See the “Dancing with the Stars” Season 35 Premiere Songs and Dances

The highly anticipated 35th season of *Dancing with the Stars* is set to launch with a nostalgic flair, reviving classic tunes that many will remember fondly. The premiere is structured across two special nights: male celebrities will take to the dance floor on the first evening, followed by their female counterparts the next. Both groups will showcase their first performances to chart-topping hits from the year of their birth.

The two-night event will commence on September 15, 2026, on ABC, promising an exciting lineup of contestants eager to impress both the audience and judges. Among the notable participants this season are actress Julia Stiles, musician Taylor Hanson, and reality television star Ciara Miller. Each couple is all set to kick off their journey with a unique dance routine that will surely elicit a sense of nostalgia.

Each contestant will perform to a popular No. 1 song, offering a personal connection between the performers and their chosen tracks. Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa will take the stage for a lively quickstep, dancing to Dolly Parton’s iconic hit, “9 to 5”. Stiles has previously been coy about joining the show, having turned down opportunities in the past, yet this time she embraced the challenge, declaring, “you only live once.”

Talent abounds in this season, including Connor Leavitt from *The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives*, who will perform a salsa to Tag Team’s energetic “Whoomp! There It Is”. His partner, Adele Zaikman, is also making her debut as a professional dancer after her previous success on a spin-off series. Leavitt has expressed a mix of nerves and excitement about being back in the spotlight after gaining notoriety for his vocal opinions on the judges.

In another pairing, Paralympic champion Ezra Frech and professional dancer Daniella Karagach are set to tango to the powerful anthem “Since U Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson. Frech has acknowledged a sense of competition, identifying fellow contestant Guillermo Rodriguez as a formidable rival, which hints at a fierce contest in the air.

Podcaster Connor Wood will also make his debut, performing a cha cha alongside Rylee Arnold to Tim McGraw’s “I Like It, I Love It”. Wood has been receiving guidance from former contestants, ensuring he brings an element of fun to the competition. “I’m going to leave it all on the floor,” he remarked, emphasising his commitment to the performance.

Singer Taylor Hanson, known for his earlier work with the band Hanson, will also grace the ballroom. Paired with Britt Stewart, he’ll quickstep to Billy Joel’s “Tell Her About It”. While he’s embracing this season, he has hinted at the possibility of dancing to his own nostalgic hit “MMMBop”, depending on how the competition unfolds.

Baseball player Jackson Olson and Emma Slater will dance to the Spice Girls’ classic “Wannabe” in what Olson describes as one of the toughest challenges he’s faced, comparing *Dancing with the Stars* to his time with the Savannah Bananas. The athlete is looking forward to showcasing his skills and adapting to a completely different style of performance.

The reigning champion, Witney Carson, will pair with comedian Guillermo Rodriguez for a cha cha to “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight. Rodriguez has jokingly suggested that his boss, Jimmy Kimmel, may not be joining him on the dance floor due to his lack of coordination.

With all these exciting pairings competing for the coveted trophy, the show is set to build an atmosphere of thrilling competition, as couples vie for the judges’ approval while encapsulating the spirit of their respective eras through music and dance. The excitement is palpable, with each contestant determined to carve out their unique place in this long-standing tradition of televised dance.

As *Dancing with the Stars* returns to screens, fans can expect a mix of light-hearted entertainment, dramatic twists, and heartfelt performances that celebrate the joy of dance across the ages.