Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy are powerhouses in the ballroom.
The pair officially tied the knot in 2018 and later welcomed their son, Rome, in 2023. Together, they’ve built a wonderful life, complete with incredible professional dance backgrounds. “Dancing With the Stars” fans couldn’t imagine the show without them.
But how exactly does Jenna feel about competing against Val?
Jenna Johnson’s Family is Heavily Involved With “DWTS”
“DWTS” has largely become a family affair for Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy. Val’s older brother, Maks Chmerkovskiy, and Maks’ wife Peta Murgatroyd, were also part of the show for years. Now, Jenna’s niece, Hailey Bills, has joined “DWTS” as a troupe member and even went on the 2026 Live tour.
Competing against a spouse is an entirely different battle. But in the end, Jenna felt delighted to see Val perform so well.
During “Dancing With the Stars” season 34, Val Chmerkovskiy and Alix Earle made it to the finale. They finished in second place behind Witney Carson and Robert Irwin.
Although their loss was disappointing, Jenna feels proud that her husband made it so far in the competition. She and her partner, Corey Feldman, were eliminated just after the season premiere.
“It’s funny, because we flip-flop. We either have a winner or we get eliminated. They just switch us every year,” Jenna shared with Women’s World. “It was so incredible because Alix Earle is one of a kind. She is not only talented, but she is so kind and sweet. And I’m happy that she decided to do the show and she got to be paired with Val, because I think the partnership was just so magical.”
The 31-year-old went on to add that Val pushed Alix and she was more than open to the feedback.
“They created some of my favorite dances Val has ever done on the show. They were such an epic partnership to watch,” Jenna shared.
The Season 33 Champ Has a Few Dream Partners
Jenna Johnson and Val Chmerkovskiy are both fiercely competitive dancers. Although they haven’t formally announced their plans for “DWTS” season 35, fans hope to see them both in the ballroom.
The pros don’t get to choose their own celebrity partners. But even so, Jenna has a wish list of names.
“I feel like I’ve been on the Jason Kelce train for a minute. I’m, like, ‘How do we get him?” she told Women’s World. “I’ve also been begging Taylor Lautner to do it for many years. I’m hoping one day he’ll say yes. He could come in and do his backflips. His wife can come, too. They can be with me and Val. That would be iconic.”
“Dancing With the Stars” is expected to premiere on ABC this fall.
