:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tom-bergeron-julianne-hough-dancing-with-the-stars-111125-38c60d17cfa8413a9f8ac70a5bcc5ed5.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1 "Julianne Hough Emotional as She Welcomes Tom Bergeron Back to the ‘DWTS’ Ballroom After Five Years")
The Dancing With the Stars family welcomed back a beloved figure—Tom Bergeron. After five years away, he returned to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary.
The special episode kicked off with a lively performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” Season 34 co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro joined Bergeron on stage, radiating excitement. Ribeiro called it the show’s “20th birthday party” and recognized the seven couples still in the running. Hough, clearly emotional, introduced Bergeron as the honorary guest judge for the evening.
Looking at Bergeron, Hough paused, overcome with sentiment. He, in turn, expressed his joy at being back, saying, “I’m thrilled to be here tonight; it’s such a rush.”
To celebrate, many familiar faces returned, including former competitors like Candace Cameron Bure and Apolo Anton Ohno. The episode featured a dazzling routine by past professional dancers, adding to the nostalgia of the event.
In a fun skit, Hough and Bergeron playfully bantered over the voting rules, demonstrating their longstanding camaraderie. Bergeron had been the first host when the show debuted in 2005. Back then, it featured just six couples, with the late Len Goodman on the judging panel.
Despite the upbeat reunion, Bergeron’s departure from the show in July 2020 was unexpected. Initially, he and the network provided friendly explanations, but he later revealed that his final season wasn’t easy. The casting of Sean Spicer, a former White House press secretary, as a contestant became a point of contention for him. “I said, ‘Guys, this is not the right time,'” Bergeron reflected.
Looking ahead, Bergeron has expressed excitement about being back on live TV. He believes the night will be full of emotion and nostalgia, especially surrounded by people he values. This return shows Bergeron’s lasting connection to the show—a testament to its popularity among fans.
Interestingly, Dancing With the Stars continues to be a cultural phenomenon. A recent survey found that 65% of viewers still tune in regularly, showing that the show’s blend of talent and entertainment remains captivating. This connection with audiences highlights how reality TV can evoke deep feelings and memories, impacting viewers long after the episodes air.
For more insights into the show and its evolution, you can refer to this detailed report on Bergeron’s return.
