**’Dancing with the Stars’ Celebrates Emmy Nominations Ahead of Season 35 Premiere**
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As anticipation builds for the upcoming 35th season of *Dancing with the Stars*, host Alfonso Ribeiro is celebrating the show’s recent nominations at the Emmy Awards. The iconic series received nods in five categories, marking a significant moment as it has been nearly a decade since it was nominated for the prestigious Outstanding Reality Competition Program category.
Ribeiro, who took up the role as co-host in July 2022, expressed his enthusiasm on the Emmy Awards red carpet during interviews with both PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly. Reflecting on the show’s achievements, he noted, “We’re very excited. This is our first nomination in ten years, and it’s a great time for the show.”
The host, who had not been part of the programme during its previous nomination in 2016, emphasised the importance of the recognition. Ribeiro stated, “It’s wonderful for the Academy to acknowledge what we’ve been doing. We’re one of the few truly live shows to be nominated. I always say, ‘You can build a great performance in the editing room, but you can’t do that when you’re live on air.’”
Ribeiro is gearing up for the new season alongside Julianne Hough, who rejoins him as co-host. The pair will lead the audience through the exciting two-night premiere, which kicks off on September 15. While Ribeiro remains tight-lipped about specific details of the upcoming season, he hinted at the talent involved in the show.
“I think the frontrunners will always be those who are well-known from their careers, like Jenna Dewan and Julia Stiles,” he shared. However, he also alluded to some unexpected stars who might surprise viewers with their performances. Ribeiro promised that audiences can expect “really wonderful routines” to kick off the new series, bolstered by some fresh additions to the professional team of dancers.
Since its launch in 2006, *Dancing with the Stars* has received a total of 132 Emmy nominations and boasts 21 wins. This year, alongside Outstanding Reality Competition Program, the series has been recognised in categories including Outstanding Hairstyling, Outstanding Makeup, Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork, and Outstanding Lighting Design.
Other strong contenders in the Outstanding Reality Competition Program category include popular shows such as *RuPaul’s Drag Race*, *Survivor*, *Top Chef*, and *The Traitors*. As the competition in this category heats up, Ribeiro remains proud of the show’s legacy and its contributions to the realm of live television.
The excitement surrounding this year’s Emmys is heightened by Mariska Hargitay’s role as host for the 78th Emmy Awards, which will air live on September 14 from 8 to 11 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. As fans of *Dancing with the Stars* await the results, they are also looking forward to the new season, which promises to deliver more innovative performances and cherished moments.
*Dancing with the Stars* will return to televisions with its two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, airing at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu the following day. With Ribeiro at the helm, audiences are hopeful for an unforgettable season filled with spectacular dances, heartwarming stories, and a renewed sense of energy.