Dancing with the Stars Season 35 LIVE: Voting update shared after glitch as second elimination lurks

Judges critiques on Tatyana and Jan

Carrie Ann began by reminding the dup and crowd that the judges have to issue scores to leave room for growth.

“I hope you make it back for next week,” Carrie Ann said after noting the duo’s tough start.

“I love watching you,” Derek said but added the jive was “a little flat-footed. I think there’s an elegance about you that is absolutely beautiful.”

Bruno said there’s room for Tatyana to “get better.”

Tatyana and Jan received a 12 out of 30 from the judges. The crowd was … quiet when that was announced.

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 01:15

Tatyana and Jan dance first!

The duo are performing a jive to “Knock on Wood” by Amii Stewart.

They look … stiff. And nervous. And clunky.

The first dance of the night is always tough and I do not envy the poor couple designated to that spot.

Jan Ravnik and Tatyana Ali will compete together on season 35 of ‘DWTS’ (Disney)

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 01:11

Last night’s website issue has been resolved

Co-host Alfonso Ribeiro confirmed that voting is available online tonight after last night’s tech snafu!

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 01:07

Viewing figures for night 1 released

Julianne Hough announced that last night was the highest rated premiere in NINE years. Considering how disappointing this cast announcement was compared to last year’s, that’s really impressive.

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 01:05

The ladies are in the ballroom!

Another premiere night, another glitzy opening number! I love it! The aerial shots of the partnered off pros dancing together, showing off the synchronicity – it’s just so good.

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 01:03

5 minutes ’til showtime!

Who will you be voting for tonight? Will there be voting issues? Will one of the couples receive a lower score than Guillermo and Witney’s 10 from last night? We’re about to find out!

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 00:55

Meet the couples: Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten

The Emmy-winning celebrity chef known for her Food Network show Everyday Italian will be partnered with Bersten to compete for the Mirrorball trophy.

De Laurentiis, 56, has more than 2.5 million Instagram followers alone after her hit cooking show ran for 12 seasons.

Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten will compete on the dance floor during this season of 'DWTS'
Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten will compete on the dance floor during this season of ‘DWTS’ (Disney)

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 00:52

15 minutes!

Just 15 minutes until we’re reunited with these smiling faces …

Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli award scores during the first night of the ‘DWTS’ Season 35 premiere
Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli award scores during the first night of the ‘DWTS’ Season 35 premiere (Disney)

Who will receive the first boos from the audience tonight? Last night it was Carrie Ann …

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 00:45

Hailey Bills joins DWTS as a pro dancer

Bills was promoted to pro for this season after appearing as a troupe member throughout last season.

She will be partnered with Nader, 23, who came out as bisexual during the first season of her family’s reality show Love Thy Nader. The two are the only same-sex celebrity-pro duo this year.

Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills make up the third-ever same-sex celebrity-pro partnership on 'DWTS'
Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills make up the third-ever same-sex celebrity-pro partnership on ‘DWTS’ (Disney)

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 00:38

30 minute warning!

You have 30 minutes to get comfy before night two kicks off!

Caitlin Hornik17 September 2026 00:30