In a spectacular celebration of its 20th anniversary, the beloved Italian talent show "Ballando con le stelle" is set to kick off a special edition titled "Sognando... Ballando con le stelle" tonight, May 9, 2025, at 21:35 on Rai 1. The show promises to deliver a blend of nostalgia and fresh talent as it embarks on a quest to find a new master dancer for the upcoming autumn season.
Milly Carlucci, who has been at the helm of the program since its inception, continues her role as host, accompanied by the iconic Paolo Belli and his Big Band, which will provide live music for the competitors. The first episode of this four-part series will be broadcast live from the Auditorium Rai del Foro Italico in Rome, with festivities expected to last until around midnight.
"Sognando... Ballando con le stelle" offers a unique twist on the original format, featuring ten aspiring professional dancers who will compete for a coveted spot as a master in the next edition of the show. This time, the selection process will be a public casting, where the audience will have a significant role in the decision-making process. The voting will be split evenly between a technical jury and the home audience via social media, ensuring an interactive and engaging experience for viewers.
Tonight's lineup of guests is star-studded, featuring notable figures such as Giulia Vecchio, who is known for her comedic impersonation of Carlucci, along with Hoara Borselli, the first winner of "Ballando con le stelle" in 2005, and renowned sports figure Federica Pellegrini. Other guests include Iva Zanicchi and Nathalie Guetta, adding to the evening's excitement.
As the competition unfolds, the ten pairs of contestants will showcase their skills across various dance styles. The couples competing in this inaugural episode include:
- Chiquito with Anastasia Kuzmina
- Aly-Z arà with Moreno Porcu
- Yoyo Flow with Rebecca Gabrielli
- Yuri Orlando with Alessandra Tripoli
- Eleonora Riccardi with Luca Favilla
- Vanessa Lacedonia with Carlo Aloia
- Mario Cecinati with Veera Kinnunen
- Hugo Nordström with Giada Lini
- Janiya Mami with Pasquale La Rocca
- Valentina Fiori with Nikita Perotti
The format retains the classic elements of the original show, featuring a panel of esteemed judges, including Carolyn Smith, Fabio Canino, Ivan Zazzaroni, Selvaggia Lucarelli, and Guillermo Mariotto. They will evaluate performances alongside the audience's votes, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each dancer's talent.
Throughout the series, viewers can expect not only captivating dance performances but also heartfelt moments as past contestants return to celebrate the show's legacy. Milly Carlucci has emphasized the importance of connecting with a new generation of fans, stating, "I love when people tell me, 'I started watching Ballando when I was in elementary school.' Today, there's a new generation that wants to watch and actively follows us on social media."
The excitement doesn't stop with tonight's premiere. The second episode, airing on May 16, will feature football legend Francesco Totti, who will share insights about former footballers who have participated in the show. Other guests for that episode include Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia and Massimiliano Rosolino, who found love during their time on "Ballando con le stelle."
On May 23, the third episode will see the eight remaining couples perform alongside live musical guests such as Francesco Gabbani, Noemi, The Kolors, Francesca Michielin, Settembre, Sal Da Vinci, and Rocco Hunt. The grand finale on May 30 will feature star-studded appearances from Gabriel Garko, Wanda Nara, Massimiliano Ossini, and others, culminating in a celebration of dance, talent, and the show's rich history.
With its mix of competition, nostalgia, and high-profile guests, "Sognando... Ballando con le stelle" is set to captivate audiences across Italy, bringing together the magic of dance and the thrill of live television. As fans tune in, they can expect a memorable evening filled with excitement, talent, and a celebration of two decades of one of Italy's most beloved television programs.
