Glitter, High Scores, And Shock Cuts: 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 35 Premiere Takes Off

The ballroom floor is officially open again, and the drama is already reaching a boiling point. *Dancing With The Stars* kicked off Season 35 with a stacked lineup and a dramatic two-night premiere event that left fans buzzing. Filmed live at CBS Television City, the iconic dance competition welcomed 16 new celebrities all chasing the ultimate prize: the coveted Mirrorball trophy. Right from the opening routines, the tone for the season was set. While first-night jitters usually lead to rusty footwork and low paddle scores, this year's cast brought serious heat straight out of the gate. The male celebrity contestants in particular took control of the dance floor, earning top marks from the judges and snatching the lead early in the broadcast. ## Who led the leaderboard on Dancing With The Stars season 35 According to reports from the season opener, the guys' unexpected takeover dominated the night. Delivering strong choreography and surprising control, the male stars set an impressive bar for the rest of the lineup. The panel of judges did not hold back their praise, handing out surprisingly high initial scores that put immediate pressure on the rest of the roster. However, the celebratory mood did not last long for everyone. The series shook up its classic format by raising the stakes right away. Rather than giving all 16 couples a free pass through the opening week, the two-night kickoff structure meant that low scores and fan votes carried immediate consequences. ## Who got eliminated on Dancing With The Stars season 35 premiere An early departure hung over the ballroom as the show prepared to chop its first contestant before the launch event even wrapped up. The quick exit served as a brutal wake-up call for the remaining cast members, proving that star power alone will not guarantee a spot in week two. With night one officially in the books, the competition is already shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent memory. The remaining stars now have to refine their routines, impress the judging panel, and secure the public vote if they hope to survive the next round of cuts.