Conner Leavitt First to Be Eliminated on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 35 Premiere

Dancing with the Stars kicked off its 35th season with a two-night premiere event, culminating in the first elimination of the season. Conner Leavitt, known for his role in 'Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,' became the first contestant to be sent home.

Leavitt and his dance partner Adele Zaikman performed a salsa to Tag Team's 1993 hit "Whoomp! There It Is." Despite Leavitt's enthusiasm, the judges found the performance lacking in technique. Carrie Ann Inaba described it as "a bit chaotic" but appreciated his energy, while Derek Hough noted that while it was "goofy, playful, and a whole lot of fun," the "hips weren't really going" during the salsa. Bruno Tonioli called the dance "very colorful."

The couple received a score of 12 out of 30, placing them in the bottom three alongside Guillermo Rodriguez and Taylor Hanson. Ultimately, Leavitt was eliminated.

"Dancing with the show has been the most fun," Leavitt said after his elimination, also praising his partner.

The first night of the competition featured only the male celebrity contestants showcasing their routines. Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson and his partner Emma Slater opened the show with a cha-cha to the Spice Girls' "Wannabe," earning a score of 15 out of 30. Hough called Olson a "natural-born performer" with "rizz," though he noted the judges' high expectations for the season.

Bachelorette alum Tyler Cameron and his returning partner Sharna Burgess performed a tango to Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way," receiving a score of 17. Tonioli highlighted Cameron's "natural musicality" and "potential."

Guillermo Rodriguez from 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' and his partner Witney Carson danced the cha-cha to Jean Knight's "Mr. Big Stuff." Carson, who is pregnant, described herself as a "strict teacher." The performance earned a score of 10, with Hough calling it "spicy" but lacking technique, while Inaba found it "super entertaining."

Paralympic gold medalist Ezra Frech and his partner Daniella Karagach performed a tango to Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone." Frech, who was born without most of his left leg, expressed his desire to win the mirrorball trophy as an amputee. The judges were impressed, with Inaba calling the performance "unbelievable" and "in awe." Frech and Karagach scored 20.

Comedian and podcaster Connor Wood, paired with Rylee Arnold, danced the cha-cha to Tim McGraw's "I Like It, I Love It," receiving a score of 16. Inaba joked that the performance did not give her "the ick," while Hough found it "pure joy."

Taylor Hanson, a member of the band Hanson, performed a quickstep to Billy Joel's "Tell Her About It" with his partner Britt Stewart, earning a score of 16. Tonioli praised the dance as a "proper, real quickstep with so much content."

Grey's Anatomy star Harry Shum Jr. and his partner Jenna Johnson closed the night with a performance to Earth, Wind & Fire's "Let's Groove," scoring 21. Tonioli was particularly impressed with their chemistry, calling it "off the charts," and Inaba described the routine as "electric."

The second night of the premiere, airing Wednesday, will feature performances from actresses Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, and reality stars Maura Higgins and Ciara Miller, among others. The show airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams on Disney+, with episodes available a day later on Hulu.