The glitter is swept, the spray tans are dry, and the ballroom is officially open. Good Morning America just dropped the official cast list for Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, and social media is already losing its mind. This year’s lineup serves up the usual chaotic cocktail of retired athletes, reality TV wildcards, and nostalgic screen stars. But as any seasoned fan knows, the mirrorball trophy isn’t won on star power alone. It’s all about the chemistry.
Some of this season’s pairings feel like a match made in heaven. Others look like a recipe for live television disaster.
The Matchups Everyone Is Talking About
The biggest surprise of the morning was the announcement of retired NFL center Jason Kelce joining the cast. Standing at six-foot-three and weighing nearly 300 pounds, the football legend is trading his cleats for ballroom heels. He is paired with the returning fan-favorite pro, Witney Carson. Carson is famous for whipping powerhouse athletes into shape, but Kelce’s sheer size will test her choreography limits. Will his signature charisma translate to a graceful waltz? Bookmakers are skeptical, but the public vote will undoubtedly keep him safe for the first few weeks.
Then there is the Gen-Z draw. TikTok icon Alix Earle is set to hit the dance floor alongside Alan Bersten. Earle’s massive, fiercely loyal online following makes her an immediate threat in the fan voting department. If Bersten can channel her natural rhythm into a decent cha-cha, this duo could easily breeze through to the finals.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have nostalgic TV star Jerry Trainor, best known for his wacky role on Nickelodeon’s iCarly. Paired with Koko Iwasaki, Trainor is this season’s wild card. He possesses an erratic, highly physical comedy style. If he can control his limbs, he might just surprise everyone. If not, we are in for some highly entertaining trainwrecks.
Who Do the Oddsmakers Favor?
Vegas has already weighed in, and the early odds point to a clear frontrunner. Olympic gymnast Jade Carey leads the pack with +150 odds to win it all. Paired with veteran pro Val Chmerkovskiy, Carey has the athletic discipline, flexibility, and muscle memory to dominate the competition from night one. Gymnasts historically do exceptionally well on the show, and Carey’s competitive drive is unmatched.
But she has stiff competition. Broadway sensation and actor Jordan Fisher’s former run showed what theater kids can do, and this year, another stage star is looking to replicate that success. Tony-nominated actress Eva Noblezada is locked in at +300. Dancing with Artem Chigvintsev, Noblezada already understands performance, stage presence, and rhythm. Her transition to Latin and Ballroom styles should be seamless, making her Carey’s biggest threat.
The Dark Horses to Watch
Do not count out Cole Barnett. The controversial Love Is Blind alum is paired with Britt Stewart. Barnett has a lot of public relations ground to make up, and history shows that DWTS is the ultimate redemption machine. He is currently sitting at a distant +1200, but a redemption arc combined with Stewart’s brilliant teaching could turn him into a serious contender.
Another name flying under the radar is legendary singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins. At 76, the “Footloose” singer is the oldest competitor this season. Paired with Emma Slater, Loggins has a tough road ahead. However, his musicality is built into his DNA. While a mirrorball win might be a long shot, expect him to deliver some of the most emotional performances of the season.
Rehearsals start immediately. The live premiere is just around the corner, and the stakes have never been higher. Grab your scorecards—this season is going to be a wild ride.
