Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars didn't ease into things. Instead of the usual polite first week where everyone gets a safety net, production threw a curveball with a high-stakes double elimination split across the two-night premiere. If you missed the chaos, the first week already claimed its casualties, leaving fans arguing online about whether the right pairs went home.
Let's break down who packed their bags, why it happened, and what this ruthless format means for the rest of the season.
The Shocking Second Elimination on Night Two
When the women took over the ballroom on night two, the pressure was instantly palpable. Viewers watched an eclectic mix of reality stars, athletes, and actresses tackle their debut routines. But as the credits rolled while the broadcast ran over time, the hammer dropped.
Sarah Jane Nader and pro partner Hailey Bills got the boot.
If that last name sounds familiar, you're not imagining things. Sarah Jane is the sister of Brooks Nader, who previously competed on the show. Unfortunately, being connected to franchise alumni didn't buy her immunity from the judges' scorecards or public voting reality. Paired with brand-new pro Hailey Bills in a same-sex partnership, the routine faced steep uphill battles from the start.
The choreography looked messy in the side-by-side sections. Hailey's fresh status as a pro showed in the routine's rough patches, and the judges didn't hold back. Securing only 14 points out of 30 left them near the bottom of the leaderboard. When combined with viewer votes, it was game over before the dust even settled on premiere week.
Who Went Home on Night One
The carnage started a night earlier when the male contestants hit the floor. Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Conner Leavitt and newcomer pro Adele Zaikman—who won the first season of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro—found themselves on the losing end of the math.
Their salsa to "Whoomp! There It Is" scored a dismal 12 out of 30. Judges pointed out a lack of basic timing and rhythm, leaving them anchored to the bottom.
Adding to the opening night drama, technical glitches threw online voting completely out of whack. ABC had to throw out all digital votes cast early in the evening, relying solely on text-in numbers. That kind of chaos alters the playing field entirely. Fans who tried saving their favorites via web platforms found their votes didn't count, changing the survival math for vulnerable couples like Conner and Adele.
Why This Split Premiere Format Changed Everything
Splitting the cast by gender across two nights sounds fun on paper, but it fundamentally breaks traditional voting strategies. Half the cast dances on Tuesday and learns their fate immediately. The other half dances on Wednesday and faces the chop on the spot.
You don't get a full week to build a fan base or improve your frame. You perform once, and if you stumble, you're done.
Mark Ballas mentioned on a podcast ahead of the premiere that this structure removed any sense of an even playing field. He was right. Veterans and contestants with natural rhythm survived, while rookies paired with inexperienced pros absorbed the brunt of the shock eliminations.
What This Means for the Rest of Season 35
If you're competing this year, the message from week one is simple: mediocrity kills. You can't rely on a cute personality or a famous sibling to coast through the first month anymore.
The bar is higher. The pros are feeling the heat. And production has made it clear they want drama right out of the gate. Keep an eye on how the remaining couples adjust their rehearsal schedules because surviving this season requires immediate polish.
Check the dance card early next Tuesday and vote right away. Don't assume your favorite is safe.
