Dancing With The Stars Judges: Complete Guide To DWTS 2026 Season 35

Have you ever wondered what makes Dancing with the Stars such an enduring television phenomenon? The answer often lies in the chemistry between the professional dancers and the judges who critique their performances. As we approach Season 35 in 2026, fans are buzzing with excitement about potential changes to the judging panel that could shake up this beloved competition series.

A Brief History of Dancing with the Stars Judges

Since its premiere in 2005, Dancing with the Stars has featured an impressive roster of celebrity judges who bring their unique expertise, personalities, and sometimes controversial opinions to the ballroom. The judging panel has evolved significantly over the years, with some faces becoming permanent fixtures while others have made memorable guest appearances.

The show's format typically features four judges who score each performance on technique, artistry, and entertainment value. Their scores, combined with audience votes, determine which celebrities continue in the competition and who faces elimination each week.

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All the Dancing with the Stars Judges Through the Years

The Original Judging Lineup

The inaugural season of Dancing with the Stars featured a judging panel that would set the standard for years to come. The original lineup included:

• Len Goodman - The British ballroom expert who became the show's head judge
• Carrie Ann Inaba - The dancer and choreographer known for her emotional responses
• Bruno Tonioli - The flamboyant Italian choreographer famous for his theatrical critiques

This trio remained the core judging panel for many seasons, establishing the show's signature blend of technical expertise and entertainment.

Notable Guest Judges Who Made Their Mark

Throughout its history, Dancing with the Stars has welcomed numerous celebrity guest judges who brought fresh perspectives to the ballroom:

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• Julianne Hough - The professional dancer who later became a permanent judge
• Kenny Ortega - The legendary choreographer known for High School Musical
• Olivia Newton-John - The iconic singer who judged during a themed episode
• Robin Roberts - The Good Morning America host who brought her warmth to the panel

These guest judges often provided memorable moments and sometimes even influenced the competition's outcome with their scoring.

Who Are the Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Judges?

As we look ahead to Season 35 in 2026, fans are eagerly speculating about who will take their place at the judges' table. While the official lineup hasn't been confirmed yet, several names have been circulating in the entertainment world.

The Likely Returning Judges

Based on industry sources and the show's history of maintaining continuity, three judges appear to be strong contenders for returning:

• Carrie Ann Inaba - The longest-serving female judge who has been with the show since Season 1
• Derek Hough - The six-time champion professional dancer who joined as a judge in Season 29
• Bruno Tonioli - The energetic Italian choreographer who has been a fan favorite since the beginning

These judges have developed a comfortable rapport over the years, and their combined expertise spans ballroom dancing, contemporary choreography, and theatrical performance.

Potential New Faces

Industry insiders suggest that Dancing with the Stars might be considering some fresh blood for Season 35. Potential new judges could include:

• Mark Ballas - The professional dancer who recently made headlines as a potential replacement for Carrie Ann Inaba
• Jenna Johnson - The current professional dancer with extensive choreography experience
• Maksim Chmerkovskiy - The fan-favorite pro who has been absent for several seasons

The addition of a new judge could bring exciting energy to the show and potentially shift the dynamic that fans have grown accustomed to.

Will Mark Ballas Replace Carrie Ann Inaba as a Judge in Season 34?

The Rumors and Speculation

The question of whether Mark Ballas will replace Carrie Ann Inaba has been one of the most talked-about topics in Dancing with the Stars circles. While this discussion primarily relates to Season 34 in 2025, it has significant implications for the judging panel's future.

Mark Ballas, a professional dancer who has been with the show since Season 5, has long been considered a natural fit for the judging role. His extensive experience as both a pro dancer and choreographer, combined with his charismatic personality, makes him an attractive candidate for the position.

What Fans Are Saying

Social media has been abuzz with speculation about this potential change. Fans have expressed mixed reactions:

• Many support the idea of Ballas joining the panel, citing his expertise and familiarity with the show
• Others worry about losing Carrie Ann Inaba, who has been a constant presence and emotional anchor for the show
• Some fans suggest a rotating judging panel that could feature both Inaba and Ballas at different times

Sources Close to the Production

According to sources close to the production, discussions about the judging panel are ongoing. The decision likely depends on several factors:

• Contract negotiations with current judges
• The show's desire to maintain continuity while introducing fresh perspectives
• Audience reception to potential changes

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the possibility of Mark Ballas joining the judging panel represents an exciting potential evolution for the show.

The Biggest Stars Who Have Served as Judges on Dancing with the Stars

Celebrity Guest Judges Who Left Their Mark

Over the years, Dancing with the Stars has featured an impressive array of celebrity guest judges who brought their unique expertise to the ballroom. Some of the most memorable include:

Meryl Davis and Charlie White - The Olympic ice dancers who judged during a special winter-themed episode, bringing their precision and grace to the panel.

Zendaya - The actress and former contestant who returned as a guest judge, offering insights from her experience as a competitor.

Paula Abdul - The pop icon and choreographer who brought her decades of entertainment experience to the judging table.

Abby Lee Miller - The controversial Dance Moms star who judged during a special episode, creating memorable moments with her blunt critiques.

The Impact of Guest Judges

Guest judges have often provided valuable perspectives that differ from the regular panel. Their presence:

• Introduces fresh critiques and scoring criteria
• Creates memorable television moments
• Sometimes influences the competition's outcome
• Provides contestants with diverse feedback

Dancing with the Stars Season 35: What We Know So Far

Premiere Date and Format

While ABC and Disney+ haven't officially announced the premiere date for Season 35, based on the show's typical schedule, we can expect the new season to debut in:

• September 2026 - Following the show's traditional fall premiere pattern
• Two-night premiere event - As has become customary for recent seasons
• Potential format changes - To keep the show fresh and engaging for viewers

Confirmed Details

As of now, several key details about Season 35 remain unconfirmed, but here's what we know:

• The show will continue its partnership between ABC and Disney+
• The competition will feature a mix of celebrities from various entertainment fields
• Professional dancers will be paired with celebrities as usual
• The scoring system will likely remain the same, combining judge scores with audience votes

What Fans Can Expect

Based on the show's evolution and current trends in reality television, Season 35 might include:

• Enhanced production values - Leveraging Disney+'s streaming capabilities
• Special themed episodes - Building on the success of themed nights in previous seasons
• Potential format innovations - To keep the competition fresh and exciting
• Social media integration - Allowing for more audience interaction

The Evolution of Judging Criteria on Dancing with the Stars

How Scoring Has Changed Over the Years

The criteria for judging performances on Dancing with the Stars has evolved significantly since the show's inception. Initially focused primarily on technical ballroom skills, the judging has expanded to include:

• Artistic interpretation - How well celebrities embody the character and emotion of each dance
• Entertainment value - The ability to engage and excite the audience
• Storytelling - How effectively the dance conveys a narrative
• Improvement over time - Recognizing progress and growth throughout the competition

The Balance Between Technical and Entertainment Judging

One of the ongoing discussions among fans and critics is how to balance technical precision with entertainment value. The current judging panel typically represents different perspectives:

• Carrie Ann Inaba - Often emphasizes emotional connection and performance quality
• Derek Hough - Brings a combination of technical expertise and showmanship
• Bruno Tonioli - Focuses on theatrical elements and entertainment factor

This diversity in judging perspectives has been crucial to the show's success, allowing for well-rounded critiques that appeal to both dance purists and casual viewers.

Behind the Scenes: How Judges Are Selected

The Selection Process

The process of selecting judges for Dancing with the Stars is complex and involves multiple stakeholders:

1. Network executives - Who consider ratings and audience demographics
2. Production team - Who evaluate technical expertise and on-camera presence
3. Current judges - Whose input is often sought regarding potential additions
4. Focus groups - Who provide feedback on potential judging lineups

What Makes a Good Dancing with the Stars Judge

The ideal Dancing with the Stars judge possesses several key qualities:

• Technical expertise in various dance styles
• On-camera charisma that translates well to television
• Constructive criticism skills that help contestants improve
• Memorable personality that creates engaging television
• Industry respect that lends credibility to their critiques

The Future of Dancing with the Stars Judging

Potential Changes on the Horizon

As Dancing with the Stars continues to evolve, several potential changes to the judging format could be on the horizon:

• Rotating guest judges as permanent fixtures rather than occasional appearances
• Audience participation in judging through real-time voting
• Specialty judges who focus on specific dance styles or themes
• Cross-over judges from other popular reality competition shows

The Impact of Streaming on the Judging Format

With the show's move to Disney+, there's potential for the judging format to evolve in ways that leverage streaming capabilities:

• Extended judging segments that provide more in-depth critiques
• Behind-the-scenes content showing judges' deliberations
• Interactive elements allowing viewers to engage with judges
• International judge panels reflecting the global nature of streaming

Conclusion

The judges of Dancing with the Stars play a crucial role in shaping the competition, providing feedback that helps celebrities grow as dancers while entertaining millions of viewers each week. As we look forward to Season 35 in 2026, the potential changes to the judging panel represent both an exciting evolution and a respectful nod to the show's history.

Whether Mark Ballas joins as a permanent judge, Carrie Ann Inaba continues her long-standing role, or new faces are introduced, one thing remains certain: the chemistry between judges, dancers, and the audience will continue to be the heart of Dancing with the Stars. The show's ability to balance technical expertise with entertainment value, tradition with innovation, has been the key to its remarkable longevity.

As fans, we can look forward to another season of breathtaking performances, emotional journeys, and the kind of constructive yet entertaining critiques that only Dancing with the Stars judges can provide. The ballroom awaits, and the judges' table is set for what promises to be another unforgettable season of dance, drama, and dreams coming true.

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