LOS ANGELES — Dancing With the Stars Season 35 kicked off with a two-night premiere and an early surprise. On Tuesday night, male celebrities took the ballroom first, and by the end of the episode, Conner Leavitt and pro partner Adele Zaikman were eliminated.
Leavitt, known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and husband of former contestant Whitney Leavitt, scored a 12 out of 30 for his salsa to "Whoomp! (There It Is)." The exit came after reported voting glitches forced the show to rely primarily on text votes.
Standout Performances and Scores
Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech impressed with a 20 for his tango to Kelly Clarkson’s "Since U Been Gone," partnered with Daniella Karagach. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson led the night with a 21 for their cha-cha.
Other scores included Tyler Cameron (17), Connor Wood (16), Taylor Hanson (16), Jackson Olson (15), and Guillermo Rodriguez (10).
Host Alfonso Ribeiro and co-host Julianne Hough guided the show as judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli delivered feedback.
Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman exit after the male celebrities premiere night, marking the first elimination of Season 35 amid voting complications.
The female celebrities compete Wednesday night, with another elimination expected. The season continues Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+.
Shivam Das covers entertainment for Shivam Das News.
