Julianne Hough has already spotted the dancers to beat on Dancing With the Stars season 35, just days before the ABC competition series returns to the ballroom.
The cohost exclusively told E!'s Justin Sylvester during Live From E!: 2026 Emmys on Sept. 14 that early rehearsals have produced some standout performers. "We've had some rehearsals," she said. "I will say we have the frontrunners, which we've seen."
Among the names Hough singled out were Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr. and Amber Glenn. She then added two more to the list, saying, "But I will say Taylor Hanson's got some moves and a great head of hair. And Tatyana Ali, she's amazing."
Still, the 38-year-old was careful not to crown a winner this early in the season. "I think we're gonna have to watch," she said. "I think this one's gonna keep us on our toes for sure."
Who Else Is Competing This Season
The season 35 cast also includes Julia Stiles, Jackson Olson, Ciara Miller and Tyler Cameron, among other celebrities paired with professional dancers for the new run of the show.
Sylvester pressed Hough on which pairing was most likely to spark dating rumors, floating Sarah Jane Nader, who is partnered with professional dancer Hailey Bills. Hough responded with a quip of her own: "Isn't she dating someone right now?"
Hough Teases Her Own Love Life
The romance talk didn't stop there. Hough, who was previously married to retired NHL player Brooks Laich from 2017 to 2022, dropped a hint about her own relationship status.
"I might not be single," she said. "There's a lot to discuss off camera."
Hough rose to fame as a two-time champion professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars before stepping into a judging role and later becoming a cohost of the series. She is also known for film roles including the 2011 remake of Footloose.
DWTS Lands a Rare Emmy Nomination
Beyond the season 35 buzz, Hough is celebrating a milestone for the franchise: Dancing With the Stars picked up a 2026 Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program.
"This is our first time we've been nominated in 10 years," Hough told E!. "We're very excited."
The Primetime Emmy Awards, which honor achievement in American television, were broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock on the night of Hough's interview, with E!'s red carpet coverage preceding the ceremony.
Dancing With the Stars season 35 premieres Sept. 15 on ABC.
