Adam Rippon and Mandy Moore are judging “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,” but you are the most excited to see Val Chmerkovskiy behind the judges’ table. The two-time “Dancing with the Stars” winner received 34 percent of the vote in a recent poll.
While his brother Maksim has guest-judged “Dancing,” Chmerkovskiy has never doled out scores on the mothership series, which is not surprising since he had not skipped an installment since Season 13 until the “Athletes” edition in the spring. He definitely has the most “Dancing” experience of the trio and can be the familiar face linking both shows.
SEE Jordan Fisher and Frankie Muniz to host ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’
Moore received 20 percent of the vote. The Emmy-winning choreographer has crafted numerous routines for “Dancing” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” as well as “La La Land.” If nothing else, this will be a good opportunity for people to learn there are two Mandy Moores.
With 14 percent, Rippon has the least “Dancing” and dancing experience of the judges. But the figure skater, who won “Athletes” with Chmerkovskiy’s fiancée Jenna Johnson, could provide the “star” perspective for the kiddie contestants.
Meanwhile, 20 percent say they’re excited for all three judges, while 12 percent is underwhelmed by this panel.
SEE Everything we know about ‘Dancing with the Stars: Juniors’ – premiere date, cast, judges
Unlike “Dancing,” “Juniors” is not live; the show is being taped now. Young celebrities are paired with young pro dancers, and each duo will also have a mentor, who will help choreograph the routines. The mentors include “Dancing” pros Johnson, Alan Bersten, Cheryl Burke, Lindsay Arnold and more.
“Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” premieres Sunday, Oct. 7 with a two-hour episode on ABC.
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