“Dancing With the Stars” is building unprecedented excitement for Season 34 with an unusually early reveal strategy, having announced four celebrity contestants months ahead of the September 16 premiere date on ABC.
While the show typically keeps casting details under wraps until closer to airtime, this year’s transparent approach has ignited a wildfire of speculation about which additional stars might grace the ballroom floor.
The rumor mill is working overtime as fans dissect every social media interaction and industry insider comment for clues about potential surprise additions. Social media platforms are buzzing with theories, while judges and professional dancers have been dropping hints that have sent the fan community into overdrive.
Even entertainment outlets are reporting that “DWTS” bosses are actively pursuing high-profile celebrities from various reality franchises and Hollywood circles.
What makes this season particularly intriguing is the mix of confirmed contestants already announced and the tantalizing possibility of major surprises still to come. The four officially revealed stars represent a diverse blend of social media influence, reality TV fame, and wildlife conservation advocacy, suggesting producers are casting a wide net for maximum audience appeal.
With several months remaining before the full cast announcement, the speculation continues to intensify as more potential contestants emerge in industry conversations.
Rumored Stars Creating Major Buzz
The speculation has reached fever pitch with reality TV veterans leading the conversation. Dylan Efron, fresh off his “Traitors” victory, is generating serious buzz after receiving the encouraging comments, “See you on the dance floor?” from Judge Derek Hough on Instagram. Meanwhile, Bachelor Nation stars are practically lining up for their chance at mirror ball glory, with current “Bachelor” Grant Ellis telling Parade exclusively that he “wouldn’t say no” if offered a spot, and previous show winner Kelsey Anderson openly campaigning for her own opportunity, telling Swooon, “[Maybe I’ll] get my Dancing with the Stars moment. Maybe I’ll win.”
Even more intriguing are the whispers surrounding potential surprise additions. Boston Rob Mariano has been coyly deflecting questions about his “DWTS” participation with cryptic responses, telling Access Hollywood he “cannot confirm or deny anything.” Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag have been championed by Derek Hough himself after the couple’s devastating wildfire losses, while The Sun reported that show bosses are “in talks” with a major Twilight actor and an “extremely controversial” reality star, though Parade has since debunked the Taylor Lautner rumors as having “no truth whatsoever.”
Confirmed Stars Ready to Hit the Ballroom
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin made history as the first announced “DWTS” contestant back in April, following in the footsteps of his sister Bindi Irwin, who claimed victory in Season 21. “I cannot tell you what an honor, what a privilege it is to be joining this season,” Robert shared at Hulu’s “Get Real!” event, according to Parade.
Social media sensation Alix Earle joined the confirmed lineup in May, bringing her massive online following to the ballroom. The influencer expressed her enthusiasm during her “Good Morning America” reveal, telling hosts Lara Spencer and Michael Strahan: “I used to watch it when I was so young with my grandma. When this opportunity came to me, it was like, ‘What can I do next? Where can I take this?'”
The “DWTS” casting news took an unexpected turn in July when two stars from Hulu’s “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” were announced during the show’s reunion special. Both Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt will trade Utah for Los Angeles to compete for the coveted Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy. Whitney recently posted on social media: “Get ready cause I do be comin for that mirrorball.”
The professional dancer lineup appears largely unchanged from last season, with favorites like Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, and Daniella Karagach expected to return. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough will continue as co-hosts, while the judging panel remains intact with Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
