Dancing with the Stars Rumor: David Archuleta Approached to Compete in a Same-Sex Partnership
Update / Possible Confirmation: On September 11, DWTS insider Kristyn Burtt reposted the item and silently mouthed the words “KEEP YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN,” a gesture many fans interpret as an oblique confirmation that David Archuleta may be involved. Kristyn’s post did not state details explicitly, so the suggestion remains unofficial and should be treated cautiously.
A rumor circulating from a site known for occasional casting scoops claims Dancing with the Stars producers have reached out to a former singing-competition finalist about joining the upcoming season. While the name was not published in that original blind submission, the clues match American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta. The report specifically suggests the male finalist would be paired with a male professional dancer, a pairing that would mark a notable milestone on the long-running series.
Kristyn Burtt shared the claim via a TikTok post, citing the entertainment source Bravo and Cocktails. According to the post, the potential celebrity is “in talks to be partnered with a male dancer,” but the deal is described as tentative: the individual is reportedly hesitant to enter another competition so soon after a recent show, while their team is reportedly encouraging the opportunity. Because the initial tip was a blind submission from a reader and not a direct casting confirmation, Kristyn emphasized caution in treating the rumor as established fact.
Could David Archuleta Really Be Joining Dancing with the Stars?
David Archuleta’s most recent televised competition was The Masked Singer earlier this year, where he performed as the Macaw and finished in second place. Given that recent commitment, it would be understandable for him to approach a new competition with care. Entering another intense, weekly reality contest within months of the last one would demand physical and emotional energy, and Archuleta has been open in the past about protecting his mental health and prioritizing self-care.
Another dimension to consider is public reaction. A same-sex partnership on a high-profile show inevitably attracts both support and vitriol; competing in that format could expose a celebrity to online negativity and trolling. For artists who are vocal about maintaining their wellbeing, that risk can weigh heavily on decisions to accept or decline offers.
Kristyn also noted that The Masked Singer and Dancing with the Stars share the same casting director, which could make it more likely that producers would look to recent Masked Singer contestants for casting. Still, a shared casting contact does not confirm any single conversation or offer, and until a network or the celebrity confirms, the story remains speculative.
If an offer was made and Archuleta declined, it is possible that fans would not learn the details unless he or his team chose to comment publicly. Historically, many casting negotiations remain private until participants are officially announced.
Previous DWTS Same-Sex Partnerships
Dancing with the Stars has already featured same-sex pairings in recent seasons. The first widely publicized same-sex partnership was JoJo Siwa and Jenna Johnson in Season 30 (2021), who finished in second place. Season 31 included Darius Jeremy Pierce partnered with Gleb Savchenko; Pierce performed as his female drag persona, Shangela. If a male celebrity such as David Archuleta were to be paired with a male pro dancer while appearing as himself, that would effectively be the first all-male competitive pairing in the show’s history.
Dancing with the Stars is scheduled to premiere on ABC and Disney+ on Tuesday, September 26, with the season becoming available on Hulu the following day. The celebrity cast and professional dancer lineup are set to be revealed officially on Good Morning America on September 15, at which point any confirmed participants will be publicly announced by the show.
Kristyn Burtt shared a TikTok suggesting the anonymous tip sounds like David Archuleta, using hashtags such as #dwts, #davidarchuleta, #americanidol and #maskedsinger, and citing Bravo and Cocktails as the source of the blind submission.
In summary: credible industry contacts and overlapping casting teams make the rumor plausible, and recent social media activity by a DWTS insider has fueled fan speculation. However, this remains an unverified report until either the show, the casting team, or David Archuleta himself confirms participation. Fans who want certainty should look for the official cast reveal on Good Morning America on September 15 or an official statement from the artist.