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Fans are highly anticipating the 34th season of Dancing With the Stars after an epic Season 33 that featured the likes of Olympians, Bachelor Nation stars, and even a con artist all competing for the coveted mirrorball trophy.
Although there is so little information out there about the upcoming 34th season, including the entire list of celebrities that will compete on the show, fans can expect to see most of their favorite pros return to the ballroom, including last season’s winner, Jenna Johnson, Alan Bersten, Gleb Savchenko, Rylee Arnold, and Ezra Sosa.
But, is there a chance pro-turned-judge, Derek Hough, returns to the ballroom floor? In a TikTok, the six-time mirrorball champion teased fans that he might put his dancing shoes back on for a chance to win it all again.
Dancing With The Stars Judge Derek Hough Teased Fans That He’d Like To Return As A Pro Dancer
Fans are hoping that Dancing With the Stars pro-turned-judge Derek Hough isn’t just teasing when he hinted at the possibility of returning to the dance floor as a competitor. In a TikTok posted on May 31st, Derek hinted that he’d like to return to the show as a pro, but under one condition: he’s given a celebrity partner that would blow him away.
He captioned his TikTok post: “I’m bored. Cast someone I’d have no choice but to go from judge back to pro again for. Make it realistic but also go big. Don’t hold back. DWTS casting team is listening.”
Derek’s comment seems to suggest that he may want someone buzzing in Hollywood right now. While DWTS isn’t quite known for casting A-list actresses and big names in music, the show has seen a big jump in popular reality TV stars and amazing professional athletes, who could all really nudge Derek to return as a pro.
Derek has a long DWTS history that includes six mirrorball trophies — the most by any male or femal pro dancer. Here’s a breakdown of all his wins:
- Season 7 with Brooke Burke
- Season 10 with Nicole Scherzinger
- Season 11 with Jennifer Grey
- Season 16 with Kellie Pickler
- Season 17 with Amber Riley
- Season 21 with Bindi Irwin
Derek was a pro for 16 seasons, including one all-star season. He decided to step down as a pro after Season 23. However, he came back as a judge for Season 29 and has been sitting alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli since. But, fans would love to see Derek back on the floor and competing for his seventh win.
Derek And Mark Ballas Blew Everyone Away With Their Two Man Tango Last Season
Dancing With the Stars surprises fans constantly, especially when pros team up together for incredible dances on the ballroom floor. During the Season 33 finale, both Derek Hough and Mark Ballas took the stage and performed a same-sex Argentine tango. It became the first time in DWTS history that two male pros danced together.
Before they took the stage, the men shared an important piece of history: the Argentine tango was originally performed by two men. “Back in those days, the men far outnumbered the women so the Argentine tango was a way for the men to foster community but also to impress the ladies,” Derek shared on the finale. Their performance was nothing short of impeccable, with razor-sharp leg locks and perfectly synchronized footwork that left the audience in awe.
“As a male Argentina Tango dancer (performer/competitor) of several years, I have to say that performance was impeccable . . Bravo!” A fan commented under the video.
“Gotta say as a dude that doesn’t watch this show…that was one the most amazing dances I have ever seen…these two guys are not only strong athletes but true artists…great work guys! Amazing….”
“This should be in one of the greatest dances of all time. Love the history of the dance. Derek & Mark just unbelievably great. Highlight of the entire season.”
In an interview with Deadline, Derek shared that he hoped that his performance with Mark would spark a change with DWTS, including more same-sex couples competing. Fans did see the first same-sex partners on Season 30, when pro Jenna Johnson was partnered with JoJo Siwa.
“We wanted to soft launch the idea of two men dancing together on Dancing with the Stars, you know what I mean?” Hough shared. “It became sort of like an introduction, if you will, and left the door open a little bit for some future partnerships on the show.”
What We Know About DWTS Season 34
Dancing With the Stars Season 34 is certainly going to be a hit as viewers have already learned about two celebrities who will be competing. Conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, Robert Irwin, was the first celeb announced as a competitor for the new season in April. The following month, fans learned that influencer Alix Earle was named the second celeb contestant.
Speaking to Good Morning America, Alix shared, “I’m ready to challenge myself. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I danced when I was little until my sophomore year of high school. At least I know an eight count in dance, but I’ve never done ballroom.” Alix also promised to bring fans behind the scenes of her DWTS experience with loads of vlogging that fans are definitely looking forward to.
Fans won’t know Robert or Alix’s partners until the show gets closer to its premiere.
The show continues to tease fans about who will be making their way onto the ballroom floor. It’s only a matter of time before the series will announce its third celebrity.
Dancing With the Stars last five winners |
Pro partner |
Season |
---|---|---|
Joey Graziadei (The Bachelor) |
Jenna Johnson |
Season 33 |
Xochitl Gomez (Actress) |
Val Chmerkovskiy |
Season 32 |
Charlie D’Amelio (Influencer) |
Mark Ballas |
Season 31 |
Iman Shumpert (NBA player) |
Daniella Karagach |
Season 30 |
Kaitlyn Bristowe (The Bachelorette) |
Artem Chigvintsev |
Season 29 |
According to People, it’s also likely that most of the pros from last season will make a return, including last year’s mirrorball trophy winner, Jenna Johnson. Fans should expect Ezra Sosa, Rylee Arnold, Sasha Farber, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, and Valentin Chmerkovskiy back on the dancefloor.
Additionally, judges Carrie Ann and Bruno will be back, and joined by Derek (despite fans still hoping he may return as a pro). Alfonso Ribiero and Julianne Hough will also be back as hosts.
Season 34 of DWTS does not yet have a premiere date, but it will likely air in the fall of this year.