Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Sees First Elimination

Dancing with the Stars launched its 35th season with a two-night premiere event, beginning Tuesday, September 15, 2026. The first night featured performances from the season's eight male celebrities, with one couple eliminated at the end of the broadcast. The format marks a shift from previous seasons, which typically opened with a single premiere episode. The season features a record-tying cast of 16 celebrity-pro couples, matching the largest ensemble in the show's history. Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough guided the evening, with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough scoring the routines. Each couple performed a dance to a No. 1 song from the year the celebrity was born. The night's highest score went to actor Harry Shum Jr. and professional partner Jenna Johnson, who earned a 21 out of 30 for their cha-cha. Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach followed closely with a 20 for their tango. Reality star Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess received a 17, while musician Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart, and comedian Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold each scored a 16. A technical issue disrupted the live voting process during the broadcast.