Recently, on September 18th, the newest season of Dancing With The Stars premiered. The Disney series is on its thirty-fifth season, but it gained newfound popularity last year when it captured serious attention on Tiktok and other social media platforms. The audience loved the star power and the dances, and they loved to pick celebrities to cheer on. 

Last season, fan favorites included Robert Irwin, Andy Richer, Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, and Whitney Levitt. Although almost every contestant had a strong fan base, it was clear early on that these five were stand outs. Tiktok users rallied around influencers like Earle and Levitt; fangirls, including myself, loved Irwin and Richer, and many sports fans hoped to see Chiles win it all. In a show where live audience voting determines fifty percent of a contestant’s score, these contestants’ popularity helped save them some weeks and definitely helped their scores. Robert Irwin, the season’s winner, was no doubt helped by his role as a fan favorite.

With this new season, likely fan favorites are already emerging; there are four who I believe are going to be the ones to watch this season. Amber Glenn’s background has already set her up for success. As an Olympic figure skater, she already has performance skills and a strong following of devoted fans. A Mirrorball win could also serve as the perfect comeback after an unfortunate, and lower than expected, fifth place finish at the most recent Olympics. At only twenty six, and with a more recent spotlight, she’s also able to connect with younger audiences. 

Guillermo Rodriguez lacks dance experience and finesse, which anyone watching the season premiere would be quick to notice. He is, however, too friendly and too fun to be voted out soon. He’s a recognizable face, and he added so many laughs to the premier. The Richer effect, where older men who lack dance chops capture viewers’ hearts and rely on audience votes to continue competing, is going to work well for him. Although I’m unsure of how far he’ll make it, he survived elimination with the lowest score of the night, and I’m sure he’ll manage to do so a few more times. 

Ezra French isn’t necessarily a household name, but he is quickly becoming one among DWTS fans. He’s charismatic, and like Glenn, his experience as a Paralympian sets him up well for dance and for facing the pressure of the competition. His performance at the premier was noticeably strong, reading as far more elegant and sophisticated than the other male performers. His potential to be this season’s heartthrob, paired with his dancing skills, make him a strong contender for the Mirrorball. 

You can’t talk about fan favorites this season without mentioning Harry Shum Jr. The actor has starred in shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and Glee, and has appeared in movies with cult followings like Crazy Rich Asians. The producers’ decision to cast him on the show has been slightly controversial, considering his past experience as a professional hiphop dancer. More loud than the complaints about him, however, has been the excitement surrounding his involvement. Clips of his acting performances have gone viral again, and he already has many online fan clubs. He is, without a doubt, the most popular contestant so far.

These four have already captured many viewers’ attention with just one performance into the season. There’s still room, however, for a few more contestants to grab some of the spotlight, making this season worth the watch!