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FAIRFAX DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES — The ballroom is back for the 35th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” and we’ll be seeing a whopping 16 couples take the dance floor!
The premiere was split into two episodes: one featuring the male celebrities, and the other featuring the female stars. And yes, sadly, one couple will be sent home each night.
Week one’s theme? The stars are bringing the nostalgia with performances to No. 1 songs from the year they were born.
‘DWTS’ Season 35 premiere night 1 recap and scores
Jackson Olson
Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson and pro Emma Slater opened the night with a cha-cha to “Wannabe” by Spice Girls. Judge Derek Hough opened by saying the audience should expect the scoring to be especially tough this season. Bruno Tonioli said the audience went bananas over the baseball player’s routine. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she thinks Olson has the potential to stay a crowd favorite, but says he needs to work on his movements.
Score: 5, 5, 5 – 15 out of 30
Tyler Cameron
“The Bachelorette” alum Tyler Cameron and pro Sharna Burgess gave us a tango to “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz. Bruno started things out by saying he was pleasantly surprised by his ability to move. Carrie Ann said she was beyond impressed with his command of the dance floor. Derek thought Tyler offered a “Patrick Swayze aura,” but said he needs to work on presence, frame and posture.
Score: 6, 5, 6 – 17 out of 30
Conner Leavitt
“Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” husband Conner Leavitt and pro Adele Zaikman performed a salsa to “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team. Carrie Ann diplomatically said the dance was fun, but chaotic. Derek called the routine goofy, playful and fun, but said he needs refinement. Bruno thought things were colorful, but said the timing was off quite a bit.
Score: 4, 4, 4 – 12 out of 30
Guillermo Rodriguez
Guillermo Rodriguez of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and pro Witney Carson went back to 1971 for the song “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight for their cha-cha routine. There was no question — he’s a crowd favorite! Derek said Guillermo had no technique, but effort? Absolutely! Still, he said lots of work is needed. Bruno said the dance was unforgettable: not in a good way, but it would definitely go viral! Carrie Ann said the dance was super entertaining and said she could see the intention.
Score: 4, 3, 3 – 10 out of 30
Ezra Frech
Two-time Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech and pro Daniella Karagach chose Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone” for their tango, with another big response from the crowd! Bruno called the dance strong, focused and in control, and said he thought he really looked like a leading man. Carrie Ann joyfully said this is why she loves “Dancing with the Stars,” showing people what is possible, even in the face of adversity. Derek got emotional, saying the routine brought him back to the season he danced with Paralympian Amy Purdy, and told Ezra he believes he can do it all.
Score: 7, 6, 7 – 20 out of 30
Connor Wood
Social media influencer and podcaster Connor Wood and pro Rylee Arnold did the cha-cha to “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw. Carrie Ann was honest and said she was pleasantly surprised and said there was no “ick” factor to the dance. Derek said the pair was like a double dose of dopamine — charismatic and with a good connection — but said they need to work on timing and technique. Bruno said they looked like king and queen of the prom, and yes, needed more work on technique, but should keep up the same performance level.
Score: 6, 5, 5 – 16 out of 30
Taylor Hanson
Musician Taylor Hanson and pro Britt Stewart performed a quickstep to “Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel. Derek let Taylor know he was assigned a tough dance with the quickstep, and said that while there was a little trouble, they did a good save! He said the pair should work on consistency. Bruno applauded that it was a proper, real quickstep. Carrie Ann said she heard the late Len Goodman’s voice in her head telling her that it was a proper quickstep. She told the crowd to keep their eyes on this couple!
Score: 6, 5, 5 – 16 out of 30
Harry Shum Jr.
Actor Harry Shum Jr. and pro Jenna Johnson performed a cha-cha to “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Bruno thought their chemistry was off the charts. Carrie Ann said Harry is electric when he performs, but told him to watch his moves and not overexaggerate. She said he should do the technique that’s required. Derek just said he really enjoyed the dance, but they were running out of time!
Score: 7, 7, 7 – 21 out of 30
Who was sent home?
The show announced there were issues with online voting, so only text votes were counted on Tuesday. Still, hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough announced that there were more than double the votes from last season’s premiere. The stat is even more impressive considering only eight couples danced on night one.
It’s kind of sad someone had to go home after just one week on the show, but rules are rules. At the end of the evening, it was revealed that “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” husband Conner Leavitt and brand-new “DWTS” Pro Adele Zaikman, who just won the inaugural season of “Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro,” had been eliminated.
On Wednesday night, we’ll do it all over again, but with the women! Eight more couples will compete for the mirror ball!
Tune in to “Dancing with the Stars” season 35 on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 8 p.m. ET on and Disney+. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.
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