Bailey McKnight says she and twin sister Brooklyn have applied for ‘DWTS’ but were blocked

23 October 2025

Twin YouTube stars Bailey McKnight and Brooklyn McKnight revealed that they have applied multiple times to join Dancing with the Stars and are longtime fans of the show. Although both have dance experience from their high school drill team and have personal connections to past contestants and pro dancers on the show, their applications were rejected. Bailey explained that the producers reportedly rejected them due to a concern about “splitting the votes” if both twins were cast.

In a candid post shared around the show’s “Wicked Night” taping, Bailey and Brooklyn appeared in Glinda and Elphaba inspired outfits as they attended the episode on October 21. Bailey used the moment to discuss their ambitions and past attempts to break into the series. She mentioned that although they have even suggested participating as “iconic duos” or having only one of them join, the formula has not yet shifted in their favour.

Despite the setbacks, the twins are undeterred. Bailey said that being on the show remains a lifelong dream whether it’s just one of them or together. Their familiarity with several DWTS pros including Lindsay Arnold and Witney Carson thanks to their Utah roots, and their connections to past contestants such as Sadie Robertson (a cousin of Bailey’s husband) and Lindsey Stirling, added to their belief that their inclusion might one day happen.

Their story raises a broader question about how casting choices for popular competition shows are made. It highlights the unseen factors that can influence selection beyond talent or popularity such as format-based concerns about vote allocation when identical twins are involved. For the McKnights, being publicly open about their ambition may also help them nurture audience support and wait for the right moment.