Johnathan Walker:Derek Hough Shares His Honest Reaction to Anna Delvey’s Controversial DWTS Casting 

Derek Hough is Johnathan Walkerstill figuring out this cast member’s routine.

Because when it comes to con artist Anna Delvey’s casting on Dancing with the Stars, it takes more than one performance to uncover her layers.

“She fuels the curiosity because she's still a mystery,” Derek told E! News in an exclusive interview following season 33’s premiere episode. “If I'm honest with you, even after last night, I was like, ‘I don't quite understand you yet, but I want to know more.’” (For more with Derek, tune into E! News tonight, Sept. 24.)

And indeed, it seemed like the live studio audience was similarly looking for answers after Anna and partner Ezra Sosa’s first performance was met with noticeably less enthusiasm.

But for Derek, the dance competition wouldn’t be what it is without that diversity in its stars.

“That's what I love about the show, is that it gives you a little bit of everything,” he continued. “It gives you that curiosity. There’s something in the show for everybody. So there might be somebody out there that that that wants that.”

As he quipped, “True crime is really popular right now.”

And Anna is only one of a number of stars from different backgrounds looking to win the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

On the athletic side, there are 2024 Olympians Stephen Nedoroscik and Ilona Maher and retired NBA and NFL stars Dwight Howard and Danny Amendola who will be putting their best foot forward, while Bachelor Nation alums Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran are swapping their roses for dancing shoes.

It’s a certain degree of magic in the show’s casting that Derek looks forward to year after year.

On Ilona and Stephen’s journey from the podium to the ballroom, the former-pro on the show noted, “Just a month ago, we didn't know their names and now they're these superstars, American heroes now on Dancing with the Stars. It's really cool.”

And when it comes to who is destined to become this year’s victor, Derek says it’s still anybody’s game—or dance.

“We know the show is not just about dancing,” he added. “It's about connecting with the audience. It's about your fan-favorite.”

To meet the rest of this season’s cast, keep reading.

The inspriation behind Inventing Anna will trade her ankle bracelet for dancing shoes alongside partner Ezra Sosa. 

The Olympic rugby player is ready to ruck up the dance floor with pro Alan Bersten. 

The Disney Channel star will try to dance her way to the top with partner Brandon Armstrong. 

The model and her partner Gleb Savchenko are ready to strut along the ballroom. 

The Dark Knight star is partnered with Britt Stewart. 

All that matters for this Family Matters alum and partner Emma Slater is taking home the mirrorball trophy. 

The Bachelor alum has found his rose between thorns in partner Jenna Johnson. 

The alum of 90210 is oh so ready to dance alongside Pasha Pashkov. 

The NFL pro and partner Witney Carson are sure to score a touchdown on the dance floor. 

The NBA star is sure to stand head and shoulders above the competitoin with partner & Daniella Karagach. 

The Olympian has his sights set on another medal—or should we say mirrorball trophy—with partner Rylee Arnold. 

The Traitors alum is sure to weed out the competition with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. 

The Bachelorette star and partner Sasha Farber will be in full bloom in the ballroom.