‘Dancing With the Stars’ Shocker: Fan-Favorite Celebrity Sent Home in Surprise Elimination—See Who’s Still in the Race

Ballroom lights are up, confetti cannons are loaded, and the race for the mirrorball trophy is officially on. Dancing with the Stars Season 35 launches its two-night premiere tonight and tomorrow (Sept. 15-16, 8 p.m. ET) live on ABC with simultaneous streaming on Disney+ for subscribers who prefer to cha-cha from the couch. Biggest celebrity lineup in years Producers promised “our most eclectic cast yet,” and they delivered. Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis trades pasta for paso doble; Glee alum Harry Shum Jr. looks to turn his musical-theater muscle into Latin lines; 1990s heartthrob Julia Stiles brings her Save the Last Dance pedigree; and Olympic figure-skating champion Amber Glenn attempts to glide off the ice and onto the hardwood. They’re joined by Love Island star Maura Higgins, pop icon Taylor Hanson, The Rookie’s Jenna Dewan, Savannah Bananas infielder Jackson Olson, late-night sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, Summer House’s Ciara Miller, The Bachelorette favorite Tyler Cameron, Fresh Prince breakout Tatyana Ali, social-media comedian Connor Wood, Paralympic double-gold medalist Ezra Frech, Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Conner Leavitt, and Freeform model-influencer Sarah Jane Nader. Familiar judges, refreshed hosting team The scoring paddles remain in the steady hands of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, while Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough return to share hosting duties. Expect Ribeiro’s quick wit and Hough’s ballroom expertise to keep the live broadcasts buzzing between numbers. Why this season matters for DWTS fans and cord-cutters alike 1. First fall without scripted competition on Monday nights, giving DWTS a clear ratings lane. 2. Two-night live premiere capitalizes on social chatter, meaning Tuesday eliminations could trend worldwide before Wednesday’s encore. 3. Disney+ simulcast lets cord-cutters vote in real time, ending last season’s complaint that streamers couldn’t influence outcomes. Key dates to mark • Sept 15: Night 1—first dances and judges’ scores. • Sept 16: Night 2—real-time viewer votes determine the inaugural elimination. • Nov 24: Semifinals. • Dec 1: Grand finale and crowning of the Season 35 champion (subject to ABC schedule shifts). How to watch and vote Viewers can stream both premiere nights live on Disney+ (no next-day delay), or tune in via their local ABC affiliate. Voting opens as soon as the first couple finishes dancing and remains live until the final commercial break; head to ABC.com/Vote or text the couple’s name to the short code announced onscreen. Search momentum already soaring Early Google queries for “DWTS cast 2026” and “how to watch Dancing with the Stars tonight” have spiked since the cast reveal on Good Morning America, signaling pent-up demand for fresh reality competition after a summer of reruns. With a stacked roster, multiplatform access and instant viewer interaction, Season 35 is poised to waltz straight to the top of tonight’s trending charts. Tune in, vote often, and let the sparkle season begin.