In a stunning twist that’s sending shockwaves through the ballroom, Dancing With the Stars has officially confirmed that fan-favorite Kym Johnson Herjavec will be joining the judging panel — marking her first return to the show in years. The announcement follows growing controversy surrounding this season’s scoring, which many fans have labeled “inconsistent” and “unfair.”
The decision, insiders say, came directly from ABC and DWTS producers after weeks of public outcry. Social media has been ablaze with debates over questionable scores, particularly following emotional performances that seemed undervalued or oddly ranked. “The judging hasn’t felt balanced this season,” one viewer posted. “We just want fairness — and Kym’s the perfect person to bring that back.”
Kym Johnson Herjavec, known for her warmth, honesty, and sharp eye for technique, became a beloved figure during her years as both a pro dancer and mentor. Her return promises to restore trust among viewers who’ve grown frustrated with recent controversies. “She knows the show inside out,” said one insider. “And she judges from the heart — not the headlines.”
But there’s one major catch: Kym’s arrival means someone else has to step away. ABC confirmed that an existing judge will be taking an “unexpected hiatus,” citing “poor sportsmanship” and “questionable conduct” related to internal scoring disputes. The network declined to name the individual, fueling speculation across fan forums and entertainment outlets.

Within minutes of the announcement, fans flooded social media with theories. Some believe the decision stems from a heated exchange that reportedly occurred backstage during “Dedication Night,” when tensions among judges allegedly reached a breaking point. “You could feel the awkwardness on camera,” one crew member recalled. “Something was definitely off.”
Despite the mystery, one thing is clear — Kym’s return has reignited excitement across the DWTS community. Viewers are already calling her comeback “the best decision of the season,” praising producers for choosing integrity and transparency over drama.
Kym herself has remained humble amid the buzz, sharing a brief but heartfelt statement on Instagram: “I’m so grateful to be back where it all began — ready to celebrate dance, passion, and the power of storytelling through movement.” Her words were met with thousands of comments welcoming her home.
As the ballroom braces for this new era, anticipation is sky-high for Kym’s first night behind the judges’ desk. With emotions still raw and the competition tighter than ever, one thing is certain — Dancing With the Stars is about to get very interesting.
Whether her arrival will calm the storm or spark an entirely new wave of drama remains to be seen — but for now, the spotlight belongs to Kym Johnson Herjavec, the judge fans have been waiting for.