FAIRFAX DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES — “Dancing with the Stars” returned for its milestone 35th season with an expanded field of 16 celebrity-pro pairings ready to compete for the Mirrorball Trophy.
The season premiere was divided across two nights, with the male celebrity contestants performing first and the women set to take the ballroom the following evening. One couple will be eliminated at the end of each episode.
For Week 1, the contestants leaned into nostalgia, dancing to Billboard No. 1 hits from the years they were born.
‘DWTS’ Season 35 premiere night 1 recap and scores
Savannah Bananas standout Jackson Olson and professional partner Emma Slater kicked off the night with a cha-cha set to the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.” Derek Hough warned viewers that judging would be particularly demanding this season. Bruno Tonioli said the crowd “went bananas” for the baseball entertainer, while Carrie Ann Inaba called Olson a potential fan favorite who needs to sharpen his movement.
Score: 5, 5, 5 — 15 out of 30
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