Break out the rhinestones and prep the spray tans—Dancing with the Stars has officially unveiled its Season 35 cast on Good Morning America, and the lineup confirms what pop culture watchers have suspected for months: the hit franchise has firmly entered a new golden age.
Fueled by massive social media engagement and a resurgence in live viewing, DWTS has shed its former reputation as a guilty pleasure for retired celebs. Season 35 delivers a remarkably stacked talent pool with genuine cultural footprint, mixing household Hollywood names with fresh digital stars. The message is unmistakable: the glitterball trophy is officially one of the most sought-after honors on television.
For years, the ballroom narrative often hinged on a single clear “ringer”—a contestant with prior dance training who bore the early-season backlash of being overqualified while everyone else scrambled to catch up. Season 35 completely flips that script. Instead of one isolated frontrunner, the producers have assembled a remarkably balanced roster where nearly every contestant enters with a distinct, high-value advantage.
Whether it’s the prior training of stars like Jenna Dewan and Harry Shum Jr., the high-pressure discipline of Olympic athletes, the pre-existing personal chemistry of Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas, or the massive, vote-mobilizing fanbases of digital creators and reality TV icons, no single couple holds a monopoly on success. In a lineup where everyone brings a secret weapon to night one, Season 35 could be one of the most unpredictable, level-playing-field competitions in franchise history.
The season 35 Cast:
Jackson Olson & Emma Slater: The viral Savannah Bananas player swaps trick-play baseball for ballroom footwork with Fan Favorite Emma.
Ciara Miller & Brandon Armstrong: The Summer House star and former ICU nurse brings poise, reality TV star power, and disciplined athleticism to her routines with the hilarious Brandon.
Guillermo Rodriguez & Witney Carson: The hilarious Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick brings maximum entertainment value to the season alongside reigning champion and pregnant Witney.
Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson: A heavy favorite right out of the gate, the former Glee star and actor brings polished hip-hop and Broadway background alongside powerhouse pro Jenna.
Maura Higgins & Mark Ballas: Fresh off reality TV stints on Love Island and The Traitors, the fan-favorite TV personality hits the floor with creative genius Mark.
Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star brings decades of stage experience and musical theater training to the ballroom floor with Jan.
Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy: A former professional backup dancer turned Hollywood lead (Step Up), Jenna brings undeniable ring rhythm and trained agility straight into Val’s seasoned hands.
Amber Glenn & Pasha Pashkov: Fresh off the ice, the U.S. national champion figure skater brings elite balance and dramatic performance skills to her partnership with Pasha.
Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach: The two-time Paralympic track & field gold medalist pairs with Daniella—a pro known for crafting powerhouse routines around unique athletic strengths.
Taylor Hanson & Britt Stewart: Swapping his pop-rock piano for Latin hip-action, the Hanson frontman pairs the patient and encouraging Britt Stewart for his competitive debut.
Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold: The beloved stand-up comedian and podcast host pairs with Rylee, promising plenty of viral moments, heavy social media fan votes, and quick-witted charisma.
Julia Stiles & Ezra Sosa: The 2000s icon who famously literally saved the last dance is finally stepping into the real-life ballroom, pairing her dramatic chops with Ezra’s dynamic choreography.
Conner Leavitt & Adele Zaikman: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives personality pairs with Adele, the freshly crowned winner of DWTS: The Next Pro, making this a fresh-faced duo to watch.
Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten: Trading the kitchen for cardio, the Emmy-winning celebrity chef takes on the strict discipline of Latin and ballroom technique with Alan.
Sarah Jane Nader & Hailey Bills: Following in her sister Brooks Nader’s footsteps, the model and reality TV star makes history as part of the show’s second all-female pairing alongside Hailey.
Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess: The Bachelorette heartthrob brings his athletic build and charm to the floor, marking a celebrated ballroom return for veteran pro Sharna.
Early Predictions
On paper, Jenna Dewan & Val Chmerkovskiy and Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson are the clear technical juggernauts to beat, and their pro partners’ track records mean they are practically locked in for deep runs. However, dark horses like Julia Stiles and viral entertainer Jackson Olson have the exact blend of nostalgia, athleticism, and raw charm needed to disrupt the leaderboard. Meanwhile, wildcards like Guillermo Rodriguez promise to keep the audience entertained regardless of scorecards.
Ultimately, what makes Season 35 stand out to veteran viewers isn’t just the star power—it’s the strategic balance across the entire cast. When technical ringers, elite athletes, natural charmers, and social media powerhouses are forced to compete on the same floor, the playing field levels out in the best possible way. Early advantages will only take a couple so far; as the weeks progress, the Mirrorball Trophy will likely come down to who can adapt, build genuine chemistry with the audience, and deliver when the pressure peaks. With a cast this well-rounded, night one is anyone’s game.
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