Background on Season 34 and the GMA Reveal
Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars kicked off in early 2025, with the cast announcement broadcast live on Good Morning America. Among the celebrity lineup, Jenna Johnson – known for her roles on primetime dramas – was paired with professional dancer Alex Martinez. The reveal generated buzz because both contestants had busy filming schedules and were rumored to be on opposite coasts.
During the GMA segment, host Robin Roberts highlighted the pair’s contrasting styles: Johnson’s sharp, theatrical background versus Martinez’s sleek Latin technique. The chemistry, or lack thereof, quickly became a topic of speculation across social media.
Johnson’s Recent Comments and What They Reveal
In an exclusive interview with Jenna Johnson, the actress admitted she has not seen her partner in person since the cast reveal. "We’ve been doing virtual rehearsals for weeks," she said. "Between travel for my show and Alex’s commitments, we’ve only managed brief video calls."
Johnson explained that the production’s tight schedule forces contestants to rehearse in separate studios, especially when they are based in Los Angeles and New York. She added that pandemic-related restrictions still affect travel, making it risky to schedule in‑person sessions.
- Rehearsal format: Primarily virtual via video conference.
- Travel constraints: Limited flights between coasts, mandatory testing.
- Production timeline: Only two weeks of joint practice before live shows.
Fans of the show noted that such separation is unusual; prior seasons typically allowed at least a month of face‑to‑face training. The delayed in‑person meeting could impact the couple’s performance scores.
Meanwhile, fellow contestant Corey Feldman, also part of Season 34, shared his own challenges. Feldman’s rehearsals have been hampered by an injury, forcing him to rely on a mix of physiotherapy and on‑set practice. His situation adds a layer of drama to the competition, as both he and Johnson juggle personal setbacks while trying to impress the judges.
Industry insiders suggest the producers might arrange a behind‑the‑scenes meeting soon, possibly during a mid‑season break. If Johnson and Martinez finally get to train side‑by‑side, they could close the gap in technique that critics have pointed out.
Regardless of the hurdles, both contestants remain upbeat. Johnson emphasized that the virtual rehearsals have actually helped her focus on musicality, while Feldman joked that the injury has made him appreciate “the art of the perfect hip swivel.” Their candid remarks keep the audience engaged and set the stage for an unpredictable competition ahead.
