Alfonso Ribeiro, the charismatic host of “Dancing with the Stars,” has shared insights on what keeps him grounded during the show’s live performances, as well as his strong camaraderie with co-host Julianne Hough. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE at Televerse, Ribeiro discussed his approach to live hosting and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming season, which is set to premiere mid-September.
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One fundamental element of Ribeiro’s hosting philosophy is his mantra, which he recites before taking the stage. “Let it happen. Don’t try to think about something ahead of it. Just let it happen. Be there, be in the moment,” he explained. This mindset helps him navigate the unpredictability of live broadcasts, where spontaneity is the norm and anything can occur. For Ribeiro, being present not only benefits him but also enhances the chemistry between him and Hough.
Since joining the show in Season 31 alongside Tyra Banks, Ribeiro has developed a close relationship with Hough, which he believes contributes significantly to their on-screen dynamic. “We truly like each other,” he said, mentioning that they often communicate about various topics outside of the show. This rapport builds a level of trust that allows them to respond seamlessly to whatever challenges live television may present.
As the show gears up for another season, an element of mystery surrounds the celebrity contestants. Ribeiro admitted that he is still in the dark about the full cast. “Deena [Katz] won’t tell me who the cast is, so I’m in the dark just like you guys,” he mentioned. Despite this uncertainty, he trusts that the producers will assemble a compelling lineup, as they have in past seasons.
While Ribeiro is excited to see the surprises that production has planned for this season, he acknowledges the high bar set by the previous one, which was a record-breaking success. “It’s always hard to better what we did last season,” he noted. Nevertheless, he is optimistic, suggesting that the potential for new ideas and innovations is “endless.”
The host also reflected on the recent Emmy nomination for “Dancing with the Stars,” emphasising that such recognition is a collective achievement rather than an individual accolade. Ribeiro expressed pride in being part of a team that comes together to create exceptional entertainment. “It’s about all of us together, how we work together and create such incredible magic,” he said, noting that the effort of the judges, hosts, professionals, and celebrity contestants is what truly makes the show shine.
Despite his history as a champion on the show, winning Season 19 with professional dancer Witney Carson, Ribeiro is firmly committed to his hosting role. When asked about the possibility of competing again in an All-Star season, he swiftly dismissed the idea of stepping down from his position. Instead, he suggested a dual role, quipping, “What I would do is I could say, can I do both, you know, can I compete and then still host?”
One contestant Ribeiro has a keen interest in is Maura Higgins. “I think Maura is gonna be great,” he stated, expressing confidence in her ability to bring personality and energy to the competition. While acknowledging he does not know her dance background, he highlighted the importance of personality and connection in the show’s dynamics.
As anticipation builds for Season 35, fans can look forward to a two-night premiere on September 15 and 16, airing at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Following the broadcasts, episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the following day. With Ribeiro and Hough at the helm, audiences can expect an exciting blend of personality, emotion, and dance as they embark on another thrilling season of “Dancing with the Stars.”