News / Oct 04, 2025

Charli D’Amelio’s Rise to Fame & Her Epic Return to Dancing With the Stars

Learn who Charli D’Amelio is, how she rose to fame, why her return to Dancing with the Stars is trending in 2025, show viewership, contestant pay, brand deals, upcoming projects & dating updates.

Charli D’Amelio’s Rise to Fame & Her Epic Return to Dancing With the Stars

Charli D’Amelio, Her Fame & DWTS Return

Who Is Charli D’Amelio & Why Is She Famous

  • Charli Grace D’Amelio (born May 1, 2004 in Norwalk, Connecticut) is an American social media influencer, dancer, and celebrity personality.

  • She began dancing at around age 3 and competed in dance for over a decade before her social media breakthrough.

  • In 2019, she started posting choreographed dances on TikTok, quickly gaining mass traction.Source

  • Her rise was fueled by viral dance trends (notably “Renegade”), duets, and collaborations with other creators.

  • She was among the first to hit 50 million and then 100 million followers on TikTok, making her one of the platform’s biggest names.

  • Because of her audience reach, she expanded into multiple domains — brand deals, merchandising, reality shows (e.g. The D’Amelio Show), public appearances, and performance projects.

In short: her reputation is based on dance content + algorithmic virality + business leveraging of her follower base.

Charli’s Involvement with Dancing with the Stars & 2025 Return

  • Charli competed in Season 31 of the U.S. version of Dancing with the Stars, paired with pro dancer Mark Ballas.

  • She and Ballas won that season, taking home the Mirrorball Trophy.

  • That season (31) was unique in that it aired on Disney+ (streaming) rather than ABC.

  • In 2025, she has made a return to perform again with Mark Ballas during a “TikTok Night” themed episode.

  • Their performance included routines such as a “samba whisk” to a viral track and other TikTok-centric dance mashups.

  • This comeback is trending because it merges her roots (TikTok dancing) with mainstream TV, signaling how DWTS is courting Gen‑Z audiences and blending viral culture with legacy formats.

Thus her reappearance is not just nostalgia — it’s symbolic of how the show is evolving in format and audience.

Where & How to Watch Dancing with the Stars

  • In the U.S., new episodes of DWTS air on ABC (Tuesdays at 8 pm ET/PT) and simultaneously stream on Disney+. Get it here

  • Episodes typically become available the next day on Hulu.

  • Outside the U.S., viewership depends on local broadcasting deals or streaming rights. (Check your country’s availability.)

  • For India or South Asia, you would need to see if ABC / Disney+ content is available via Disney+ Hotstar or local streaming partners (subject to license).

Show Viewership & Audience Trends

  • Season 34 premiere (2025) gathered 8.13 million viewers across ABC + streaming and scored a 1.79 rating in the 18–49 demographic (Live + 3 days).

  • It beat the Season 33 premiere in both total viewers and demo share.

  • In prior seasons, DWTS finales drew ~6.36 million live viewers and after seven days bumped to ~7.95 million.

  • Fan voting is also massive: e.g. 21 million votes cast for one premiere.

  • The show has increasingly leaned on social media & TikTok synergy to revive appeal to younger audiences.

  • In 2025, reports mention 5.5 million live viewers for the premiere, with 21 million votes cast — a boost from prior seasons.

  • The show has historically had older average audiences, but casting social media stars like Charli helps shift demographics downward.

Typical Earnings / Salary Structure for DWTS Participants

  • Exact pay figures are rarely publicly confirmed, but some industry sources and past contestants give estimates.

  • According to thethoughtoftheday.com Pro dancers reportedly earn between USD $1,200 to $5,000 per episode, depending on experience. 

  • Celebrity contestants’ pay is more opaque. According to Jenna Johnson (a multi-time winner), contestants are “guaranteed until a certain number of weeks,” and finalists may receive a bonus.

  • Winners typically do not receive extra payment purely for winning, though bonuses or appearance stipends may apply.

  • Hosts and judges get significantly higher salaries (e.g. former host Tom Bergeron made ~$150,000 per episode).

  • Note: these are ballpark numbers; contracts vary by season, celebrity status, and production budget.

What Kind of Brand Endorsements Do DWTS Participants Receive?

  • Participation in DWTS can boost a celebrity’s visibility, making them more attractive for brand partnerships in fashion, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, streaming campaigns, etc.

  • Some contestants secure deals with dancewear brands, supplemental fitness or wellness lines, cosmetics, or sportswear following their appearance.

  • In Charli’s case, before and after her DWTS win, she has worked with brands like Garnier, Prada (campaign), her own footwear line, and more.

  • The exposure from DWTS can lead to cross‑promotion deals (e.g. guest appearances, content sponsorships) especially for influencers.

  • In general, the stronger the social media reach and post‑show engagement metrics, the more premium the endorsement opportunities.

Charli D’Amelio’s Upcoming Projects & Movies

  • Charli is set to make her Broadway debut in the musical "& Juliet", starting October 29, 2024 through January 19, 2025 (as ‘Charmian’).

  • The show’s producers have noted her participation boosted ticket sales and social engagement.

  • She also had a voice role in the 2020 animated film StarDog and TurboCat.

  • As of now, there is no widely confirmed major theatrical movie starring Charli, though rumors have circulated about her being cast in projects (e.g. a horror flick “Homeschool”) — though those seem stalled or not officially confirmed.

  • Her primary path appears to be a blend of performance (musical, stage) + content media rather than straight blockbuster film roles.

Personal / Relationship Status

  • Charli was in a public relationship with musician Landon Barker (son of Travis Barker). They confirmed their breakup in early 2024, citing that they needed time to focus on themselves, though they remain amicable.

  • At present, she is listed as single (no confirmed new partner publicly).


FAQs 

Q1: Why is Charli D’Amelio’s return to DWTS considered significant in 2025?
A1: Because it blends her TikTok roots with prime time TV, reinforces DWTS appeal to younger audiences, and shows how the show is evolving its format to remain culturally relevant.

Q2: How many people watch Dancing with the Stars currently?
A2: Recent premiere episodes have drawn 5–8 million viewers (including streaming) and millions more through votes and social media engagement.

Q3: Do DWTS contestants make a lot of money?
A3: Celebrity contestants’ pay isn't always public but may include per-episode guarantees, bonuses, and appearance stipends. Pro dancers’ earnings are estimated between ~$1,200 and $5,000 per episode.

Q4: How does being on DWTS help with brand endorsements?
A4: The exposure often drives higher visibility and access to lifestyle, fashion, wellness, or beauty brand deals — especially if contestants maintain or grow engagement post‑show.

Q5: What are Charli D’Amelio’s future acting or performance plans?
A5: Her confirmed upcoming project is her Broadway run in & Juliet. She may also pursue further performance roles or media content, though no new major film role is officially confirmed.

Q6: Who is Charli D’Amelio dating now?
A6: She is currently single, following her public split with Landon Barker in early 2024.