Bruno Tonioli Warns 'DWTS' Season 35 Dancers Face Brutal Critiques And Sudden Cuts

Bruno Tonioli is laying down the law before the mirrorball trophy hunt even begins. The veteran *Dancing With the Stars* judge caught up with reporters on the red carpet at the Emmy Awards at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater, promising that the upcoming Season 35 contestant lineup will face harsher critiques than ever. According to the long-time panelist, the celebrity dancers need to bring their absolute best from the very first step onto the ballroom floor. Tonioli made it clear that the judging panel will not be handing out easy scores this time around. He warned that the bar has been raised significantly for the newest batch of famous faces. With standards soaring, the judge emphasized that no one on the cast should expect any special treatment or leniency from the judges' table during their routines.

Is Dancing With the Stars Season 35 having a double elimination?

The stakes are elevated right from the start due to a major shakeup in the competition structure. Season 35 features 16 celebrity couples, prompting producers to split the grand opening into a two-night premiere event. With so many stars competing, the schedule requires a fast-moving chop, meaning both a male and female contestant are slated to be eliminated after just one week of dancing. Tonioli explained that dividing the massive roster across two evenings heightens the dramatic tension for everyone involved. He noted that having early eliminations forces the cast and their professional partners to push past their comfort zones immediately. Rather than easing into the competition with a safe first routine, the stars are under intense pressure to deliver maximum effort and technique right out of the gate.

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When does Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premiere on ABC?

The high-pressure environment is exactly what Tonioli wants to see in the ballroom. He shared his excitement for the heightened sense of danger surrounding the opening night performances, pointing out that having a contestant's spot on the line so quickly makes for far more compelling television. With the two-night premiere launching on ABC, the brand-new cast of 16 couples will have to sink or swim under the watchful eyes of Tonioli and the rest of the judging panel. As the ballroom opens for business, the celebrities have officially been warned: mistake-filled routines will cost them dearly before the season even gets into full swing.