Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" makes its debut tonight, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET, featuring a record-breaking cast of 16 celebrities. The premiere will kick off the new season, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Tuesdays at the same time.

This season introduces a diverse lineup of contestants, including Olympic and Paralympic athletes, reality television personalities, and actors known for their dance backgrounds. Among the notable competitors are Olympic figure skating gold medalist Amber Glenn and Paralympic track and field gold medalist Ezra Frech, marking the first time athletes from both disciplines have competed in the same season.

Reality television will be well-represented with cast members from shows such as "Summer House" (Ciara Miller), "The Traitors" (Maura Higgins), and "SLOMW" (Conner Leavitt). Model Sarah Jane Nader will also compete, continuing the show's tradition of featuring same-sex pairings.

Actors Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, and Harry Shum Jr., all recognized for their dance proficiency, are also part of the season's ensemble. Professional dancer Witney Carson returns as a reigning pro champion, paired with "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez. Season 34 runner-up Val Chmerkovskiy and third-place finisher Ezra Sosa are also back.

The professional dancer roster expands with the debut of "Next Pro" winner Adele Zaikman and the promotion of Hailey Bills from the troupe.

Viewers can watch the premiere live on ABC. For those without cable, the show can be streamed for free via DIRECTV, which offers a five-day free trial.

The season's first week features a "number one hits from the year they were born" theme. The premiere night on September 15 will showcase the male contestants, while the second night on September 16 will feature the female contestants.

Competitors and their professional partners for the season include:

  • Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik
  • Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess
  • Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten
  • Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy
  • Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach
  • Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov
  • Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart
  • Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas
  • Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman
  • Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong
  • Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills
  • Jackson Olson and Emma Slater
  • Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
  • Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson
  • Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa
  • Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold

Songs and styles for the premiere include:

Night 1 (Men) – Sept. 15:

  • Conner L. and Adele: Salsa to “Whoomp! (There It Is)” by Tag Team
  • Connor W. and Rylee: Cha-cha-cha to “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw
  • Ezra and Daniella: Tango to “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson
  • Guillermo and Witney: Cha-cha-cha to “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight
  • Harry and Jenna: Cha-cha-cha to “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire
  • Jackson and Emma: Cha-cha-cha to “Wannabe” by Spice Girls
  • Taylor and Britt: Quickstep to “Tell Her About It” by Billy Joel
  • Tyler and Sharna: Tango to “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz

Night 2 (Women) – Sept. 16:

  • Amber and Pasha: Cha-cha-cha to “Smooth” by Santana feat. Rob Thomas
  • Ciara and Brandon: Foxtrot to “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” by Whitney Houston
  • Giada and Alan: Tango to “Venus” by Shocking Blue
  • Jenna and Val: Tango to “Call Me” by Blondie
  • Julia and Ezra: Quickstep to “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
  • Maura and Mark: Foxtrot to “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles
  • Sarah Jane and Hailey: Jive to “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne
  • Tatyana and Jan: Jive to “Knock on Wood” by Amii Stewart