Savannah Bananas' Jackson Olson Joins 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 35 Jackson Olson, the 28-year-old second baseman for the viral baseball team Savannah Bananas, has confirmed his participation in season 35 of Dancing with the Stars, marking a significant shift from his athletic career to the world of entertainment. The announcement came during Disney’s Upfront presentation on Tuesday, with ABC officially revealing Olson as a celebrity contestant. Olson made his public remarks on Good Morning America on Wednesday, reflecting on his journey from a shy childhood to becoming a social media sensation. “I was a shy kid that never danced, never put myself out there, never entertained, and found a passion for it,” Olson said, emphasizing how his career in entertainment felt like a “manifestation” of his later-life interests. His transition from baseball to dance has been fueled by his growing online presence, where he blends baseball content with personal storytelling, family moments, and everyday life experiences. Olson’s candid approach has earned him a massive following, solidifying his role as one of the Savannah Bananas’ most recognizable personalities. The Savannah Bananas, known for their fast-paced, comedic style of exhibition baseball, have become a social media phenomenon, often likened to the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball. Olson’s content, which includes behind-the-scenes glimpses of the team’s antics, has further amplified their popularity. His teammates expressed excitement about his Dancing with the Stars venture, with Olson stating they were “all super pumped” to hear the news.#abc #dancing_with_the_stars #savannah_bananas #jackson_olson #good_morning_ama
Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Cast Announced Dancing with the Stars season 35 is set to return in the fall of 2026, with three cast members officially announced as of May 2026. The full lineup, including professional dancers and additional celebrities, will be revealed during a September 2026 broadcast of Good Morning America. Host Julianne Hough mentioned that fans have been reaching out to her via direct messages, expressing interest in joining the show. Ciara Miller, a former cast member of Bravo’s Summer House and a contestant on Peacock’s The Traitors, was among the first to be announced. She spoke to People in April 2026 about her preparation for the season, stating she would focus on yoga, Pilates, and running to build stamina. She also expressed her desire to partner with pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy, a frequent collaborator on the show. Maura Higgins, a reality TV personality and model, joined the cast alongside Miller. Higgins, a former Love Island contestant and host of its spinoff Love Island USA: Aftersun, shared her excitement for the season during an April 2026 interview with Good Morning America. She emphasized her commitment to fitness and the opportunity to wear “sexy costumes.” Higgins also hinted at her hope to pair with Mark Ballas, her former The Traitors co-star, and potentially win the Mirrorball Trophy. The third announced contestant is Jackson Olson, a second baseman for the Savannah Bananas, an independent baseball team in Georgia, and a social media influencer. His casting was revealed during the Disney Upfronts event in May 2026. His girlfriend, Maggie Sajak—daughter of Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak—celebrated the news on Instagram, calling him “beyond proud.#dancing_with_the_stars #val_chmerkovskiy #maura_higgins #ciara_miller #julianne_hough
Andy Richter to Host TikTok Live During Conan O'Brien's Oscars Ceremony Conan O’Brien’s return as host of the 98th Academy Awards will feature a familiar face from his long-standing comedy partnership. Andy Richter, O’Brien’s longtime sidekick and collaborator, will play a key role during the ceremony by hosting a special TikTok Live stream for ABC. The event will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars, offering a unique perspective alongside the main televised broadcast. Richter’s involvement marks a reunion with ABC, where he became a fan favorite during his recent season of Dancing with the Stars. Though he didn’t always secure the highest scores, his charm and humor left a lasting impression on judges and viewers. This time, his role will be more about spontaneity than competition. Hosting a TikTok Live from backstage aligns with Richter’s improvisational style, allowing him to roam the Oscars venue, engage with nominees, presenters, and celebrities, and share quick, unscripted moments with the audience. The idea of incorporating a sidekick into the Oscars isn’t new. During Jimmy Kimmel’s four hosting stints, his on-air partner Guillermo Rodriguez often appeared on the show, participating in segments and conducting red carpet interviews. While Richter’s role won’t involve tequila shots with winners, his presence is expected to add a lighthearted, nostalgic element to the event. For fans of O’Brien and Richter’s late-night chemistry, the reunion is a highlight of this year’s ceremony. The duo’s partnership, which began on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and continued on The Tonight Show and the TBS series Conan, remains a cornerstone of their careers.#conan_obrien #abc #academy_awards #andy_richter #dancing_with_the_stars
DWTS Star Hospitalized in Illinois with Vertigo Val Chmerkovskiy, a contestant from Dancing With the Stars, was hospitalized in Peoria, Illinois, after experiencing vertigo during a stop on the Dancing With the Stars Live tour. The incident forced him to miss a scheduled performance at the Miller High Life Theatre in Milwaukee, where the tour was set to continue with shows at the Rosemont Theater on Friday and Saturday. Chmerkovskiy described his condition as disorienting, stating that he felt "spinning everywhere" even on a moving bus and struggled to regain his balance upon waking. Doctors ran tests to diagnose the issue, and Chmerkovskiy shared his experience with the public, highlighting the unsettling nature of vertigo. According to the Cleveland Clinic, vertigo is a sensation of spinning caused by issues in the inner ear, often linked to problems like viral infections or the displacement of tiny calcium crystals. The clinic explains that vertigo is a symptom, not a disease, and can accompany other health conditions. Chmerkovskiy noted that once these crystals are displaced, restoring balance can be challenging. The tour’s social media team responded to his post, expressing hope for his recovery. While the exact cause of his vertigo remains under investigation, the incident underscores the unpredictable nature of health challenges even for public figures. Chmerkovskiy’s absence from the tour highlights the impact such conditions can have on professional commitments, emphasizing the importance of medical attention and rest during recovery.#dancing_with_the_stars #val_chmerkovskiy #peoria_illinois #miller_high_life_theatre #rosemont_theater
Dancing with the Stars Pro Hospitalized in Peoria After Performance Val Chmerkovskiy, a professional dancer from the ABC series Dancing with the Stars, was hospitalized in Peoria, Illinois, following a performance at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater on Sunday. Despite completing the show, the dancer shared on Facebook that he was admitted to a local hospital after experiencing severe vertigo. Chmerkovskiy described the incident as a result of ongoing balance issues, stating that the symptoms had persisted for several days. He mentioned that the vertigo worsened during a bus ride as part of his national tour, leaving him disoriented and unable to stabilize himself. The dancer expressed gratitude for the support from his physical therapist, Claire, and the rest of his tour team, who helped him through the ordeal. The 34-year-old performer, known for his dynamic dance skills and long-standing presence on Dancing with the Stars, is currently touring the country with a live show. His hospitalization came as he continued his tour schedule, which includes appearances in multiple cities. Chmerkovskiy has not provided details about the severity of his condition or the expected timeline for his recovery. He has since expressed optimism about returning to the stage, emphasizing his determination to continue performing. Fans and followers have since shared well-wishes on social media, hoping for his swift recovery. The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining physical stamina during extensive touring schedules, particularly for performers in high-energy roles.#dancing_with_the_stars #claire #val_chmerkovskiy #prairie_home_alliance_theater #peoria_illinois
