DWTS Next Pro Reaches Semifinals as Season 35 Cast Takes Shape

Four remaining contestants entered the semifinal round of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro on August 24, 2026, competing for three spots in the season finale on ABC.

Competitors Adele Zaikman, AJ Pritchard, Allen Genkin, and Selena Hamilton each performed two routines during the broadcast. The episode featured guest judge Kym Johnson alongside regular judges Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas, with host Robert Irwin leading the program.

The contestants paired with current and former show professionals for their initial Latin routines. Selena danced a Salsa with Jan Ravnik, AJ performed a Cha Cha alongside Rylee Arnold, Adele executed a Samba with Gleb Savchenko, and Allen tackled a Jive with Witney Carson. For the second round, the contestants paired up with each other to deliver ballroom performances.

The semifinalists received direct feedback from the professional dancers before their routines were evaluated by the judging panel.

"I absolutely love Selena. She took the lead right away. Her eye is very entertaining," said Jan Ravnik, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.

Judges weighed the professional input as they evaluated the contestants' leadership potential.

"And we want entertaining," said Kym Johnson, guest judge and two-time Mirrorball champion.

Panelists recalled early impressions of the performers while assessing their growth across the season.

"On the first night, she was in my Top 4. She made a huge impression on me. She was amazing," said Mark Ballas, Dancing with the Stars judge.

Other professionals noted technical strengths while highlighting areas needing routine adjustments.

"I felt as if I was back into my competition days with Adele. Because she's so well trained in ballroom, she will be able to create that choreography that is authentic to the style. I wish there could have been a wow moment in the routine," said Gleb Savchenko, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.

Judges acknowledged the contestant's strong execution following the performance review.

"But she definitely left you with a wow moment then, eh?" said Shirley Ballas, Dancing with the Stars head judge.

Savchenko reinforced his approval of the final execution.

"100 percent. I am flying private jet right now, not even a Rolls Royce," said Gleb Savchenko, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.

Carson shared her coaching experience with her assigned semifinal partner.

"I enjoyed the entire process. [Allen]'s so nice to dance with but I think he needs to work on believing in himself a little bit more and that will allow him to really make the choreography pop," said Witney Carson, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.

Judges emphasized the competitive mindset required for the professional role.

"Allen does need to bite down on the mouthpiece and come fighting for it because this is a hard job," said Mark Ballas, Dancing with the Stars judge.

Arnold offered insights into her partner's focus during rehearsals.

"At the beginning, I felt that lightheartedness, but I will say that he's kind of intense," said Rylee Arnold, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.

Judges expressed potential reservations regarding communication styles under pressure.

"I'm concerned with the AJ feedback," said Mark Ballas, Dancing with the Stars judge.

Arnold further explained her observations regarding instructional feedback.

"I don't know if he's going to be able to give affirmation to somebody. It was like constant critiques," said Rylee Arnold, Dancing with the Stars professional dancer.

Panelists noted that high-stakes environments reveal how future pros manage partnership dynamics.

"So under pressure you see how you would handle yourself," said Shirley Ballas, Dancing with the Stars head judge.

Johnson capped the conversation by highlighting the unique demands of the series.

"And there's nothing like the pressure of Dancing with the Stars," said Kym Johnson, guest judge and two-time Mirrorball champion.

The winner of the spinoff competition will secure a professional dancer spot on Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars. Meanwhile, casting for Season 35 has continued to build out its celebrity roster ahead of the official September 2 announcement on Good Morning America.

Confirmed celebrity competitors for Season 35 include Guillermo Rodriguez paired with Witney Carson, alongside Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, and Jackson Olson. Additional reported roster additions include Conner Leavitt, Sarah Jane Nader, Tyler Cameron, Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, and Tatyana Ali. The season premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 35 is scheduled for September 15 on ABC and Disney+.