The 7 Shocking Twists And Must-Know Details Of Dancing With The Stars Season 34 (2025)

The ballroom is officially back, and the drama has never been higher. As of December 11, 2025, the latest season of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is dominating headlines, not just for its star-studded celebrity lineup but for a series of unprecedented format changes and behind-the-scenes controversies that have fans and critics buzzing. The current Season 34, which premiered on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, is proving to be one of the most unpredictable runs in the show's history, airing live on both ABC and Disney+ simultaneously.

Forget everything you thought you knew about the quest for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. With a new challenge introduced in the finale and a mix of Olympic athletes, reality TV personalities, and Hollywood veterans, the competition is a genuine toss-up. This deep dive covers the full cast, the judges' panel, and the shocking new rules that are shaking up the foundation of the long-running reality dance competition.

The Complete Celebrity Roster and Ballroom Professionals for DWTS Season 34

Season 34 has delivered a truly eclectic and high-profile group of celebrity contestants, paired with the show's beloved professional dancers. The lineup features a blend of sports champions, social media titans, and established actors, all vying to master the intricate ballroom and Latin routines.

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The Confirmed Celebrity & Pro Pairings:

• Alix Earle: The social media influencer and podcast host, partnered with professional dancer Val Chmerkovskiy.
• Jordan Chiles: The Olympic gymnast, known for her powerful routines, partnered with Ezra Sosa.
• Baron Davis: The two-time NBA All-Star, bringing his competitive spirit to the dance floor with partner Britt Stewart.
• Elaine Hendrix: The actress best known for The Parent Trap, paired with fan-favorite Alan Bersten.
• Jen Affleck: The media personality and entrepreneur, rumored to be competing.
• Dylan Efron: Brother of Zac Efron and filmmaker, a surprise addition to the roster.
• Hilaria Baldwin: The author and yoga instructor, confirmed to be competing.
• Corey Feldman: The iconic actor and musician, ready to take on the Salsa and Paso Doble.
• Robert Irwin: The conservationist and television personality, partnered with Rylee Arnold.
• Andy Richter: The comedian and actor, bringing a comedic element to the intense competition.
• Other Notables: Speculation also surrounded other pairings, but the official list solidifies a season of major star power.

The judges' panel remains a trio of seasoned experts: the sharp-eyed Carrie Ann Inaba, the energetic Bruno Tonioli, and the six-time Mirrorball champion Derek Hough. Hosting the action are the dynamic duo of Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, who returned to the ballroom to guide the celebrity contestants through their weekly challenges.

The Shocking New Format Changes for the Season 34 Finale

The biggest news surrounding the current season is a major shake-up in the competition structure, particularly for the high-stakes finale. Traditionally, the finale features two rounds: a Judges' Pick and the highly-anticipated Freestyle. Season 34, however, has introduced a dramatic third round, guaranteeing more pressure and more spectacular performances.

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The Season 34 finale will now feature three distinct rounds of competition, designed to test the celebrity contestants' versatility and ability to handle extreme pressure.

The Three Finale Rounds:

1. The Judges' Choice: The judges—Inaba, Tonioli, and Hough—select a previous routine for the finalists to re-perform, focusing on specific technical feedback given earlier in the season. This is a true test of improvement.
2. The "Instant Dance" Challenge: This is the most unpredictable twist. Celebrities and their professional partners are given a surprise song and a dance style (like Jive or Tango) live on the show and must choreograph and perform the routine in an extremely short amount of time. This segment tests raw talent and on-the-fly execution.
3. The Make-or-Break Freestyle: The traditional, no-rules routine where couples can pull out all the stops with lifts, props, and intricate staging. This routine often determines who ultimately wins the Mirrorball.

The addition of the "Instant Dance" is a game-changer, forcing couples to rely on their foundational knowledge of dance styles like the Waltz, Samba, and Quickstep, rather than weeks of rehearsal. This twist ensures the ultimate winner truly deserves the title of best dancer.

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The Unforgettable Controversies and Scandals That Built DWTS's Legacy

Beyond the flawless Foxtrot and high scores, Dancing with the Stars has always thrived on drama and controversy. The show's ability to cast polarizing figures and generate on-screen tension has kept viewers tuning in for decades. This element of unpredictability is a key part of the show's enduring appeal.

Casting Decisions That Shocked the Audience

The show has a history of making controversial casting choices, inviting public figures whose pasts have generated significant debate. These decisions often lead to massive ratings spikes and intense media scrutiny.

• Olivia Jade Giannulli: Her casting followed the infamous college admissions scandal involving her parents, Lori Loughlin and Mossimo Giannulli.
• Carole Baskin: The star of Netflix's Tiger King brought her own set of highly publicized, unresolved mysteries to the ballroom.
• Sean Spicer: The former White House Press Secretary's inclusion sparked political debate among the fanbase.
• Ryan Lochte: The Olympic swimmer competed shortly after his public scandal at the Rio Olympics.

Behind-the-Scenes and Judges' Panel Drama

The judges' panel and the professional dancers themselves are no strangers to conflict. From unexpected eliminations to public feuds, the drama is often as captivating as the Tango.

• Sabrina Bryan's Double Elimination: The Cheetah Girls star was shockingly eliminated early, twice, despite consistently high scores, leading fans to question the voting process.
• Tyra Banks' Tenure as Host: Her arrival and the departure of long-time host Tom Bergeron generated significant fan backlash and conversation about the show's direction.
• The Maksim Chmerkovskiy vs. Abby Lee Miller Feud: A public spat between the DWTS pro and the Dance Moms star highlighted the intense, competitive nature of the dance world.
• Controversial Winners: Seasons where the winner was separated from the runner-up by a razor-thin margin, such as the competition between Shawn Johnson and Gilles Marini, often lead to heated fan arguments about the fairness of the scoring and voting.

The current Season 34, with its high-stakes format changes and a cast full of strong personalities, is poised to add its own memorable moments to this legacy of drama. Whether it’s a perfect score Cha-Cha-Cha or a shocking early exit, Dancing with the Stars continues to prove why it remains a cultural phenomenon. The journey to the Mirrorball is never just about the dancing; it's about the spectacle, the emotion, and the unpredictable nature of live reality television.