When Hilaria Baldwin, a yoga‑instructor‑author who has been riding the celebrity‑spouse wave alongside her husband Alec Baldwin, appeared on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast on October 7, 2025, she marched straight into a fresh casting controversy surrounding Dancing With the Stars season 34Los Angeles. The host, Amanda Hirsch, had just quoted co‑host Julianne Hough saying Baldwin “manifested” her spot on the show, a claim Baldwin promptly called “not how it happened.”
How the DWTS Casting Machine Usually Works
Behind the glitz of the ballroom, producers sift through a mix of A‑list talent, fan‑favorite personalities, and strategic pairings that will boost ratings. While social‑media buzz can tip the scales, the official process involves confidential negotiations, talent‑agency input, and often a sealed‑bid arrangement with the network, TLC. In recent years, contestants have used TikTok to showcase their moves, but that alone rarely guarantees a seat on the dance floor.
Timeline of the Dispute
It all began in early September 2025 when Julianne Hough dropped into the Chicks in the Office podcast hosted by Francesca Mariano and Maria Ciuffo. She said Baldwin’s TikTok videos—where she twirled in the kitchen with husband Alec—were a “deliberate campaign” that landed her on the show. "She was doing that all separately. She was not a part of the show until later. She was campaigning and she got on," Hough asserted.
Exactly a month later, Baldwin turned the tables on Not Skinny But Not Fat. "I love Julianne. I don’t know where she got that from. I love that story, I actually love that story. I wish I had manifested it... It depends on which way you look at it," Baldwin said, effectively denying any pre‑planned TikTok push.
The drama didn’t stop at words. Insiders reported that Baldwin’s initial pairing with professional dancer Gleb Savchenko sparked a backstage flare‑up. Baldwin had reportedly lobbied for newcomer Jan Ravnik—the dancer behind many of Taylor Swift’s touring routines—arguing that his style matched her vision. When producers stuck with Savchenko, Baldwin "went ballistic," according to anonymous crew members.
Reactions from the Stars and Production
Hough, who also serves as a co‑host for the season, stayed cool on air, framing Baldwin’s denial as “a fun misunderstanding.” Yet, several cast members whispered that the tension had seeped into rehearsals, with some describing the atmosphere as “a s**t show.” Production aides confirmed that morale was lower than usual, citing “hurt feelings” and “lackluster casting decisions” as key stressors.
Meanwhile, Baldwin’s camp emphasized that her DWTS stint is a personal move away from the shadow of her husband’s lengthy film career. "She wants to prove she can compete on her own merits," a spokesperson said, adding that the controversy has actually amplified public interest, boosting streaming numbers for both the podcast episodes and the show’s promotional clips.
What This Means for Baldwin and the Show
From a PR standpoint, Baldwin’s quick rebuttal bought her a few minutes of sympathetic media coverage. Viewers who followed the podcast debates tuned in to see how the backstage drama would unfold on screen. The controversy also forces the network to confront a lingering question: does social‑media campaigning undermine the integrity of the casting process?
If Baldwin’s TikTok videos indeed pre‑dated her official announcement, they could be re‑interpreted as harmless personal content rather than a calculated push. However, Hough’s comments have already seeded a narrative that may stick in the public consciousness, especially as ratings for season 34 hover around a modest 6.2 million viewers—down from last season’s 7.4 million.
Looking Ahead: Season 34’s Future
Industry analysts predict that the buzz—whether positive or negative—could buoy the remaining episodes. Social‑media spikes often translate into higher ad revenue, and advertisers are already penciling in premium spots for the show's finale on December 2, 2025. For Baldwin, the next few weeks are a test of stamina and poise as she navigates the ballroom with Savchenko, a pair many fans now dub the "odd couple".
Should the partnership click, Baldwin could rewrite the story from “manifested controversy” to “earned triumph.” If not, the season may close on a note that fuels further speculation about the behind‑the‑scenes power plays that define modern reality TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this affect Hilaria Baldwin's public image?
The public denial positions Baldwin as a victim of misinformation, which many fans have rallied behind. While some critics still label her TikTok posts as a self‑promotion tactic, viewership spikes for the podcasts suggest the controversy has actually increased her visibility, potentially offsetting any negative perception.
What exactly did Julianne Hough claim about Baldwin's casting?
Hough said Baldwin’s series of TikTok dance videos were a "campaign" designed to catch the eye of DWTS producers, suggesting the star "manifested" her own spot on season 34. She emphasized that Baldwin was not originally considered until those videos went viral.
Why was Baldwin upset about being paired with Gleb Savchenko?
Baldwin had expressed a strong preference for Jan Ravnik, whose modern pop‑dance background aligns with her style. Savchenko, a seasoned ballroom competitor, brings a more classical approach. The mismatch felt to Baldwin like a strategic move by producers rather than a partnership based on complementary strengths.
What is the current state of DWTS season 34?
Season 34 launched on October 7, 2025, to mixed reviews. Ratings are modest, and several cast members have publicly hinted at backstage tension. Yet, the controversy surrounding Baldwin has drawn extra viewers, and the network hopes the drama will translate to higher ad revenue in the weeks leading up to the December finale.
Did Baldwin's TikTok videos actually influence her casting?
Production insiders say the videos were part of Baldwin’s personal brand, not a formal submission. While the clips may have increased her visibility, the final decision involved standard negotiations with TLC and the show's casting team, suggesting the TikTok campaign was, at most, a minor factor.
