Controversy Reigns as Rumors of Controversial Pro’s Return Shake DWTS Season 34 Fans

1, juesm
Gleb Savchenko Returns to ‘Dancing With the stars’ Season 34

After weeks of speculation, Gleb Savchenko will be returning as a professional dancer for season 34 of ‘Dancing With the Stars.’ A TikTok by Kristy Burtt confirmed the news on August 22,despite recent rumors of his dismissal. Burtt mentioned the casting process is ofen volatile, and dancers can be re-called after initially being told they weren’t needed for a season.

Fans expressed mixed reactions, with some disappointed by his return, citing past “bad attitude and lackluster choreography.” Others voiced concerns about the potential displacement of other professional dancers, Sasha Farber and Pasha Pashkov.

Rumors of Savchenko’s departure began after his cryptic TikTok response to a fan comment about seeing him on the show in September,to which he replied,”Afraid you won’t.” This fueled speculation, particularly following accusations of infidelity during his relationship with former partner Brooks Nader, which were detailed in her Hulu reality show. Savchenko has not directly addressed these claims.

What specific past instances of Derek HoughS judging have sparked the most controversy among DWTS fans, and how might thes impact the show’s image if he returns as a pro?

The derek Hough Factor: is a Return Imminent?

The Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) fandom is ablaze with speculation following whispers of a potential return for Derek Hough to the professional dancer lineup for Season 34. While Hough hasn’t been a full-time pro sence winning a record-breaking six mirrorball trophies, his guest judging appearances have only fueled the desire for his permanent comeback. However, this potential return isn’t without its controversy. The core of the debate stems from past critiques regarding judging fairness and perceived preferential treatment towards certain contestants.Fans are actively discussing this on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), using hashtags like #DWTS34 and #DerekHough.

A History of Controversy: Examining Past Criticisms

Derek Hough’s time on DWTS wasn’t always met with universal praise. Several instances sparked debate amongst viewers:

Judging Discrepancies: Accusations of inconsistent scoring and subjective critiques were frequently leveled against Hough, notably when partnered with popular celebrities.

Perceived Favoritism: Some viewers felt hough consistently gave higher scores to contestants he had a personal connection with, or those deemed “fan favorites.”

Creative Control Concerns: Discussions arose regarding Hough’s influence on choreography and weather it sometimes overshadowed the celebrity’s own abilities.

These past controversies are now resurfacing as the possibility of his return gains traction, leading to a divided fanbase. Many are questioning whether ABC is willing to address these concerns before bringing him back as a full-time pro. The debate extends beyond Hough himself, touching on broader issues of fairness and transparency within the DWTS judging system.

Season 34 Pro Lineup: What We Know So Far

As of August 23, 2025, the official Season 34 pro lineup remains largely under wraps. Confirmed pros include:

Val Chmerkovskiy

Jenna Johnson

Pasha Pashkov

Emma Slater

Rumors suggest several other familiar faces are in negotiations, including Daniella Karagach and Brandon Armstrong. However,the potential addition of Derek Hough is dominating the conversation. Sources close to the show indicate ABC is actively courting Hough, offering him a important role that could extend beyond simply dancing with a celebrity partner – potentially including mentorship or a more prominent judging position.This multifaceted role is reportedly a key point of negotiation.

Fan Reactions: A Divided Ballroom

The reaction to the Hough rumors has been overwhelmingly polarized.

Pro-Hough Camp: Supporters emphasize his extraordinary talent,choreography skills,and the entertainment value he brings to the show. They argue past criticisms are overblown and that he’s a valuable asset to DWTS.

Anti-Hough Camp: Critics maintain that his return would perpetuate a system of perceived unfairness and undermine the integrity of the competition.They are calling for ABC to prioritize objectivity and transparency in its judging panel.

Social media is flooded with both passionate defenses and scathing critiques. Online polls show a near 50/50 split in opinion, highlighting the depth of the divide within the DWTS community. The hashtag #NoDerekDWTS34 is gaining momentum amongst those opposed to his return.

the Impact on Ratings: A ratings Boost or a Backlash?

ABC is undoubtedly weighing the potential impact of Hough’s return on viewership. His presence historically correlated with higher ratings, particularly during his winning seasons. However, a significant backlash from disgruntled fans could potentially offset any gains.

Potential Ratings Boost: Hough’s star power and established fanbase could attract new viewers and re-engage lapsed fans.

Risk of Boycott: A vocal segment of the audience has threatened to boycott the show if Hough is confirmed as a pro, potentially leading to a decline in viewership.

The network’s decision will likely hinge on a careful assessment of these competing factors. They’ll need to consider not only the potential for increased ratings but also the long-term impact on the show’s reputation and the loyalty of its core audience.

Beyond Hough: Other Potential DWTS Season 34 Drama

The derek Hough saga isn’t the only source of pre-season drama. Speculation surrounds:

Celebrity Cast Leaks: Rumors about potential celebrity contestants are circulating online, with names like [insert current celebrity name] and [insert current celebrity name] frequently mentioned.

Judging Panel Changes: with Carrie Ann Inaba’s future on the show uncertain, there’s speculation about potential replacements.

Format Adjustments: ABC is reportedly considering minor format changes to revitalize the show and appeal to a wider audience.

These factors, combined with the Hough controversy, are creating a highly charged atmosphere leading up to the Season 34 premiere. The Dancing with the Stars community is eagerly awaiting official announcements, bracing themselves for what promises to be