Dancing with the Stars 35 Recap: 2026 Premiere Live Blog: Ladies Night!
Welcome to night two of Dancing with the Stars season 35: Ladies Night. Eight female celebrities took the floor with their professional partners, each aiming to impress the judges and the home audience and avoid elimination. The show continues its two-night premiere format, following last night’s men’s performances.
On night one, the male celebrities delivered a mixed set of routines. Harry Shum Jr. and Ezra Frech earned the night’s highest scores, while Guillermo Rodriguez landed near the bottom. Conner Leavitt became the first celebrity eliminated this season, which also ended pro Adele Zaikman’s run on the show.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough guided the evening, while Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli judged. As with night one, each couple danced to a hit from the year the celebrity was born. Voting opened at the start of the live show and closed after the final performance; fans can vote online at dwtsvote.abc.com or by texting the celebrity’s name to 21523. Each voting method allows up to ten votes per couple (twenty total per couple if you use both methods).
Opening Number by Mandy Moore
The show opened with a lively pro ensemble number choreographed by Mandy Moore. The pros wore white and delivered a celebratory routine that included a spotlight moment for Adele Zaikman. The energetic opener set a festive tone for the evening.
VOTING IS OPEN for tonight’s performances.
Tatyana & Jan – Jive
Tatyana tackled a demanding jive for week one. Her performance had bright moments—her smile and stage presence stood out—but technical issues surfaced: timing wavered, kicks needed more snap, and more side-by-side work with Jan would have strengthened the routine. With sharper feet and steadier timing, this partnership could improve quickly.
Judges’ notes: Carrie Ann called it a rough start but saw fierce potential. Derek praised her sunny energy but flagged flat feet and mistakes. Bruno enjoyed the style and felt Tatyana has room to grow.
Score: 12/30 (Carrie Ann 4, Derek 4, Bruno 4)
Amber & Pasha – Cha-Cha-Cha
Amber’s cha-cha was a strong week-one outing. The number showcased her athleticism and powerful lines, and Pasha’s choreography capitalized on her skating background. The performance had confident attitude and precise choreography, though grounding in some steps would enhance her presence even more.
Judges’ notes: Derek admired Amber’s solo work and asked her to dig into the floor more. Bruno praised her attitude and urged her to break skating habits. Carrie Ann called it amazing but reminded her to view the dance as a partnership.
Score: 18/30 (Carrie Ann 6, Derek 6, Bruno 6)
Ciara & Brandon – Foxtrot
Ciara delivered an elegant foxtrot with truly pretty moments, but balance and stability were consistent challenges—she looked unsteady after quick turns and spins. Her hold and frame showed promise, and with work on stamina, balance, and continuous flow, she can refine this into a stronger ballroom performance.
Judges’ notes: Bruno praised the sophistication and elegance. Carrie Ann was visibly moved and urged Ciara to believe in herself. Derek encouraged broader movement and confidence.
Score: 15/30 (Carrie Ann 5, Derek 5, Bruno 5)
After Party Preview — Robert Irwin & Dylan Efron
Robert Irwin and Dylan Efron joined the broadcast to preview the After Party, which airs immediately after the premiere. Expect interviews with eliminated celebrities, judges, and special guests.
Giada & Alan – Tango
Giada’s tango surprised in a good way. What rehearsal clips hinted might be a struggle turned into a composed performance: a bit mechanical at times, but increasingly confident as the routine progressed. Her lines and hold showed potential, and with more fluency between steps, she can sharpen the dance’s dramatic quality.
Judges’ notes: Carrie Ann praised Giada’s bravery and defined lines. Derek felt parts still seemed fragile. Bruno encouraged smoother blends between steps.
Score: 16/30 (Carrie Ann 6, Derek 5, Bruno 5)
Troupe Number
A package introduced the troupe and their enthusiasm for the season. The troupe routine that followed demonstrated athleticism and a polished blend of contemporary and classic choreography—an energetic showcase of what the ensemble contributes to the series.
Julia & Ezra – Quickstep
Julia delivered a fun quickstep with excellent posture and frame. She and Ezra used the floor well, producing brisk, gliding lines. A small stumble in the final flourish and a need for a bit more buoyancy kept this from perfection, but overall it was a well-constructed and charming performance.
Judges’ notes: Derek called it beautiful and graceful, asking for more energy. Bruno applauded Julia’s character and acting. Carrie Ann encouraged more extension rather than leaning.
Score: 18/30 (Carrie Ann 6, Derek 6, Bruno 6)
Maura & Mark – Foxtrot
Maura delivered the night’s standout performance. Her foxtrot had refined lines, excellent hold, and mature performance quality—far beyond a typical week-one routine. The acting and storytelling were fully realized, and her commitment to the dance signaled real potential to go deep into the season.
Judges’ notes: Bruno called her sultry and enticing. Carrie Ann described the routine as mesmerizing. Derek praised the smooth delivery and warned that expectations will now be higher.
Score: 21/30 (Carrie Ann 7, Derek 7, Bruno 7)
Sarah Jane & Hailey – Jive
Sarah Jane’s jive showed solid kicks and attitude, but she appeared tentative at times and struggled with consistent timing. Hailey brings youthful energy as a pro partner, and with more confidence and tighter synchronization, this duo could gain momentum in future weeks.
Judges’ notes: Carrie Ann called it super hot but noted synchrony issues. Derek saw good moments but wanted the jive earlier in the routine. Bruno liked the attitude while asking for cleaner timing.
Score: 14/30 (Carrie Ann 5, Derek 4, Bruno 5)
Jenna & Val – Tango
Jenna’s tango was a powerful, controlled routine that reflected her dance background. It’s challenging to judge highly experienced dancers alongside true novices, but Jenna’s strength, sharp footwork, and dramatic presence made for a compelling performance. A touch more connection in partner hold would elevate the opening moments.
Judges’ notes: Derek praised the power and energy but suggested shoulder refinement. Bruno likened it to an intense cinematic performance. Carrie Ann called it a strong way to close the night and reminded Jenna to stay grounded in lifts and partner work.
Score: 19/30 (Carrie Ann 6, Derek 6, Bruno 7)
Derek Hough performs “The Rose”
Derek performed a heartfelt routine called “The Rose,” dedicated to his wife and family moments. The piece, choreographed by Derek and Tessandra Chavez, featured pros and troupe members and received warm praise for its emotional depth and choreography.
VOTING HAS CLOSED for tonight’s performances.
Judges’ Scores for Week 1, Night 2
Maura – 21
Jenna – 19
Julia – 18
Amber – 18
Giada – 16
Ciara – 15
Sarah Jane – 14
Tatyana – 12
Results
Safe couples: Maura & Mark; Jenna & Val; Amber & Pasha; Julia & Ezra; Ciara & Brandon; Tatyana & Jan; Giada & Alan.
Eliminated: Sarah Jane & Hailey.
It was a tough night for the new pros, with both Adele and Hailey eliminated across the premiere week. Sarah Jane’s exit wasn’t entirely unexpected given her lower public profile and the new pro’s developing fanbase.
Overall, the two premiere nights showed a balance of experienced performers and promising newcomers. Several celebrities with dance experience delivered strong starts, while others displayed clear room to grow. Next week’s theme is “Viral Sensations,” which should bring contemporary music and choreography—time will tell how themes influence the competitors’ ballroom growth.
Thanks for joining this live recap of the two-night season premiere. Season 35 is underway, and the competition will only tighten as the field narrows. Tune in next week to see how the remaining fourteen couples adapt and evolve. Good night!