As Dancing With the Stars prepares for its 35th season with fresh faces like Traitors alumni Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller, fans are buzzing about what goes on behind the sequins. From the moment contestants are paired with pros to the paychecks they take home, here's an inside look at the show's best-kept secrets.
New Blood on the Dance Floor
Higgins, a Love Island UK star, admitted during the April 22 announcement at Hulu's Get Real House Live that she has "two left feet," but her placement on the show proves she's got the right attitude. "I'm a strong believer in manifesting," she said. "I had it on my vision board. And now it is happening." Miller, from Summer House, sees this as a fresh start after recent personal drama. "I feel like this is the perfect moment," she explained. "I'm opening a new chapter."
The Paycheck Shuffle
While ABC hasn't confirmed exact figures, past reports and contestant disclosures shed light on earnings. According to Variety in 2019, celebrities earn $125,000 for the rehearsal period and first two weeks, with weekly increases up to a maximum of $295,000. However, season 27 winner Bobby Bones claimed he made more. On a September 2025 podcast, he detailed: "First episode, no money. Second episode, $10,000. It ends up being $50,000 an episode if you last." With a base salary of around $110,000, Bones said he "ended up making close to $400,000."
Pro Pay: Guaranteed but Varies
Professional dancers also see their earnings increase the longer they stay. Jenna Johnson revealed on a June 2025 podcast: "You're guaranteed until a certain amount of weeks. I think there's different contracts though. I can't speak for everybody." Even early elimination doesn't leave them empty-handed.
Winning Doesn't Mean a Bonus
Interestingly, winning the Mirrorball Trophy doesn't automatically trigger a pay raise. Pros and celebs are compensated for their time and progress, not the final outcome, though winners often see career boosts and future opportunities.
Pairing Process: A Delicate Dance
Producers carefully match celebrities with professionals based on height, personality, and dance style. The goal is chemistry—both on and off the floor—to maximize viewer engagement. Past seasons have shown that unexpected pairings can lead to magic, like when Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough won in 2015.
As Higgins and Miller lace up their dancing shoes, one thing is certain: the road to the Mirrorball Trophy is paved with hard work, sequins, and a few well-kept secrets.