Fans of Dancing with the Stars are overwhelmingly calling for former pro Kym Johnson-Herjavec to become a permanent judge after her impactful guest appearance on Dedication Night. Her blend of warmth, expert technical feedback, and practical advice has resonated deeply with viewers, who believe she brings a much-needed perspective to the judges’ table.
The ballroom of Dancing with the Stars recently hosted a truly special guest: two-time Mirrorball trophy winner, Kym Johnson-Herjavec. Her return, not as a competitor but as a guest judge for Dedication Night on Tuesday, October 15, has ignited a passionate fan campaign for her permanent placement on the judging panel. Fans praised her insightful critiques and the refreshing positivity she brought to Season 34.
Kym’s Stellar Performance: A Breath of Fresh Air at the Judges’ Table
During her guest spot alongside veteran judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, Johnson-Herjavec captivated audiences with her constructive and empathetic approach. Fans quickly took to social media, expressing their admiration for her ability to provide specific, actionable feedback without being harsh.
On her Instagram, Johnson-Herjavec reflected on the evening, stating, “Thanks for having me back in the ballroom @dancingwiththestars on such a special night! All of the dances were so amazing and the emotions were running high!” In the comments section, a flood of support quickly followed. One fan noted, “You were absolutely fantastic as a judge! Hopefully DWTS makes you permanent!!!!” while another added, “Please be a permanent judge. The critiques and tips you provided allow for the contestants to understand their areas to work on. Beautifully done ❤️.”
What truly set Kym apart was her practical advice. She didn’t just point out flaws; she showed how to fix them. For instance, she demonstrated proper hand placement with Derek Hough for Elaine Hendrix and offered a visual “ruler behind your back” tip to Scott Hoying for improving posture. This hands-on, pro-level guidance resonated deeply with viewers and contestants alike.
A Pro’s Perspective: Why Kym Stands Out
Fans consistently highlighted Kym Johnson-Herjavec’s background as a professional dancer as a key reason for her effectiveness as a judge. Having competed on 15 seasons of DWTS from 2006 to 2017, and winning the Mirrorball trophy twice with partners Donny Osmond and Hines Ward, she possesses an intimate understanding of the challenges and nuances of ballroom dancing.
On Reddit, a user wrote, “She was truly the best guest judge we’ve had in a while! Constructive criticism, but nicely worded, plus she knows what she’s talking about, because she’s in the pros’ shoes.” Another Reddit commenter echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “She is the only judge to give constructive criticism in a language that non-dancers could understand. It’s no surprise she was such an incredible pro during her tenure on the show. Please make her a permanent judge.”
Her experience extends beyond the U.S. version, as she also served as a judge on Dancing with the Stars Australia from 2013 to 2015, further cementing her qualifications.
The Case for a Four-Judge Panel
Beyond Johnson-Herjavec’s individual strengths, her guest appearance also sparked a broader discussion among fans about the benefits of having a four-judge panel. Many noted that an additional judge could lead to more varied scores and fewer ties, creating a more dynamic leaderboard.
Fans on social media observed that having four judges helps differentiate contestants more effectively and adds an extra layer of “check and balance” to the scoring. This perspective suggests that a larger panel, especially with an expert like Kym, could enhance the competition’s fairness and excitement.
Support from Fellow DWTS Alumni
The positive reception for Kym Johnson-Herjavec’s judging extended to her fellow panel members and DWTS family. Carrie Ann Inaba commented on Kym’s Instagram post, “You were brilliant tonight Kym. Truly dazzling. It was so nice to have you back home again. 🫶🏼🫶🏼 You can basically do it all!❤️ 👏👏👏” Derek Hough also lauded her presence, remarking how “so wonderful” it was to have her on such a special night.
Former DWTS co-host Julianne Hough simply commented, “an actual angel 🙌 ❤️,” underscoring the universal admiration for Kym’s return.
Beyond the Ballroom: Kym’s Life and Legacy
Johnson-Herjavec’s connection to Dancing with the Stars runs deep, personally and professionally. She famously met her husband, Robert Herjavec of Shark Tank, when they were partnered together in Season 20. The couple tied the knot in 2016 and are now parents to twins, Hudson and Haven. As Johnson-Herjavec shared with Parade in March 2024, “Dancing with the Stars has been amazing to me. I met my husband on the show. Thank you, Dancing with the Stars. And I’ve had my babies … [twins Hudson and Haven].”
She told Us Weekly that while she has been involved with a production company in Canada and has a movie coming out, returning to the DWTS ballroom “always feels like coming home.” Her guest judging stint proved that her expertise and engaging personality are as vibrant as ever, making her a beloved figure among the show’s dedicated fanbase.
The Future of the DWTS Judges’ Panel
The overwhelming fan response to Kym Johnson-Herjavec’s guest appearance highlights a clear desire within the Dancing with the Stars community for her to join the judges’ panel permanently. Her unique blend of professional experience, articulate feedback, and genuine warmth offers a perspective that many viewers feel is currently lacking. As Season 34 progresses and future seasons are planned, the calls for the “Mirrorball Maven” to make a full-time return will undoubtedly continue to echo throughout the ballroom and beyond.
