Dancing With the Stars is officially back for Season 35 on ABC. The first week of the competition features two premiere episodes, one featuring male celebrity contestants, and the next featuring female celebrity contestants. Be sure to tune back in on Wednesday, September 16 for the second night of the premiere.
Male Contestants Take the Ballroom First
This week, stars got to choose their performance songs. They had to pick a Billboard Top 1 song from the year they were born. The first celebrity to perform of the season was Savannah Banana Jackson Olsen. For his song, he chose “Wanna Be” by the Spice Girls, which was on the Billboard in 1997.
Even though Jackson doesn’t have any ballroom experience, he was a great celebrity to kick off the competition. Derek Hough called him a “natural born performer” saying he had great upper half cha-cha technique. Jackson and his partner Emma Slater earned 15 out of 30 on their first performance.
The second performance of the night was The Bachelorette star Tyler Cameron and his partner Sharna Burgess. For their performance, Tyler chose the song “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz which topped the Billboard music charts in 1993.
Carrie Ann Inaba for the first time this season, called out the pair for Sharna’s foot coming off the ground. According to Carrie Ann, this was techincally a lift. Regardless, their Tango earned 17 out of 30 points on their first performance.
SHOP TALENT RECAP MERCH:
Up next was Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Conner Leavitt. He and partner, new professional Adele Zaikman, danced a Salsa to “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team, which topped the Billboard chart in 1993. They earned a 12 out of 30 points for their performance.
Paralympian Ezra Frech Earns “Leading Man” Title After Tango
Jimmy Kimmel Live star Guillermo Rodriguez gave an unforgettable performance to “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight, which topped the Billboard music chart in 1971. Bruno Tonioli admitted there wasn’t much of a Cha Cha in Guillermo and Witney’s dance, but it was still a special moment. They earned a 10 out of 30 on their first performance.
The second hour of the DWTS premiere began with Ezra Frech and his partner Daniella Karagach. After explaining the difference between an above knee and below knee amputations, Ezra and Daniella worked on adjusting his prosthetic for their Tango. They danced to “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson, which topped the charts in 2005. Their earned 20 out of 30 points for their first performance.
SHOP TALENT RECAP MERCH:
Next, was comedian and podcaster Connor Wood and his partner Rylee Arnold. His song choice, which topped the charts in 1995 was “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw. They earned 16 out of 30 points for their first performance.
___ Gets Eliminated in Premiere Episode
The first of the final two celebrities to perform was Taylor Hanson from the band Hansen. Taylor, with his partner Brit Stewart, performed a quickstep to “Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel which charted in 1983. This performance earned mostly positive reviews from the judges, Carrie Ann Inaba even said he’s one to watch this season. They earned a 16 out of 30 on their first performance.
Up next was Harry Shum Jr, who is paired with Jenna Johnson. They performed a Cha Cha to “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire, which topped the charts in 1982. Even though Harry doesn’t have any prior ballroom experience, his dance background really shined in this performance. Their earned a 21 out of 30 on their first performance.
SHOP TALENT RECAP MERCH:
At the end of the episode, Conner Leavitt was eliminated from the competition. All of the remaining male celebrities will return on Tuesday, September 22. Female contestants will be taking the ballroom for the first time on Wednesday, September 16 at 8PM ET. Be sure to tune in so you don’t miss a minute of the competition.
