Double elimination kicks off Dancing With the Stars season 35

Double elimination kicks off Dancing With the Stars season 35

Page Six reported that actress Sarah Jane Nader and professional dancer Hailey Bills were eliminated on the second night of the season-35 premiere, the first female exit of the opening week on September 17, 2026. The previous night, Deadline said the male celebrities performed and a technical glitch forced ABC to discard online votes, leaving only text-message voting; consequently, reality star Conner Leavitt and his partner Adele Zaikman were the first to leave.

Yahoo noted the online-voting failure limited voting to text messages, and The Independent confirmed that the glitch nullified online votes before judges’ scores were applied. ABC News had earlier previewed the two-night launch on September 15, 2026, featuring separate male and female line-ups and a first-time double elimination.

Actors

ABC Dancing with the Stars Amber Glenn Jackson Olson Ezra Frech Maura Higgins Tyler Cameron Jenna Dewan Harry Shum Julia Stiles Carrie Ann Inaba Bruno Tonioli

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Articles

September 17, 2026
4 total
Two contestants eliminated after first two nights of Dancing With the Stars season 35
Two contestants eliminated after first two nights of Dancing With the Stars season 35

Yahoo • 17 Sep 08:56

Influencer Sarah Jane Nader and reality star Conner Leavitt were the first two celebrities voted off the revived competition, while technical issues disrupted online voting during the premiere.

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Sarah Jane Nader eliminated in surprise exit during DWTS Season 35 premiere
Sarah Jane Nader eliminated in surprise exit during DWTS Season 35 premiere

Page Six • 17 Sep 02:10

Actress Sarah Jane Nader and professional dancer Hailey Bills were the first female celebrity pair to be eliminated on the second night of Dancing With the Stars' Season 35 premiere.

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Two contestants eliminated in opening week of Dancing with the Stars season 35
Two contestants eliminated in opening week of Dancing with the Stars season 35

Good Morning America • 17 Sep 02:05

The first week of season 35 saw the departure of male dancer Conner Leavitt and female dancer Sarah Jane Nader after a double elimination, while the remaining celebrity-pro pairs continue competing.

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One contestant eliminated as women debut on Dancing with the Stars Season 35
One contestant eliminated as women debut on Dancing with the Stars Season 35

Deadline • 17 Sep 02:02

During the second night of the Season 35 premiere, the female celebrities performed their first dances and Sarah Jane Nader was the first to be eliminated.

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September 16, 2026
3 total
Technical glitch forces ABC to discard online votes but first elimination proceeds on Dancing with the Stars premiere
Technical glitch forces ABC to discard online votes but first elimination proceeds on Dancing with the Stars premiere

The Independent • 16 Sep 20:00

Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars continued after a voting glitch that nullified online votes, with Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman eliminated following low judges' scores and insufficient text votes.

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Conner Leavitt eliminated as DWTS voting glitch forces reliance on text votes
Conner Leavitt eliminated as DWTS voting glitch forces reliance on text votes

Yahoo • 16 Sep 10:50

Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars saw its first elimination after an online voting failure limited voting to text messages, sending reality star Conner Leavitt home.

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Season 35 of 'Dancing with the Stars' kicks off with male performances and first elimination
Season 35 of 'Dancing with the Stars' kicks off with male performances and first elimination

Deadline • 16 Sep 01:59

The season opened with 16 male celebrities dancing on Tuesday, but technical voting issues arose and contestant Conner Leavitt and partner Adele Zaikman were the first to be eliminated.

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September 15, 2026
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New contestants preview upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars
New contestants preview upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 15 Sep 15:38

Several celebrities and athletes joining season 35 of Dancing with the Stars shared their excitement and preparation details ahead of the two-night premiere.

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Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars launches with two-night premiere and double elimination
Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars launches with two-night premiere and double elimination

Good Morning America • 15 Sep 09:01

The new season begins with live performances over two nights, featuring separate male and female celebrity line-ups, a first-time double elimination and the debut of three professional dancers.

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Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars launches with two-night premiere and double elimination
Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars launches with two-night premiere and double elimination

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 15 Sep 03:27

The new season begins with live performances over two nights, featuring separate male and female celebrity line-ups, a first-time double elimination and the debut of three professional dancers.

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September 10, 2026
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Sports editor previews upcoming season of 'Dancing with the Stars'
Sports editor previews upcoming season of 'Dancing with the Stars'

The Boston Globe • 10 Sep 15:25

The editor highlights the mix of athletes, reality personalities and trained dancers in Season 35, noting how judging criteria and contestant backgrounds shape the competition.

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