Dancing With the Stars Season 34 Premiere : The wait is finally over! The glitter has settled, the scores are in, and the ballroom floor is still buzzing from the electric energy of the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere. This wasn’t just a return to form; it was a statement. With a refreshed vibe, a dazzling new cast of celebrities, and the familiar tension of the judges’ table, the show launched with more sparkle and surprise than ever before. If you missed a single cha-cha or paso doble, fear not—we’re breaking down every unforgettable moment, from the sublime to the shocking.
Let’s dive into the night that had everyone talking.
Dancing With the Stars Season 34 : A New Era of Glitz and Glamour
From the very first camera pan across the iconic ballroom, it was clear this season was something special. The set shimmered, the audience roared, and the palpable excitement signaled one thing: America’s favorite dance competition is back and better than ever. The premiere wasted no time, launching straight into a spectacular pro number that set a sky-high standard for the night. The energy was infectious, a perfect precursor to the whirlwind of performances to come.
Standout Performances That Set the Floor on Fire – Dancing With the Stars
While every celebrity took a brave first step onto the dance floor, a few partnerships instantly sizzled with potential and star power.
Jason Mraz & Daniella Karagach: The Smooth Frontrunner
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz brought his signature cool vibe to the ballroom with a Foxtrot that was anything but basic. Partnered with the phenomenal Daniella Karagach, Mraz glided across the floor with a surprising elegance and smoothness. His performance to his own hit was a meta-moment of pure joy, earning him a well-deserved spot at the top of the leaderboard and instant frontrunner status. It was sophisticated, charming, and technically solid.
Ariana Madix & Pasha Pashkov: The Vengeful Vixen
Fresh off a year of headlines, Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix entered the ballroom with a point to prove—and prove it she did. Her fierce Cha-Cha with Pasha Pashkov was packed with sharp movements, confident attitude, and a whole lot of sass. It was a performance fueled by personal triumph, and the audience ate it up. The judges praised her precision and fire, awarding her a high score that firmly places her as one to watch.
Xochitl Gomez & Val Chmerkovskiy: The Teen Marvel
Marvel star Xochitl Gomez, the youngest competitor this season, proved that age is just a number. Teaming up with the legendary Val Chmerkovskiy, her vibrant Cha-Cha was a burst of pure, unadulterated fun. She showcased incredible rhythm, a beaming smile that lit up the entire room, and a natural talent that far exceeds her years. This duo has chemistry for days and is poised to be a fan favorite.
The Judges’ Table : Praise, Panning, and One Big Oops! – Dancing With the Stars
The panel of judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and the ever-theatrical Bruno Tonioli—were in fine form, offering their signature blend of constructive criticism and effusive praise. However, the night’s most jaw-dropping moment came from the passionate Italian judge himself.
In a classic Bruno moment of exuberance, he accidentally flubbed the score for contestant Whitney Leavitt. After delivering his feedback, he enthusiastically shouted a “9!” only to be playfully but firmly corrected by host Alfonso Ribeiro. It was a hilarious, human moment that reminded viewers that even in the high-stakes environment of Dancing with the Stars, live television is always full of surprises. The good-natured laughter that followed was a welcome break from the tension.
The Unexpected Struggles – Dancing With the Stars
Of course, not every star found their footing on night one. Several celebrities faced the harsh reality of the ballroom’s learning curve. The pressure was evident, with some dances suffering from stiff movement, tentative steps, and a noticeable battle with nerves. These early struggles are what make Dancing with the Stars so compelling—it’s a true journey of growth. It will be fascinating to see who uses this feedback to improve and who will succumb to the intense pressure of the competition.
Why Dancing With the Stars Premiere Felt Different
This season’s premiere felt like a conscious return to the show’s core values: incredible dancing, genuine emotion, and sheer entertainment. The focus was squarely on the celebrities and their pro partners, telling stories through movement. The production, as always, was top-tier, but it served the dancing, not the other way around. It was a confident premiere that trusted its formula and its stars to deliver a fantastic show, which they did in spades.
For fans wanting to relive the magic or see what they missed, the official ABC press release offers a great overview of the night’s events.
Looking Ahead : The Journey to the Mirrorball
After one night of competition, the leaderboard is taking shape, but in Dancing with the Stars, everything can change in a single dance. The frontrunners must maintain their momentum, while those at the bottom will need to dig deep and show dramatic improvement to win over both the judges and the voting public at home.
The premiere set a incredibly high bar. It had everything: raw talent, emotional backstories, stunning choreography, and that unforgettable, unscripted Bruno moment. It was a perfect reminder of why this show has been a beloved staple of American television for over three decades.
The race for the Mirrorball Trophy is on, and if the premiere is any indication, this is going to be one of the most competitive and entertaining seasons yet.
FAQ: Your Dancing With the Stars Premiere Questions Answered
Q: Where can I watch Dancing with the Stars?
A: The show airs live on ABC and can be streamed live and on-demand the next day on Hulu + Live TV and the ABC app (with a participating TV provider).
Q: Who are the new judges this season?
A: The judging panel remains the same as last season: Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli.
Q: Who was eliminated in the premiere?
A: In a exciting twist for the season opener, no one was eliminated! All couples will return next week to dance again, giving everyone a chance to improve their scores and win your votes.
Q: How can I vote for my favorite couple?
A: Voting is crucial! You can vote online at ABC.com during the live broadcast on the East and West coasts. Specific voting rules and methods are always detailed at the end of each episode.
For a complete list of the cast, their scores, and pro partners, you can check out the comprehensive list on IMDb.
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.