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The Express Gazette
Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Olympians Ezra Frech and Amber Glenn Emerge as Early Frontrunners on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Paralympic and Olympic gold medalists impress judges and viewers alike in the show's second week.

Culture & Entertainment 3 hours ago
Olympians Ezra Frech and Amber Glenn Emerge as Early Frontrunners on 'Dancing With the Stars'

Two weeks into Season 35 of "Dancing With the Stars," Olympic athletes Ezra Frech and Amber Glenn are already establishing themselves as strong contenders for the Mirrorball Trophy. Both competitors, who have earned Olympic gold medals for Team USA, achieved top scores in Week 2, sharing the highest spot on the leaderboard.

Frech, a 21-year-old Paralympic gold medalist in track and field, and his professional partner Daniella Karagach delivered a cha-cha to Flo Rida's "Low" during "Viral Hits Night." Glenn, a three-time U.S. National Champion figure skater and a 2026 Winter Olympics gold medalist, performed a tango to "All the Things She Said" with her partner Pasha Pashkov.

Both pairs earned a score of 21 out of 30, tying for the highest score of the night with Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy of "The Rookie." This marks the second consecutive week that Frech and Glenn have received high marks, showcasing the advantage that athletes' rigorous training, discipline, and competitive spirit can bring to the competition.

Viewers have taken to social media platforms to express their admiration for the athletic prowess displayed by Frech and Glenn. Comments on YouTube videos of their performances highlight their synchronicity, stage presence, and impressive routines. Fans have specifically noted Frech's dynamic movements and Glenn's tenacity, with many calling their dances among the season's best so far.

The strong performances have fueled speculation among fans about a potential showdown between the two dance duos, especially given that Karagach and Pashkov are married in real life. The possibility of a final featuring Daniella Karagach vying for her second win against her husband Pasha Pashkov is a storyline many viewers are eager to see unfold.

"Dancing With the Stars" Season 35 airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET and streams the following day on Disney+ and Hulu. The first three episodes are currently available on these platforms.


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