Joy abounds in the ballroom as multiple Dancing with the Stars personalities, including Pentatonix’s Scott Hoying, judge Derek Hough, alum Mark Ballas, and Bachelor Nation’s Nick Viall, share their heartwarming pregnancy and baby news, marking a season filled with love, family, and new beginnings.
The glittering world of Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) is experiencing a delightful “baby boom,” with several beloved stars and alums announcing exciting new chapters in their personal lives. From emotional on-air reveals to sweet social media posts, the DWTS family is growing, much to the delight of fans.
Scott Hoying and Mark Hoying: Dancing into Fatherhood
The most recent heartwarming announcement came from Pentatonix singer Scott Hoying and his husband, Mark Manio Hoying, during the October 14 episode of Dancing with the Stars. On “Dedication Night,” the couple revealed they are expecting their first child via surrogate, sharing the joyful news in a pre-performance video package with Scott’s dance partner, Rylee Arnold.
“We’re having a baby,” Mark excitedly declared, adding, “Our surrogate is pregnant!” Scott giddily echoed, “We’re gonna be dads.” The couple, who tied the knot in 2023, expressed immense excitement, stating they had “dreamed of this our whole lives.” Scott, acknowledging the surreal feeling of becoming a father, added, “I’m so excited to start a family with him. I just feel like we’re really, really lucky.”
Scott’s dedication dance, a foxtrot set to his own song “Parallel,” was a tribute to Mark, inspired by the night they fell in love. Their journey began in 2017, and this announcement marks a beautiful new milestone for the couple. Read more about their emotional reveal on Parade.
Derek Hough’s Nearly Spilled Secret
Adding to the season’s baby buzz, DWTS judge Derek Hough nearly let slip his baby’s gender during the same “Dedication Night” episode on October 14. Hough and his wife, Hayley Erbert, are expecting their first child, and fans were on high alert after a subtle hint.
Following a touching Viennese waltz by Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and partner Ezra Sosa, performed to John Mayer’s “Daughters,” Derek offered high praise. He began to say, “Watching you two dance really made me excited to have that own — my own moment with my…” before pausing and carefully finishing: “…my own child.” The hesitation immediately sparked speculation among fans that he had almost said “daughter,” especially given the context of the song choice. Billboard reported on the intriguing moment, which left many wondering.
Derek and Hayley first announced their pregnancy in July with a dreamy Instagram video, captioned, “We can’t believe the biggest thing to happen to us could be so small.” The couple, who married in August 2023 in Monterey County, California, are now eagerly preparing for parenthood. While no official gender reveal has been made, fans are eagerly anticipating the news.
Mark Ballas and BC Jean: A Tiny Human on the Way
Former DWTS pro and multiple Mirrorball Trophy winner Mark Ballas and his wife, singer-songwriter BC Jean, also shared their pregnancy news. The couple announced they are expecting their first child via an adorable Instagram reel, which depicted a montage of their activities leading up to the reveal of Jean’s baby bump.
Their caption, “Lately we’ve been making new music, making birthday wishes, went to Disneyland, made more music stuff, turned off our phones and went to the beach,” culminated with, “Also we’ve been making a tiny human. Coming soon.” The announcement garnered an outpouring of love from fellow DWTS stars, including co-host Julianne Hough and pros Daniella Karagach, Emma Slater, and Lindsay Arnold. Find more details on their journey on Page Six.
Mark Ballas, 37, departed from competitive ballroom dancing in March 2023 after 20 seasons, including three Mirrorball wins with celebrity partners Kristi Yamaguchi, Shawn Johnson, and Charli D’Amelio. Since then, he and BC Jean, 36 (known for co-penning Beyoncé’s hit “If I Were a Boy”), have focused on their musical duo, Alexander Jean. Their shared love for music brought them together at a singer-songwriter night, leading to their engagement in 2015 and marriage in 2016.
Nick Viall and Natalie Joy: Bachelor Nation Meets DWTS Parenthood
The baby boom extends to former DWTS contestant and Bachelor Nation star Nick Viall, who announced in August that he and fiancée Natalie Joy are expecting their first child. The couple shared the “bombshell news” via a joint Instagram post featuring a black-and-white photo of Joy’s baby bump and an ultrasound picture, captioned, “Our biggest dream came true.”
Viall, who appeared on The Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and as The Bachelor before competing on DWTS Season 24 with pro Peta Murgatroyd, shared his personal excitement: “Being a dad is going to be so cool. Greatest dream come true of my life.” The couple, who began dating in July 2020 and got engaged in January 2023, have already chosen a wedding venue at Natalie’s family property in Georgia, with plans possibly shifting due to the upcoming arrival. More on their story can be found on Heavy and People.
The announcement was met with a flood of congratulations from across Bachelor Nation and the DWTS community, including his former fiancée Vanessa Grimaldi, pro partner Peta Murgatroyd, and fellow contestants like Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, and JoJo Siwa. Some keen fans had even picked up on subtle hints in Viall’s podcast prior to the official announcement, showcasing the deep connection between these stars and their dedicated fanbase.
The Ever-Expanding DWTS Family Tree
These recent announcements are part of a larger trend within the Dancing with the Stars community. 2023 has been a year of significant growth, with many pros and alums welcoming new additions:
- Lindsay Arnold welcomed her second child in May.
- Witney Carson also celebrated a new baby in 2023.
- Peta Murgatroyd and husband Maks Chmerkovskiy welcomed a new baby.
- Daniella Karagach and husband Pasha Pashkov became first-time parents.
- Jenna Johnson and husband Val Chmerkovskiy welcomed their child.
- Former contestants like Rumer Willis, Sadie Robinson, Maria Menounos, and Rashad Jennings have also embraced parenthood.
- Additionally, former contestant Shawn Johnson is expecting.
The sheer number of stars embracing parenthood highlights the strong bonds formed within the DWTS family, where professional relationships often blossom into deep friendships and shared life milestones. This collective joy underscores the show’s enduring legacy, not just as a competition, but as a community that celebrates love, family, and new beginnings.
Why This Season’s Baby Boom Resonates with Fans
For fans of Dancing with the Stars, these personal announcements are more than just celebrity news; they are a testament to the human connection that makes the show so beloved. Viewers have followed these stars’ careers for years, witnessing their triumphs and challenges in the ballroom. To now see them embark on the journey of parenthood adds a heartwarming dimension, reinforcing the idea that beyond the glitz and glamor, these are real people building real families.
The shared excitement and well wishes from the DWTS cast and wider entertainment community reflect the close-knit nature of this unique family. As these stars step into the roles of parents, they continue to inspire and connect with their audience, creating an even deeper bond that extends far beyond the dance floor.
