Robert Irwin, Derek Hough, Witney Carson, and Jordan Chiles Join ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Alumni to Celebrate the Show’s Achievements

“Dancing with the Stars,” a powerhouse in the realm of unscripted television, continues to capture audiences’ hearts. The show’s 34th season finale, where Robert Irwin emerged victoriously, attracted the largest viewership in nearly ten years. Although the series has garnered several technical Emmy Awards over time, it has yet to claim the top honor of an Emmy for the show itself.

This past Sunday, the glitz and glamour of the show’s recent season converged at Hollywood’s Dolby Theater. Here, both professional dancers and celebrity participants gathered to showcase to Television Academy members and voters why they believe the show deserves the prestigious award.

Val Chmerkovskiy, a seasoned professional dancer on the show, shared his thoughts with On The Red Carpet, saying, “Creating this show is a massive team effort, from the crew to the grips and everyone involved. My passion lies with these individuals, the colleagues I’ve shared almost 20 seasons with. While personal recognition isn’t my goal, I hope our project, which brings joy to millions at home, receives its due acknowledgment.”

Echoing this sentiment, pro dancer Witney Carson expressed her deep connection to the show: “This show is everything to me and my fellow pros. It embodies our art, our passion, and our love. Being part of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ has been a dream come true, and to be here now feels like I’ve come full circle. It’s an honor to continue dancing and doing what I love on a show that spreads so much joy, love, and positivity.”

At the “For Your Consideration” event, the “Dancing with the Stars” professionals dazzled attendees with their dance performances. Additionally, they participated in a Q&A session led by Ariana Madix, a former contestant on the show.

“With this incredible choreography, incredible storytelling, we could do something that was beyond the ballroom,” Robert Irwin told the audience. “‘Dancing with the Stars’ is about so much more than just dance. It’s about reaching through to all of you, creating something that resonates with you.”

“I have heard from so many celebrities that have been on this show, many of them in better shape than me, that they went through that exact same thing, that this is really a transformative experience,” fan favorite Andy Richter told the audience. “(It) cracks your heart open and gives you a sense of optimism.”

Jordan Chiles, who was paired with Ezra Sosa for season 34, said the experience helped her learn more about herself.

“I think I realized being on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ that it’s OK to show your expression in different ways and that’s how it was for me,” she explained to the audience. “I had somebody like Ezra who was there with me to guide me through each and every rehearsal and allow me to go through my emotions.”

“This show is one of one. It’s one of one. There will never be another show like it ever again,” pro-turned-judge Derek Hough said. “To see it sort of evolve, to see the popularity and love of the show continue to grow, it’s lightning in a bottle.”

Host Alfonso Ribeiro credits social media for the show’s resurgence and popularity.

“When I was a much younger man we used to talk about having, you know, the water cooler moments. And today we’re having that again except it’s on social media, not at the actual water cooler in offices and it feels incredible,” he said. “We’re really kinda at the forefront of being one of the shows on television that its social presence is really bigger than any show on television while simultaneously being the #1 unscripted shows on television.”

The franchise continues to expand. At the Hulu Get Real House, it announced a new show, “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.” It’ll be hosted by current champ Robert Irwin and you can read more about it HERE.

And fans will get a chance to get up close in personal with their favorites from the franchise at “Dancing with the Stars” Con. The first-of-its-kind event will take place July 31-August 2 in Palm Springs, CA. Find more details about the event HERE.

Season 35 of “Dancing with the Stars” will premiere later this year on ABC. You can watch the most recent season on Disney+.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station.