Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro Dazzle Ahead of ‘DWTS’ Season 34
Fans of *Dancing With the Stars* are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season as co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro showcased their dance skills in a lively performance. In an exclusive preview shared by *Us Weekly*, the duo entertained viewers with a routine to “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic. The 34th season of the beloved ballroom dance competition is set to premiere on September 16, 2023, on ABC and Disney+.
The excitement surrounding this season has already begun to build, with the network revealing that TikTok influencer Alix Earle and Robert Irwin, the son of the late Steve Irwin, will compete for the coveted mirrorball trophy. In a recent reunion special of *Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, host Nick Viall confirmed that both Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt are also set to join the *DWTS* cast. The full lineup of celebrity participants, along with returning professional dancers, will be officially unveiled during the September 3 episode of *Good Morning America*.
Returning Judges and Hosts Set for Exciting New Season
Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli are expected to return, joining Ribeiro and Hough as hosts. In an exclusive interview with *Us Weekly*, Derek Hough, 40, and his sister Julianne hinted at the possibility of performing together again on the show. “We should. That door is always open for us to get together and do something fun, especially on *Dancing With the Stars*,” Derek remarked.
Julianne expressed her satisfaction with her current role. “I’ve been on the stage and now I love watching other people shine… I get to support and hopefully ask the right kind of questions to have America fall in love with them,” she stated. This season marks a significant moment for Hough, who has been part of the *DWTS* family since its inception.
Derek also teased an exciting season ahead, promising “a lot of tea” for viewers. “There’s a lot of energy. There’s a lot of momentum with *Dancing With the Stars*. I think this momentum is gonna carry through into this one and it’s already feeling bigger than it’s ever been before we’ve even started,” he said, indicating that viewers can expect a vibrant and engaging season.
A Celebration of 20 Years of Dance
With the upcoming season marking the 20th anniversary of *Dancing With the Stars*, Julianne is thrilled to see the show remain relevant in contemporary pop culture. “It’s kind of incredible,” she shared. “This is my woo woo side — I’m like, ‘It’s family. It’s connected. It’s a transformation show masked in rhinestones and fringe and dancing.’ It’s truly about watching people go on a journey.”
*Dancing With the Stars* season 34 will premiere on September 16, 2023, at 20:00 ET, with new episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. As anticipation builds, fans are sure to engage with the glamorous and transformative experiences that the show promises to deliver.
