Ballando con le Stelle debuts with new jury and Aurora Ramazzotti victory

The 21st season of the Italian dance competition ‘Ballando con le Stelle’ premiered on October 3, 2026, featuring significant changes to the judging panel and cast. Barbara D’Urso made a highly anticipated debut as a judge, replacing Selvaggia Lucarelli. Her appearance was marked by both technical mishaps, such as a missing scoring paddle, and verbal exchanges with fellow judge Simona Ventura, who questioned D’Urso’s motives following a critique of a performance.

In the competition, Aurora Ramazzotti and partner Nikita Perotti secured the first episode victory through the public televote, despite Noemi Bocchi leading the provisional scoreboard via jury points and the ‘tesoretto’ bonus. Noemi Bocchi also shared an emotional moment during the broadcast, discussing the personal toll of being constantly associated with her partner Francesco Totti’s public persona and the media scrutiny surrounding her life.

The new season also introduces Alberto Matano to the jury and features Milly Carlucci as host. The premiere saw various performances, including those by Ornella Muti, Pasquale La Rocca, and Jimmy Ghione, with no contestants eliminated in the opening episode.