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The Season 35 premiere of Dancing With the Stars kicked off with high energy and a surprise exit, leaving fans buzzing after Tuesday’s episode. A mix of chart-topping throwbacks, tight choreography and unexpected results set the tone for a competitive season.
Shock exit: Conner Leavitt and partner Adele Zaikman eliminated
Former reality figure Conner Leavitt and pro dancer Adele Zaikman were the first couple sent home after Night One. The departure came as a surprise to many viewers.
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Leavitt praised his partner, saying the experience was “the most fun,” and celebrated Zaikman’s talent for the audience. He noted his excitement for viewers to discover her work.
Zaikman, who earned her pro slot after winning Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, called performing in the ballroom “a dream come true.”
Leavitt’s wife, Whitney Leavitt — known from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and a Top Five finisher last season — watched as the season began with a dramatic elimination.
Night One leaderboard: who impressed and who struggled
The men danced to No. 1 hits from their birth years. Judges handed out mixed scores across the floor.
- Harry Shum Jr. & Jenna Johnson — cha-cha to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “Let’s Groove”; 21/30. Top score of the night.
- Ezra Frech & Daniella Karagach — tango to Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”; 20/30.
- Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess — tango to Lenny Kravitz’s “Are You Gonna Go My Way”; 17/30. Judge Derek Hough mistakenly called him “Dylan” on air.
- Connor Wood & Rylee Arnold — cha-cha to Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It”; 16/30.
- Taylor Hanson & Britt Stewart — quickstep to Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It”; 16/30.
- Jackson Olson & Emma Slater — cha-cha to the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe”; 15/30.
- Conner Leavitt & Adele Zaikman — salsa to Tag Team’s “Whoop! (There It Is)”; 12/30.
- Guillermo Rodriguez & Witney Carson — cha-cha to Jean Knight’s “Mr. Big Stuff”; 10/30. The lowest score of the night.
Judges and judging notes
Scores reflected a mix of technique, musicality and performance energy. Some routines earned praise for risk and showmanship.
Low marks often came from weak footwork or timing, while higher scores rewarded connection and strong fundamentals.
Theme and song choices shaped performances
Producers asked the male celebs to pick No. 1 hits from their birth year. That theme created nostalgic moments and guided choreography.
- Familiar classics delivered instant crowd reactions.
- Upbeat tracks fueled lively cha-chas and salsas.
- Ballad-driven tangos highlighted emotional storytelling on the floor.
Song selection became a strategic element. Some pieces amplified a dancer’s strengths. Others exposed areas needing growth.
Witney Carson on partnering Guillermo and juggling pregnancy
Witney Carson described Guillermo Rodriguez as an ideal partner: open, funny and hardworking. She praised his commitment during rehearsals.
Carson also admitted she hesitated to sign on while expecting her third child. Still, she embraced the season’s challenge and the physical demands it brought.
Her season message centers on empowerment for mothers. Carson emphasized that parenting need not erase personal goals or passions.
What to expect next: Premiere Night Two and viewing details
Wednesday’s show will feature the female celebrities and their pro partners. They, too, will perform to chart-toppers from their birth years.
New episodes will air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Each episode streams on Hulu the following day.
Hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro will return to guide viewers through eliminations and reactions as the season unfolds.
