A Competitive Season Opener
Dancing With the Stars has officially returned for its 35th season, delivering a premiere night defined by memorable routines and a sudden, high-stakes elimination. The ballroom action commenced on Tuesday, September 15, featuring male contestants performing to Billboard No. 1 hits from the year of their birth.
Strict Judging Standards
The judges made it clear from the outset that mediocrity would not be tolerated this season. Following a Savannah Bananas-inspired cha-cha from Jackson Olson, judge Derek Hough set the tone for the evening: “Our expectations are super high, you’re going to have to earn every single point. Don’t be surprised at where the scores land tonight.”
The results reflected this stern approach. Olson received a set of 5s from the judging panel, while Guillermo Rodriguez, known for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, finished the night with a total score of 10. Reality personality Tyler Cameron also struggled to reach the top of the leaderboard after Carrie Ann Inaba noted a technical error involving an illegal lift during his tango with professional partner Sharna Burgess.
The First Elimination
The night concluded on a somber note as the first couple was sent home. Conner Leavitt and his professional partner, Adele Zaikman, were the first to be eliminated from the competition.
“This has been the most fun,” said the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star. “I have the greatest partner in the world in Adele [and] I can’t wait for the world to get to see her talents.”
Looking Ahead
The premiere event continues on Wednesday, September 16, as the female celebrity contestants take to the floor to compete and fight to remain in the competition. Dancing With the Stars is broadcast on ABC and Disney+ at 8 p.m. ET.