Dancing With the Stars returns for its 35th season on September 15th and 16th, and while the cast announcements get all the attention, the real flex is happening behind the scenes. Music director Ray Chew has led the show’s 14-piece live band for 17 seasons, and his weekly grind starts with song assignments every Wednesday. From there, the team pulls each track apart to capture every signature sound and vocal moment, a process Chew calls“unbaking the cake,”before a full-band rehearsal on Saturday. Then comes Tuesday: a 3:30 AM wake-up call for a 5:30 PM live broadcast.
If that sounds intense, it’s because it is. Music supervisor Nancy Severinsen handles clearing song rights, sometimes working right up until air. And somehow, amid all that pressure, the band delivers polished live arrangements week after week. In a television landscape where live bands have become increasingly rare, DWTS is holding onto something special. Chew, whose resume includes Saturday Night Live, the Grammys, and American Idol, calls the gig a“unicorn”and a blessing.
Season 35 brings Ciara Miller, Julia Stiles, and Amber Glenn to the ballroom, so there will be plenty of new performances for the band to tackle. Next time you’re watching a routine, listen a little closer to the music. There’s a whole team that’s been working since sunrise to make it sound effortless.
What’s the one song you’d love to hear the DWTS band rework this season?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.