Overview
- ABC broadcast the Season 1 finale live on Monday, Aug. 31, with Adele Zaikman, Selena Hamilton and AJ Pritchard each performing a partnered ballroom or Latin routine and a freestyle.
- Before the show ABC released official pairings, songs and dance styles that matched finalists with former DWTS contestants, including Adele with Nev Schulman for a samba, AJ with Charli D’Amelio for a Viennese waltz, and Selena with Adam Rippon for a jive.
- Derek Hough served as a guest judge while Witney Carson co-hosted alongside Robert Irwin, and judges’ feedback combined with the televised public vote will decide the winner.
- The finale puts technical teaching, choreography and performance on display, with finalists framed by their résumés such as Adele’s competitive Latin credentials and Blackpool win, Selena’s commercial and touring work, and AJ’s televised ballroom experience.
- The winner will take a pro spot on Dancing With the Stars Season 35, which premieres in mid-September with its full cast to be announced on Good Morning America, and viewers could stream the ABC finale via services offering free trials such as Fubo and DIRECTV Stream.