The ballroom returned Tuesday for the second night of the Dancing with the Stars Season 35 premiere, this time spotlighting the female celebrities. The episode, split into a male‑celebrity night and a female‑celebrity night, concluded with an elimination, as announced by hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough.
Performance Recap and Judges’ Feedback
Actress Tatyana Ali and pro Jan Ravnik opened with a jive to Amii Stewart’s “Knock on Wood.” Judge Carrie Ann Inaba noted a rough start but sensed a fierce fire, while Derek Hough encouraged her to grow in week two. Bruno Tonioli praised her talent and urged hard work. The pair earned a total of 12 out of 30.
Olympic ice skater Amber Glenn and pro Pasha Pashkov performed a cha‑cha to Santana’s “Smooth.” Derek complimented her body awareness but wanted more grounding. Bruno called her a warrior queen, and Carrie Ann reminded her to focus on the partnership. They scored 18 out of 30.
“Summer House” star Ciara Miller and pro Brandon Armstrong delivered a foxtrot to Whitney Houston’s “Exhale (Shoop Shoop).” Bruno highlighted her sophisticated elegance but stressed the need for control and flow. Carrie Ann called her a stunning dancer when she showed emotion, and Derek suggested rehearsals to quiet her inner critic. Score: 15 out of 30.
Television chef Giada De Laurentiis and pro Alan Bersten danced a tango to Shocking Blue’s “Venus.” Carrie Ann praised Giada for showing her daughter that taking risks is okay, while Derek wanted more power and conviction. Bruno advised blending steps into a clear intention. Score: 16 out of 30.
Actress Julia Stiles and pro Ezra Sosa performed a quickstep to Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” Derek called the routine beautiful and graceful, urging more energy. Bruno saw potential, and Carrie Ann noted her radiance but asked her to refine technique. Score: 18 out of 30.
Reality‑TV star Maura Higgins and pro Mark Ballas presented a foxtrot to Alannah Myles’s “Black Velvet.” Bruno described the dance as “smooth as silk,” and Carrie Ann called it mesmerizing. Derek added that it was sultry and elegant. The couple earned the highest score of the night, 21 out of 30.
Model and “Love Thy Nader” star Sarah Jane Nader and pro Hailey Bills attempted a jive to Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi.” Carrie Ann called the performance “super‑hot,” while many viewers in the queer community felt represented. Derek saw potential but noted timing issues, and Bruno praised her attitude but pointed out synchronicity problems. They received 14 out of 30.
“The Rookie” star Jenna Dewan and pro Val Chmerkovskiy danced a tango to Blondie’s “Call Me.” Derek praised her boldness but asked for finer details. Bruno liked her character work but suggested shoulder work, and Carrie Ann warned against relying on a lift. Score: 19 out of 30.
Elimination and Voting Update
Following voting glitches on Tuesday, the hosts confirmed that online voting was restored for night two. They also announced that Tuesday’s episode was the highest‑rated in nine years.
Combining judges’ scores with viewer votes, the safe couples this week were Maura & Mark, Jenna & Val, Amber & Pasha, Julia & Ezra, Ciara & Brandon, Tatyana & Jan, and Giada & Alan. The second couple eliminated from Week 1 was Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills.
Looking Ahead
Next week’s theme is “Viral Hits Night.” Tied at the top of the leaderboard are actor Harry Shum Jr. with pro Jenna Johnson and Maura Higgins with Mark Ballas. At the bottom are Tatyana Ali & Jan Ravnik, followed by Guillermo Rodriguez and pro Whitney Carson.
Viewers can tune in Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.