# Dancing with the Stars season 35 kicks off with split premiere

> The ballroom competition returns with 16 couples, nostalgia-themed dances, and tough judging from the start.
- Title: Dancing with the Stars season 35 kicks off with split premiere
- Summary: The ballroom competition returns with 16 couples, nostalgia-themed dances, and tough judging from the start. Season 35 splits its premiere across two nights…
- Keywords: dancing with the stars, season 35, abc, emma slater, sharna burgess, witney carson, daniella karagach, derek hough, carrie ann inaba, bruno tonioli, alfonso ribeiro, julianne hough
- Source: ABC7 Los Angeles — https://abc7.com/post/dancing-stars-season-35-premiere-brings-8-dances-lots-nostalgia-1st-elimination/19837491
- Published: 2026-09-16T06:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: dancing with the stars, season 35, abc, emma slater, sharna burgess, witney carson, daniella karagach, derek hough, carrie ann inaba, bruno tonioli, alfonso ribeiro, julianne hough
## Split premiere with 16 couples
Season 35 divides its premiere into two episodes: one for male celebrities, one for female stars. Each night ends with an elimination.
## Nostalgia theme for week one
Stars perform to number one songs from the year they were born. Eight male celebrities danced on opening night.
## Jackson Olson opens the show
Savannah Bananas star and Emma Slater cha-cha to Spice Girls' "Wannabe." Judge Derek Hough warns scoring will be especially tough this season.
## Tyler Cameron impresses judges
The Bachelorette alum and Sharna Burgess tango to Lenny Kravitz. Carrie Ann says she's beyond impressed, while Derek notes a "Patrick Swayze aura."
## Conner Leavitt struggles with salsa
Secret Lives of Mormon Wives husband and Adele Zaikman perform to "Whoomp! (There It Is)." Judges call it fun but chaotic with timing issues.
## Guillermo Rodriguez entertains crowd
Jimmy Kimmel Live's Guillermo and Witney Carson cha-cha to "Mr. Big Stuff." Bruno says it's unforgettable, not in a good way, but definitely viral.
## Ezra Frech earns top score
Paralympic gold medalist and Daniella Karagach tango to Kelly Clarkson. Derek gets emotional, comparing it to when he danced with Amy Purdy.

> This is why she loves 'Dancing with the Stars,' showing people what is possible, even in the face of adversity.
## Connor Wood brings charisma
Social media influencer and Rylee Arnold cha-cha to Tim McGraw. Derek calls them a double dose of dopamine but says timing needs work.
## Taylor Hanson tackles tough quickstep
The musician and Britt Stewart perform to Billy Joel. Carrie Ann says she heard Len Goodman's voice telling her it was a proper quickstep.
## Harry Shum Jr. closes strong
The actor and Jenna Johnson cha-cha to Earth, Wind & Fire. Bruno says their chemistry is off the charts, earning them 21 points.
## Voting issues hit premiere night
Online voting problems meant only text votes counted. Despite this, votes more than doubled from last season's premiere.
## Conner Leavitt eliminated first
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives husband and new pro Adele Zaikman are sent home after just one week on the show.
## Key takeaway

Season 35 splits its premiere across two nights, featuring male celebrities first and eliminating one couple after just eight performances.