The ballroom is back: 3 things to watch in the 2-night 'Dancing with the Stars' premiere - ABC News

Primary Journalistic Dispatch & Direct Reporting

The premiere of season 35 of " Dancing With the Stars " is here, and a brand new star-studded cast will take the stage in a special two-night premiere featuring live performances.

From cha-chas to salsas to quicksteps, the celebrity contestants and their pro partners plan to bring their best moves in their first week vying for the Mirrorball Trophy.

"Dancing with the Stars" season 35 premieres on Tuesday, Sept. 15 and Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming on Disney+.

In-Depth Developments & Factual Context

Some members of the cast of "Dancing With the Stars" season 35, applaud during an appearance on "Good Morning America," on Sept. 2, 2026. ABC News Here are three things to watch for in the two-night season premiere.

Each couple will compete in only one of the premiere's two episodes - either Tuesday or Wednesday.

The male celebrity contestants will take the stage on night one, followed by the female celebrity contestants, who will make their debut on night two.

Industry Impact & Strategic Analysis

Every pair in this season's premiere will dance to a No. 1 song from the celebrity's birth year.

Night one's performances will include Ezra French, Paralympian gold medalist, dancing a tango to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" with partner Daniella Karagach, and Jackson Olson, "Savannah Bananas" star, performing a cha-cha with partner Emma Slater to "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls.

Among the performances on night two are Ciara Miller, reality star, dancing a foxtrot with partner Brandon Armstrong to "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" by Whitney Houston, and Julia Stiles, film and TV star, performing a quickstep to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" with partner Ezra Sosa.

Forward Outlook & Market Perspective

The full list of pairs and their premiere dance styles and songs can be found here .

For the first time in years, the season 35 premiere will be double elimination, raising this season's stakes from the get-go.

Following Tuesday's performances, one male celebrity contestant will be eliminated, and on Wednesday, one female celebrity contestant will head home.

Adele Zaikman will compete for the Mirrorball Trophy for the first time with partner Connor Leavitt, husband of Whitney Leavitt, "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" star.

Zaikman emerged as the winner of the inaugural season of "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" in the season finale on Monday, Aug. 31.

Adele Zaikman is part of the season 35 cast of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars." Andrew Eccles/Disney Zaikman took home the Mirrorball after her final performance with season 29 celebrity runner-up Nev Schulman. Each professional was paired with a past celebrity contestant for their final performances.

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