The pressure is on for Dancing With the Stars to top the record-breaking success of season 33 — and Us has some ideas for how season 34 can up the ante.
Two celebrity contestants have already been revealed, with Robert Irwin and influencer Alix Earle vying for the coveted mirrorball trophy when DWTS returns to ABC this fall. The rest of the cast, however, remains a mystery — even to the pro dancers.
“Sometimes people think that we know [the cast in advance], and we don’t. We find out when everybody else finds out,” Pasha Pashkov told Us Weekly exclusively in May during a joint interview with his wife and fellow DWTS pro, Daniella Karagach, adding that he has high hopes for the season ahead. “The first two celebs are already so amazing, so I can only imagine what the season is going to look like.”
There are a few more months to go before DWTS is officially back on our screens, but that hasn’t stopped Us from putting together an ideal lineup of reality stars, athletes and more. Keep scrolling to see the dream cast:
Jason Kelce
Even some DWTS pros are on board with this fan cast. Jenna Johnson called the retired athlete her “dream partner” back in 2024, and anyone who’s seen those viral tracksuit videos can understand why.
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Zac Efron
Sure, some fans are campaigning for Dylan Efron to vie for the mirrorball trophy after his success on The Traitors, but Us thinks it’s time for Zac to revisit his dancing roots. (And if Zac isn’t available, there’s always a chance his High School Musical dad, Bart Johnson, is.)
Taylor Frankie Paul
Ezra Sosa may have teamed up with The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck for a TikTok video earlier this year, but Taylor’s fiery side would make her a fierce competitor. Can MomTok survive the pressure of the ballroom?
Savannah Chrisley
It’s been more than a decade since Chrisley Knows Best premiered, but the family is more relevant than ever. Savannah’s efforts to help her parents, Todd and Julie Chrisley, receive a presidential pardon give her the perfect emotional backstory — and a hint of controversy — to capture voters’ attention.
Lindsay Lohan
With Freakier Friday hitting theaters this summer, the early aughts star is shining even brighter in the spotlight than ever before — and Us can’t get the idea of a cha-cha to “Drama Queen (That Girl)” out of our heads.
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Rachael Kirkconnell
If you ask Us, there’s no better revenge than placing higher than your ex on the DWTS leaderboard. Rachael has been keeping it relatively low-key since her split from former Bachelor (and DWTS season season 30 alum) Matt James, but the ballroom could be the perfect place to make her comeback.
Jelly Roll
The musician has already taken a few fan-favorite shows by storm — from American Idol to Fire Country — so what better way to finish the year than in the DWTS ballroom? He has tour dates lined up with Post Malone through mid-September, but our fingers are still crossed.
Kevin Bacon
With two major TV projects (The Bondsman, Sirens) and a new movie in the works (The Best You Can), 2025 is the year of Kevin Bacon. Nothing says nostalgia quite like a Footloose dance break — does the actor still have his moves?
Brooklyn Beckham
David and Victoria Beckham’s eldest son is no stranger to trying his hand at different hobbies, so slipping on a pair of dancing shoes doesn’t seem like an out-of-this-world possibility. Plus, the rehearsal studio has given plenty of stars a safe space to open up about their personal highs and lows — alleged family drama included.
Alex Morgan
Athletes have always been up for the DWTS challenge, and Alex wouldn’t be the first U.S. women’s soccer player to take the plunge. Her former teammate Hope Solo competed on season 13 with Maks Chmerkovskiy, finishing in fourth place.
Rob Gronkowski
It’s hard to believe this fun-loving NFL alum hasn’t already graced the ballroom floor, but after the success of his former teammate Danny Amendola on season 33, Gronk should be next in line.
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Hoda Kotb
The former Today host is already pretty booked and busy after leaving her role on the morning show in January, but there’s no doubt she would light up the DWTS ballroom with her infectious energy. With her history of early wake-up calls and long days at the newsdesk, the competition may not even wear her out.
Garcelle Beauvais
While she won’t be returning to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the reality TV world isn’t ready to bid Garcelle farewell forever. Her no-nonsense attitude and determination would make her a strong competitor, but Us mostly wants to know which of her fellow Housewives would be seen in the audience throughout the season.
Noah Lyles
Olympians have consistently given their all in the dance competition, but the ballroom has yet to host a track and field star. The sprinter’s confidence was on full display during the 2024 Paris Olympics — despite his positive COVID test — so he’d likely be trying to race to the top of the leaderboard.
