All of my friends back home know how obsessed I am with Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). I have always made sure to call in or vote online for my favorite teams. Over the span of five years I have been to 10 different tour shows. Season 29 is a season unlike any other; here are five things you should know before you tune in:
- Tyra Banks is the new host of the show.
-
Yes, you heard me right, the American television model is now making her way to the ballroom floor. For the past 28 seasons, Tom Berergon has served as the main host of the show. He has been joined by various co-hosts over the years, including Lisa Canning, Samantha Harris, Brooke Burke and most recently, Erin Andrews. Only time will tell if Tyra can command the ballroom the same way she does the runway.
- Derek Hough is replacing Len Goodman as a judge this season.
-
With travel restrictions in place due to coronavirus, the head judge of the past 28 seasons has been unable to travel from England to the United States for filming. I am certain that Len Goodman, though unable to physically be in the ballroom this season, will be watching the couples’ every move. Taking over Len’s spot, the six-time mirror ball champion is back and better than ever! Derek has a very unique perspective, since he has been a professional dancer on the show for 17 seasons and is now judging.
- There is no live studio audience due to COVID-19.
-
Typically, there is a live studio audience for every single episode of the show. Trying to maintain social distancing guidelines, DWTS executives have made the decision to film without a live audience. In lieu of an in-person audience, producers are overlaying an applause soundtrack similar to what was used back in the day for sit-coms and game shows. This may be a little unusual since the live audience normally does that part, but it incorporates into the show very smoothly.
- Fifteen couples will be competing for the mirror ball trophy.
-
The number of contestants typically fluctuates from season to season, but this is the most contestants to date. Each couple will be bringing something unique to the ballroom floor this season. A few notable contestants are Carole Baskin, Kaitlyn Bristowe, Skai Jackson, AJ McLean and Chrishell Stause. The contestants are ready to make this season the best it has been and try to take home the mirror ball trophy.
- Fan favorite pros are back for this season.
-
Sharna Burgess and Artem Chivintsev are back competing for the mirrorball this season. They both were not able to be on DWTS last season, but they are now back and better than ever. With the arrival of those two pros, Witney Carson and Lindsay Arnold are sitting this season out due to pregnancy. It is also very exciting to see Britt Stewart be a pro this season for the very first time.
With all of these changes, it seems as if this season will be fresh and different. I hope you have learned a bit more about Season 29 of Dancing with the Stars which is on every Monday night on ABC at 8/7c!