'DWTS' Fans Pumped After Julianne Hough Revealed As New Host
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 26, 2023 at 8:35 PM EDT
"Dancing With the Stars" is back, and the show has a big surprise for the fans!
Despite a controversial lineup, including Jamie Lynn Spearsand Adrian Peterson, many fans can't help but talk about the fact that professional dancer Julianne Hough has taken over for Tyra Banks.
Alfonso Ribeiro also returned as co-host alongside the “Dancing With the Stars” alum, while Hough's brother, Derek Hough, has returned to the judges table alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli.
Julianne Hough Makes Triumphant Return To Ballroom
Prior to Hough's debut, the professional dancer spoke out about her return to the ballroom, admitting, “It is such an honor to rejoin ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as co-host. The show holds such a special place in my heart from the many years and different roles I have had the privilege of being a part of."
She added, "The incredible team that brings the ballroom to life every night has been my family for the past 17 years. I am so excited to reunite with Alfonso, Carrie Ann, Bruno, Derek, the unbelievably talented pros, and the amazing cast on the dance floor.”
“The energy is magnetic every time you step foot into the ballroom, and I can’t wait to feel it again — and of course to share it all with the absolute best and most loyal fans — for another exciting season,” she continued to say.
How Do Fans Feel About Julianne Hough's First 'DWTS' Show?
Now fans are voicing their opinions on the hosting change as Julianne Hough officially made her debut, replacing "America's Next Top Model" star Tyra Banks and joining "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" actor Alfonso Ribeiro.
Within seconds of Hough taking the stage, social media exploded, expressing how excited they were to see the dancer return to the ballroom.
"Julianne Hough is one of the most beautiful people on this planet #DWTS," one fan wrote.
Another said, "Me I’m so happy Julianne Hough is back".
While one fan Tweeted, "Okay I’m living for Julianne Hough being cohost though #DWTS".
"So happy @officialdwts is back and on tv!!! Welcome @juliannehough as host!!! A fresh of breath air!," another wrote.
As one "Dancing With the Stars" fan said, "Omg!!! Welcome back @juliannehough!!! So excited for a new season! #dwts #dwts32 #dancingwiththestars."
"Okay, I’m living for Julianne Hough being cohost though #DWTS," one fan said on social media.
Another Tweeted, "I'm so excited about the new season of #DWTS!!!! And @alfonso_ribeiro and @juliannehough hosting!! Yay!! Miss Len always!!! So happy!"
The ABC show redesigned the Mirror Ball Trophy in honor of the late head judge, Len Goodman, who passed away earlier this year. Executive producer of “Dancing With the Stars” Conrad Green revealed the news earlier this week. “The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy will now be lifted on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ like the Vince Lombardi trophy is lifted at the Super Bowl," he said.
See The New 'Dancing With The Stars' Cast
The full cast of the current season is as follows:
- Tyson Beckford – Jenna Johnson
- Ariana Madix – Pasha Pashkov
- Adrian Peterson – Britt Stewart
- Barry Williams – Peta Murgatroyd
- Charity Lawson – Artem Chigvintsev
- Harry Jowsey – Rylee Arnold
- Jamie Lynn Spears – Alan Bersten
- Jason Mraz – Danielle Karagach
- Lele Pons – Brandon Armstrong
- Matt Walsh – Koko Iwasaki
- Mauricio Umansky – Emma Slater
- Mira Sorvino – Gleb Savchenko
- Xochitl Gonez – Val Chmerkovskiy
- Alyson Hannigan – Sasha Farber
"Dancing With the Stars" will air for the next several Tuesdays on ABC.