Megan Dougherty | Writer & Stella Nelson | Writer
September 14, 2025
On September 3, 2025, the long-anticipated casting announcements were publicized for season 34 of Dancing With the Stars. While some pairs stirred excitement in the DWTS fandom, others came as a surprise.
The guest that seemed to arouse the most attention was Tiktok sensation Alix Earle. Alix mainly posts fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, with her target demographic being Gen-Z. Since the show shares a similar target audience, Alix has a large fanbase going into her season, which will serve as an advantage for her longevity in the competition. Along with Alix’s strong following, her partner Val Chmerkovisky is known for his incredible choreography and ability to transform the star. Alix and Val are shaping up to be a top duo this season. Senior at SCHS Ella Kittler expressed her eagerness for Alix’s partnership with Val, as she said she “cannot wait to watch the two on [her] screen this fall.”
Ever since Rylee Arnold became a professional dancer on the show in 2023, rumors have circulated the DWTS fandom of her potential partnership with wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin. Both being similar in age (1 year apart) and compatible in height, the two seemed to be the perfect match. In various interviews before season 34, Rylee expressed hopefulness for the pairing, going as far to call Robert her “dream partner.” When Robert was confirmed to be joining the upcoming season in April of 2025, it seemed clear that fans were finally getting the partnership they had been manifesting. But, the recent cast announcements came as a complete surprise. Rylee was paired with 33-year-old musician Scott Hoying, and Robert was matched with long-time professional Witney Carson. While both pairings were received well by the media, fans were shocked to see Rylee and Robert split up given their history.
On the same topic of fan speculation, many fans predicted that due to her harsh criticisms, longtime judge Carrie Ann would be replaced in the upcoming 34th season. Due to Carrie Ann having been a judge since the premier of DWTS in 2005, many were hopeful to see a new judge, particularly one they know and love, Mark Ballas. This rumor gained traction online after Mark Ballas’s return as a guest judge for “Dedication Night” last season. Ballas’s straightforward, nuanced, and helpful commentary for the dancers was refreshing for viewers and contestants alike. Longtime DWTS fan and Senior at SCHS Myla Pert voiced her opinion that “Mark Ballas should have replaced Carrie Ann especially after last season.” In the last season it was felt by fans, as well as multiple dancers, that Carrie Ann’s scoring and feedback was consistently harsh and biased. This was especially true for female dancers such as Chandler Kinney and her pro partner Brandon Armstrong, after Carrie Ann’s unnecessary comments of Kinney lifting her foot which she failed to mention to other dancers.
Despite the rumors, Mark Ballas has returned as a pro dancer for DWTS 20th anniversary with 27 seasons and 16 years of experience under his belt. Alongside his partner Whitney Leavitt from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, there is much anticipation that Ballas will win his fourth Mirrorball trophy.
Don’t forget to tune in to the Season 34 premier September 16th on Disney+!
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