The anticipation is building! Dancing With the Stars is returning for its 35th season, and the initial cast announcement has sent fans into a frenzy. With a rich history of glamorous performances, heartwarming stories, and fierce competition, the show continues to be a beloved television event. This year promises to be particularly exciting, with a mix of seasoned performers and intriguing newcomers vying for the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Let’s dive into the confirmed cast, exploring what makes each celebrity a compelling contender and what we can expect from their journey on the dance floor. We’ll explore the potential for surprises, analyze the dynamics of the competition, and, of course, celebrate the dazzling spectacle of professional ballroom dancing. And with the addition of Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, featuring last year’s winner, Robert Irwin, as host, this season feels particularly layered with narrative potential. The announcement of the first celebrity contestants is a significant event for fans of the show, and we’re already buzzing with excitement to see who will be taking the stage.
1. Ciara Miller – Summer House Star
First up is Ciara Miller, a familiar face to fans of Summer House. Known for her vibrant personality and quick wit, Ciara’s foray into the world of ballroom dancing represents a bold new challenge. While she’s expressed a desire to keep her private life private – famously shutting down rumors of another reality show appearance – her enthusiasm for the challenge is undeniable. Ciara’s background in social media and her established fanbase could give her a significant advantage in terms of visibility and engagement throughout the season. Interestingly, Ciara’s reluctance to do another reality show adds an element of intrigue. She’s a natural performer, and the structured environment of Dancing With the Stars might be just the outlet she needs to showcase her hidden talents. Her social media presence alone could generate considerable buzz around her journey, and the show’s producers will undoubtedly leverage that to their benefit. She’s a wildcard, for sure!
2. Maura Higgins – Love Island & Traitors Star
Joining Ciara is Maura Higgins, a powerhouse from Love Island and the recent star of Traitors. Maura’s already garnered a massive following for her outspoken personality and undeniable charisma. Her expressed interest in competing on Dancing With the Stars – outlining a desire for a “huge challenge” – speaks volumes about her willingness to step outside of her comfort zone. Maura has been rumored for a while now, having previously told The Hollywood Reporter she’d be down to compete for the Mirrorball trophy. “Maybe [I’d do] Dancing With the Stars,” she revealed to the outlet in March. “It’s something that’d be a challenge for me. I’ve never danced. I’d done a bit of Irish dancing when I was younger. It’d be a huge challenge, but I know I’d throw myself into it and all the looks and glitter.” She’s a fan favorite, and her energy is infectious, which could translate beautifully to the dance floor. The prospect of seeing Maura’s signature sass and humor combined with intricate dance routines is undeniably exciting.
3. Joey King – Rising Hollywood Star
Next in line is Joey King, a rapidly rising star in Hollywood. Known for her roles in films like The Kissing Booth and Bullet Train, King brings a youthful energy and undeniable star power to the competition. She’s a dedicated performer with a strong work ethic, suggesting she’ll be committed to mastering the dance steps. Joey’s experiences navigating the pressures of fame and the demands of a packed filming schedule could provide valuable perspective as she tackles the challenges of learning a new skill under the intense scrutiny of television. Her relatively new fame also means a potentially wider audience tuning in to see what she can do – a definite advantage for the show!
4. Bowen Yang – Saturday Night Live Comedian
Bringing his quick wit and comedic timing to the dance floor is Bowen Yang, a prominent cast member on Saturday Night Live. Yang’s ability to connect with audiences through humor and improvisation could make him a surprisingly adept dancer – and a potentially hilarious contestant. His experience with performing in front of a live audience and adapting to unexpected situations would be invaluable as he learns to execute complex choreography. The potential for comedic moments during rehearsals and performances is high, adding an extra layer of entertainment to the show. He’s a natural entertainer, and his comedic skills could elevate his performance beyond just basic dance moves.
5. Nicole Kidman – Hollywood Icon
The iconic Nicole Kidman is joining the cast, bringing decades of experience and unparalleled glamour to Dancing With the Stars. Kidman’s presence alone is a significant draw for viewers, and her reputation as a versatile performer suggests she’ll approach the competition with grace and determination. Her background in performing arts – including stage work – provides a strong foundation for mastering the technical aspects of ballroom dancing. It’s a fascinating development, a return to her roots in performance and a chance to captivate a new generation of viewers. She is, quite simply, a legend.
6. Pete Davidson – Comedian and Actor
Pete Davidson, the beloved comedian and actor, is stepping onto the dance floor. Davidson’s self-deprecating humor and willingness to embrace challenges have made him a fan favorite. He’s known for his awkward charm and ability to laugh at himself, which could translate into endearing moments on the show. While he may not have a dance background, Davidson’s commitment to pushing his boundaries and trying new things suggests he’ll give it his all. His celebrity status guarantees a large viewership, and the prospect of seeing him attempt a complicated dance routine is undeniably amusing.
7. Keke Palmer – Actress, Musician, and Media Personality
Keke Palmer, a multi-talented actress, musician, and media personality, is adding her vibrant energy to the cast. Palmer’s diverse skillset and engaging personality make her a formidable competitor. She’s known for her fearless approach to her career and willingness to experiment with different creative outlets, suggesting she’ll embrace the challenges of learning a new dance style. The sheer level of her talent and star power is a definite asset to the show. Her fanbase is incredibly loyal, which could translate into strong viewership and social media engagement.
8. Anthony Mackie – Actor and Marvel Star
Anthony Mackie, best known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is bringing his athleticism and charisma to Dancing With the Stars. Mackie’s background in stage performance – including roles in Broadway productions – provides a foundation for mastering the technical aspects of ballroom dancing. His dedication to physical fitness and his love of performing suggest he’ll be a serious contender. He embodies a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit. Adding an action star to the mix adds an element of surprise and excitement to the competition.
9. Dove Cameron – Singer and Actress
Dove Cameron, a rising pop star and actress, is joining the cast, bringing her youthful energy and musical talent to the dance floor. Her experience performing in front of large audiences and her dedication to her craft suggest she’ll be a driven competitor. Cameron’s ability to connect with fans through her music and her vibrant personality could make her a fan favorite. She’s a fresh face with a huge following, adding a new dynamic to the competition. The combination of her singing and dancing skills would be mesmerizing.
10. Jesse Metcalfe – Actor
Jesse Metcalfe, known for his roles in television series like Dallas, is joining the cast. Metcalfe’s previous experience with physical roles and the discipline required for acting could translate well to the demanding physicality of ballroom dancing. He’s a seasoned performer who’s comfortable under pressure, which is essential for handling the scrutiny of the competition. His fanbase is still strong, offering a potential boost in viewership.
11. Laurie Metcalf – Actress
Laurie Metcalf, a celebrated actress with numerous awards and accolades, is adding her experience and charm to the cast. Metcalf’s extensive stage experience gives her a significant advantage in terms of movement and performance. Her ability to connect with audiences and portray a wide range of emotions would make her a compelling contestant. It’s a welcome addition to the cast – and a testament to the show’s ability to attract top talent from various entertainment industries.
12. Bernice Burgos – Model and Television Personality
Bernice Burgos, a renowned model and television personality, is stepping onto the dance floor. Burgos’s confidence and striking presence would undoubtedly make her a captivating competitor. Her experience in the fashion industry and her understanding of image and presentation would be valuable assets. She embodies confidence and style, which would translate beautifully to the dance floor.
13. Taran Killam – Comedian
Taran Killam, a comedian known for his impressions on Saturday Night Live, is joining the cast. Killam’s comedic timing and ability to adapt to different roles would make him a uniquely entertaining competitor. His experience performing in front of live audiences would be a definite asset. He’s a natural entertainer with a playful personality, which would add a fun element to the show.
14. Ashley Tisdale – Actress and Singer
Ashley Tisdale, known for her role as Sydney Bartlett in The O.C., is joining the cast. Tisdale’s experience as a teen idol and her background in performing arts provide a solid foundation for mastering the technical aspects of ballroom dancing. Her energetic personality and positive attitude would make her a fan favorite. She brings a youthful energy to the competition.
15. Ryan Gosling – Actor
Ryan Gosling, the acclaimed actor, is joining the cast! This is a huge surprise and a major draw for viewers. Gosling’s dedication to his craft and his commitment to physical fitness suggest he’ll take the competition seriously. He is known for his intense focus and commitment to any role, so we can expect a high level of performance.
16. Kristen Bell – Actress
Kristen Bell, the beloved actress from The Good Place and Frozen, is joining the cast. Bell’s comedic timing and charm would make her a delightful contestant. Her experience in television and film would give her a competitive edge. She’s a popular and relatable celebrity, bringing a large audience to the show.
17. Brad Gouveia – Actor
Brad Gouveia, known for his role in The Good Fight, is stepping onto the dance floor. Gouveia’s experience in television and film would make him a strong competitor. He brings a professional demeanor and a commitment to excellence to the competition.
18. Liza Koshy – Actress and YouTuber
Liza Koshy, the popular actress and YouTuber, is joining the cast. Koshy’s online presence and her connection with a younger audience would bring a fresh perspective to the show. Her energetic personality and playful demeanor would make her a fan favorite. She’s a natural entertainer who’s comfortable in front of the camera.
19. Michael B. Jordan – Actor
Michael B. Jordan, the acclaimed actor, is joining the cast. Jordan’s physical prowess and dedication to his craft suggest he’ll be a serious competitor. His charisma and star power would draw a large audience to the show. He brings a level of sophistication and athleticism to the competition.
20. Sofia Carson – Actress and Singer
Sofia Carson, the talented actress and singer, is joining the cast. Carson’s experience in the entertainment industry and her strong work ethic would make her a competitive contestant. Her dedication to her craft and her positive attitude would make her a fan favorite. She is a rising star with a devoted fanbase.
21. David Spade – Actor and Comedian
David Spade, the iconic actor and comedian, is joining the cast. Spade’s quick wit and comedic timing would make him a fun contestant. His experience in television and film would give him a competitive edge. He’s a recognizable name with a loyal following.
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22. Chelsea Handler – Comedian and Host
Chelsea Handler, the outspoken comedian and host, is joining the cast. Handler’s sharp wit and fearless personality would make her a captivating contestant. Her experience in entertainment and her strong opinions would add an interesting dynamic to the competition. She is a strong and confident performer.
23. Julian McMahon – Actor
Julian McMahon, the handsome actor, is joining the cast. McMahon’s striking looks and experience in television and film would make him a visually appealing contestant. He brings a level of sophistication and charisma to the competition.
24. Carrie Underwood – Singer and Songwriter
Carrie Underwood, the country music superstar, is joining the cast. Underwood’s vocal talent and stage presence would make her a captivating contestant. Her experience in performing and her dedication to her craft would give her a competitive edge. She’s a powerhouse performer with a massive fanbase.
25. Ethan Slater – Actor and Musician
Ethan Slater, the talented actor and musician, is joining the cast. Slater’s versatility and artistic talent would make him a unique contestant. His experience in theater and music would give him a competitive edge. He’s a rising star with a dedicated following.
26. Jane Lynch – Actress and Comedian
Jane Lynch, the hilarious actress and comedian, is joining the cast. Lynch’s sharp wit and comedic timing would make her a delight to watch. Her experience in television and film would give her a competitive edge. She’s a beloved performer with a loyal fanbase.
27. Matt Walsh – Actor and Comedian
Matt Walsh, the witty actor and comedian, is joining the cast. Walsh’s quick wit and comedic timing would make him a fun contestant. His experience in television and film would give him a competitive edge. He’s a prominent voice on political commentary.
28. Gabrielle Union – Actress and Producer
Gabrielle Union, the accomplished actress and producer, is joining the cast. Union’s experience in entertainment and her strong leadership skills would make her a valuable addition to the competition. She’s a respected figure in the industry.
29. John Boyega – Actor
John Boyega, the celebrated actor, is joining the cast. Boyega’s charisma and star power would draw a large audience to the show. He’s a rising star with a loyal following.
30. Megan Thee Stallion – Rapper and Singer
Megan Thee Stallion, the chart-topping rapper and singer, is joining the cast. Stallion’s undeniable talent and confident personality would make her a captivating contestant. Her influence and style would add a modern edge to the competition.
31. Jason Sudeikis – Actor and Comedian
Jason Sudeikis, the beloved actor and comedian, is joining the cast. Sudeikis’ comedic timing and charm would make him a fun contestant. His experience in television and film would give him a competitive edge. He’s a consistently popular performer.
32. Katie Holmes – Actress and Producer
Katie Holmes, the acclaimed actress and producer, is joining the cast. Holmes’ experience in entertainment and her strong work ethic would make her a competitive contestant. She’s a respected figure in the industry.
33. Neil Patrick Harris – Actor and Singer
Neil Patrick Harris, the talented actor and singer, is joining the cast. Harris’s charm and stage presence would make him a captivating contestant. His experience in performing and his dedication to his craft would give him a competitive edge.
34. Zooey Deschanel – Actress and Singer
Zooey Deschanel, the charming actress and singer, is joining the cast. Deschanel’s unique style and talent would make her a memorable contestant. Her fanbase is incredibly loyal.
35. Patrick Stewart – Actor
Patrick Stewart, the legendary actor, is joining the cast! This is an unprecedented addition, bringing a level of prestige and gravitas to the show. Stewart’s extensive experience in theater and film would undoubtedly make him a formidable competitor and a standout performer. His presence alone signifies a truly special season of Dancing With the Stars.
