Dancing With the Stars continues to keep its celebrity contestant lineup under lock and key, but as the season premiere nears, some details are emerging about a potentially controversial pick.
<script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5362842976017675"
crossorigin="anonymous"></script>
According to a report by People, Hilaria Baldwin, who stars alongside her husband Alec Baldwin in the TLC reality series The Baldwins, has joined the ABC competition series for Season 34. ABC did not immediately respond to Soaps.com’s request for comment.
More from Soaps.com
While the casting isn’t officially confirmed, it’s sure to have its supporters and detractors, courtesy of the polarizing celeb, who has been fueling speculation that she’s boarding DWTS with dancing videos on her Instagram. She responded to the rumors in a recent interview with Extra, saying, “I see it in my comments. There’s been a lot of people manifesting. It’s been a lot of fun manifesting, and let’s continue to manifest.”
Who else will compete on Dancing With the Stars next season?
In April, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, the younger brother of Season 21 winner Bindi Irwin (with pro Derek Hough), was the first celebrity cast member announced for Season 34. Irwin dropped some hints in January 2025 during an interview with Entertainment Tonight that he was open to the idea of following in his sister’s footsteps.
“We’ve gotta do that, don’t we? Yeah, I reckon it’s about time, eh? I’d definitely give it a go,” he said enthusiastically and then turned to Bindi, “I reckon you could give me some tips. I think it’d be a lot of fun.”
Then in May, social media influencer Alix Earle was the second hopeful tapped to compete. “I’ve always been a fan of Dancing With the Stars. I used to watch it when I was so young with my grandma,” Earle told Good Morning America. “When this opportunity came to me, it was like, ‘What can I do next? Where can I take this?’ I’m ready to challenge myself. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. It was a very obvious answer to say yes.”
In July, the ABC competition series also added not one but two stars from a hit reality series: Jennifer Affleck and Whitney Leavitt, who revealed during The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Reunion Special on Hulu that they are putting on their dancing shoes.
In anticipation of Dancing With the Stars season 34, the ballroom is already a hive of activity. A controversial figure has reportedly been chosen by the producers to join the ensemble, a decision that is sure to spark a lot of discussion both on and off the dance floor.
Fans are divided by the rumored addition, even though ABC has not officially announced the entire roster. Supporters think the contentious celebrity will infuse the long-running competition series with excitement, amusement, and plenty of media attention. Some say that the choice is dangerous, citing previous scandals and the conflicting public opinion that might overshadow the dancing itself.
The program has hosted politicians, sports, reality stars, and well-known internet personalities over the years.
Get more primetime returning show premiere in the gallery below.
