Cheryl Burke returns to Dancing With the Stars as guest judge, honors Len Goodman on Halloween night

Burke joined the judging panel for the Halloween Night episode broadcast on ABC. The former professional dancer appeared alongside season 34 judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.

When asked by cohosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro about her judging criteria, Burke said, "I feel so great to be home again. Authenticity is what I would love to see from all of you, technique and dance as if it's your last chance. As the late Len Goodman said, careful doesn't win Dancing With the Stars."

Burke won the mirrorball trophy twice as a professional dancer. She claimed victory with Drew Lachey in season 2 and Emmitt Smith in season 3 in 2006. She concluded her professional dancer tenure at the end of season 31 in 2022.


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Guest judge focuses on ballroom technique and authenticity

In an interview with Us Weekly on October 23, Burke discussed her approach to judging.

"I can't believe it's been three years [since I left]. … I'm just excited," she said. "It's so special to go back home, I guess, to a place where I have spent most of my life in that ballroom."

Burke outlined her judging philosophy: "I'm definitely going to be looking for authenticity. I think, you know, that can be a big word, but authenticity meaning to the style of dance, and especially when it comes to ballroom. I mean, I am the first to say that I am definitely not an expert in contemporary or jazz, but I am in ballroom, and I will be looking for technique that's executed the right way that has been written in technique books because that's just what I know, right? So I'm going to focus and stay in my lane as far as that goes."

She added that perfection was not her priority. "It's the imperfections and the detail that makes ballroom so beautiful."

Year-long discussions led to Dancing With the Stars return

Burke revealed that conversations about her guest judging appearance had been ongoing.

"I never thought that this day would come," she said, describing the experience as "surreal" after her career as a professional dancer. "And it's great because I'm able to hopefully empower these couples. I've been watching closely, obviously, but even if I wasn't judging, I'd be watching."

Burke characterized her 2022 departure as difficult. "It was the hardest decision of my life," she said. "I mean, I've spent most of my life on that show, so I think the umbilical cord is still attached. Like, I love the show, and I have so many great memories, and it's changed my life. It helped me find my voice in general, like, when I look back at my audition, it's just insanity. I would say that I am the woman I am today because of the show, and I am grateful to just even be asked back and to also bring another perspective."

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Season 34 broadcasting schedule and fan engagement

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET.

Us Weekly and Bracketology.tv offer a DWTS fantasy league for season 34, allowing fans to predict which pairs will reach the finale. Participants can access exclusive content, statistics and compete for prizes. The league is available at no cost.