The Evolution of 'Dancing With the Stars' Judges: From Len Goodman to Julianne Hough and Beyond
Discover the ever-evolving panel of judges on 'Dancing With the Stars'! From iconic personalities like Len Goodman, Julianne Hough, and Paula Abdul to surprise appearances by Cher and Ricky Martin, this star-studded lineup has brought a fresh perspective to the show
Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli have been permanent fixtures at the judging table on Dancing With the Stars since the show began. However, they have been joined by various celebrities over the years to help score the contestants' performances. In 2014, Julianne Hough made history by becoming the first celebrity to permanently join the judging panel, increasing the number of judges from three to four.
Hough took a step back from the role in September 2017 after serving as a dancer on the series and judge for many years. In 2023, Hough made a comeback to the DWTS family to cohost alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. Julianne’s brother, Derek Hough, joined the panel in 2020 to substitute for Goodman and has been a permanent fixture since.
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Scroll down to see some of the biggest stars who have served as judges on Dancing With the Stars through the years:
Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Judges Through the Years: Len Goodman, Julianne Hough and More
Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli have been mainstays at the judging table of Dancing With the Stars since the beginning — but they are not the only celebrities who have given their critiques on the performances of the contestants.
The trio of judges on DWTS have been joined by a rotating cast of celebrities since the show's inception in 2005. In 2014, Julianne Hough made history by becoming the first permanent celebrity judge, increasing the total number of scorecards from three to four. Hough stepped away from the role in September 2017 after years of being a dancer and judge on the show. In 2023, she returned to cohost alongside Alfonso Ribeiro. Her brother, Derek Hough, temporarily joined the panel in 2020 and has since become a staple on the show.
Scroll down to see some of the biggest stars who have served as judges on Dancing With the Stars through the years:
Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
Len Goodman
The British dancer and coach had been a part of DTWS since its inception in 2005. Though he missed several episodes over the years, his absence was most noticeable during seasons 19 and 23, as well as entire seasons 21 and 29. In November 2022, the Strictly Come Dancing alum revealed his departure from the Disney+ series after the season 31 finale in order to prioritize spending time with his family in Britain.
Following his passing at the age of 78, Goodman's agent announced his death in April 2023. In honor of his legacy, DWTS decided to rename the iconic mirrorball trophy after him.
Credit: ABC/Christopher Willard
Carrie Ann Inaba
The Hawaii native has been a judge since season 1 alongside Goodman and Tonioli.
Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
Bruno Tonioli
The Italian choreographer rounded out the original judging panel in 2005. He has remained at the judges table ever since.
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Mel B, Drew Lachey, Gilles Marini and More
The former member of the Spice Girls joined DWTS alumni Lachey, Marini, Hélio Castroneves, Kelly Osbourne, and Emmitt Smith as a guest judge during the show’s 200th episode in season 11 in 2010.
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Paula Abdul
Abdul appeared alongside the three usual judges during week four of season 15 of the show in 2012.
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Cher
The Burlesque actress performed and helped score the dancers during week eight of season 17 in 2013.
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Ricky Martin
The “Livin’ La Vida Loca” musician was a judge for Latin Night during season 18 in 2014.
Credit: Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock
Donny Osmond
The former season 9 DWTS contestant put on his judges’ hat during Disney Night in season 18, which aired in 2014.
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Robin Roberts
The TV broadcaster served as a judge during week three of season 18 in the spring of 2014.
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Kevin Hart
The comedian filled in for Goodman during the Movie Night episode of season 19 in 2014.
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Jessie J
The “Domino” singer stepped into Goodman’s shoes during an episode of DWTS in season 19 in 2014.
Credit: Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock
Julianne Hough
The actress from Safe Haven, who previously appeared as a pro on DWTS, stepped in as a guest judge for two different seasons before officially joining as the fourth judge for season 19 in 2014. She continued in this role for seasons 20 and 21. In 2016, she made a comeback for season 23 and returned once again for season 24 in 2017. She also made a guest appearance as a judge during the first night of finals for season 25.
The actress stepped in for Derek for the season 30 finale in November 2021. Two years later, she announced she would be cohosting DWTS season 32 after Tyra Banks' exit.
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Olivia Newton-John
The Grease star lent her expertise to the panel during week six of season 21 in 2015.
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Maksim Chmerkovskiy
The Ukrainian dancer, who was a longtime pro on DWTS before his 2018 exit, appeared as a guest judge during season 21 in 2015.
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Alfonso Ribeiro
The season 19 champion filled in for Goodman during season 21 of the show in 2015.
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Zendaya
The Euphoria actress, who competed on season 19 of the ABC series, returned to the ballroom as a guest judge for season 22’s Disney Week in 2016.
Credit: David Fisher/Shutterstock
Idina Menzel
The Frozen star both performed and helped critique the dancers during the week nine episode of season 23 in 2016.
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Pitbull
The “Gasolina” musician stepped in for Latin Night during season 23 in 2016.
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Nick Carter
During one episode of season 24 in 2017, the Backstreet Boys singer filled in for Julianne. Choreographer Mandy Moore also stepped in as a guest judge while Julianne was on tour.
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Shania Twain
The “That Don’t Impress Me Much” singer served as a guest judge for one episode during season 25 in 2017.
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Leah Remini
The former King of Queens star participated in season 17 of DWTS and later became a cohost for season 19 and season 21 while Andrews was covering the World Series. Remini also appeared as a guest judge on a season 28 episode in 2019.
Credit: ABC/Eric McCandless
Derek Hough
The six-time winner of the DWTS mirrorball trophy became a permanent judge on the panel for season 29 in 2020, filling in for Goodman who was unable to travel from England due to COVID-19 restrictions. Derek came back for season 30 the next year.
