It’s that time again: Dancing with the Stars is gearing up for another season, and the ballroom is about to get a fresh mix of personalities. The Season 35 cast, revealed ahead of the September 15 premiere, brings together reality TV standouts, sports figures, and a beloved late-night sidekick with deep Latino roots.
Returning to the judges’ panel are Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, while Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will co-host. The competition promises its usual blend of glitz, nerves, and unexpected turns.
Reality TV royalty steps onto the floor
Maura Higgins, known for Love Island and a standout run on The Traitors, was one of the first names confirmed. She finished as the last Faithful standing on that show, and now she’s trading strategy for choreography. Higgins admitted that joining Dancing with the Stars had been on her vision board, and she’s under no illusions about the challenge ahead.
“I know it’s going to be so, so hard,” she said, adding that she plans to give it everything.
Ciara Miller, from Summer House and The Traitors, is also taking her shot. After a year that boosted her profile beyond Bravo’s usual orbit, Miller called Season 35 the “perfect moment” to try something completely different.
From baseball to ballroom
Jackson Olson, the Savannah Bananas second baseman with a massive social media following, is swapping dirt and grass for polished floors. The Bananas are known for blending baseball with entertainment, but ballroom dancing is a different kind of performance. Olson has already noted the contrast between athletic footwork and dance technique, though his comfort in front of big crowds could make him a dark horse.
A familiar Latino face takes the stage
One of the most intriguing additions is Guillermo Rodriguez, Jimmy Kimmel’s longtime sidekick and red carpet correspondent. Guillermo, who was born in Zacatecas, México, has become a beloved figure in late-night TV, often bridging the gap between Hollywood and Latino audiences. He’ll be paired with defending champion Witney Carson, who won Season 34 with Robert Irwin. That pairing makes them one of the first confirmed duos of the season.
Guillermo’s participation is a win for Latino viewers who have followed his journey from a parking lot security guard to a TV staple. His presence adds a layer of cultural connection that resonates across the diaspora, much like the Latino stars making moves in real estate or the Miami concert uniting Latino artists for a cause.
New faces among the pros
The professional roster also sees changes. Sharna Burgess returns after a five-year hiatus, and Adele Zaikman joins after winning Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. These fresh pairings could shake up the dynamics, especially with veterans like Carson aiming for back-to-back titles.
As the September 15 premiere approaches, fans are already speculating about who might take home the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. With a cast that spans reality TV, sports, and late-night, this season promises to be as unpredictable as it is entertaining.
For those who love to see Latin talent shine in unexpected places, Guillermo’s journey will be one to watch. And if you’re into how stars like Shakira stay stage-ready, you’ll appreciate the discipline these contestants will bring to the dance floor.
