Dancing With the Stars judge Bruno Tonioli is ready to critique a new batch of contestants with nothing but honesty.
“What happens is your expectations are higher, so obviously they know that,” Tonioli, 70, exclusively shared with Us at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday, September 14. “They’re gonna be afraid, but the expectations are higher. We will be very honest. Nobody’s gonna get a free ride. I’m telling you that.”
Season 35 of ABC’s reality show kicks off Tuesday, September 15, with a two-night premiere. One male and one female contestant are expected to be eliminated from the ballroom after just one week of performances.
Tonioli believes the twist puts more pressure on the contestants — and their partners — to bring it from day one.
“We have 16 couples, and you really cannot fit them all. That’s why we had to split the show into two,” Tonioli explained at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. “It gives you more of a sense of jeopardy. So from the beginning, somebody’s neck is on the line. I like that they have to go full-on from week one.”
When the latest cast was announced earlier this month, some fans were surprised to see several participants — like Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr. and Julia Stiles — with prior dance experience.
From Tonioli’s perspective, nobody has an advantage when DWTS goes live and focuses strictly on ballroom technique.
“Once you start, you have to learn the technique. It is so different,” he explained. “I’ve done it for a very, very long time. But these kids — they’ve never done it before. So give them a chance. Be nice. Be nice, people. Give them a chance.”
Tonioli, who has judged the show since its 2005 debut, has had the opportunity to meet several of the contestants before week one officially kicks off.
Although he doesn’t have any favorites, he’s excited to see what each contestant brings to the table this fall.
“I like them all,” he teased. “We’ve been meeting each other. But once it comes to the show, I have to do my job, and I forget all about it. Everybody is exactly the same, and it all depends on what they’re gonna do in front of me live.”
While season 35 may be booked, there is one celebrity Tonioli dreams of judging in a future episode.
“Charlize Theron,” he said. “I love. Oh my God! I mean!”
Watch the competition unfold when Dancing With the Stars premieres with a two-night event on ABC and Disney+ starting Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET.
