With the DWTS premiere just days away, co-host Julianne Hough previews the glitz and glamour of Season 35.
The countdown to the ballroom return is officially underway, and Dancing with the Stars co-host Julianne Hough is already setting the stage for a glamorous season.
Ahead of the highly anticipated Season 35 premiere, the former pro-turned-host shared a festive behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production.
Wearing a wardrobe choice covered in shimmering silver jewels, Hough demonstrated that she is fully prepared to embrace the energy, glitz, and competitive spirit of the long-running reality series.
Julianne Hough Channels the Mirrorball Trophy in Glamorous Preview
Although the latest installment of the ballroom dancing competition series does not officially kick off until next week, Hough is clearly already getting into character.
The television personality took to Instagram to share a video showcasing a form-fitting gown covered in reflective silver crystals, explicitly drawing comparisons to the show’s signature grand prize, the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
In the social media clip, the multi-talented performer poses in a decorated ballroom backdrop featuring shiny sequins and reflective accents.
Leaning into the playful nature of the program, Hough humorously interacted with the iconic trophy prop, dancing alongside it and highlighting the visual similarities between her wardrobe and the award.
“When the dress code is mirrorball,” she captioned the post, generating significant engagement from fans and former contestants alike who are eagerly awaiting the show’s return.
Producers Enforce New Social Media Standards for Season 35 Cast
While Hough’s glamorous attire highlights the fun side of the production, the upcoming roster of celebrity contestants faces serious new operational guidelines behind the scenes.
Production sources indicate that the network has heightened requirements for digital engagement, transforming the celebrity ballroom competitors into active participants in online marketing.
Following strong engagement metrics from recent seasons, show executives aim to maximize audience interaction through digital platforms.
For the first time in the history of Dancing with the Stars, contestants are required to maintain a consistent presence on social media—specifically TikTok—as part of their participation agreement.
Reports suggest that active digital engagement is now viewed as an essential component of building fan loyalty and driving the weekly voting process, which determines who stays in the running for the trophy.
A Star-Studded Cast Prepares for a Dramatic Two-Day Premiere
The upcoming season, which officially announced its roster on Good Morning America on September 2, features an eclectic mix of Hollywood actors, reality television stars, and professional athletes.
The line-up includes notable figures such as Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Giada De Laurentiis, Taylor Hanson, and Tyler Cameron.
Rounding out the competitive field are Tatyana Ali, Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech, Guillermo Rodriguez, Sarah Jane Nader, Conner Leavitt, and Conner Wood.
To heighten the stakes for the incoming cast, producers are introducing a distinct two-day premiere format.
Rather than the traditional structure where every couple performs on a single evening, the 16 pairings will be divided across two consecutive nights.
The male celebrities will debut their routines with their professional partners on Tuesday, September 15, followed by the female contestants the next evening on Wednesday, September 16.
Both opening episodes will air live at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming options available on Hulu.
The Judging Panel and Hosts Promise High Energy
As Julianne Hough returns to her co-hosting duties alongside Alfonso Ribeiro, the standard judging panel consisting of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli will return to evaluate the routines.
Training sessions are already underway as the couples prepare for their initial live television performances.
During a promotional appearance on Good Morning America, judge Derek Hough expressed strong optimism for the upcoming competition.
“You can expect what you know and love about Dancing with the Stars but also an energized show,” he noted. “We have so much momentum. The cast is incredible.
The pros are energized. It’s going to be an incredible season. I cannot wait.”
Julianne Hough has also hinted at upcoming updates from the wardrobe department, suggesting that the fashion elements of the season will remain a central highlight, including a scheduled theme night.
“The fashion is going to be really fun with one specific theme night,” she stated. “For me at least, I’m very excited.”
With updated digital strategies, format variations, and high expectations from the hosting team, Season 35 aims to maintain the franchise’s long-standing position in prime-time television.