Page Six reporters arrived at the Los Angeles ballroom around 3:30 p.m. PT and were ushered into the audience for the live taping that began at 5 p.m. PT, joining fans, friends and family of the competing celebrities.
Early‑bird sightings included Glee alumnus Harry Shum Jr. and his partner Jenna Johnson, who warmed up for a Viennese Waltz to the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris,” as well as host Guillermo Rodriguez and professional dancer Witney Carson greeting fans before the show’s start.
The night’s performances featured a series of “viral‑hit” songs, beginning with Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy’s high‑energy Jive to “Animal” by KATSEYE, followed by a tango by reality‑star Ciara Miller and partner Brandon Miller set to “No Broke Boys.”
Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson delivered a fiery Paso Doble to Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been,” while former Traitors co‑stars Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas performed a Cha‑Cha to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September.”
After the judges’ scores were combined with viewer votes, co‑hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced the bottom three couples: Tyler Cameron/Sharna Burgess, Giada De Laurentiis/Alan Bersten and Guillermo Rodriguez/Witney Carson. Giada and Alan were the first to leave the competition.
The eliminated couple received a wave of support from fellow contestants as the credits rolled, and the remaining pairs were told to prepare for Week 3’s “Yacht Rock”‑themed episode, slated for next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
Season 35 will also feature upcoming specials, including a tribute to Mariah Carey, a Grammys‑themed night, and a Horror Movie Night, as the show continues its run through the summer.