The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere kicked off on September 16, 2025, with a night full of dazzling routines, emotional stories, and unexpected blunders. From energetic debuts to chaotic judging table mishaps, the ballroom offered everything fans love — triumphs, tension, and unforgettable “oops” moments.
The Standout Performances
- Jordan Chiles’ powerhouse opening. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles and pro Ezra Sosa brought the house down with a high-energy routine to Beyoncé’s Break My Soul. Her flips and athletic tricks impressed the judges and had fans comparing her stage presence to Beyoncé herself.
- Robert Irwin’s jaw-dropping jive. Dancing alongside Witney Carson, Irwin embraced the wild side with a lively jive to Born to Be Wild. He ripped his shirt mid-dance to reveal a sparkling top, earning roars from the crowd and a tie for the night’s highest score.
- Elaine Hendrix’s nostalgic charm. Known for her iconic role in The Parent Trap, Hendrix played to her strengths by slipping in a playful nod to the film. Her Cha-Cha was light, fun, and packed with personality, reminding audiences why they love her.
- Andy Richter’s surprising confidence. Partnered with Emma Slater, Richter knew technique wasn’t his strong suit but leaned into showmanship. His Cha-Cha to Hold On, I’m Coming had everyone smiling, proving personality can sometimes outshine precision.
When Things Went Wrong
- The scorecard mess. Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas initially appeared to get a 14/20 score when Bruno Tonioli mistakenly flashed a 7. It was later corrected to 15/20, but the live error caused confusion and fueled chatter about fairness.
- Corey Feldman’s rough start. Feldman’s tango to Billy Joel’s It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me fell flat. Derek Hough gave him a 4, drawing loud boos from the audience, though Bruno added a slightly kinder 5. Feldman’s openness about living with scoliosis earned respect but didn’t boost his score.
The Oops Moments That Had Everyone Talking
- Carrie Ann Inaba absent. Hours before showtime, Inaba revealed she was too ill to judge. The night went forward with only Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli, which left some awkward gaps.
- Chaos at the table. With just two judges, the night turned messy. Bruno waved his score cards at the wrong time, Derek was spotted texting and joking about “casting his vote,” and at one point Bruno nearly toppled from his chair. Julianne Hough summed it up best: “chaos.”
- Fans cry foul. After the Leavitt scoring correction, some fans accused the show of “rigging” results. Others defended the judges, saying mistakes happen in live TV. Either way, the debate set social media on fire.
Key Scores From the Night
| Celebrity Contestant | Pro Partner | Dance Style | Score | Reaction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Irwin | Witney Carson | Jive | 15/20 | Energetic, praised as “best debut” |
| Whitney Leavitt | Mark Ballas | Tango | 15/20 (corrected) | Mixed, sparked favoritism debate |
| Corey Feldman | Jenna Johnson | Tango | 9/20 | Booed low scores, sympathy for health struggles |
| Jordan Chiles | Ezra Sosa | Contemporary | 14/20 | Strong opener, powerful stage presence |
Judges and Cast Notes
- The judging panel this season is Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. Only Derek and Bruno judged the premiere due to Inaba’s illness.
- Season 34 features 14 new celebrity contestants, including athletes, actors, and reality stars. Early fan favorites already seem to be Jordan Chiles and Robert Irwin.
- Longtime pro Sasha Farber confirmed his absence this season but posted support for his fellow dancers on Instagram.
Looking Ahead
If the premiere proved anything, it’s that Season 34 will be unpredictable. Strong personalities, technical stumbles, and fiery fan debates are already shaping the competition. Performances packed with energy and storytelling — like Robert Irwin’s and Andy Richter’s — could prove just as valuable as polished technique.
The scoring drama also highlights how crucial transparency will be this season. Viewers are paying close attention, and every mistake becomes a trending topic. Still, despite the hiccups, the premiere delivered a mix of heartfelt emotion, entertainment, and comedy — exactly what makes the show endure after 34 seasons.
The Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere reminded us that in the ballroom, anything can happen. Which moment stood out to you most? Share your thoughts and keep watching as the season unfolds.
