September marks the return of my personal Super Bowl: "Dancing with the Stars" premieres on Sept. 15.
The season 35 cast was revealed on Sept. 2, and let’s just say... I have some thoughts. There are underdogs, fan favorites, a few unexpected pairings, and insane crossovers.
Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov Are My Winners
Pasha is due for a win, and having an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating like Amber on your team will bring the Mirrorball home. Amber is an icon on the ice, and she’s going to be even more of a force on the ballroom floor.
Don't Underestimate Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach
Daniella can make anyone look like a seasoned ballroom veteran. In season 30, she took a basketball player and made him a Mirrorball champ. That's exactly why I think she’s a perfect fit for Ezra, who is a Paralympic medalist all on his own.
Ezra has made a career off breaking molds and surpassing expectations — the ballroom will be no different. I'll see them in the finale.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy Are Basically Two Pros
Hot take: trained dancers should not be on "Dancing with the Stars." Yes, ballroom is completely different, but Jenna Dewan is in a league of her own. I know you've seen that video of her "Lip Sync Battle" performance (hot!). She has years of dance experience, hosted "World of Dance," and was in the iconic movie "Step Up."
I'm not saying ABC is playing favorites (ok, maybe I am), but anyone paired with Val has a fast track to at least the semifinals, in my opinion. He's just that good. Also, his wife, Jenna Johnson, is paired with Harry Shum Jr., who has worked as a backup dancer for multiple artists. Can Jenna and Val please save some Mirrorballs for the rest of us? I'll personally be rooting for the underdogs.
My Favorite Pairing: Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
Guillermo was made for this. He and Witney are the best thing to come out of these pairings. They may not bring the talent, but they will bring the fun. I mean, how can you not root for them when you see their TikToks?
@witneycarsonofficial I don’t how you couldn’t love this guy @Jimmy Kimmel Live #dwts #guillermo #teammoney #dancing
♬ original sound - Marchely
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa Are a Gen Z Dream
Ezra Sosa is the "Dancing with the Stars" spokesperson for Gen Z. From trendy TikToks to pop culture references in his dances, he keeps the show young. Now, you pair him with the Julia Stiles from "10 Things I Hate About You" and "Save the Last Dance"? Yeah, they're getting everyone's votes, including mine.
Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong Are Going To Be a Force
Some people pick up new hobbies after a breakup or maybe buy a revenge dress, but not reality TV star Ciara Miller. Following the public drama involving her best friend and ex-boyfriend getting together, Ciara proves that sometimes success is the best form of revenge.
She is ready to make a new name for herself on the dance floor, and Brandon is long overdue for a Mirrorball (justice for Chandler Kinney!). But if their first dance isn't to "Taste" by Sabrina Carpenter, I will be upset.
Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten Will Surprise Everyone
I grew up watching Giada's cooking show. If she can dance as well as she can cook, she has nothing to worry about. She and Alan are a surprising duo that I have a sneaky feeling will make it farther than most anticipate.
Don't Sleep on Underdogs Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman
If you watched season 34, you know Conner was in the audience every night cheering on his wife, Whitney Leavitt. That man has some moves! I can sense he's going to be a tough one to beat. Plus, Adele is a new pro who's going to bring fresh energy to the ballroom.
Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills Are What "DWTS" Needs
Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills are making history as the second all-female pairing. It’s refreshing to see a show of this caliber break stereotypes. Their fierce female energy will set them apart and could push them all the way to the end.
The Season 35 Cast Is Stacked, To Say the least.
The cast is filled with other big names and personalities who all have a chance to take home the Mirrorball, from reality TV stars Tyler Cameron and Maura Higgins to social media personalities Jackson Olson and Connor Wood and ’90s icons Tatyana Ali and Taylor Hanson.
This is going to be a competitive season, and I’m sat!