Hey there, dance fans! Buckle up because something exciting is coming your way. The very first season of Dancing With the Stars: Juniors is set to premiere on ABC this Sunday, October 7. This brand-new show will feature celebrity kids paired with younger professional dancers, creating a fresh and fun twist on the classic DWTS format. While we’re still waiting for the full cast reveal, we do know who’ll be sitting in the judge's panel, and trust me, they’re a talented bunch. On Monday, July 30, Good Morning America introduced us to the trio of judges—Olympic figure skater Adam Rippon, DWTS pro Val Chmerkovskiy, and choreographer extraordinaire Mandy Moore. Let’s dive into their backgrounds and what they bring to the table!
"I was thrown to the fire, lived with the wolves, and that's what I'm going to do with these kids…”@Adaripp shares his judging strategy for the upcoming @DancingABC Juniors! #DWTSJuniors #DWTS pic.twitter.com/xxtCQlGAGM
Read also:James Spader The Dynamic Actor Who Brings Characters To Life — Good Morning America (@GMA) July 30, 2018
Adam Rippon: The Olympic Champion Who Knows a Thing or Two About Winning
First up, we’ve got Adam Rippon, the 28-year-old Olympic figure skater who stole our hearts—and the Mirror Ball Trophy—during the all-athletes season of DWTS earlier this year. Adam is no stranger to the spotlight, and his journey from the ice rink to the dance floor has been nothing short of inspiring. Interestingly enough, his winning partnership on the show was with Val Chmerkovskiy’s fiancée, Jenna Johnson, adding an extra layer of connection to this new venture.
During his appearance on GMA, Adam gave us a glimpse into his judging philosophy. He admitted that as a child, he often felt embarrassed about certain things, but looking back, he realized how those experiences shaped him. "I was thrown into the fire and lived with the wolves," he explained. "And that’s exactly what I’m planning to bring to these kids—a tough yet supportive approach that pushes them to be their best selves."
View this post on InstagramWorking the ring 💍
Read also:Quizon Family Tree Tracing The Roots Of A Remarkable Legacy
Val Chmerkovskiy: The Dancing Pro Who Brings Heart and Expertise
Next, let’s talk about Val Chmerkovskiy, the 32-year-old dancing dynamo who’s become a household name thanks to his incredible performances on DWTS. Over the years, Val has won not one but two Mirror Ball Trophies, first with Rumer Willis on Season 20 and then with Laurie Hernandez on Season 23. He’s also had the pleasure of partnering with other famous faces, including Sherri Shepherd, Kelly Monaco, and Ginger Zee.
Val comes from a family deeply rooted in the world of dance; his older brother Maks Chmerkovskiy is another well-known figure on the show. Together with his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, Val has been on tour this year, showcasing their incredible talents to audiences everywhere. When it comes to judging, Val is thrilled to be part of such an innovative new show. "I’m so grateful and proud to be working alongside these amazing individuals," he said in a post on social media. "This is more than just a dance competition—it’s about celebrating the next generation of leaders and influencers."
View this post on InstagramYOUR JUDGES* OF DANCING WITH THE STARS: JUNIORS 🙌🏼🌟🏆 @DWTSJuniors *(the middle 3). Very excited to be part of this awesome new dance show on @abcnetwork It’s going to be the BIGGEST show of Lil’ Superstars on television and I’m proud to help guide and celebrate the future of not just dance but the future influencers and leaders of our world. . Premiers this fall on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7th!!! . #DWTSJuniors #dance #dwts #lilstars #bighearts #nextgeneration . . Styled by @mikeystyles & @rhondaspiesstylist 👕@allsaints 👖 @ragandbone 👞 @ysl
Mandy Moore: The Choreographer Who’s All About Elevating Talent
Finally, we have Mandy Moore—not the Mandy Moore from This Is Us, but the talented choreographer who’s worked on some of the biggest productions out there. Mandy was part of the team behind the Oscar-winning musical La La Land and has choreographed routines for both DWTS and Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance. Her expertise in bringing stories to life through movement makes her the perfect fit for this role.
In a post on Instagram, Mandy expressed her excitement about joining the DWTS: Juniors panel. "This is officially happening!" she wrote. "I’m so thrilled to be a judge alongside @iamvalc and @adaripp for the very first season of DWTS Juniors. Thanks for having me, @goodmorningamerica!" With her background and passion for nurturing talent, Mandy is sure to bring a unique perspective to the competition.
View this post on InstagramUhh…this happened today…it’s official! I am so excited to be a judge alongside @iamvalc and @adaripp on the very first season of DWTS Jrs! Thanks for having us @goodmorningamerica Styled by @mikeystyles & @rhondaspiesstylist Dress @elizajdresses Shoes @charlesdavidshoes courtesy of @ashleymichaelsonpr Rings @madewell Earrings @lbg_pr
As we gear up for the premiere of Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, it’s clear that this season is going to be filled with incredible performances, heartfelt moments, and plenty of surprises. Season 24 of the original DWTS will air on September 24, so there’s plenty of dancing goodness to look forward to this fall. Stay tuned, because it’s going to be one heck of a ride!
