"Dancing with the Stars" returned to television screens Sept. 16 for its 34th season of competition. This year’s star-studded cast came out swinging, and the competition is already heating up as the new couples vie for the mirror ball trophy.
Week one of competition opened with a dance number from the pros to the song “Kill the Lights.” The all-new troupealso made their ballroom debut and performed to “Just Keep Watching.” Both numbers set the stage for a powerhouse premiere night, which broke records with viewership rising by 18% from season 33.
Also returning for season 34 are hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro, as well as judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, who was sick during premiere night.
With only two judges present for week one, couples received lower scores than usual, but there was no elimination this week. Instead, week two of the competition brought a double elimination.
Two couples tied the leaderboard on premiere night with scores of 15/20. Conservationist Robert Irwin danced a high-speed, action-packed jive to “Born to be Wild” with pro partner Witney Carson.
Judge Derek Hough, who won season 21 of “DWTS” with Robert Irwin’s sister Bindi Irwin, told the pair this was “the best first dance I’ve ever seen on the show!” Marked as a fan favorite and front-runner early on, bubbly Irwin tied at the top of the leaderboard with “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Whitney Leavitt.
Leavitt danced an impressive week one tango with fan-favorite partner Mark Ballas, who is returningto the ballroom this year. Although Leavitt’s score was originally supposed to be lower, Tanioli accidentally put in the wrong score, making a very happy accident for the “villain” of #MomTok.
Leavitt is not the only #MomTok member to join this season. Jen Affleck and partner Jan Ravnik, a first-time DWTS pro and former Taylor Swift backup dancer, earned a 12/20 for their salsa. Though the dance included too many lifts and not enough technical elements, cast members and judges made sure to praise Affleck for getting on the dance floor, as it has only been eight weeks since she gave birth to her third child.
However, fans were quick to point out an interaction between Julianne Hough and Affleck in the skybox. What seemed like a moment of good intention was heavily criticized by fans as Hough stated Affleck was “clearly” just pregnant, which many fans thought was insulting.
Other notable first-week dances included “Parent Trap” star Elaine Hendrix’s cha-cha with partner Alan Bersten. The number included a few nods to the famous movie as Hendrix lit up the stage with her bright smile and energy. Formerly a dancer, Hendrix shared that after an injury, she had to leave dance behind; now her goal on the show is to reclaim her first love. The pair received a 12/20.
Week two of competition, one-hit wonders night brought higher scores, improved dances and a double elimination.
Finding themselves at the top of the leaderboard alongside Leavitt, Affleck and Irwin, were gymnast Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa, who found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard during week one for a too-tense salsa. In week two, the couple earned a 22/30 and made major improvements in skill and score.
Dylan Efron and partner Daniella Karagach danced a Sambaand shook up the dance floor with “expert-level” hips, according to Inaba. Though his arms need a lot of work before next week, Zac Efron’s younger brother and “Traitors” star has a lot of potential moving forward. The pair earned a 20/30.
Pentatonix star Scott Hoying and partner Rylee Arnold earned an 18/30 for their Cha Cha. Actor Andy Richter and partner Emma Slater stole fans' hearts both weeks but found themselves at the bottom with a 16/30.
Influencer Alix Earle found herself tied for second place in week two. Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy are undoubtedly going to go far, based on fan votes from Earle’s massive social media following. However, the star scored well during week one and earned a 21/30 in week two, with Tanioli calling her danc a breakthrough.
Alongside Earle was ex- “Fifth Harmony” star Lauren Jauregui, with partner Brandon Armstrong. So far, these two are a bit of an underdog pairing, as not many people were rooting for them before showtime. However, Jauregui scored well during the first two weeks, proving she is not only a competitor but a performer.
Controversial star Hilaria Baldwin is paired with equally controversial pro Gleb Savchenko this season. Many fans are upset over Baldwin’s past, including her time spent in ballroom dance, with many claiming it’s an unfair advantage. Despite controversy, the pair also found themselves tied for second place.
“Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel did well in week one but shared during her package video about a hamstring tear she sustained from practice in week two. While the recommended treatment for a hamstring tear is rest, Fishel instead took to the dance floor, and even cartwheeled and did the splits with partner Pasha Pashkov. The show must go on and Fishel’s determination showed through, which earned the couple a 19/30.
While many stars made huge improvements from week one to week two, the double elimination did see two couples saying goodbye to the ballroom.
Actor Corey Feldman and reigning mirror ball champion Jenna Johnson were eliminated, alongside basketballstar Baron Davis and partner Britt Stewart.
Britt Stewart has yet to win the mirror ball trophy, and many fans were hoping this would be her shot. Her partner, Davis, was joined by his high school basketball coach in practice to prepare for their number, a touching moment during rehearsal, all for his coach to watch him get sent home. He also said in his final interview that he wished he could’ve won for Stewart, taking the time to praise her.
Next week, the couples will participate in TikTok night with special guest Charli D'Amelio. As the competition continues to get tougher, it will be interesting to see which stars can hang in the race and who will ultimately hit the road.
