Inside the 'Dancing With the Stars' Season 35 Premiere: Fan Frenzy and Cast Reunions
From overwhelming fan support for Taylor Hanson to unexpected cast gatherings, the first night of "Dancing With the Stars" Season 35 offered several behind-the-scenes moments.
The ballroom welcomed back "Dancing With the Stars" for its 35th season on Tuesday night, featuring 15 couples competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Season 34 champions Robert Irwin and Witney Carson crowned the previous season.
Inside the ballroom, several moments unfolded that were not fully captured by broadcast cameras. The premiere saw notable fan engagement, cast reunions, and personal moments for the contestants.
Fan Support for Taylor Hanson
Taylor Hanson, a member of the band Hanson, generated a significant reaction from his fanbase, dubbed "Fan-sons." Their enthusiastic cheers reportedly reached a decibel level unmatched by other contestants or judges. Online speculation suggested this fervent support may have contributed to voting systems experiencing crashes during the premiere. Judges noted Hanson's potential as a contender this season, with Carrie-Ann Inaba commenting his quickstep was "Len Goodman-approved."
"Grey's Anatomy" Cast Support for Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr., known for his roles in "Glee" and "Crazy Rich Asians," performed his first cha-cha with partner Jenna Johnson. He was supported in the audience by his "Grey's Anatomy" co-stars Adelaide Kane, Trevor Jackson, and Chris Carmack. They were seated near Shum Jr.'s wife, Shelby Rabara, and their daughter. This appearance follows a September 10th premiere party where James Pickens Jr. and Alexis Floyd also showed support for Shum Jr.
"The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" Stars Support
Demi Engemann, formerly of "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," was present to support Conner and Whitney Leavitt. Engemann, along with "SLOMW" stars Mayci Neeley and Mikayla Matthews, were seen in the ballroom. Their attendance was hinted at on social media after appearing in a TikTok with Whitney Leavitt. Both Mikayla Matthews and Mayci Neeley have recent or potential departures from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives."
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas Reunion
Prior to the performances, Whitney Leavitt and her Season 34 partner Mark Ballas shared a reunion. The duo, who placed sixth last season, later starred together in "Chicago the Musical" on Broadway. Following Conner Leavitt's elimination, the Leavitt family is expected to support Mark Ballas and his new partner, Maura Higgins, who are set to debut on the second night of the premiere.
Ezra Frech's Prosthetic Adjustment
Paralympian gold medalist Ezra Frech and his partner Daniella Karagach performed a tango, earning a score of 20 out of 30. Frech, an above-the-knee amputee, previously discussed the unpredictability of his prosthetic leg. Unseen by home viewers, Frech adjusted his prosthetic leg moments before his performance. Despite this challenge, Frech led the dance and positioned himself as an early frontrunner.
The second night of the "Dancing With the Stars" Season 35 premiere aired Wednesday, September 16, on ABC and Hulu.