# DWTS Season 35 Frontrunners Disappointed

> DWTS producers misjudged frontrunners as season 35 stars flop.
- Title: DWTS Season 35 Frontrunners Disappointed · Cosmopolitan
- Summary: DWTS producers misjudged frontrunners as season 35 stars flop. DWTS producers expected Jackson Olson and Jenna Dewan to lead season 35 but dark horse…
- Keywords: dwts, jackson olson, jenna dewan, maura higgins, ezra frech, season 35, Season, Frontrunners, Disappointed, Cosmopolitan
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/tv/a73931019/dwts-producers-frontrunner-disappointment
- Author: Samantha Olson
- Published: 2026-09-28T20:57:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dwts, jackson olson, jenna dewan, maura higgins, ezra frech, season 35
## Producers Misjudged Frontrunners
DWTS season 35 producers reportedly got their frontrunners wrong with Jackson Olson and Jenna Dewan failing to connect with audiences as expected.

> Producers are gobsmacked because they usually know exactly who will come out on top, like they did Robert [Irwin] with last season
## Dark Horse Contestants Surprised Producers
Reality TV personality Maura Higgins and Paralympian Ezra Frech unexpectedly exceeded expectations and became potential breakout stars.

> Maura is the dark horse no one saw coming and Ezra has blown everyone away beyond expectations
## Jackson Olson Underdelivered
DWTS producers intended Jackson Olson to be the season’s next Robert Irwin but viewers found him boring.

> Jackson and Jenna have been a total disappointment versus the expectations producers put on them going into it
## Jenna Dewan Underdelivered
Step Up star Jenna Dewan also underdelivered despite producers’ high hopes for her audience connection.

> Jackson and Jenna have been a total disappointment versus the expectations producers put on them going into it
## Maura Higgins Debunks Lessons Rumor
Maura Higgins denied taking private lessons to prep for DWTS after fan accusations.

> I didn’t want a different teacher’s instruction to confuse me
## Key takeaway

DWTS producers expected Jackson Olson and Jenna Dewan to lead season 35 but dark horse contestants Maura Higgins and Ezra Frech exceeded expectations.