Current Guest Judge Lineup for the Upcoming DWTS Episode
The upcoming episode of Dancing with the Stars features a rotating guest judge, a common practice on the long-running ABC reality competition. The show typically announces the specific professional or celebrity guest judge closer to the air date through official cast social channels and network press releases. Fans checking who is the guest judge on DWTS next week can find the confirmed name in the episode preview published by ABC and partner entertainment outlets, which often list the guest alongside the regular panel of Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. The guest judge usually brings expertise in dance, entertainment, or choreography, and their score counts equally with the permanent judges during that week's rehearsals and live show. ABC's official DWTS page and trusted entertainment news sites provide the most up-to-date guest judge announcement for the specific episode airing next week, including any special theme or challenge tied to the visit.
Production teams finalize the guest judge roster based on availability, theme weeks, and promotional partnerships tied to the network's schedule. In past seasons, the guest judge has included Broadway choreographers, Olympic athletes, and stars from other reality franchises, with the selection process coordinated by the show's casting and talent department. The guest judge's role is strictly evaluative during rehearsals and the live broadcast, offering feedback on technique, performance, and adherence to the week's assigned dance style. ABC typically posts the guest judge's name and photo on the official Dancing with the Stars website and social accounts within 24 to 48 hours of the episode premiere. Viewers relying on real-time updates should check the official ABC DWTS page and verified social accounts rather than unconfirmed fan forums for the accurate guest judge identity for next week's episode.
How the Guest Judge Scoring Works on DWTS
Each week, the guest judge joins the permanent panel and awards a score out of 10 for each routine, just like the regular judges. The scoring system uses a combined total from all judges, including the guest, to rank couples heading into the results show and potential elimination. The guest judge does not have a vote in the final save or elimination decision, which rests solely with the permanent judges and viewer votes through the official app and website. The format ensures that the guest's influence is limited to the feedback and score for that single episode, maintaining the integrity of the competition across the season. ABC's official rules and format summaries, available on the show's website and press materials, explain how the guest judge's score is weighted equally with the permanent panel for that week only.
The guest judge's feedback often highlights specific technical elements, such as footwork, timing, and partnership connection, giving dancers actionable guidance for future rehearsals. Coaches and professional partners on the show use the guest judge's critiques to adjust choreography and presentation before the next live broadcast. The scoring impact can shift leaderboard positions quickly, especially in tight races near the bottom of the standings where every point matters for survival. ABC and its production partners release judge score breakdowns after each episode, showing how the guest judge's marks compare to the regular panel's scores for the same routines. Fans tracking the competition can compare these score details on the official DWTS website and partnered entertainment data platforms to see how much influence the guest judge had on that week's results.
Where to Find the Official Guest Judge Announcement
The most reliable source for the guest judge on DWTS next week is the official ABC Dancing with the Stars website and its verified social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, X, and Facebook. ABC typically posts the guest judge's name, photo, and a short bio in the days leading up to the episode, often including behind-the-scenes rehearsal clips and interview snippets. Press releases from ABC Studios and Disney Entertainment distribution channels also carry the official announcement, which is then picked up by major entertainment news outlets and syndicated across partner sites. The show's official YouTube channel and
