**”Dancing with the Stars” Set to Shine in Week 3 with ‘Yacht Rock Night’**
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“Dancing with the Stars” is poised to deliver an exciting episode as it enters its third week of Season 35. The upcoming show, themed “Yacht Rock Night,” will premiere on 29 September and promises a nostalgic journey through smooth grooves and classic soft-rock hits associated with the yacht rock genre. With 13 celebrity contestants vying for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, competition is heating up.

In the previous week, the performers dazzled with routines inspired by viral hits, while the series kickoff featured number one songs from the year each participant was born. Sadly, the competition has seen the exit of notable contestants Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten, alongside Conner Leavitt, Adele Zaikman, Sarah Jane Nader, and Hailey Bills, after two weeks of intense dancing.

The forthcoming episode will feature an eclectic array of performances rooted in the iconic sounds of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Contestants will take to the floor with routines that encapsulate the essence of yacht rock, a genre marked by its mellow vibes and smooth harmonies. Among those performing are several familiar faces from television and film.
One of the standout couples will see Tyler Cameron from “The Bachelorette” team up with Sharna Burgess. The pair is confirmed to perform a lively jive to “Still the One” by Orleans. Following feedback from last week’s performance, the duo aims to better incorporate salsa elements into their dance. “This week’s jive will be jivin’,” they proclaimed in a shared social media post.
Meanwhile, Ciara Miller from “Summer House” will be paired with Brandon Armstrong for a cha cha to the upbeat tune “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross. Miller has teased fans with the promise of a special guest appearance during their routine, making this a highly anticipated performance.
Another duo to watch is actor Harry Shum Jr. and his partner Jenna Johnson. They will be dancing a jive to “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Daryl Hall & John Oates. The couple has expressed their excitement for Yacht Rock Night, with Johnson noting that Shum Jr. is more than ready to impress the audience.
Paralympian Ezra Frech will showcase his talents in a foxtrot alongside Daniella Karagach, dancing to “Just the Two of Us” by Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers. Frech shared his enthusiasm, referring to their performance with the phrase, “It’s just the two of us,” perhaps hinting at their partnership’s chemistry.
Likewise, actress Jenna Dewan is set to perform a samba to Toto’s classic “Africa” with partner Val Chmerkovskiy. The pair has been vocal on social media, encouraging viewers to tune in for their dynamic routine and offering a glimpse behind the scenes of their creative process.
For much of the evening, the music and dances will continue to honour yacht rock classics. Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas plan a quickstep to “Turn Your Love Around” by George Benson, while Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik will take on “Maneater” by Daryl Hall & John Oates.
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa will present a salsa to “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” also by Daryl Hall & John Oates. Stiles confessed to having only a vague understanding of the yacht rock genre, but the pair remains optimistic about their performance.
The line-up continues with Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson performing a foxtrot to “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes. Despite expressing concerns about the slower tempo, Rodriguez acknowledged the song’s popularity, indicating it will likely resonate with audiences.
Completing the roster, figure skater Amber Glenn will perform a foxtrot to “Hold the Line” by Toto, while musician Taylor Hanson and partner Britt Stewart will take on “What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers.
In an entertaining twist, comedian Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold will jazz things up with a foxtrot to Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere.” Arnold shared a video of their rehearsal, showcasing their enthusiasm for dancing to the legendary band’s hit.
Lastly, baseball player Jackson Olson will perform a paso doble with Emma Slater to “Easy Lover” by Philip Bailey and Phil Collins, hinting at a climactic performance that’s sure to captivate viewers.
As “Dancing with the Stars” dives into its Yacht Rock Night, audiences can expect an evening filled with nostalgia, creativity, and competitive spirit as these celebrity couples dance towards the grand prize. With each week presenting unique themes and challenges, the excitement surrounding the competition continues to grow. Tune in on 29 September to witness the next chapter of this thrilling dance-off.
