Dancing with the Stars 2024-2025: Exciting Cast and Results

Introduction: Why Dancing with the Stars Remains America’s Favorite Dance Show

If you’ve ever found yourself glued to your TV on a Tuesday night watching celebrities attempt the tango or cha-cha, you’re part of a decades-long tradition. Dancing with the Stars has captivated American audiences for 20 years, creating unforgettable moments and transforming stars from all walks of life into ballroom dancers.

Whether you’re searching for “who got eliminated on dancing with the stars tonight” or wondering “why did Tom Bergeron leave dancing with the stars,” this guide covers everything about DWTS.

From Season 33’s recent winner Joey Graziadei to Season 34’s current competition, elimination results, voting procedures and the show’s rich history, we’ll explore what makes this ABC reality series a cultural phenomenon.

What Is Dancing with the Stars?

Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is an American dance competition television series that premiered on ABC in 2005. The show pairs celebrities from various backgrounds with professional ballroom dancers.

Each week, couples perform choreographed routines in different dance styles. A panel of judges scores each performance and viewers vote for their favorites. The combination of judges’ scores and audience votes determines eliminations.

The format is simple but addictive: celebrities step outside their comfort zones, viewers become emotionally invested and America watches as unlikely dancers transform week after week.

The History and Evolution of DWTS

The Tom Bergeron Era (2005-2020)

When Dancing with the Stars debuted in 2005 as an adaptation of the British show “Strictly Come Dancing,” it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The series drew millions of viewers who loved watching stars attempt ballroom dancing.

• Tom Bergeron, born May 6, 1955, became the face of DWTS from its first season, hosting for 28 seasons from 2005 to 2020. His quick wit and warm personality made the show welcoming and fun.
• Bergeron is an American television personality who previously hosted Hollywood Squares from 1998 to 2004 and America’s Funniest Home Videos from 2001 to 2015.

For 15 years, Bergeron guided audiences through the competition, delivering jokes during awkward moments and offering genuine encouragement to struggling contestants. His departure in 2020 shocked fans and remains one of the most discussed topics in DWTS history.

Why Did Tom Bergeron Leave Dancing with the Stars?

• In July 2020, ABC announced that both Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews would not return as hosts for Season 29, as part of a “new creative direction.”
• While ABC framed it as a creative decision, Bergeron had been vocal about his disagreements with certain casting choices, particularly when political figures were added to the cast.
• Tyra Banks took over as solo host for Seasons 29 and 30. In 2022, Alfonso Ribeiro joined Banks as co-host and the duo led the show through Season 33.

Tom Bergeron’s Historic Return

• Tom Bergeron returned to “Dancing with the Stars” as a guest judge for the show’s 20th anniversary celebration during Week 9 of Season 34 on November 11, 2025.
• “It feels really good,” Bergeron said about his return. Many longtime fans still express nostalgia for his hosting style, often commenting “bring back Tom Bergeron” on social media during live shows.

Dancing with the Stars Season 33: The Most Recent Winner

Who Won Dancing with the Stars in 2024?

Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on September 17, 2024 and concluded on November 26, 2024. Bachelor star Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson were crowned the champions.

Olympic rugby players Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten finished in second place, actress and singer Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong finished in third place, Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold finished in fourth place and NFL wide receiver Danny Amendola and Witney Carson finished in fifth place.

Joey Graziadei made history as the first Bachelor lead to win the Mirrorball Trophy. His victory came after a season of consistently high scores and strong fan support.

Season 33 Cast and Notable Contestants

The Season 33 cast included “Real Housewives” star Phaedra Parks, “Beverly Hills, 90210” alum Tori Spelling, notorious scam artist Anna Delvey, former “Bachelor” Joey Graziadei, actors Eric Roberts, Reginald VelJohnson and Chandler Kinney, athletes Danny Amendola and Dwight Howard, Olympians Ilona Maher and Stephen Nedoroscik, model Brooks Nader and “Bachelorette” Jenn Tran.

• Anna Delvey was the first contestant to wear an ankle monitor while competing, as she was under house arrest at the time. She was eliminated early in the competition.
• Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher were the first athletes from their respective disciplines, men’s artistic gymnastics and rugby sevens, to compete in the series.

Dancing with the Stars Season 34: Current Competition (2025)

Season 34 Premiere and Format

Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars premiered on ABC and Disney+ on September 16, 2025. This season marks the twentieth anniversary of the series and is the third to air live on both networks simultaneously.

The finale is set for November 25, 2025, where the winner will be crowned.

The Dancing with the Stars 2025 Cast

Alfonso Ribeiro returned to host the season, while former professional dancer and judge Julianne Hough returned as co-host.

Confirmed Season 34 Cast Members:

Robert Irwin was announced as the first celebrity participant for Season 34 on April 22, 2025. He is the younger brother of Season 21 winner Bindi Irwin.

Alix Earle joined the cast one month later. On June 30, during The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ second season reunion, host Nick Viall revealed that Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt were joining Dancing with the Stars.

Other Season 34 celebrities include Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron (winner of The Traitors Season 3), comedian Andy Richter, actress Elaine Hendrix, Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel, child star Corey Feldman, NBA All-Star Baron Davis and author Hilaria Baldwin.

Professional Dancers Season 34

Jan Ravnik, former backup dancer for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, joined the series as a first-time pro.

The pros for Season 34 include Alan Bersten, Emma Slater, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Britt Stewart, Daniella Karagach, Brandon Armstrong, Jenna Johnson, Pasha Pashkov, Witney Carson, Gleb Savchenko, Rylee Arnold, Ezra Sosa and Mark Ballas.

Mark Ballas competed for the first time since winning Season 31 with Charli D’Amelio.

Sasha Farber, who has been part of the show since 2012, is noticeably missing from the Season 34 professional lineup.

How to Vote for Dancing with the Stars

Voting Methods and Rules

If you’re wondering “how to vote for dancing with the stars,” the process has evolved from the early call-in days.

Current Voting Options:

1. ABC.com – Vote online during the live show
2. ABC App – Cast votes from your mobile device
3. SMS Voting – Text voting codes displayed during broadcast
4. On-Screen QR Codes – Scan codes for instant voting

Voting Window: Voting typically opens at the start of the East Coast broadcast and closes near the show’s end (around 10:00 PM ET). Each viewer can cast a limited number of votes per couple per voting method.

How Results Are Determined: The elimination format combines 50% judges’ scores and 50% viewer votes to determine the bottom couples.

DWTS Elimination: Understanding the Process

How Elimination Works

The phrase “DWTS elimination tonight” trends every Tuesday as fans anxiously await results.

Performance Night:

• All couples perform their routines
• Judges provide scores (typically 6-10 points per judge, with three judges totaling up to 30 points, occasionally four judges for 40 points)
• Viewers vote during and immediately after the show

Results Announcement: Recent seasons have streamlined the format, often revealing results during the same episode rather than a separate results show the next day.

Who Went Home on Dancing with the Stars: Results vary by week but generally, celebrities with low judges’ scores and weak fan bases find themselves in jeopardy. Surprising eliminations happen when fan favorites have off nights.

Season 34 Eliminations So Far

On November 11, 2025 (Week 9) andy Richter and Emma Slater were eliminated during the show’s 20th birthday celebration. The previous week, Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov were eliminated during Week 8. In Week 7, Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik were sent home.

Dancing with the Stars Winners: A Legacy of Champions

Notable Winners Throughout the Seasons

Dancing with the Stars has crowned 33 champions through Season 33. Here are some memorable winners:

Season	Winner	Partner	Background
1	Kelly Monaco	Alec Mazo	Soap opera actress
5	Hélio Castroneves	Julianne Hough	Race car driver
10	Nicole Scherzinger	Derek Hough	Singer (Pussycat Dolls)
18	Meryl Davis	Maksim Chmerkovskiy	Olympic ice dancer
21	Bindi Irwin	Derek Hough	Wildlife conservationist
29	Kaitlyn Bristowe	Artem Chigvintsev	Reality TV star
31	Charli D’Amelio	Mark Ballas	TikTok influencer
32	Xóchitl Gomez	Val Chmerkovskiy	Actress
33	Joey Graziadei	Jenna Johnson	Reality TV star

Key Personalities in DWTS History

Tom Bergeron: The Original Host

Tom Bergeron, born May 6, 1955, is currently 70 years old. His hosting tenure from 2005 to 2020 defined the show’s tone. His background in improvisational comedy helped him navigate live television challenges with grace and humor.

Tom Bergeron’s Impact:

• Created memorable catchphrases and running jokes
• Advocated for contestants during difficult moments
• Maintained professionalism during technical difficulties
• Balanced humor with genuine emotional moments

His firing in 2020 remains controversial among longtime fans.

Julianne Hough: From Pro to Co-Host

• Julianne Hough won two Mirrorball Trophies as a professional dancer in Seasons 4 and 5 before transitioning to a successful acting and music career.
• Hough has returned to DWTS in various capacities as a judge from 2014 to 2017 and currently as co-host alongside Alfonso Ribeiro since Season 32.

Andy Richter: The Unexpected Competitor

• Comedian Andy Richter, best known as Conan O’Brien’s sidekick, competed in Season 34 and was eliminated during Week 9.
• His willingness to step outside his comfort zone embodies what makes DWTS appealing watching people attempt something completely new.

Louis van Amstel: The Veteran Pro

Louis van Amstel has been a professional dancer on DWTS since Season 2. His choreographic creativity and emotional connection with partners have made him a reliable presence throughout the show’s history.

The Judges: Critiques and Expertise

Current Judging Panel

Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli returned as judges for Season 34.

• Carrie Ann Inaba – Original judge since Season 1; known for emotional responses and technical critiques
• Bruno Tonioli – Original judge; famous for enthusiastic, theatrical commentary
• Derek Hough – Former pro dancer and six-time champion; offers insider technical knowledge

Carrie Ann Inaba was absent from the Season 34 premiere due to illness.

Judging Criteria

Judges evaluate performances based on:

• Technique – Proper footwork, posture and execution
• Performance Quality – Stage presence and storytelling
• Choreography – Complexity and creativity
• Improvement – Week-over-week growth

Scores typically range from 6-10 points per judge, with three judges providing up to 30 points per performance.

DWTS Themes and Special Weeks

Theme Nights Throughout the Season

Theme nights add variety and challenge contestants in new ways.

Season 34 Theme Nights:

• Week 2 featured dances to songs from the musical fantasy film Wicked (2024) or its sequel Wicked: For Good (2025), with director Jon M. Chu appearing as a guest judge.
• Week 3 celebrated the seventieth anniversary of Disneyland, with each couple performing to a song inspired by a Disney film or attraction.
• Week 4 was Dedication Night, where couples performed to honor the most influential figures in their lives.

Popular Recurring Theme Nights:

• Disney Night
• Halloween/Horror Night
• 500th Episode Celebration
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night
• Semi-Finals (two dances per couple)
• Finale (freestyle performances)

The 500th Episode Milestone

The show celebrated its 500th episode on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, during Week 7 of Season 33. In the first round, each couple reinterpreted a memorable dance from a previous season. The second round was the Instant Dance Challenge, in which couples had approximately five minutes to choreograph and learn a new dance before performing it live.

This historic episode featured appearances from many former professionals and cast members, celebrating the show’s incredible longevity.

How to Watch DWTS

Broadcast and Streaming Options

Live Viewing:

• ABC Network – Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM ET
• Disney+ – Simultaneous live stream
• ABC.com – Live stream with cable provider login
• ABC App – Mobile streaming during broadcast

On-Demand:

• Hulu – Episodes available the day after broadcast
• Disney+ – Available in some markets

DWTS airs simultaneously on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available the next day through Hulu.

Social Media and Fan Culture

The Role of Social Media in DWTS Success

Social media has transformed how fans engage with Dancing with the Stars. Contestants now build campaigns across multiple platforms.

• Instagram: Celebrities and pros share rehearsal footage, behind-the-scenes content and voting reminders. Stories and Reels create daily touchpoints with fans.
• TikTok: Younger contestants leverage their TikTok followings to drive votes. Dance clips go viral, introducing DWTS to new audiences.
• Twitter/X: Real-time commentary during shows creates community. Hashtags like #DWTS trend weekly.
• Fan Voting Campaigns: Organized fan bases coordinate voting efforts, sharing reminders and strategies. This grassroots mobilization can overcome low judges’ scores.

Insider Secrets: Behind the Scenes

Rehearsal Schedules and Demands

Dancing with the Stars requires an intense time commitment. Celebrities typically rehearse 4-8 hours per day, six days per week. For those with existing careers touring musicians, practicing athletes, working actors this schedule creates significant challenges.

Professional dancers choreograph routines, teach fundamentals and serve as mentors when celebrities struggle. The bond between partners often determines success more than initial dance ability.

Injuries and Physical Toll

DWTS has seen numerous injuries over the years:

• Sprained ankles and knee problems are common
• Back injuries from lifts and drops
• Stress fractures from repetitive impact
• Occasional serious injuries requiring medical intervention

The physical demands surprise many celebrities. Athletes often adapt quickly due to conditioning, while older or less active stars struggle with cardio and flexibility requirements.

Production and Broadcast Details

ABC DWTS airs live from a Los Angeles studio, creating unique challenges:

• Technical difficulties occasionally occur
• Wardrobe malfunctions happen on live TV
• Celebrities sometimes forget choreography mid-performance
• Weather and breaking news can affect schedules

The production team includes hundreds of people: camera operators, lighting designers, costume creators, makeup artists, producers and coordinators who make each live show possible.

The Business of DWTS

Revenue Streams and Economics

Dancing with the Stars generates revenue through multiple channels:

• Advertising: As a live broadcast, DWTS commands premium advertising rates, targeting the show’s diverse, engaged audience.
• Sponsorships: Companies sponsor theme nights, voting platforms and show elements.
• International Format Sales: The DWTS format has been sold to dozens of countries, creating licensing revenue.

Live Tours: Between seasons, DWTS pros embark on national tours. The 2024 tour, Dancing with the Stars Live 2024, started on January 11, 2024, in Richmond, Virginia and ended on March 26, 2024, in Los Angeles, California.

Celebrity Compensation

DWTS pays celebrities based on how long they remain in competition. While exact figures aren’t publicly disclosed, base pay for initial weeks is substantial, with incremental bonuses for each additional week. Finalists earn significantly more than early eliminations.

Professional dancers receive seasonal contracts, with veterans earning more than newcomers.

Controversies and Criticisms

Voting Controversies

DWTS has faced criticism over voting irregularities and perceived unfairness.

• Fan Power vs. Technical Skill: When celebrities with lower judges’ scores win due to massive fan bases, debates arise about whether the show should weight judges’ scores more heavily. This proves that popularity can sometimes overcome technical deficiency.
• Ringers: Contestants with dance experience (Olympic figure skaters, Broadway performers) face accusations of unfair advantages. While technically amateurs in ballroom dancing, their body awareness and performance skills create controversy.
• Vote Splitting: When multiple similar contestants compete simultaneously, their fan bases split votes, potentially eliminating stronger dancers.

Diversity and Representation

DWTS has made efforts to improve representation:

• Including same-sex pairings (starting Season 30)
• Casting diverse celebrities across race, age and background
• Featuring international professional dancers
• Showcasing various dance styles beyond traditional ballroom

Impact on Careers

DWTS as Career Revitalization

Many celebrities experience career boosts from DWTS participation:

• Renewed Visibility: Stars from previous decades gain new relevance with younger audiences who discover them through the show.
• Skill Development: Celebrities develop confidence, fitness and performance skills that translate to other opportunities.
• Expanded Fan Bases: Appearing weekly in millions of homes builds connections. Fans who never watched a contestant’s original work become invested supporters.
• Post-Show Opportunities: Joey Graziadei is now hosting the Dancing with the Stars official podcast, which launched on September 18, 2025. “I stayed in touch with the whole family in general and they knew that I really was looking to get more into the hosting space,” he shared.  

The 20th Anniversary Celebration

Season 34 marks a special milestone for “DWTS” as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The show’s 20th birthday party featured guest judge Tom Bergeron and opened with a dance featuring the six original pros from the show.

In competition, each pairing debuted a freestyle dance inspired by a dance seen previously in the show’s history. The judges gave out four perfect scores, including one to Robert Irwin and Witney Carson, who received a video call from Prince William prior to their dance.

In honor of the show’s 20th birthday, “DWTS” looked back at those on the show who have died over the years during an in memoriam segment with tributes to Jerry Springer, Aaron Carter, Shannen Doherty, Len Goodman and more.

The Future of Dancing with the Stars

Predictions and Possibilities

As DWTS enters its third decade, several trends may shape its future:

• Increased Digital Integration: Expect more interactive elements, social media tie-ins and streaming-first content targeting younger viewers.
• Format Innovations: All-star seasons, champion tournaments and special competitions keep content fresh for longtime fans.
• Continued Evolution: The show continuously adapts with casting choices that reflect current celebrity culture, from social media influencers to reality TV stars.

Will DWTS Maintain Relevance?

Despite questions about traditional television formats, DWTS has several advantages:

• Live Event Status: Creates appointment viewing and real-time social media engagement
• Broad Appeal: Multi-generational audiences make DWTS attractive to advertisers
• Adaptable Format: Continuously evolves with casting, themes and presentation
• Emotional Connection: Transformation narratives resonate across demographics

Practical Tips for DWTS Fans

How to Enjoy DWTS to the Fullest

For First-Time Viewers:

• Start watching from week one to understand contestant journeys
• Learn basic dance styles to appreciate technical elements
• Join online fan communities for enhanced engagement
• Vote for favorites to participate in the competition

For Longtime Fans:

• Rewatch classic seasons to appreciate evolution
• Follow professional dancers on social media for insider perspectives
• Attend live tour performances to experience DWTS in person
• Introduce new viewers to expand the community

Understanding Dance Styles

Familiarizing yourself with ballroom dance styles enhances viewing:

Ballroom (Standard):

• Waltz: Elegant, flowing, romantic
• Foxtrot: Smooth, sophisticated, classic
• Quickstep: Fast-paced, energetic, technically challenging
• Viennese Waltz: Faster waltz with continuous rotation

Latin:

• Cha-Cha: Fun, flirty, rhythmic
• Rumba: Slow, romantic, hip-focused
• Samba: High-energy Brazilian celebration
• Paso Doble: Dramatic, intense Spanish-inspired
• Jive: Fast swing dance with kicks and flicks

Other Styles:

• Contemporary: Emotional storytelling through modern dance
• Jazz: Theatrical, sharp movements
• Argentine Tango: Passionate, intimate, different from ballroom tango

Comparison: DWTS vs. Other Dance Competition Shows

Show	Network	Format	Judges	Target Audience
Dancing with the Stars	ABC	Celebrities + Pros	3-4 judges	General/Family
So You Think You Can Dance	FOX	Amateur dancers	Rotating judges	Dance enthusiasts
World of Dance	NBC (ended)	Dance groups/solos	4 judges	Urban/Contemporary fans
The Masked Dancer	FOX	Mystery celebrities	Panel guessers	Masked Singer fans

DWTS remains unique in pairing celebrities with professionals, creating transformation narratives that resonate with broad audiences. The combination of dance education, celebrity vulnerability and competitive stakes distinguishes it from pure talent competitions.

My Personal Take: Why DWTS Still Matters

After following Dancing with the Stars for years and watching countless seasons, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for what the show represents beyond glittery costumes.

The Transformation Is Real: Skeptics dismiss DWTS as frivolous entertainment but I’ve witnessed genuine personal growth. Watching someone overcome fear, build confidence and achieve things they never imagined resonates regardless of dancing skill. When a comedian like Andy Richter attempts ballroom dancing or an athlete discovers artistic expression, something meaningful happens.

It’s One of the Last Shared Experiences: In our fragmented media landscape, few shows still bring families together across generations. Grandparents, parents and kids can all enjoy DWTS, discussing performances and debating eliminations. That shared cultural touchstone matters as entertainment becomes increasingly personalized.

The Skill Development Is Impressive: As someone with no dance training, I’m amazed by what contestants achieve in weeks. Professional athletes known for completely different skills suddenly execute intricate choreography. The dedication required is immense and respecting that effort doesn’t require calling it high art.

Not Without Flaws: DWTS has legitimate issues. Voting controversies undermine competitive integrity. Judging can seem arbitrary or biased. Production sometimes prioritizes drama over dance. These flaws don’t negate the show’s value but acknowledging them creates realistic expectations.

The Tom Bergeron Era Was Special: I genuinely miss Bergeron’s hosting. His warmth, humor and ability to navigate awkward moments made the show feel welcoming. Current hosting is competent but lacks that specific magic. His return for the 20th anniversary showed how much his presence mattered.

Why I Keep Watching: Ultimately, DWTS delivers escapism with substance. For two hours weekly, world problems fade as we watch people try something difficult and scary. We celebrate success, empathize with failure and vote for our favorites. In a complicated world, that simple pleasure shouldn’t be underestimated.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Dancing with the Stars

Dancing with the Stars has survived format changes, host departures and shifting television landscapes because it offers something rare: accessible excellence. You don’t need dance expertise to appreciate effort and transformation. You don’t need celebrity obsession to enjoy watching famous people struggle and succeed.

Whether you’re searching “who went home on dancing with the stars tonight” or “dwts results,” you’re participating in a community experience connecting millions of viewers. From Tom Bergeron’s era through current seasons, from early eliminations to crowning champions, DWTS continues evolving while maintaining core appeal.

Season 34 represents another chapter in this ongoing story. New personalities like Alix Earle, Whitney Leavitt, Robert Irwin and Andy Richter bring fresh energy, while veterans like Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson provide continuity.

The 20th anniversary celebration reminds us why this show endures. It’s not just about perfect scores or flawless technique it’s about watching people grow, connecting with others who share the journey and celebrating when underdogs exceed expectations.

So keep watching, keep voting and keep celebrating when your favorites succeed. Get frustrated when questionable eliminations happen. Debate judging decisions with friends and family. That’s what makes DWTS more than a television show. It’s a shared experience connecting us through dance, competition and the universal appeal of watching people exceed their own expectations.

The Mirrorball Trophy awaits. Who will claim it this season? Only time and America’s votes will tell.

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Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dancing with the Stars or ABC. All names, images and trademarks belong to their respective owners. While we strive for accuracy, some details may change or differ from official sources.