Derek Hough Teases Céline Dion for Dancing with the Stars Season 35
Could Céline Dion step into the Dancing With the Stars ballroom? Derek Hough certainly seems to like the idea.
As excitement builds around the cast of Dancing With the Stars Season 35, Hough sparked attention by sharing an AI-generated image that made it appear as though he and Dion had been paired together for the new season.
However, there is one important catch: Dion is not confirmed to be joining the show.
Hough made it clear that the post was a joke. He captioned the image with a playful message about answering if Dion ever calls, while adding that he is still waiting for that call.
The joke quickly caught fans’ attention because Hough has previously expressed his interest in dancing with the legendary singer.
Derek Hough Says Céline Dion Is His Dream DWTS Partner
Hough’s latest tease is not completely random.
The Dancing With the Stars judge has previously spoken about wanting to dance with Dion. He also shared a personal story about meeting the singer in Las Vegas several years ago.
According to Hough, he and his wife, Hayley Erbert, once danced with Dion after meeting her before one of her shows. Hough recalled that they talked about dance, and Dion immediately showed enthusiasm for the idea.
That experience apparently left a lasting impression.
Hough later described Dion as kind, funny and genuine. He also said she remains the person he would most like to see participate in Dancing With the Stars.
So while the Season 35 casting image was fictional, Hough’s invitation to Dion appears very real.
Is Céline Dion Joining Dancing With the Stars Season 35?
No. Céline Dion has not been confirmed as a contestant for Season 35.
Hough’s Instagram post was an AI-generated joke rather than an official casting announcement. There is currently no indication from ABC that Dion will compete this season.
That distinction matters as speculation around the new season continues.
ABC describes Dancing With the Stars as a competition in which celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers and perform choreographed routines before judges including Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
The Season 35 premiere is scheduled for September 15, 2026, with the show returning to ABC and Disney+.
Why Derek Hough Wants to Dance With Céline Dion
Dion would certainly be an unusual but exciting choice for the ballroom.
Hough’s interest appears to come from their previous interaction rather than a current casting negotiation. His story about meeting Dion in Las Vegas suggests that their shared interest in dance made an impression on him.
For Hough, the appeal also seems personal.
He has spent years performing and judging on Dancing With the Stars, and ABC identifies him as the franchise’s only six-time champion from his years as a professional dancer. He joined the judging panel in 2020.
That background makes his enthusiasm for a potential Dion appearance especially notable.
What We Know About Dancing With the Stars Season 35
The Céline Dion rumour comes as Season 35 casting continues to generate headlines.
Several celebrities and professional dancers have already been revealed or reported ahead of the full announcement. Julia Stiles, for example, has been reported as part of the upcoming celebrity lineup, while Sharna Burgess is returning to the professional roster after a lengthy break.
ABC has also been building interest in the new season through Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro. The competition follows 12 dancers hoping to earn a professional spot on Season 35.
The full Season 35 cast announcement is expected on September 2, according to current entertainment coverage.
Until then, fans should treat social media casting images as speculation unless they come directly from ABC or the show’s official channels.
Could Céline Dion Ever Appear on DWTS?
While Dion is not part of the confirmed Season 35 lineup, Hough clearly would welcome her in the ballroom someday.
His recent posts suggest that the door is open if Dion ever decides she wants to dance on the show.
For now, however, fans will have to wait for the official Season 35 cast reveal to see which celebrities will actually compete for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
And if Dion ever does receive that invitation, Hough has already made his position very clear: he would love to dance with her.