The excitement is mounting as “Dancing with the Stars” enters its second week of season 35, aptly themed “Viral Hits Night”. The show showcases 14 remaining couples, each keen to impress both the judges and the audience on their quest to claim the famed Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. This week’s performances will feature routines set to some of the most popular viral hits from beloved artists such as Rihanna and Billie Eilish.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Dancing-with-the-Stars-Viral-Hits-Night-092126-tout-e870267d64484523b443aeb3816c582f.jpg)
Following the dramatic two-night premiere that resulted in the elimination of two couples, the stakes are high this week. Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were the first couple to exit on September 15, followed closely by Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills, who were sent home the following night. As the competition intensifies, the remaining pairs are eager to secure their places in the contest.
Among the prominent duos, Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn is set to dance a tango with her partner, Pasha Pashkov. The routine draws inspiration from a theme of rivalry, featuring “All the Things She Said” by Harrison. Glenn expressed her enthusiasm on Instagram, noting the personal significance of the performance to her as a Queer professional athlete.
Musician Taylor Hanson, accompanied by Britt Stewart, will perform a cha cha to “Cake By the Ocean” by DNCE. In an adorable gesture, Hanson celebrated his partner’s birthday just before their second week, emphasising the camaraderie built between contestants and their professional partners.
Also in the spotlight is Grey’s Anatomy star Harry Shum Jr., who, alongside Jenna Johnson, will perform a Viennese waltz to the Goo Goo Dolls’ “Iris”. The couple has been sharing moments from their rehearsals that demonstrate their fun-loving dynamic, with one particular post offering fans playful pose ideas.
Guillermo Rodriguez, known for his role on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”, will showcase his skills with Witney Carson as they tackle a paso doble to Rihanna’s “Where Have You Been”. Carson energetically welcomed viewers back to the dance floor, showcasing her optimism for the duo’s performance.
Savannah Bananas player Jackson Olson is preparing a foxtrot with partner Emma Slater, set to “That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams. With a strong focus on technique, particularly posture and frame, Slater shared her confidence in Olson’s growth and efforts in mastering the challenging dance style.
Tatyana Ali, a familiar face from “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, will partner with Jan Ravnik for a foxtrot to Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?”. Ali expressed the song’s resonance with her journey in the entertainment industry, stating that it represents her struggles with self-esteem and her efforts to rebuild confidence.
Paralympian Ezra Frech will continue to impress as he partners with Daniella Karagach to perform a cha cha to “Low” by Flo Rida. Frech recognised the challenges that come with this energetic dance after having initially wowed audiences with his tango. He candidly noted the difficulties in mastering the cha cha and shared his aspirations of improvement leading into the performance.
Another notable couple is Tyler Cameron, known for his time on “The Bachelor”, who will partner with Sharna Burgess for a salsa to “Girls” by The Kid LAROI. Burgess cheekily pointed out that viewers can expect a dramatic moment during the routine, focusing on Cameron’s much-discussed physique.
Comedian Connor Wood, alongside Rylee Arnold, will perform a tango set to “12 to 12” by Sombr. Wood is embracing a new persona for this performance, with Arnold describing the process of bringing out a fiercer side of him in preparation for the dance.
Love Island’s Maura Higgins will next dance with Mark Ballas, performing a cha cha to the classic “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire. After achieving an impressive score in the first week, Higgins is determined to continue her momentum, with Ballas offering encouraging words and support.
Ciara Miller from “Summer House” is also aiming to shine alongside Brandon Armstrong, performing a tango to “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines & Tinashe. Armstrong is keen to redeem himself after a misstep in the previous week, sharing his humorous take on the experience via social media.
Julia Stiles and her partner Ezra Sosa will showcase their tango to “The Door” by Teddy Swims, bringing a nostalgic flair to their performance as they revisit a beloved scene from Stiles’ film “Save the Last Dance”.
Finally, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis joins Alan Bersten for a salsa performance to “Bella Ciao” by Becky G. De Laurentiis emphasised her journey towards self-awareness and confidence, highlighting the importance of determination as she approaches her second performance.
As “Dancing with the Stars” progresses, fans can expect an exhilarating night filled with passion, creativity, and the viral hits that bring the contestants to life on the dance floor.