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- Early arrival: VIP access and first celebrity sightings
- Walking the floor: backstage layout and judge-level views
- Pre-show energy: family, troupe routines and social media sneak peeks
- Standout dances: which performances lit up Viral Hits Night
- Memorable moments and crowd reactions
- Bottom three and the elimination reveal
- What’s next on DWTS: themes, air dates and viewing options
The “Dancing With the Stars” stage buzzed with electricity Tuesday as the Season 35 cast returned for a live “Viral Hits Night” taping, full of backstage moments, surprise freestyles and memorable performances that played out both on camera and in the crowded ballroom.
Early arrival: VIP access and first celebrity sightings
We arrived at the Los Angeles studio mid-afternoon and passed tight security before entering the set. Within minutes we spotted familiar faces warming up under the California sun.
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- Harry Shum Jr. and pro Jenna Johnson posed for photographers in satin white before rehearsing a Viennese waltz to the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris.”
- Guillermo Rodriguez and pro Witney Carson greeted fans lined up outside the venue.
- Other cast members trickled in as VIP guests and general audience attendees filed to their seats.
Walking the floor: backstage layout and judge-level views
Guests were guided past production hubs — the quick-change rooms, the scoreboard skybox, and multiple control booths. Each escorted ticket holder then hunted down an assigned seat.
Our seats landed us directly across from the judges’ table. From there we watched Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli banter and react up close.
The judges’ chemistry off camera was as entertaining as their TV moments. Their side comments and facial expressions added a live-comedy layer to the evening.
Pre-show energy: family, troupe routines and social media sneak peeks
Friends and relatives of contestants filled nearby rows. Among them were supporters of Taylor Hanson, Ciara Miller, Tyler Cameron, Amber Glenn, Jackson Olson, Jenna Dewan and Julia Stiles.
- Troupe dancers warmed the crowd with short routines before the celebrities stepped on stage.
- Eliminated pros Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman went live on TikTok, giving viewers a peek behind the curtain.
- Some celebrities covered their ears or stayed in quiet prep as their pre-taped interview packages aired.
Standout dances: which performances lit up Viral Hits Night
The live taping started at 5 p.m. PT, and the cast delivered a string of crowd-pleasing numbers that blended dance skill with viral-moment flair.
High-energy opener and skybox freestyling
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy kicked off with a spirited Jive to “Animal” by KATSEYE. Dewan stayed animated throughout the show, even freestyling with the troupe during a commercial break in the skybox.
Emotional tango that earned a standing ovation
Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong performed a focused Tango to “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines & Tinashe. The pair ignored background noise and delivered a routine that won loud applause from the audience.
After the dance, Ciara quipped about past relationship drama and accepted the crowd’s full support.
Flair, drama and signature moves
Guillermo and Witney brought a fiery Paso Doble to Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been.” The audience clapped along, and the moment went viral when Guillermo added his own spin on the pro knee-walks.
Val’s delighted reaction to Guillermo’s take drew big laughs and applause from the ballroom.
Cha Cha nerves turned into performance confidence
Maura Higgins, partnered with Mark Ballas, admitted to pre-show jitters. Mark calmed and encouraged her, and Maura danced a lively Cha Cha to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
Memorable moments and crowd reactions
Live television allows for unscripted highlights. Several small instances became the night’s most replayed clips.
- Contestants and pros exchanged warm embraces after numbers.
- Skybox celebrations and troupe interactions created spontaneous energy between commercial breaks.
- Judges offered playful commentary and visible delight after standout moves.
One clip showed Val smiling broadly as he watched a fellow competitor recreate his popular glide. The crowd erupted as the moment finished.
Bottom three and the elimination reveal
At the show’s close, hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro named three couples in jeopardy: Guillermo & Witney, Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten, and Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess.
The couple leaving the competition was Giada and Alan. As credits rolled, fellow contestants quickly rallied around them to offer hugs and consolation.
What’s next on DWTS: themes, air dates and viewing options
The remaining pairs advance to Week 3, which will feature a Yacht Rock theme. That episode airs next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with streaming on Hulu the following day.
- Upcoming themed nights this season include a Mariah Carey tribute and a special Grammys-themed episode.
- Fans can also expect a “Horror Movie Night” and other surprise themes.
