Hey there, fans of Dancing With the Stars! We’re all buzzing with excitement as the show returns on Monday, April 30. But wait—what’s this? Some of you may have noticed that this season, featuring all athletes, is only going to last four weeks instead of the usual 12. That’s right, folks, it’s a sprint, not a marathon. So, we caught up with pro dancer Keo Motsepe in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly to get the scoop on why this season is shorter—and the reason is surprisingly straightforward!
Why the Shortened Season?
Keo, who’s been lighting up the dance floor for years, broke it down for us. “Listen, the athletes we wanted to bring in, they can only commit to so much. Their schedules are packed, and they’ve got games, competitions, and all kinds of other commitments. Plus, the show’s trying something new here. They didn’t want to jump into a full season and risk people being like, ‘Wait, only athletes? Are they gonna be any good?’ You never know until you try. But I think it’s gonna be awesome. It’s all about trying something fresh and exciting,” the 28-year-old explained.
That's Keo and his Season 26 partner, Jennie Finch Daigle. Talk about power moves!
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What to Expect from the Season
Now, don’t let the shorter season fool you, folks. Keo promised it’s going to be a blast. “This season is gonna feel like a finale from the very first week. It’s an incredible lineup with all athletes, and the pressure is on for all of us pros. There are no actors or celebrities this time around—it’s all athletes, which means the competition is going to be fierce. Normally, in a 12-week season, you’ve got time to help your partner grow and develop their skills, but this is a whole different ballgame. We’re diving in headfirst, and it’s going to be electric,” Keo said with a grin.
Keo and Jennie: The Dynamic Duo
Keo will be pairing up with none other than softball superstar Jennie Finch Daigle this season, and let me tell you, the competition is already heating up in the ballroom. “Jennie and I are going to be our own toughest competitors. I always try to predict who might win during the season, but this time, with all athletes in the mix, it’s anyone’s game. Everyone’s pushing themselves to the limit, and the bar has been set sky-high,” Keo shared.
So, mark your calendars, folks. Dancing With the Stars kicks off on Monday, April 30, at 8 p.m. EST on ABC. And if you want to stay in the loop with all the exclusive behind-the-scenes action, sign up for our Closer Weekly newsletter. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a beat!
