The upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars is already generating buzz, not just for its celebrity lineup, but for alleged backstage friction and concerns over perceived unfair advantages among contestants. As the show prepares for its premiere, insiders reveal that whispers of favoritism and unequal playing fields are circulating among the cast, casting a shadow over the competitive spirit.

Jenna Dewan Faces Scrutiny Over Dance Background

Among the most prominent points of contention is the casting of actress and dancer Jenna Dewan. With a career that began with extensive backup dancing for global artists like Janet Jackson and Christina Aguilera, and a starring role as a talented ballet dancer in the 2006 film Step Up, Dewan’s background has led to accusations of an inherent advantage. Many within the cast reportedly feel her professional dance experience makes the competition unequal.

Dewan, who will be partnered with three-time Mirrorball champion Val Chmerkovskiy, acknowledged the public’s perception but clarified her current skill set. “I do not know how to ballroom dance. Let’s be clear. It’s two different languages,” she stated. “There’s parts of my dance training that’s helpful, obviously. I’ve learned choreography, I can perform, but there is a certain sense of unlearning for me.” Despite her words, the sentiment among some competitors remains that her extensive dance history provides an edge.

Chmerkovskiy, aware of the expectations, expressed his commitment to the competition. “The world is going to have an opinion, and that’s fine and [that’s] their right, but we can also just enjoy each other and do our best and live in that gratitude,” he commented. Sources close to the partnership suggest Chmerkovskiy feels significant pressure to highlight Dewan’s abilities and is focused on winning.

Allegations of Favoritism Extend to Judges and Co-Hosts

Further fueling the backstage drama are claims of potential favoritism extending beyond professional dance experience. Sources suggest that Dewan’s close friendship with judge Derek Hough, stemming from their work on the competition show World of Dance and a subsequent ABC movie, has raised eyebrows. Competitors are reportedly concerned that this personal connection could influence Hough’s judging.

Similarly, the casting of Tatyana Ali has also reportedly caused some consternation. Ali, who starred as siblings with show co-host Alfonso Ribeiro on the beloved sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, shares a strong bond with the host. Insiders suggest that this relationship could lead to preferential treatment or commentary from Ribeiro, potentially benefiting Ali and her professional partner, January Ravnik.

When asked about any potential advantage, Ali, who was 17 when she last worked with Ribeiro, told Us Weekly, “I haven’t even really thought about it in that way. I’m excited to be on stage with him.”

Fan Favorites and Producer Intentions

Beyond specific casting controversies, there’s also alleged “eyerolling” behind the scenes regarding celebrities anticipated to become instant fan favorites. Names like Ciara Miller, whose reality TV background on Summer House has garnered a significant following, and Maura Higgins, who gained traction on The Traitors, are mentioned as individuals who may capture audience attention quickly.

Other contestants expected to draw viewer support include:

• Ezra Frech, a decorated Paralympian athlete.
• Tyler Cameron, a popular figure from The Bachelorette franchise.
• Amber Glenn, an Olympic gold medalist figure skater.
• Taylor Hanson, a member of the iconic ’90s band Hanson.
• Jackson Olson, from the Savannah Bananas baseball team.
• Guillermo Rodriguez, a familiar face from Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
• Connor Wood, a TikTok star and comedian.
• Sarah Jane Nader, joining two seasons after her sister.

Producers reportedly aim to make season 35 one of the most compelling yet. A source indicated that the casting strategy is deliberate, designed to foster intense competition. “They’ve stressed this to the pros to bring their A-game and to bring competition,” the insider revealed. “In fact, they prefer to have less drama this season and more competitiveness.” This suggests a desire to shift the narrative from interpersonal conflicts to the skill and performance of the dancers.

Changes in the Professional Dancer Lineup

The upcoming season also marks a shift in the professional dancer roster. Longtime fan favorite Gleb Savchenko will not be returning after 12 seasons. Producers are reportedly using this season to test new talent, with Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills being evaluated for audience reception. The return of Sharna Burgess after a five-year hiatus is also seen as a strategic move to gauge interest in established professional dancers versus newer faces.

The season, set to premiere on September 15 on ABC and Disney+, promises a blend of seasoned performers and new faces, all vying for the coveted Mirrorball trophy. While the producers aim for heightened competition, the underlying tensions regarding casting and perceived advantages suggest that backstage drama may still be a significant part of the Dancing with the Stars narrative.

Conclusion: A Season of High Stakes and Scrutiny

As Dancing with the Stars gears up for its 35th season, the ballroom is already charged with anticipation and, according to insiders, a degree of unease. The inclusion of individuals with extensive dance backgrounds like Jenna Dewan, coupled with perceived connections between contestants and judges or hosts, has sparked debate about fairness. While producers aim to emphasize competitive spirit and performance, the whispers of advantage and potential favoritism among the cast suggest that the journey to the Mirrorball trophy will be closely watched, with every step scrutinized.