Dancing with the Stars season 29 will be arriving next week on ABC. Viewers will be seeing some significant changes in the reality ballroom competition once it premieres. For instance, this is the first installment without host Tim Bergeron and co-host Erin Andrews.
Both Bergeron and Andrews confirmed that they won't be coming back in Dancing with the Stars season 29. Now, the new host is Tyra Banks, who serves as an executive producer, as well. Aside from these changes, the set of the competition might also be different to accommodate the current situation.
The real-life health crisis is one of the biggest challenges for most shows, including the ABC program. There are certain health guidelines and protocols that needed to be followed to ensure the safety of the celebrities, as well as everyone on the set.
Yet, it seems like the performances in the ballroom won't be virtual. Apart from that, the set will be bright and colorful as ever. Even though some things might look quite different this time around, it isn't meant to be scaled-back in the slightest.
In a previous interview with Entertainment Tonight, Banks discussed the changes in Dancing with the Stars season 29. She teased that the new installment will have a new stage. She described it as "very bright, very fancy, a lot of LED screens" and it's going to be a different feel.
Banks explained that they want to co-exist with that happening in the world right now, especially with the pandemic. They reconstructed the stage to make it top-notch. She noted that it's a whole new start and it will surprise a lot of people.
One of the major goals of the reality ballroom competition is to make the stage visually appealing while ensuring the safety or the entire cast and crew. In addition, the most challenging part here is dancing with another person, given that they need to comply with the proper social distancing measures.
Meanwhile, the full-star cast list of Dancing with the Stars season 29 has been revealed. The first two contestants confirmed joining the competition are The Bachelorette alum Kaitlyn Bistowe and Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean.
Other cast members include Vernon Davis, Chrishell Stause, Carol Baskin, Johnny Weir, Nelly, Charles Oakley, Monica Aldama, Jeannie Mai, Anne Heche, Skai Jackson, Justina Machado, Jesse Metcalfe, as well as Nev Schulman.
Dancing with the Stars season 29 will be dropping its new episodes starting on Monday, Sept. 14, on ABC.
