Dancing with the Stars Season 34: Controversial New Cast Revealed

Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro - Dancing with the Stars
DANCING WITH THE STARS Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro. (Disney/Andrew Eccles)

Dancing with the Stars: Hilaria Baldwin to Join Season 34 Cast

Sources confirm that Hilaria Baldwin, the wife of actor Alec Baldwin, is expected to be a contestant on Dancing with the Stars season 34. Producers of Dancing with the Stars often cast celebrities whose personal lives generate attention, and Hilaria’s public profile and past controversies make her a high-profile addition to this season’s lineup.

Hilaria Baldwin first rose to broader public attention for her work as a yoga instructor, author and social media personality, and she has since become a frequent presence in lifestyle coverage. Over the years she has also faced scrutiny and criticism related to questions about her background, including public debate over how she presented her heritage and upbringing. That controversy, combined with her active social media presence and the couple’s family life, has kept her in the headlines.

The Baldwins are parents to seven children, and Hilaria routinely shares family moments and lifestyle content across social platforms. Some observers have criticized the couple for what they view as heavy social-media promotion of family life; others defend their openness and say many families share personal moments online. Regardless, the visibility of the Baldwins and the public interest in their lives are likely factors in the casting decision for Dancing with the Stars season 34.

Any conversation about the Baldwins also touches on the 2021 Rust set tragedy involving Alec Baldwin, when a prop firearm discharged and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed. The incident led to a civil lawsuit from the victim’s family; Alec Baldwin also faced criminal charges that were later dropped. The event remains a significant part of the couple’s public narrative and continues to inform media coverage of their activities.

Hilaria and Alec recently allowed cameras into their household for a reality program titled The Baldwins, a show that offered viewers a look at their family life and daily routines. That project, along with Hilaria’s established social-media following, likely contributed to the decision by Dancing with the Stars producers to include her among the celebrities competing this season.

Good Morning America to Announce Cast on September 3

ABC’s Good Morning America will reveal the full Dancing with the Stars season 34 cast on Wednesday, September 3. According to sources, Hilaria Baldwin will join previously announced participants including Robert Irwin, who is the brother of former Dancing with the Stars winner Bindi Irwin; social-media personality Alix Earle; and reality television personalities Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt from the Mormon Wives franchise.

Dancing with the Stars often assembles a varied group of celebrities from entertainment, sports, reality TV and digital platforms to create a mix that appeals to broad audiences. This season’s early confirmations suggest the show is continuing that approach by combining familiar reality personalities, viral content creators and performers with established name recognition.

For Hilaria Baldwin, competing on Dancing with the Stars could represent both a professional opportunity and a chance to reintroduce herself to viewers in a different light. The series traditionally offers celebrities a platform to showcase discipline, athleticism and personality as they learn ballroom and Latin dances, and contestants often use the run of the show to reshape public perception and connect with new audiences.

While the complete roster will be unveiled on Good Morning America, fans and critics alike are already discussing the implications of Hilaria’s participation for the season’s dynamics. Her presence is likely to generate discussion on social channels and in entertainment coverage, which can translate to higher viewer interest and ratings for the premiere episodes.

Dancing with the Stars season 34 is scheduled to premiere Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and will also be available to stream on Hulu. With the official cast announcement set for early September, viewers will have an opportunity to learn the full lineup and follow promotional content as the show builds toward the season premiere.