YouTube sensations Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight have revealed they’ve been repeatedly turned down for Dancing with the Stars due to producers’ concerns about splitting viewer votes, a surprising hurdle for their lifelong ambition to compete on the iconic show.
For years, identical twin YouTubers Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight have captured millions of hearts with their engaging content across various social media platforms. Now, the dynamic duo is setting their sights on a new stage: the ballroom of Dancing with the Stars. However, their journey to compete on the popular reality show has been met with an unexpected roadblock, a reason that sheds light on the unique challenges faced by twin celebrities in competitive entertainment.
A Lifelong Dream Deferred: The Vote-Splitting Dilemma
Bailey McKnight recently shared with fans that she and her twin sister, Brooklyn McKnight, have applied for DWTS at least three times. Despite their persistent interest, they have consistently been turned down. The surprising reason given by the show’s producers? They “do not want to cast twins because they don’t want to split the votes,” according to a report by People. This unique challenge highlights a practical consideration for a show heavily reliant on audience participation and voting.
The twins, who have been “huge fans” of the show “forever,” have even tried to offer solutions to this predicament. Bailey recounted their proposals, including the idea of an “iconic duos season” or even simply picking one of them to compete, reflecting their deep desire to be part of the experience. “At this point, it’s just been such a lifelong dream,” Bailey expressed, “I don’t care if it’s Brooklyn or me.”
From Drill Team to Ballroom Aspirations
While the highly technical nature of ballroom dancing differs significantly from their past experience, both Brooklyn and Bailey have a background in dance. They participated in drill team during high school, which involved “high kicks and pom-poms.” This foundational experience, though not directly applicable to ballroom, demonstrates their existing rhythm and stage presence, qualities that would undoubtedly serve them well on Dancing with the Stars.
Their enthusiasm for the show was evident when they attended the Wicked Night episode on October 21. Donning complementary Glinda and Elphaba-inspired pink and green outfits, they were seen cheering on the contestants and pros, further underscoring their genuine passion for the competition.
David Livingston/Getty Images
Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight attend an event, showcasing their individual styles while maintaining their twin dynamic.
Deep Connections within the DWTS Family
The twins’ connection to Dancing with the Stars runs deeper than just being fans; they have several personal ties to the show’s professional dancers and past competitors. Bailey highlighted these relationships as a key reason they initially believed their appearance on the show was a real possibility.
- Sadie Robertson: Bailey’s husband, Asa Howard, is cousins with Sadie Robertson, who famously competed on DWTS.
- Lindsey Stirling: Violinist and former contestant Lindsey Stirling is a good family friend.
- Utah Roots: Given their roots in Utah, they know many of the professional dancers, including fan-favorites Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson.
These strong connections within the DWTS community make their repeated rejections even more poignant, suggesting the casting decision is strictly about the unique “twin vote” issue rather than a lack of star power or potential appeal.
Who Are Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight? A Look at Their Influencer Empire
Born on December 31, 1999, Brooklyn Victoria McKnight and Bailey Marné McKnight-Howard are identical twin YouTubers and social media personalities who have built a substantial online empire. They initially gained recognition as models for their mother Mindy McKnight’s popular YouTube channel, Cute Girls Hairstyles, before launching their own channel, Brooklyn and Bailey, in 2013.
Their channel quickly grew, focusing on teen interests, fashion, beauty, DIY projects, vlogs, skits, and pranks. By 2015, they were recognized by Business Insider as “up-and-coming YouTube stars” and were later featured on Forbes’ list of top influencers. Their career expanded into music with singles like “Dance Like Me” and “Simple Things,” a merchandise line, and even their own mascara brand, Lash Next Door. As noted by Variety, their family’s innovative approach to media has positioned them as significant figures in the digital landscape.
In their personal lives, Bailey married Asa Howard in 2021, and Brooklyn married Dakota Blackburn in 2022. Brooklyn and Dakota welcomed their first child, a son named Archer Lewis Blackburn, in January 2025.
Brooklyn and Bailey/Instagram
Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight sharing a moment, reflecting their close bond that resonates with millions of fans.
The Future of the Twins on DWTS?
Despite the current setbacks, the McKnight twins are not giving up on their DWTS dream. Bailey confirmed their intention to “throw their hat in the ring again” for the show’s 35th installment. Their unwavering determination, combined with their strong fan base and established media presence, suggests that a twin appearance on Dancing with the Stars might still be a possibility, perhaps if producers reconsider their casting policy or create a format specifically designed for duos.
For fans of Brooklyn and Bailey, their journey to the ballroom is more than just celebrity news; it’s a testament to pursuing a dream against unique odds. Their candidness about the casting process offers a rare glimpse into the complex decisions behind reality television and fuels hope that one day, their wish will be granted.
