The Ultimate Guide To Dancing With The Stars Judges: Past, Present, And Future
Who are the iconic judges that hold the fate of celebrities’ dancing dreams in their hands? The judging panel is the critical backbone of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), transforming a simple dance competition into a dramatic, score-filled spectacle. From the legendary Len Goodman to the fiery critiques of Carrie Ann Inaba, these personalities shape the show's tone, drama, and legacy. Whether you're a longtime fan prepping for season 34 or a newcomer curious about the franchise, this comprehensive guide dissects everything you need to know about the judges across all versions of the beloved franchise.
The Current Landscape: DWTS Season 34 and the Rumored Season 35 Shakeup
Dancing with the Stars Season 34: The Official Panel
Dancing with the stars season 34 officially kicks off tonight on ABC, bringing back the familiar and formidable judging trio that has defined the modern era. The core panel consists of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. This trio has developed a palpable chemistry over years of banter, disagreements, and shared passion for dance. Carrie Ann, often the head judge and the most critical, focuses on technique and precision. Bruno is the exuberant, emotional Italian known for his flamboyant descriptions and dramatic score reveals. Derek, the former pro dancer turned judge, offers constructive feedback from a performer's perspective, often balancing his siblings Julianne Hough's earlier role on the panel.
Alongside the judges, the hosting duties are securely in the hands of the dynamic duo Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. Alfonso, the charming Emmy winner, brings humor and relatability, while Julianne provides warmth and a dancer's insight from the ballroom floor. This host-judge combination has been a ratings winner, creating a familiar and comfortable viewing experience for the audience.
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The Burning Question: Will Mark Ballas Replace Carrie Ann Inaba?
One of the most persistent rumors swirling around the DWTS universe is will Mark Ballas replace Carrie Ann Inaba as a judge in season 34 of Dancing with the Stars? While season 34 has confirmed the classic trio, speculation about future seasons is rampant. Mark Ballas, a former professional champion on the show, possesses the pedigree and fan popularity that many believe makes him a natural successor. Find out what fans and sources are saying about the possible shakeup of the judging panel. Online forums and entertainment outlets are divided. Some fans crave a fresh perspective and believe Mark's sharp wit and dance expertise would energize the panel. Others are fiercely protective of the established chemistry of Carrie Ann, Bruno, and Derek, arguing that any change risks altering the show's core identity. As of now, ABC and Disney+ have not announced any official changes for the confirmed abc and disney+'s new season 35 of ‘dancing with the stars’ (dwts 2026), but the conversation highlights how invested fans are in the judging lineup.
A Legacy of Legends: The Biggest Stars to Sit in the Judge's Chair
Scroll down to see some of the biggest stars who have served as judges on dancing with the stars through the years:
The judging panel has seen several iconic figures come and go, each leaving an indelible mark. The undisputed patriarch was Len Goodman, the head judge for the first 28 seasons (US). His traditional ballroom standards, iconic catchphrase "It's a 10!" and wry humor set the benchmark for all who followed. His departure after season 31 was a seismic shift for the franchise.
Other notable judges include:
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- Tom Bergeron: The legendary host who also occasionally filled in as a judge, known for his quick wit.
- Erin Andrews: The sportscaster who brought a competitive athlete's eye to the critiques during her tenure.
- Julianne Hough: Derek's sister, who served as a judge for seasons 23-29, bringing a contemporary, performer-focused perspective.
- Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The fan-favorite pro who joined the panel for season 31, offering brutally honest feedback from a recent competitor's viewpoint.
- Guest Judges: The show has featured a rotating roster of guest judges, from Olivia Newton-John and Shania Twain to Kevin Hart and Ricky Martin, adding star power and unique perspectives for special weeks.
Answers for Who is Head Judge on This Year's Dancing with the Stars
The role of head judge typically falls to the most senior or authoritative panel member. For the vast majority of the US series' history, this was Len Goodman. Following his departure, the role has been informally shared, but Carrie Ann Inaba often assumes the head judge responsibilities, especially in scoring disputes and final announcements. She is the longest-tenured current judge, having been on the panel since season 1 (with a brief hiatus). Therefore, for season 34, Carrie Ann Inaba is the de facto head judge.
This leads to a fun piece of trivia: (3,6) crossword clue, 9 letters. If you encounter this clue in publications like the daily celebrity, ny times, daily mirror, telegraph, the answer is almost certainly CARRIE ANN. This common crossword clue directly references her prominent role. Find clues for who is head judge on this year's dancing with the stars and you'll consistently find her name associated with the top judging spot.
Beyond America: The Irish Dancing with the Stars Phenomenon
The dancing with the stars team is taking us beyond the ballroom
While the US version on ABC is the global flagship, the format has been localized successfully worldwide. The Irish version on RTÉ One is a massive hit in its own right and offers a fascinating contrast.
Dancing with the stars is an irish reality television series, airing on rté one, that started on 8 january 2017. It follows the same core format but with a distinct Irish flavor in its hosting, judging, and celebrity casting. It is currently hosted by jennifer zamparelli and laura fox, who is standing in for doireann garrihy while she is on maternity leave. This highlights the show's flexible and popular hosting structure.
The Irish judging panel has been remarkably stable, featuring the formidable trio of Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry, and Julian Benson. Here is everything you need to know about brian. Brian Redmond is a renowned dance teacher and choreographer, known for his exacting standards and dry, witty critiques. Loraine Barry is a former professional dancer and adjudicator, bringing immense technical authority. Julian Benson is a celebrated choreographer and director, offering a creative, production-focused viewpoint. This trio has been the consistent heart of the Irish show.
Rte has announced dancing with the stars will return to irish screens in january 2026 with a brand new head judge and presenter. This signals a major evolution for the Irish series. Speculation is high about who will replace the legendary Brian Redmond as head judge, with names like Arthur Gourounlian (a pro from the UK version) and other Irish dance luminaries in the mix. This change marks a new era for the franchise in Ireland.
A Look Back: The Irish Series' History
Dancing with the stars returned for a fourth series which began on 5 january 2020 on rté one.Nicky byrne and jennifer zamparelli returned as hosts for a fourth and second series, respectively. The judging panel of Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry and Julian Benson returned as well, providing continuity. The professional dancer lineup has also seen consistency, with curtis (likely Curtis Pritchard) being a long-standing fan favorite. The show has produced memorable moments, such as when the judge was joined by brian redmond on friday night's late late show to chat all things dancing with the stars and recalled one of her most memorable performances on the show. This cross-promotion on Ireland's premier late-night talk show underscores the DWTS Ireland's cultural significance.
Spin-Offs, Specials, and the Franchise's Expanding Universe
Dancing with the stars reaches its 100th episode this sunday, with a twist in the ballroom.
Milestone episodes are always a big deal. The 100th episode celebration typically involves returning celebrities, all-star pro pairings, and unorthodox dance styles or rules. The "twist" could be anything from a sudden double elimination to a secret scoring advantage, keeping even veteran fans on their toes.
The Spinoff Show That Was and The One That Could Be
The spinoff show can't stop dancing did not return. This was a short-lived US after-show or companion series that provided behind-the-scenes footage and additional interviews. Its cancellation suggests the network felt the main show's content or social media presence was sufficient.
However, a new potential spinoff is on the horizon. After robert irwin won season 34 of dancing with the stars, he is in discussions with abc to host an upcoming spinoff show to find a new pro dancer, according to multiple outlets. Robert Irwin, the wildlife conservationist and son of Steve Irwin, won fans over with his earnestness and surprising dance skill. A spinoff centered on finding new professional dancers—perhaps titled Dancing with the Stars: Pro Spotlight or similar—would be a logical expansion, feeding new talent into the main series and offering a fresh, behind-the-scenes look at the grueling audition process for the pros.
What We Know So Far: Season 35 and Beyond
Get the latest news on 'dancing with the stars' season 34 in 2025, including the premiere date, cast, hosts, judges and more updates as they're announced. For season 34 (which aired in 2024/2025), details are now fully known. Looking ahead to season 35 in 2026, the partnership between ABC and Disney+ means the show will likely continue its dual-platform strategy. Here's everything to know about abc and disney+'s new season 35 will include the expected fall premiere on ABC, with episodes streaming shortly after on Disney+. The core cast of celebrity contestants is typically announced in late summer, featuring a mix of athletes, actors, singers, and reality TV stars. Meet the 14 celebrities and pros competing this fall for the coveted len goodman mirrorball trophy. The trophy, named after the show's original head judge, remains the ultimate prize.
Predictions for the Judging Panel in 2026
While the classic trio is locked for season 34, season 35 is where the rumored changes may materialize. Possibilities include:
- Status Quo: Carrie Ann, Bruno, and Derek return for another season.
- Gradual Transition: Carrie Ann steps back to a reduced schedule or guest judge role, with Mark Ballas or another former pro (like Maksim Chmerkovskiy) joining as a full-time judge.
- Full Refresh: A more significant overhaul, bringing in 2-3 new judges from the world of dance, entertainment, or even past DWTS pros, with only one or two veterans remaining.
The decision will hinge on ratings, contract negotiations, and the creative team's vision for the show's future.
Conclusion: The Judges Are the Soul of the Ballroom
From the stern, traditional gaze of Len Goodman to the passionate cries of Bruno Tonioli and the technical precision of Carrie Ann Inaba, the judges are the constant through all the changing fads, music, and celebrity casts. They are the experts who validate the hard work of the professionals and the courage of the celebrities. The dancing with the stars judges provide the critical narrative arc each week—the conflict, the praise, the controversy—that transforms a performance into a story.
As we look to season 35 of ‘dancing with the stars’ (dwts 2026) and the continuing evolution of the Irish version on RTÉ, one thing is certain: the judging panel will remain the show's most scrutinized and celebrated element. Whether it's the familiar comfort of the current US trio, the stable excellence of the Irish bench of Brian Redmond, Loraine Barry, and Julian Benson, or an exciting new chapter with fresh faces, the judges' chairs are where DWTS legacy is both honored and forged. The scores they hold, the words they speak, and the reactions they provoke from the celebrities and pros in the ballroom will continue to be the heart of the spectacle for years to come.
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