ABC's 'Dancing With The Stars' resumed for Season 35 with a ladies night of performances and an elimination, highlighting top performances and contestant outcomes.
ABC's popular dance competition series, Dancing With The Stars, kicked off its 35th season over two nights, with the second night featuring the much-anticipated ladies' performances. According to Deadline, this event saw a large viewership, marking the premiere as the most watched in the last six years on the network.
The latest episode aired on September 17, 2026, showcasing female celebrities taking the stage for their debut performances of the season. Following the male contestants' performances on the opening night, the pressure was on for the ladies to impress both the judges and fans. During the evening, contestant Sarah Jayne Nader was eliminated, making her the first female celebrity to exit the competition this season.
Among the notable performances, Tatyana Ali, reminiscing about her role on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, brought a jive performance to life, scoring 12 out of 30. In contrast, reality star Maura Higgins showcased her skills with a foxtrot, achieving a score of 21, the highest of the night. Another highlight included Jenna Dewan, known for her roles on The Rookie and Step Up, who performed a tango with a score of 19.
The ratings surge, along with the show's high-stakes performances, indicates strong viewer interest this season. The return of online voting after a previous mishap added another layer of engagement for fans eager to support their favorite contestants. This revival of interest in viewer participation may further shape the dynamics of the competition as it unfolds.
Judges provided assessments on each performance, with Carrie Ann Inaba and Derek Hough sharing constructive feedback. Ali's performance was recognized for its initial timing difficulties but also noted for her underlying passion. Meanwhile, Amber Glenn's cha cha faced some critique amid high expectations for figure skaters transitioning to ballroom.
As the competition progresses, audience excitement will likely grow, especially with such a diverse group of contestants. Contestants announced to continue include Julia Stiles, Ciara Miller, and Giada De Laurentiis, all looking to improve their scores next week.
With the season's kickoff generating significant viewer interest and engagement through competitive performances, Dancing With The Stars Season 35 is set to explore a mix of talent and dynamics among the remaining contestants. The elimination of Sarah Jayne Nader introduces immediate stakes, heightening fan investment as they look forward to Week 2. As the contestants progress, opportunities for various themes, performance styles, and viewer interactions will continue to unfold, reinforcing the show’s long-standing connection with its audience.
For updates on the next performances, tune in next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.
For more detailed performance insights and individual scores, visit Deadline.
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