Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Premieres with Judges Lowering Scores to Boost Competitiveness

Julianne Hough, cohost of "Dancing With the Stars" Season 34, supports the judges' decision to give lower scores to contestants during the premiere, emphasizing the importance of fundamentals and proper ballroom technique amidst a trend of hybrid dance styles influenced by social media. She praised judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough for setting a high standard early in the season to encourage contestant improvement. The season's premiere featured 14 celebrity contestants, with some technical challenges like Carrie Ann Inaba's absence due to illness and Julianne's candid explanation of the difficulties of live hosting. Hilaria Baldwin, one of the contestants, denied claims by Julianne that she campaigned for a spot on the show, clarifying that her participation was a last-minute decision despite her past professional dance experience. Meanwhile, fans criticized Julianne's choice of wardrobe during the show's 500-episode special, expressing strong disapproval of her dress on social media. Overall, the season launch combined technical critique, contestant dynamics, and fan reactions to the hosts.