Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Premiere: A Glitchy Start to the Season

First Night, First Problem

When I first heard about the Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premiere, I expected a night of dazzling performances and heartfelt stories. What I got was a tech disaster straight out of a sitcom. After the second dance, hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro revealed that online voting had collapsed under the pressure of an unexpectedly high turnout. It's not every day that a beloved TV show becomes a victim of its own popularity, but apparently, this season's viewers were more enthusiastic than ever.

"There's too many voters," I thought to myself, as I watched the hosts frantically try to explain how they'd managed to make voting impossible for everyone except those brave enough to text their votes. The sheer volume of online traffic was overwhelming the system, so they quickly pivoted to a text-only model—leaving millions of fans in the dark.

But wait—it gets better. The producers weren't done with their surprises. Just when viewers thought they had it figured out, they learned that any votes submitted via online channels would be voided. That's right—no one's votes counted for the first night. The only way to make your voice heard was to text your selections using either "Conner L" or "Conner W," depending on which of the two contestants you were rooting for. The naming conflict alone would have been a plot twist in any drama series, but it wasn't even close to being the worst of it.

What This Says About the Show

The real issue here isn't just about technology—it's about how we consume entertainment today. As streaming and social media continue to dominate our lives, shows like Dancing With the Stars are trying to keep up with an audience that wants to be involved in every single moment. But when that involvement becomes too much, you end up with a glitchy, clunky experience that takes away from what should be pure joy.

It's no secret that Dancing With the Stars has been around for over two decades now, and while it continues to evolve, the format remains largely the same. So why are we surprised when things go haywire? The answer lies in how much the show has changed with the times. In the past, voting was a simple process—either you were there or you weren't. But now, every viewer can be part of the action. And that's exactly what made this premiere so frustrating: it wasn't about poor planning; it was about an overloaded system trying to meet an unprecedented demand.

Performance Highlights

Despite the chaos on the technical front, there were still some outstanding performances worth noting. Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson delivered a strong Cha-Cha to "Let's Groove" by Earth, Wind & Fire—scoring 21 out of 30 points. Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach impressed with their Tango to "Since U Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson, earning a score of 20. Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess gave it their all in a Tango to "Are You Gonna Go My Way" by Lenny Kravitz—scoring 17.

On the other hand, Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold danced to "I Like It, I Love It" by Tim McGraw and scored 16. Jackson Olson and Emma Slater took on a Cha-Cha to "Wannabe" by Spice Girls, coming in at 15. Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman performed a Salsa to "Whoomp! There It Is" by Tag Team, scoring just 12 out of 30 points.

There's something both poetic and tragic about the fact that one of the most memorable dances from the evening came from a couple who didn't make it through the first night. Conner Leavitt, a fan favorite, was eliminated after his dance with Adele Zaikman. His story will be remembered not for the steps he took on the floor, but for the way he tried to make them count in the face of overwhelming odds.

What's Next for the Season?

As we look ahead, it's clear that the producers need to rethink their approach to online voting. While they may not be able to prevent viewers from wanting to participate, they certainly can ensure that those voices are heard. This is not just about fixing a website—it's about maintaining trust with an audience that has been with the show through thick and thin.

Season 35 promises to be filled with drama, surprises, and yes—more dancing. The fact that viewers are so invested in the outcome is a testament to the show's enduring appeal. But it also highlights a growing trend: how technology can both enhance and hinder our viewing experience. As we move forward into what will undoubtedly be a wild season, let's hope the producers remember one thing: no matter how high the votes come in, nobody wants to be left out of the dance.

Final Thoughts

This opening night was far from perfect—but it's also not a reflection of the quality of the show itself. It's more like a rough start to what could be a truly memorable season. The dancers, the performances, and the stories are all there. What's missing is a little more foresight when it comes to handling the massive volume of engagement that Dancing With the Stars has managed to generate.

In fact, I have a feeling that this glitchy beginning will only serve to make fans even more invested in the show. We're not just watching a competition anymore—we're participating in it, and if anything, we've proven that we're ready for whatever comes next. The real question now is: what happens when the votes start flowing again?