During the highly anticipated season premiere of 'Dancing With the Stars,' veteran judge Derek Hough found himself in a peculiar moment, inadvertently misidentifying contestant Tyler Cameron. The incident, which unfolded live on air, quickly became a talking point across social media, drawing widespread attention and commentary from viewers.
Details of the On-Air Slip-Up
The memorable event occurred on Tuesday, September 16, 2026, during the season premiere of 'Dancing With the Stars.' Derek Hough, aged 41 and a six-time champion of the show, was providing his critique of Tyler Cameron's tango performance. Cameron, 33, a former star of 'The Bachelorette,' danced alongside his professional partner Sharna Burgess, 41, to the iconic tune of 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' by Lenny Kravitz. In a moment of unintentional oversight, Hough addressed Cameron, praising his performance with the words, "Dylan, you have this, like, Patrick Swayze aura about you, right – you're cool, masculine, just effortless – it really is amazing, truly."
The misnaming of Tyler as "Dylan" did not go unnoticed by the show's eagle-eyed audience. Social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit, quickly buzzed with reactions. Numerous users expressed their amusement and surprise, with comments like, "Did Derek Hough just call Tyler Cameron 'Dylan?' LMAO" and "Not Derek Hough calling Tyler Cameron 'Dylan' LOL." Some speculated that Hough might have confused Cameron with Dylan Efron, a participant from a previous season. Others pointed out the comical fact that no one on set seemed to correct Hough during the live broadcast, leading to further online banter. Despite the minor gaffe, Hough continued to offer valuable dance advice, focusing on Cameron's technique, frame, and posture, suggesting that improvements in these areas would lead to fantastic results. Cameron's performance ultimately earned him 17 out of 30 points from the judging panel, which also included Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Tonioli, 70, expressed pleasant surprise at Cameron's agility, while Inaba, 58, commended his commanding performance despite technical imperfections. The premiere marked the first of two nights, with male contestants dancing to songs popular during their birth years, and female contestants slated to perform in a similar fashion on Wednesday's show.
This incident serves as a lighthearted reminder of the unpredictable nature of live television. While a simple slip of the tongue, it sparked an engaging conversation among viewers, highlighting the close attention they pay to every detail. It also underscores the human element in televised events, where even seasoned professionals can make minor errors that become memorable moments. For fans, it was a charming, albeit amusing, start to the new season, demonstrating that even a small mistake can add character to a show.
