Julianne Hough spoke with ET about season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, which premieres this fall on ABC and streams on Disney+. While attending the Disney Upfront event in New York City, the host shared her excitement about the first two contestants announced for the new season: Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller.
Hough said she loves both stars, calling Maura “playful” and “funny,” and added that she’s excited to see a more vulnerable side of her as she takes on the competition despite feeling nervous. She also praised Ciara as “beautiful inside and out” and said she’s looking forward to cheering her on this season.
When asked who else she hopes joins the cast, Hough admitted she prefers to leave casting decisions to executive producer Deena Katz, whom she described as a “world-class genius.” However, she revealed that plenty of celebrities have already been messaging her privately, eager to join the show.
Reflecting on the milestone 35th season, Hough said Dancing With the Stars continues to grow because it has stayed true to its core values of authenticity, craftsmanship, and family. She noted how the show has created a lasting legacy, with viewers who grew up watching now hosting watch parties of their own.
Hough also addressed the newly announced Dancing With the Stars pro spin-off, explaining that the ideal professional dancer is not only talented but also a strong teacher who can listen, observe, and prioritize their partner’s needs.
She closed by expressing gratitude for the show’s role in elevating dance culture over the past two decades and said she’s thrilled that dancers now have more opportunities to shine on a major platform.
(Disney/Jennifer Pottheiser)
