Hold onto your sequins, folks – the dance floor is about to heat up with a musical legend! Music icon Brian Kennedy has just been unveiled as the twelfth and final star stepping into the spotlight for the ninth season of Dancing with the Stars, set to dazzle viewers starting Sunday, January 4, 2026, on RTÉ. But here's where it gets exciting: will this seasoned vocalist trip the light fantastic against a new generation of competitors? Let's dive in and find out more about what's in store for this glittering extravaganza.
Brian Kennedy, the talented singer-songwriter, has been confirmed as the last celebrity to join the fray. Spotted early on by talent guru Simon Fuller, his career took off like a rocket when he became a key vocalist for the legendary Van Morrison, gracing international stages alongside titans like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell. His powerful contributions to Morrison's albums, such as A Night in San Francisco and Days Like This, really put him on the map as an emerging superstar. As a solo act, Brian's 1996 release, A Better Man, achieved quadruple platinum status, racking up hits on the charts in Ireland and the UK – imagine that level of success, blending soulful tunes with widespread appeal!
Adding to his impressive discography, Brian's collaboration with Ronan Keating on the track These Days climbed to number 4 on the Irish Singles Chart, becoming a catchy pop staple. In 2006, he proudly carried Ireland's flag in the Eurovision Song Contest with his emotive original song, Every Song is a Cry for Love, securing a spot in the top ten – a testament to his heartfelt storytelling through music. That very year, his touching cover of You Raise Me Up at George Best's funeral soared to the top five in the UK charts, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with listeners. And fans, get ready: Brian is gearing up to drop his nineteenth album next year, proving his creative spark is far from dimmed.
When asked about his DWTS adventure, Brian shared his enthusiasm: 'I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the Dancing with the Stars lineup. I'm eager to get in shape and truly master the art of dance, embracing the challenge head-on. And what a fantastic way to kick off my 60th trip around the sun!'
For those new to the show, Dancing with the Stars is RTÉ's glamorous Sunday night extravaganza, hosted by the dynamic duo Jennifer Zamparelli and Laura Fox. From January onward, twelve famous personalities will pair up with expert professional dancers to deliver jaw-dropping live performances each week. They'll tackle a variety of dance styles, ranging from the energetic Charleston to the sultry Salsa, with just one week to polish their moves before the nation watches. It's a thrilling mix of skill, sweat, and showbiz magic that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats!
Judging these dazzling duos is a stellar panel of four experts: Oti Mabuse, Brian Redmond, Arthur Gourounlian, and Karen Byrne. They'll score the routines alongside votes from the public at home, all leading up to the grand finale where the victorious pair snags the coveted glitter ball trophy. It's a perfect blend of expert opinion and viewer power – but this is the part most people miss: how much weight do audience votes really carry compared to the judges' scores? Could that shift the balance in unexpected ways?
Now, onto the star-studded roster for the DWTS Class of 2026 – a diverse lineup that's sure to spark some debate:
- Eurovision champion and vocalist Niamh Kavanagh
- Paudie Moloney from The Traitors Ireland
- The current Rose of Tralee, Katelyn Cummins
- Comedian and actor Michael Fry
- Fair City star Stephanie Kelly
- TV host Eric Roberts
- Olympic medalist rower and physician Philip Doyle
- Musician Tolü Makay
- Podcaster Amber Wilson
- Nationwide host Anne Cassin
- Apprentice UK finalist Jordan Dargan
- Singer-songwriter Brian Kennedy
The professional dancer matches will be announced tomorrow, embargoed until Wednesday – talk about building suspense! And here's where it gets controversial: with a mix of young talents and seasoned pros like Brian, who might have an edge in experience but face physical challenges at 60, do you think age plays a fair role in this competition? Some argue it's inspiring to see veterans like him prove their mettle, while others wonder if fresher faces dominate. What do you think – should DWTS prioritize diversity in age and background, or stick to pure dance prowess?
Catch all the sparkle and excitement live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from Sunday, January 4. Dancing with the Stars is brought to you by ShinAwiL for RTÉ, and proudly sponsored by Hyundai. For the juiciest updates, behind-the-scenes scoops, and fan chatter on Dancing with the Stars, don't forget to follow our social channels:
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DWTSIrl
-ENDS-
Date: Tuesday 16 December 2025
For further information:
Rayna Connery, RTÉ Senior Communications Lead
Kate Smyth, RTÉ Communications Lead
What are your predictions for Brian Kennedy's dance journey? Do you agree that older stars bring a unique flair to the show, or should it focus on athletic newcomers? Jump into the comments and let's discuss – we can't wait to hear your take!
