Behind the Scenes of Dancing With the Stars: A Casting Insider’s Perspective

Brylee Armstrong, wife of professional dancer Brandon Armstrong, recently offered fans a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of “Dancing With the Stars” following the announcement of Season 34’s cast. In a candid TikTok video posted just hours after Good Morning America revealed this year’s celebrity-professional pairings, Brylee addressed concerns from worried fans who noticed Brandon and his partner, Fifth Harmony alum Lauren Jauregui, were missing from the official cast photos. Her behind-the-scenes explanation illuminates the complex and often unpredictable nature of reality television production, where last-minute changes are common and nothing is guaranteed until viewers see it on screen. “I woke up this morning to my phone absolutely blowing up from people so worried that Brandon didn’t have a partner,” she explained, quickly reassuring fans that Brandon and Lauren were indeed paired together—their promotional photos simply weren’t ready at announcement time.

For professional dancers like Brandon, the casting process creates an annual period of uncertainty and anticipation. Brylee described DWTS as “Brandon’s main gig” and revealed he only learned he would return for Season 34 in late July—a timeline that varies significantly from year to year. “There have been years where he’s gotten the call earlier, and there have been years where he’s gotten the call a lot later,” she explained. The show’s producers face the complex challenge of securing celebrities who can commit to the demanding three-to-four-month production schedule while also finding appropriate professional dancer pairings based on height, personality compatibility, and other factors. This intricate casting puzzle explains why even returning professionals experience anxiety about their status each season. “Nobody’s promised a spot on the show,” Brylee emphasized, highlighting the precarious nature of television employment even for veteran performers like her husband, who must wait each season to learn if they’ll return to the ballroom.

The show’s secrecy adds another layer of intrigue to the already complex casting process. Even after professionals receive confirmation of their participation, they aren’t immediately told which celebrity they’ll be partnering with—a strategic move that preserves flexibility for producers and maintains the excitement of the reveal. “When the pros get the call, that typically means, ‘Hey, we have a partner for you,'” Brylee explained, “But even when they get the call, they’re not told who their celebrity is.” This information blackout reflects the fluid nature of television production, where last-minute adjustments are common and contractual details can shift unexpectedly. The professionals understand this reality and approach each season with adaptable expectations. According to Brylee, most dancers, including Brandon, prioritize partner compatibility over dance ability—though everyone secretly hopes for someone with winning potential. “They don’t care who they get as long as they have a partner they want to be around,” she said, adding that the relationships formed during the season create a “family” atmosphere, though she acknowledged the universal desire to “win a Mirrorball.”

For celebrities like Lauren Jauregui, the DWTS journey often begins with whirlwind timing. The Cuban American singer-songwriter, who rose to fame with Fifth Harmony before launching a solo career, revealed she learned of her participation just two days before the public announcement. “I haven’t unfortunately gotten to get in [the studio] with Brandon yet, but we’re gonna get there,” Jauregui said on Wednesday, highlighting the compressed timeline between casting and the premiere. Despite this rushed start, Brylee expressed enthusiasm about her husband’s partnership with Jauregui, whom she described as “amazing.” The multiplatinum recording artist represents exactly the kind of high-profile contestant the show seeks each season, bringing her established fan base to the program while potentially reaching new audiences through her dancing journey. With a new album planned for 2026, Jauregui’s DWTS appearance also provides a strategic platform to maintain public visibility between major music projects.

The Season 34 cast exemplifies the show’s traditional mix of entertainers, influencers, and cultural figures that has sustained its popularity across nearly two decades on television. Brandon and Lauren join an eclectic lineup including Hilaria Baldwin (paired with Gleb Savchenko), social media personality Alix Earle (dancing with Val Chmerkovskiy), actor Corey Feldman (partnered with Jenna Johnson), and “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel (performing alongside Pasha Pashkov). This diverse group follows the show’s proven formula of combining nostalgic favorites, current celebrities, and unexpected personalities to create compelling television. Each pairing represents a careful consideration of physical compatibility, personality dynamics, and potential audience appeal—factors that producers have refined through 33 previous seasons of matchmaking successes and occasional mismatches.

As Dancing With the Stars prepares for its September 16 premiere on ABC, Brylee’s insider perspective offers viewers a deeper appreciation for the complex machinery operating behind the sequins and spotlights. Her reminder that “that’s just showbiz” encapsulates the unpredictable nature of television production, where last-minute changes and carefully guarded secrets are simply part of creating the polished final product viewers enjoy at home. For professionals like Brandon and celebrities like Lauren, the weeks ahead will transform their newly formed partnership into one of the season’s compelling narratives—a journey that began with a phone call in late July and will unfold weekly before millions of viewers. Whether they capture the coveted Mirrorball Trophy or not, they’ve already navigated the first challenge of DWTS: surviving the casting process to earn their place on the ballroom floor.