Former Dancing With the Stars pro and current judge Derek Hough joked that Céline Dion would join him on season 35 as his celebrity partner, noting he’s still “waiting for the call” from the singer.
Derek Hough’s heart still goes on for Céline Dion.
Amid speculation about which stars are joining season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, the pro-turned-judge had some fun teasing that the “My Heart Will Go On” singer would be among the cast.
In an AI-generated post shared to Instagram Aug. 23, Hough and Dion appeared to pose for a cast photo with the faux announcement revealing that the pair would be partners for the upcoming season.
“When Céline calls you answer,” Hough quipped in the caption. However, he emphasized the announcement was fake, adding, “Just waiting for the call.”
Although Dion isn’t expected to be waltzing into the ballroom for season 35 alongside Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez, Hough noted in a separate Aug. 24 post that the singer is always welcome to two-step her way into a future season.
“A couple years ago in Vegas, @Célinedion was running late for her own show but we got talking about dance and she lit up,” he wrote alongside a video of himself and wife Hayley Erbert sharing a dance with Dion. “As I was walking out, I said, ‘Hey, if you ever want to dance, just let me know.’ And without missing a beat, she sang ‘Let me know’ to the melody of ‘Let It Go,’ and we shared a little dance.”
From that moment, Hough—who shares 7-month-old daughter Everley Capri with Erbert—knew the “That’s the Way It Is” singer would be the perfect dance partner.
“She’s every bit as kind, funny, and genuine as you’d hope,” he continued. “@hayley.erbert is her biggest fan, and whenever anyone asks who I’d love to see on DWTS in any way, it’s always Céline.”
So, as Hough put it to Dion, “The invite’s open, Queen Céline.”
In the meantime, multiple outlets have reported that Bachelor Nation’s Tyler Cameron, actress Jenna Dewan and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Conner Leavitt will be joining season 35.
Ahead of the full cast announcement for season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, read on for all the behind the scenes secrets from the competition.
How Much Do the Celebrities Get Paid to Be on Dancing With the Stars?
Citing multiple sources, Variety reported in 2019 that Dancing With the Stars contestants make $125,000 for the rehearsal period and first two weeks of the show. If they progress beyond that point, the outlet continued, they earn more money each week. At the time, sources told the publication stars could earn a maximum of $295,000.
However, Bobby Bones said he made more than this when he won season 27 with Sharna Burgess in 2018.
