Introduction
Dancing with the Stars season 35 opened with a two-night premiere that combined celebrity performances, demanding choreography, unexpected technical problems, and an early elimination. The first episode aired Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with the male celebrity contestants taking the ballroom floor. The female contestants are scheduled to perform on Wednesday, September 16.
ABC News reported that each couple is competing in one of the two premiere episodes, with the contestants performing to a No. 1 song from their celebrity partner’s birth year. The season also introduces new professional dancers and brings back familiar faces, including returning pro Sharna Burgess.
The premiere’s biggest talking points included a voting-system crash, strong reactions from the judges, and the first elimination of the season.
Background and Context
Dancing with the Stars remains one of television’s best-known celebrity competition shows. Each season pairs celebrities with professional dancers, who work together to learn ballroom and Latin routines while competing for the Mirrorball Trophy.
Season 35 is launching with a special two-night premiere. ABC News confirmed that the first episode featured male celebrity contestants, while the female celebrities are set to perform on the second night.
The format gives viewers two opportunities to follow the new cast, but it also raises the stakes immediately. ABC News reported that one male celebrity would be eliminated after the first night and one female celebrity after the second.
Latest Update: What Happened on Premiere Night?
The September 15 premiere featured performances from eight male celebrity contestants and their professional partners.
The couples performed a mixture of cha-chas, tangos, quicksteps, and salsas. Their routines were judged by Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
PEOPLE’s live recap reported that the episode was affected by a technical problem with online voting. The show encouraged viewers to vote by text after the online system crashed.
The voting issue added another layer of uncertainty to an already competitive opening night.
The First Elimination of Season 35
The first elimination took place after the performances and voting.
PEOPLE reported that Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were sent home. The elimination came after the judges’ scores and fan votes were combined.
Adele Zaikman had entered the season as a new professional dancer following her victory in Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro. Although she was eliminated as a competing professional, PEOPLE reported that she would return to the show as part of the troupe.
The result demonstrated how quickly the competition can change. Even with a new professional dancer and a celebrity partner eager to perform, a couple’s time in the competition can end after a single episode.
Standout Performances from Night One
Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson
Harry Shum Jr. opened his season with a cha-cha alongside Jenna Johnson.
The actor and dancer performed to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s Groove.” PEOPLE reported that the routine included a medical-themed opening before moving into the dance.
The judges recognized the chemistry between the pair. Bruno Tonioli praised their connection, while Carrie Ann Inaba described Harry as electric. The judges also pointed to areas for improvement, including control and technique.
The couple received a score of 21 out of 30.
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach
Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech delivered one of the evening’s most discussed performances.
Frech danced a tango with Daniella Karagach to Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone.” He discussed his experience as an amputee and the challenges involved in dancing with a prosthetic leg.
PEOPLE reported that the judges praised his strength, focus, and ability to perform difficult movements.
Derek Hough highlighted Frech’s frame and pivots, while Carrie Ann Inaba spoke about the significance of showing what is possible through dance.
The pair scored 20 out of 30.
Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess
Tyler Cameron partnered with returning professional dancer Sharna Burgess for a tango.
The couple performed to Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way.” Cameron brought athleticism and performance energy to the ballroom, while Burgess returned to the show after several years away.
The judges praised Cameron’s presence and musicality but identified areas for improvement in posture and technique.
Their score was 17 out of 30.
Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart
Taylor Hanson took on a quickstep with Britt Stewart.
The musician performed to Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It.” PEOPLE reported that the routine included a small mistake, but the judges noted that the couple handled the moment and continued.
Derek Hough described the dance as difficult, while Bruno Tonioli praised the amount of content in the routine.
The couple received 16 out of 30.
Jackson Olson and Emma Slater
Jackson Olson, known for his connection to the Savannah Bananas, performed a cha-cha with Emma Slater.
Their routine used the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.” Olson brought an energetic performance style to the ballroom, but the judges wanted more precision in his footwork and lower-body technique.
The pair scored 15 out of 30.
Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold
Comedian and podcaster Connor Wood partnered with Rylee Arnold for a cha-cha.
The couple performed to Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It.” The routine included a mechanical bull and line-dancing elements, reflecting Wood’s Texas background.
The judges praised his personality and enthusiasm while identifying technical areas to improve.
The couple received 16 out of 30.
Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
Guillermo Rodriguez performed a cha-cha with Witney Carson to Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff.”
PEOPLE reported that Rodriguez focused on entertainment and humor, including a series of energetic moves that drew a strong audience reaction.
The judges appreciated the effort and entertainment value but noted issues with technique, timing, and power.
The couple received 10 out of 30.
Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman
Conner Leavitt performed a salsa with first-time professional dancer Adele Zaikman.
The couple danced to Tag Team’s “Whoomp! There It Is.” The routine included a magic-themed opening and high-energy choreography.
The judges praised Leavitt’s enthusiasm but criticized the lack of focus and technical precision.
The couple scored 12 out of 30 and were ultimately eliminated.
Expert Insights and Analysis
The challenge of a two-night premiere
The two-night format gives the show more time to introduce its large cast, but it also means contestants have very little room for error.
Each couple performs only once during the premiere. That makes the first routine especially important because contestants have limited opportunities to demonstrate improvement before the elimination.
The role of professional dancers
Professional dancers are responsible for teaching choreography, helping celebrities develop technique, and creating routines that fit their partners’ abilities.
Season 35 includes new professionals such as Adele Zaikman and Hailey Bills, alongside returning dancers such as Sharna Burgess.
Their presence adds a fresh dynamic to the ballroom while maintaining continuity with previous seasons.
Voting technology becomes part of the show
The online voting crash was one of the most significant production issues of the premiere.
PEOPLE reported that viewers were encouraged to use text voting after the online system stopped working. Alfonso Ribeiro explained that online votes would not count during the technical problem.
The incident illustrates how important voting infrastructure has become to reality television competitions. The audience is not simply watching the show. Viewers are also participating in the result.
Broader Implications
For television entertainment
The premiere demonstrates how Dancing with the Stars combines performance, celebrity storytelling, competition, and live audience participation.
The show’s format creates multiple opportunities for viewers to connect with contestants, from personal introductions to the performances themselves.
For accessibility in entertainment
Ezra Frech’s appearance brings attention to disability representation in a major television dance competition.
His performance showed how choreography can be adapted to different physical abilities. The judges’ comments also focused on his strengths and technical execution.
The moment contributes to a wider conversation about accessibility and representation in entertainment.
For live television technology
The voting crash highlights the importance of reliable digital systems during live broadcasts.
When online voting fails, producers must communicate quickly with viewers and provide alternative ways to participate.
For broadcasters, the incident is a reminder that technical reliability is part of the audience experience.
Related History: Dancing with the Stars and Its Professional Dancers
Dancing with the Stars has traditionally built its appeal around the partnership between celebrities and professional dancers.
Each season introduces new contestants, while returning professionals bring experience and familiarity to the ballroom.
Season 35 continues that approach by combining new dancers with established performers. Sharna Burgess’s return is particularly notable because she had not competed on the show since season 30 in 2021, according to ABC News.
Adele Zaikman’s move from The Next Pro into the main competition also illustrates how the franchise develops new professional talent.
What Happens Next?
The second premiere night
The female celebrity contestants are scheduled to perform on Wednesday, September 16, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and Disney+.
ABC News reported that the second night will feature performances from contestants including Ciara Miller and Julia Stiles.
One female celebrity contestant is expected to be eliminated after the second episode.
How to watch and vote
Viewers can watch Dancing with the Stars live on ABC and Disney+. Episodes are also available to stream the following day on Hulu, according to ABC News.
Voting takes place during the live show for that night’s contestants. Viewers in the United States, its territories, and Canada can vote online, while participating U.S. wireless customers can also vote by text.
The competition continues
After the two-night premiere, the remaining couples will continue competing for the Mirrorball Trophy.
The early elimination means the cast has already experienced the pressure of the competition. The next episodes will reveal which couples can improve their technique, build audience support, and respond to the judges’ feedback.
Conclusion
Dancing with the Stars season 35 has begun with a premiere full of energy, memorable routines, and unexpected drama.
The first night introduced a new group of celebrity contestants, welcomed new professional dancers, and featured performances that ranged from technically demanding tangos to playful cha-chas and salsas.
The online voting crash created an additional challenge, while the elimination of Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman showed how quickly the competition can change.
With the second premiere night scheduled for September 16, the season is only beginning. More performances, new scores, and another elimination are on the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Dancing with the Stars season 35 premiere?
Season 35 premiered on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, with the second premiere night scheduled for September 16.
2. What happened during the Dancing with the Stars voting glitch?
PEOPLE reported that the online voting system crashed during the premiere. Viewers were encouraged to vote by text instead.
3. Who was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars season 35 premiere?
Conner Leavitt and professional dancer Adele Zaikman were eliminated after the first night.
4. Who are the judges on Dancing with the Stars season 35?
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli returned as judges.
5. Who are the hosts of Dancing with the Stars season 35?
Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returned as co-hosts.
6. Where can viewers watch Dancing with the Stars?
The show airs live on ABC and Disney+, with next-day streaming on Hulu.
7. Who is Ezra Frech partnered with?
Ezra Frech is partnered with professional dancer Daniella Karagach.
8. How many couples are eliminated during the premiere?
One male celebrity contestant is eliminated after the first night, and one female celebrity contestant is eliminated after the second night.
Sources & References
- The ballroom is back: 3 things to watch in the 2-night Dancing with the Stars premiere, ABC News, September 15, 2026.
- Dancing with the Stars Full Recap: Find Out Who Got Sent Home on Premiere Night After Voting Glitches Rocked the Ballroom, PEOPLE, September 15, 2026.
- Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Official Trailer, ABC.
