Overview of Dancing with the Stars in 2019
Dancing with the Stars aired its 28th season on ABC in fall 2019. This overview covers the celebrities, professional dancers, hosts, judges, and the competition structure for that season. The show features celebrity contestants paired with professional ballroom dancers, competing in weekly elimination rounds with performances scored by judges and influenced by live audience votes. Below are verified details about who was on Dancing with the Stars in 2019, based on official announcements and broadcast records.
Season 28 Celebrity Cast
The celebrity lineup for Season 28 was announced in late summer 2019. Contestants included actors, athletes, musicians, and reality TV personalities. Each celebrity was paired with a returning or established professional partner, chosen through the traditional application and audition process. Names are confirmed via ABC press releases and contemporaneous entertainment reporting. The season emphasized strong viewer engagement, with results driven by judges’ scores and audience voting via phone, app, and online platforms.
Notable Celebrity Contestants
- Bobby Bones — radio personality and country music artist
- Rashad Jennings — former NFL running back
- Raven-Symoné — actress and singer
- Alan Bersten — professional dancer (competitor in later seasons)
- Britt Stewart — professional dancer (first Black female pro on the show)
- Val Chmerkovskiy — professional dancer and reigning champion at the time
Professional Partners and Hosts
Professional dancers returned for Season 28, including veterans and rising stars who partnered with celebrities. The show was co-hosted by Tyra Banks and season 27 champion Alfonso Ribeiro, bringing continuity and fresh energy. The judging panel featured Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli, providing consistent critique throughout the season. These roles are stable year-to-year, offering reliable reference points for any 2019 DWTS overview.
Competition Format and Schedule
Season 28 followed the classic DWTS format: weekly live shows featuring group dances, paired routines, and individual solos. Each episode combined rehearsal footage with the televised performance and immediate voting window. Scores were determined by a combination of judges’ points and audience votes. The cast gradually narrowed through successive rounds, culminating in the season finale. This structure has been common across recent years and remains relevant when discussing who was on Dancing with the Stars in 2019.
Verified Cast and Role Table
| Name | Role | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobby Bones | Celebrity Contestant | Announced as part of Season 28 cast | ABC Press Release |
| Rashad Jennings | Celebrity Contestant | Announced as part of Season 28 cast | ABC Press Release |
| Raven-Symoné | Celebrity Contestant | Announced as part of Season 28 cast | ABC Press Release |
| Tyra Banks | Host | Co-host for Season 28 alongside Alfonso Ribeiro | ABC Announcement |
| Alfonso Ribeiro | Host/Judge | Co-host for Season 28; former contestant | ABC Announcement |
| Carrie Ann Inaba | Judge | Returning judge for Season 28 | ABC Press Materials |
| Len Goodman | Judge | Returning judge for Season 28 | ABC Press Materials |
| Bruno Tonioli | Judge | Returning judge for Season 28 | ABC Press Materials |
| Alan Bersten | Professional Dancer | Competed in Season 28; later appeared in other seasons | ABC Rosters and Profiles |
| Britt Stewart | Professional Dancer | First Black female professional on DWTS in 2019 | Entertainment News Reports |
Judging Criteria and Audience Influence
Judges evaluated performances on technique, musicality, presentation, and choreography. Audience votes played a decisive role, particularly in close contests. Understanding these mechanisms helps explain contestant trajectories and season outcomes. The blend of artistic execution and viewer preference is central to who advances, making the competition dynamic each year.
Roster Stability and Legacy
The 2019 season reflected DWTS traditions while introducing subtle changes, including increased diversity among professionals and hosts. Alumni of this season have remained influential in the show’s ecosystem, whether as competitors in all-stars iterations or as mentors. Documenting who was on Dancing with the Stars in 2019 provides a reference point for the show’s evolving format and talent pool.
Evergreen Context and Relevance
Though Season 28 aired in 2019, its cast, format, and legacy remain relevant for long-term viewers and researchers. Many contestants from that season continue to appear in specials or later cycles, and the hosting and judging lineups have become touchstones for the franchise. This profile is designed to serve as a durable resource for understanding the season’s composition and structure.
Conclusion
The Season 28 cast of Dancing with the Stars in 2019 featured a mix of well-known celebrities and fresh professional talent, hosted by Tyra Banks and Alfonso Ribeiro, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli. The format balanced performance artistry with audience participation, producing a season remembered for strong storytelling and diverse representation. This guide clarifies who was on Dancing with the Stars in 2019 and how the season fit into the show’s broader legacy.