It’s midnight on the night before the Dancing With the Stars premiere and I can’t believe that in just a few hours I will be back in the ballroom, doing what I love to do with people that I love to do it with. I can’t wait!
The 20th season premieres at 8 p.m. EDT on March 16, and it’s time to celebrate! Since day one, I haven’t missed a single episode of the show. In fact, there are only three people who have been on every episode of DWTS. Can you guess who? In addition to myself, judge Bruno Tonioli and host Tom Bergeron. I think I’ll make t-shirts this year to celebrate our incredible attendance.
More: Get to know the season 20 cast
Season 20 is going to be a great one. I just got back from New York doing a whirlwind press tour to help promote this exciting season, and I believe it got me even more jazzed about the new season. We are bringing back all the fan favorites, like Disney Night, Latin Night and The Switch Up, but we are also adding things like giving our fans “all access” where they can watch their favorite couples in rehearsals online, via live streaming. There will also be a Spring Break Night to add to the fun. (Bruno has been looking forward to this night and I have to admit, I’m looking forward to Bruno’s wardrobe for that evening.)
But the thing that is most exciting to me, is that the judges will be more involved. At the end of every season, we go into the studios to help couples prepare for the finals. (I always end up staying longer than the time they schedule for me because I love being in the studio and working with the celebs.) This year, we are going to be much more involved in one of their dances and may get out on the dance floor…there may also be a competition element between the judges as well. I will keep everyone updated as I find out more about this new exciting element. I think it will be a lot of fun.
I’ll keep you posted as the season progresses, but it’s definitely something to look forward to and adds a nice fresh element to the season. It’s important for the show to keep evolving so that our fans will continue to enjoy us. After all, we are looking to not only celebrate the past 10 years but are hoping to continue to grace the airwaves another 10 years.
More: Why everyone continues to watch and love DWTS
Today, I had lunch with the producers and my fellow judges to kick off the season. The energy felt really good and it is always so nice to see everyone again. Len Goodman is in good spirits, Bruno’s skin was incredibly soft today, and Julianne Hough was as radiant as ever. All of us are excited about this season. Last year we added Julianne Hough as our fourth judge, and it was a nice way to add without taking away. She brought a new energy and we already have a wonderful, sisterhood camaraderie.
The cast looks great so far… But I’ll have to see what they bring to the floor tonight. I can’t wait to put on my sequins and watch some fantastic dancing! Good luck everyone!
Knock me out of seat if you can!
Life is short. A friend of mine, a dancer I danced with early in my years of training passed away last night. So tonight, I will be thinking of his beautiful soul. And he will be dancing with us in heaven as we dance away the night!
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