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DWTS' Witney Carson Slams Judges' 'Lame' Scores for Guillermo Rodriguez
Sep 16, 2026
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Bruno Tonioli
judge · reality television contestant · television personality
6 stories · latest Sep 16, 2026 · Reality TV
Bruno Tonioli biography
Bruno Tonioli is a television personality and dance veteran best known as a longtime judging panelist on the hit reality competition series Dancing With the Stars.
On Dancing With the Stars, Tonioli serves on the judging table alongside fellow long-time panelists Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough. Ahead of Season 35, he caught up with reporters on the Emmy Awards red carpet to warn that contestants would face harsher critiques, elevated standards, and sudden cuts without receiving any leniency or special treatment. During the Season 35 live premiere, he and Hough awarded a meeker score of 3 each to Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson's opening cha-cha.
In addition to his judging work, Tonioli joined the cast of Hulu's reality competition show The Mob, an Italian mafia-themed series filmed at an European estate with a $250,000 jackpot on the line. Backstage at Dancing With the Stars rehearsals, his social interaction with contestant Maura Higgins sparked controversy among rival participants who alleged favoritism.
- Coverage of Bruno Tonioli focuses on his long-standing role as a judge on Dancing With the Stars and his reputation for delivering tough critiques to contestants.
- Media attention also highlights his expanding presence in reality television, including his casting on Hulu's competition series The Mob.
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Bruno Tonioli timeline
Sep 1, 2026
Dancing With the Stars confirmed Tonioli would return to the judging panel for Season 35.
'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35 Panel Locked In: See Who Is BackSep 4, 2026
Reports surfaced that rival contestants were upset after Maura Higgins hung out with Tonioli during rehearsals.
Maura Higgins Backstage 'Fix' Drama Hits Dancing With The Stars RehearsalsSep 11, 2026
Hulu announced Tonioli as part of the celebrity cast for its mafia-themed reality competition show The Mob.
Hulu Unveils 'The Mob' Cast With Bruno Tonioli, Demi Engemann, Willam Belli and Host Parker PoseySep 15, 2026
Speaking on the Emmy Awards red carpet, Tonioli warned Season 35 contestants to prepare for harsher critiques and sudden cuts.
Bruno Tonioli Warns 'DWTS' Season 35 Dancers Face Brutal Critiques And Sudden CutsSep 16, 2026
Tonioli awarded Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson a score of 3 for their premiere cha-cha on Dancing With the Stars.
DWTS' Witney Carson Slams Judges' 'Lame' Scores for Guillermo Rodriguez
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Bruno Tonioli: your questions
Is Bruno Tonioli returning for Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars?
Yes, Dancing With the Stars confirmed that Bruno Tonioli is returning to the judging table alongside Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough for Season 35.
What new show is Bruno Tonioli joining on Hulu?
Bruno Tonioli was named as a contestant on Hulu's mafia-themed reality competition show, The Mob.
What score did Bruno Tonioli give Guillermo Rodriguez on DWTS?
Bruno Tonioli awarded Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson a score of 3 out of 10 for their opening cha-cha routine.
