Former Dance Moms matriarch Abby Lee Miller is making a compelling case for her return to the Dancing With the Stars judges’ panel, leveraging her past experience, unique insights into scoring, and expertise in contemporary dance to advocate for another guest judging spot on the popular competition series.
In a recent exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the Dancers Against Cancer’s 2025 Gala of the Stars event on October 21, Abby Lee Miller, 60, unequivocally stated her desire to rejoin the Dancing With the Stars judges’ table. Her plea reignites discussions among fans and industry insiders about the evolving dynamics of the show’s judging panel and the potential impact of her return.
The Backstory: Abby Lee Miller’s DWTS History and Missed Opportunities
Miller’s connection to Dancing With the Stars isn’t new. She revealed that producers approached her three years in a row to join the show. However, her contractual obligations with another network, presumably Lifetime for Dance Moms, made a full-time commitment impossible. “My contract with the other network didn’t allow it,” Miller explained, noting the restrictive clause that permitted her to appear on other networks only every 13 episodes of her own show.
Despite these limitations, Miller did serve as a guest judge in 2014 during season 18, sitting alongside established judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli. During her stint, she provided feedback to celebrities such as Meryl Davis, Amy Purdy, Candace Cameron Bure, and James Maslow.
Miller believes her expertise is particularly relevant today. “When I judged, it was right when they brought lyric and contemporary [dances] in, and so Deena Katz, the producer, wanted somebody [where] that was their field, their ballpark, and it’s still happening,” she stated from The Beverly Hilton. Her specialized background in these evolving dance forms could bring a fresh and informed perspective to the judging panel, a point she hopes producer Deena Katz is considering.
A Unique Perspective on Judging and Scoring
Miller also weighed in on the perennial debate surrounding fairness in DWTS scoring. Her philosophy suggests a more strategic approach to judging. “It’s just a number on a piece of paper,” she remarked. She elaborated, suggesting that judges can adjust scores to ensure a predetermined winner, emphasizing that the final outcome matters more than individual high or low scores. “If you give out your winner a 10 and then you give everybody else an eight, you make sure that winner is that winner,” she stated, questioning the practice of giving out “sixes and sevens” if the goal is to highlight a specific contender.
This candid take offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes considerations of reality competition judging, a topic often discussed within the fan community. Her perspective challenges the notion of absolute impartiality and instead focuses on crafting a narrative that leads to a desired champion.
The Current DWTS Guest Judge Landscape
The current season of Dancing With the Stars has already seen a rotation of guest judges. Notable figures such as former professional dancer Kym Johnson-Herjavec and Jon M. Chu of Wicked fame have graced the panel. Cheryl Burke, another popular figure from the show’s history, was also slated to appear as a guest judge for the Halloween-themed episode, as reported by Yahoo Entertainment. This trend of inviting guest judges creates an opening for Miller, who believes her specific expertise in lyrical and contemporary dance forms makes her an ideal candidate to contribute once more.
Beyond the Ballroom: Supporting Dancers Against Cancer
Beyond her television aspirations, Miller attended the Dancers Against Cancer’s annual charity event, highlighting her commitment to the dance community. This nonprofit organization, according to its official mission, provides crucial financial assistance and emotional support to dancers and their families affected by cancer, a cause close to Miller’s heart. Dancers Against Cancer‘s efforts extend to various forms of aid, from medical expenses to everyday living costs, ensuring that dancers can focus on their recovery.
Miller, who was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma in 2018, shared a personal connection to the organization. “I’m giving back a check of $10,000 that they gave me many years ago,” she revealed to Us Weekly, acknowledging her gratitude and hinting at a potential additional gesture of interest on the returned funds. Her participation underscores the profound impact of cancer on the dance world and the importance of community support.
As Dancing With the Stars continues its season, airing on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, the possibility of Abby Lee Miller returning to the judges’ table remains a compelling prospect. Her unique judging philosophy, combined with her deep knowledge of dance and passionate advocacy, could bring a distinctive energy to the competition, fulfilling a long-standing desire for both Miller and many dedicated fans.
