surrounding Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is at an all-time high. While the confetti from the Season 33 finale has barely settled, fans are already clamoring for details on the upcoming Season 34. This new installment promises a fresh wave of celebrity contestants, stunning choreography, and the return of fan-favorite hosts and judges, all set to premiere on ABC and Disney+ in the fall.

The transition from the triumphant Season 33, which saw a beloved reality star take home the coveted Mirrorball Trophy, to the highly anticipated 2025 season is packed with juicy rumors and confirmed announcements. From the full biography of the reigning champion to the early leaks of the Season 34 cast, here is the deep dive into everything you need to know about the current state of DWTS.

The Complete Biography of the Reigning Mirrorball Champion: Joey Graziadei

Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars concluded in November 2024 with a stunning finale, crowning Joey Graziadei and his professional partner, Jenna Johnson, as the champions. Graziadei’s journey from reality TV star to ballroom king captivated millions, showcasing an unexpected talent for Latin and Ballroom dances.

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Here is a complete profile of the most recent DWTS winner:

• Full Name: Joseph Michael Graziadei.
• Date of Birth: May 24, 1995.
• Age: 30 (as of December 2025).
• Hometown: Collegeville, Pennsylvania.
• Occupation: Television Personality and Professional Tennis Coach.
• Claim to Fame: He first rose to national prominence as the runner-up on Season 20 of The Bachelorette, and later as the lead for Season 28 of The Bachelor.
• DWTS Partner: Jenna Johnson.
• DWTS Achievement: Winner of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 (2024).

Graziadei’s success was largely attributed to his natural rhythm and the undeniable chemistry with Jenna Johnson, delivering memorable performances that included a powerful Freestyle in the finale. His victory over strong competitors like runner-up Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten solidified his place in DWTS history.

The Confirmed Lineup: Hosts, Judges, and the Future of the Ballroom

For Dancing with the Stars Season 34, set to premiere in the Fall of 2025, stability in the judging and hosting panel is providing a strong foundation for the competition. The familiar faces returning ensure that the high standards of the show's production and judging remain consistent.

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The Returning Judges

The three-person judging panel, beloved for their expertise and dynamic feedback, is set to return. Their collective knowledge of technique, choreography, and performance quality is crucial to the show's integrity.

• Carrie Ann Inaba: The resident expert on lifts and overall contestant dynamics, known for her passionate and detailed critiques.
• Derek Hough: A multi-time Mirrorball champion and Emmy-winning choreographer, providing insights from a professional dancer’s perspective.
• Bruno Tonioli: The flamboyant and energetic judge, famous for his dramatic reactions and colorful descriptions of the performances.

The Dynamic Hosting Duo

The hosting team that debuted in Season 32 will be back to guide the celebrities and professional dancers through the demanding competition schedule.

• Alfonso Ribeiro: The main host, bringing his own experience as a former DWTS champion to the role.
• Julianne Hough: The co-host, also a former professional dancer and judge, providing a seamless bridge between the couples and the audience.

This confirmed lineup ensures that Season 34 will maintain the balance of professionalism, entertainment, and emotional connection that viewers have come to expect from the franchise. The judges will be looking for technical precision in dances like the Viennese Waltz and the Paso Doble, while the hosts manage the live voting and elimination process.

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The Shocking Rumors and Early Confirmed Stars of DWTS Season 34 (2025)

The casting process for Dancing with the Stars is always shrouded in secrecy, but a few high-profile names have already been confirmed or heavily rumored for the Season 34 (2025) cast, creating massive anticipation months ahead of the September premiere.

Confirmed and Heavily Rumored Celebrities

The early reveals suggest an incredibly "stacked" season, mixing reality television royalty with Hollywood veterans and beloved personalities.

• Alix Earle: The digital sensation and TikTok star has been one of the first confirmed contestants. Her massive social media following is expected to give her a significant edge in the fan vote.
• Robert Irwin: The son of the late "Crocodile Hunter," Steve Irwin, has been consistently rumored. His involvement would bring a huge international audience and a fascinating backstory to the competition.
• Elaine Hendrix: Known for her iconic roles in films like The Parent Trap, Hendrix is another name that has been strongly linked to the upcoming season, promising a dose of veteran Hollywood star power.
• Jen Affleck: A prominent figure in reality TV, Jen Affleck (formerly Jen Shah) is also a rumored contestant, which would undoubtedly generate significant media attention and potential controversy.

These early casting leaks indicate a clear strategy to attract diverse demographics, from the younger, social-media-savvy audience (Alix Earle) to the established TV and movie fans (Elaine Hendrix). The blend of contestants is key to the show’s success, ensuring that the competition remains unpredictable and engaging. The professional dancers—including veterans like Val Chmerkovskiy and Emma Slater, who are always at the center of casting speculation—will be paired with these celebrities, setting the stage for the battle for the Mirrorball Trophy.

The Return to ABC and Disney+

Season 34 will continue its dual-platform broadcast, airing live on ABC and streaming simultaneously on Disney+. This hybrid model, which began in Season 32, has successfully expanded the show’s reach, allowing viewers to tune in across multiple devices. The live voting mechanism remains a critical component, giving the audience the final say in who stays and who faces elimination.

With the 2025 premiere date looming, the DWTS fandom is dissecting every rumor, from potential theme nights to which professional dancers will be returning. The combination of a strong judging panel, experienced hosts, and a highly anticipated celebrity cast ensures that Season 34 will be one of the most talked-about seasons in the show's long history. The journey from the first Foxtrot to the final spectacular Showdance is set to be a thrilling spectacle of dedication, glamour, and world-class dancing.