The Queen Returns: Cheryl Burke’s Tearful ‘DWTS’ Judging Debut Set for Halloween Night
In what promises to be one of the most poignant moments of the season, ballroom royalty Cheryl Burke is set to make her triumphant return to “Dancing with the Stars” after a three-year hiatus from the iconic stage. The 41-year-old legend will grace the judges’ panel for “Halloween Night” on October 28, and darling, she’s already warning us to prepare the tissues.
“It’s going to be emotional. It’s going to be pure joy,” Burke revealed in a candid Deadline interview published October 27. “It’s going to be all of the feels, so my makeup artist is going to have a hard job trying to glue on my lashes. There will be waterworks, for sure.” If that doesn’t capture the essence of a full-circle moment, nothing does.
Burke will join the formidable judging quartet of Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough as the competition enters its thrilling ninth week. With nine couples still vying for ballroom supremacy in the show’s 34th season, Burke’s expertise couldn’t arrive at a more critical juncture. And let’s be clear: this woman knows her craft. As the first female professional to claim the Mirror Ball Trophy and the franchise’s first back-to-back champion across her staggering 26-season tenure, Burke’s credentials are impeccable. She’s also formally trained in ballroom judging, bringing both lived experience and technical precision to the panel.
Interestingly, it’s not the prospect of delivering critique that has Burke feeling the pressure—it’s the notorious 15-second time constraint that judges must navigate without disrupting the show’s rhythm. “Regardless, she’s eager to join the judges’ dais for Halloween Night and the ‘Dance Monster-thon,'” sources close to the star confirm. The anticipation is palpable, both for Burke and her legion of devoted fans.
Since her departure from the ballroom floor in 2022, Burke has channeled her energy into compelling new ventures. The former “Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans” podcast host has expanded her audio empire with “Burke in the Game,” all while embarking on a deeply personal wellness journey. Earlier this year, she shared that she had lost between 30 and 35 pounds, prompting her to address speculation about her appearance with characteristic grace and honesty.
Burke’s return coincides with a striking physical transformation that has fashion circles buzzing. On October 2, she debuted a chic bob with bangs—a sophisticated departure from her signature long locks—that perfectly frames her renewed confidence. But beyond the aesthetic evolution lies something far more profound: an inner transformation rooted in self-growth and authenticity.
As Burke prepares to step behind that judges’ desk, one thing is certain: Halloween Night will be about more than costumes and choreography. It will be a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of dance. Welcome back, queen. The ballroom has missed you desperately.
Remaining contestants on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ as of Season 34, Episode 6
Nine pairs are still in the running to win the Mirrorball trophy heading into Episode 7.
- Robert Irwin (with Witney Carson)
- Jordan Chiles (with Ezra Sosa)
- Alix Earle (with Val Chmerkovskiy)
- Danielle Fishel (with Pasha Pashko)
- Elaine Hendrix (with Alan Bersten)
- Andy Richter (with Emma Slater)
- Dylan Efron (with Daniella Karagach)
- Jen Affleck (with Jan Ravnik)
- Whitney Leavitt (with Mark Ballas)
