The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy is up for grabs this year once again, but the question is: who is going to take it? Dancing with the Stars aired its first episode on September 16, 2025, to kick off its 34th season. It was full of energy, meeting and exceeding many audience members’ expectations. This year’s cast of celebrities includes Jordan Chiles, Robert Irwin, Alex Earl, and other diverse celebrities who were strategically picked for this important season. All but one new professional has returned, and the audience can’t get enough of their favorite pros.
Fans immediately picked their favorite duo after the first episode, not even needing a second episode. Robert Irwin, an Australian wildlife conservationist, is a fan favorite. Without a doubt, Irwin consistently brings the energy and continues to amaze. His charisma, technique, and performance quality take him far in the competition. Marianne Tuten, a sophomore, has many reasons why Irwin is her favorite star. “He is very consistent, constantly improving in his dancing,” she said. “He is thoughtful about the judges’ feedback and has definitely won over the audience. He could definitely win this season.”
Every week, there are different themes that the couples have to build their dance around, meaning every Tuesday is a different night in the ballroom. Some are annual, like “Dedication Night” and “Halloween Night,” but each year, a selection of Tuesdays becomes special. So far in this season, the audience has witnessed “Wicked Night” and “TikTok Night’, doing a complete flip from last year. Not only are the themed dances interesting, but the sets and costumes are effortlessly admirable. Admiring the work of others “behind the scenes” is a significant aspect of the audience’s enjoyment. Sophomore Zoe Piernik believes this aspect drew her to the show in the first place. Piernik’s love for noticing the little things in the show keeps her watching. “I love how the sets are different every night, it gives me something to look forward to,” she said.
There is something for everyone, even for those unfamiliar with the show. Whether it is the sparkly costumes, captivating set designs, or the social media marketing throughout the weeks. Dancing with the Stars has it all. Freshman Eliza Newman has never seen it before, but hasn’t stopped hearing about it on many occasions. “It seems interesting and different from other reality shows. I’ll definitely give it a try now,” she said.
Within the halls of North, season 34 is off to a great start, growing in popularity and admiration. Yet, as November 25th comes closer, engagement rises to close out the 20th anniversary, and anticipation remains steady. Many will have to wait to see if their favorite duo has won, but for now, Dubs can only sit on the edge of their seats and wait.
