Adele Zaikman has won “Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro,” earning the available professional dancer spot on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 35. The result was announced in the Aug. 31 finale after eight weeks of competition, with AJ Pritchard finishing second and Selena Hamilton placing third.
The final episode tested the three dancers in conditions closer to the main “DWTS” show. Each finalist had to teach a former celebrity contestant, build two performances and demonstrate the choreography, communication and partnership skills expected from a professional dancer.
Who Won DWTS: The Next Pro?
Adele Zaikman became the first winner of “DWTS: The Next Pro.” Her victory gives her a place in the professional lineup for Season 35 rather than simply a reality-show title or trophy.
The final three were set during the semifinal after Allen Genkin was eliminated. Adele, AJ and Selena had survived challenges covering technique, storytelling, chemistry and teaching before reaching the finale. The DWTS: The Next Pro semifinal results explain how the last three contestants secured their places.
What Happened in the DWTS: The Next Pro Finale?
Derek Hough returned as guest judge alongside Mark Ballas and Shirley Ballas. Witney Carson co-hosted with Robert Irwin, who had previously won “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34 with Carson.
Each finalist was partnered with a former “DWTS” celebrity finalist. Adele danced with Nev Schulman, AJ Pritchard worked with Charli D’Amelio and Selena Hamilton partnered with Adam Rippon.
The contestants performed two routines: a ballroom or Latin dance followed by a freestyle. Adele and Nev opened with a samba to “Bun Up the Dance” by Dillon Francis and Skrillex before delivering a paso-inspired freestyle to Imagine Dragons’ “Natural.”
The freestyle earned another strong response from the judges. Derek praised its power and control, while Mark highlighted the ballroom elements Adele incorporated into the routine. Her ability to challenge and teach her partner remained a key part of the judges’ assessment.
How AJ Pritchard and Selena Hamilton Performed
Selena and Adam opened with a jive before returning for a contemporary-fusion freestyle to “Cry Me a River.” The second routine earned a standing ovation, with judges praising Selena’s choreography, musicality and commanding presence.
AJ and Charli performed a Viennese waltz in the first round. AJ then delivered an ambitious freestyle filled with elements he had developed during the competition. The routine brought the judges to their feet, but he ultimately finished runner-up.
Why Adele Zaikman’s Victory Matters
“The Next Pro” was designed as an extended audition rather than a conventional dance contest. ABC says 12 emerging dancers entered the series competing for one professional position on Season 35, with challenges testing skills that go beyond individual technique. The format and episode details are available on the official ABC page for Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro.
Adele had built momentum throughout the season. Derek Hough earlier nicknamed her “Rolls Royce” for her polished dancing, while Shirley Ballas praised her as part of a new generation of talent for the franchise.
Her move into the professional cast follows a major Season 34 finale in which Robert Irwin won the DWTS Mirrorball Trophy with Witney Carson, linking two consecutive seasons through performers who were also involved in “The Next Pro” finale.
Adele Zaikman Joins Dancing With the Stars Season 35
Adele now joins previously announced professionals Witney Carson and Sharna Burgess. Confirmed celebrity contestants include Ciara Miller, Maura Higgins, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez.
The remaining celebrities and professional dancers are scheduled to be announced on “Good Morning America” on Sept. 2. Adele’s celebrity partner had not been revealed when the finale aired, making her first pairing one of the major Season 35 details still awaiting confirmation.
When Does DWTS Season 35 Start?
“Dancing With the Stars” Season 35 is scheduled to begin with a two-night premiere on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16, 2026, on ABC and Disney+. Adele’s first season will now show how successfully the skills tested throughout “The Next Pro” translate to coaching a celebrity through the main competition.
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