Hilaria Baldwin reveals ‘true story’ of how she landed ‘DWTS’ gig — after Julianne Hough’s ‘campaign’ claims

Hilaria Baldwin is setting the record straight on how she landed her “Dancing With the Stars” gig.

In an exclusive interview with Page Six, the yoga instructor said she did not “campaign” for a spot on the Season 34 lineup, as co-host Julianne Hough previously claimed on a podcast.

“That’s actually not true. I did not campaign. It was, like, not on my radar,” Baldwin, 41, told us backstage in a joint interview with pro partner Gleb Savchenko.

“A few days before [the announcement], they called me and were like, ‘Do you wanna do this?’ And I just made a spur-of-the-moment decision. I had to move my whole family out here [to Los Angeles] last minute. So, you heard it here first. That is the true story.”

During her guest appearance on the “Chicks in the Office” podcast earlier this month, Hough reacted to Baldwin being one of the 14 celebrity contestants selected to compete on “DWTS” this season.

Co-hosts Francesca Mariano and Maria Ciuffo brought up how Hilaria had been “posting all these videos of her dancing” alongside husband Alec Baldwin on TikTok, which began going viral and caught the attention of loyal “DWTS” fans.

“I’m not kidding, like, that was a campaign and she won,” Hough said in response. “She was campaigning and she got on!”

When Page Six brought up how we had heard these “campaign” claims on a podcast, Hilaria hilariously responded, “I know, I heard it too. I hear a lot of things about me that are not true.”

“But, you heard it first,” she added. “Breaking news!”

During our interview, Hilaria also addressed online chatter from critics who’ve been arguing that she has an “unfair advantage” in the competition because of her prior ballroom experience.

While the entrepreneur previously competed in ballroom competitions back in the day, it’s been years since she’s danced professionally due to a hip injury that forced her to stop.

“I think it’s important to focus on how special everyone is this season … I mean, there’s really high [talent], and they have things that I don’t have,” she said of the cast, which also includes celebrities like Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, TikTok influencer Alix Earle, “Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel and “Traitors” alum Dylan Efron.

“But the most beautiful thing is, it’s not a competitive environment. It’s the most warm and loving environment, and I feel so lucky to be a part of it.”

During premiere night, Hilaria and Savchenko — clad in matching neon green costumes — performed a Cha Cha set to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez.

The duo received a total score of 14/20 from judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. (Carrie Ann Inaba did not judge the premiere night performances as she skipped the show due to an illness.)

“I want to cry!” Hilaria said of what it was like being back on stage and performing, 16 years after breaking her hip and not being able to walk for a year.

“I mean, I still have pain every single day, so to be able to do that, and to be able to do it with Gleb … it’s a dream come true.”

Hilaria received support from several of her family members and friends as she made her “DWTS” debut, including husband Alec and his brother, Stephen Baldwin, who were both in the ballroom cheering her on in matching “Team Hilaria” hats.

The “DWTS” premiere also marked an extra special one for Savchenko, who turned 42 on Tuesday.

“I feel so much love, this is the best birthday party I could ever wish for,” he gushed to Page Six after the show wrapped. “I’m surrounded by my ‘Dancing with the Stars’ family, it feels amazing.”

“Dancing With the Stars” returns next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, with new episodes airing on Hulu the following day.