RHAP: We Know Dancing With The Stars

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 2 Recap

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Dancing with the Stars returns for the second night of its 35th season, and Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph break down every glittery step as the women make their ballroom debut. With five hours of content in the opening week and a jam-packed cast, the co-hosts dive into routines, judge banter, and the latest elimination, all while balancing the chaos of a two-night premiere. Among the laughter and technical critiques, they spotlight standout performances and evaluate what’s working—and what’s holding some celebs back.

This jam-packed episode examines the women’s performances, from Tatyana Ali’s early fumble and hopeful redemption to Maura Higgins' show-stealing cha-cha with Mark Ballas. Sasha Joseph and Matt compare the energy and nerves between nights, highlighting the troupe’s moment in the spotlight and Derek Hough’s fiery duet with wife Hayley. The discussion also touches on the season’s same-sex pairing with Sarah Jane and Haley, tracing fan support, voting quirks, and representation. Emotional storylines come front and center, especially for Summer House’s Ciara Miller, while wardrobe choices, judge commentary, and the afterparty coverage round out the night's drama and fun.

Dissecting Tatyana Ali’s jittery opener and the struggle to regain momentum after a major slip

Analyzing Maura Higgins’ performance as a surprising early highlight and the chemistry with Mark Ballas

Exploring Ciara Miller’s emotionally charged routine and what it tells us about her state of mind

Comparing judge critiques across the board, including Carrie Ann’s “lift police” moment with Jenna Dewan and Val

Questioning the impact of same-sex pairings and how fan bases shape who makes it through the first eliminations

Reviewing Derek and Hayley’s dynamic ballroom performance and the production’s shift with more elaborate troupe features

Amidst wardrobe debates, fierce competition, and emotional reveals, who is primed to break out in the coming weeks and who’s hanging by a thread in the leaderboard shuffle? Find out how the cast stacks up and the moves that spark the most debate by catching the full episode for your latest dose of Dancing with the Stars insight and analysis.

00:00 Premiere Night 2: Women's Turn06:42 Afterparty Co-Hosts: Dylan and Robert09:16 Derek and Hayley's Powerful Performance13:16 Tatyana Ali's Slip and Recovery18:14 Ciara Miller's Emotional Dedication26:51 Ciara Holds Back, Judges React33:10 Giada De Laurentiis' Struggles Revealed37:34 Julia Stiles' Dolly Tribute Dance43:26 Maura Higgins Stuns Judges51:26 Sarah Jane and Hayley Eliminated56:51 Jenna Dewan Scores With Val01:01:25 Combined Leaderboard, Top Scores01:04:19 Preview: All Couples Next Week

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 1 Recap

Also available on YouTube.

Dancing with the Stars returns for its 35th season, and Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph are back in the ballroom to break down the drama, missteps, and memorable performances from night one. With a two-night premiere, male celebrities compete while fan voting crashes and an early elimination sets the tone for a packed season. The hosts dig into the impact of new pros, burst pipes in the voting system, and the range of personalities on stage, setting the scene for what’s to come as the women get ready to take the floor.

From surprising eliminations to judging quirks, Matt and Sasha explore each routine, giving special attention to standout performances, unexpected slip-ups, and how dancers juggle life on and off the show. They dive into production choices, like song selections celebrating the year of birth, and highlight the chatter among fans and guests throughout the live coverage. The hosts share candid reactions on the fairness of first-night eliminations, the fate of new pros like Adele, and the ongoing quest for the next big DWTS star. Plus, the duo discuss after-show developments and speculate about long-term favorites in the competition.

Highlights from the discussion include:

The voting site collapse and its ripple effect on eliminations and fan engagement.

First-night elimination, including the impact on Adele and thoughts on fairness for new pros.

Dissection of each male contestant’s strengths, Ezra’s inspiring debut, Jackson’s entertainer energy, and Harry’s pro-level skills.

Judges’ grading strategies, from Carrie Ann’s “Lift Police” to Derek’s surprising name mix-ups.

The behind-the-scenes look at the social media presence and family dynamics that boost (or hinder) stars with devoted fan bases.

As DWTS sets the stage for a stacked cast and fast-paced season, the pressure is on for both pros and contestants. Who adapts best to the format’s curveballs, and can the newest faces shake up the predicted leaderboard? Which performances left room for growth, and who already stands out as a favorite?

Catch the full episode for sharp takes on routines, early season predictions, and all the offstage drama you won’t see on the dance floor.

00:00 Season 35 Begins, First Elimination06:28 Voting Crash and Technical Chaos13:08 Conner Leavitt Eliminated Night One18:32 Judges’ Critique Style and Score Reset23:00 Jackson Olson’s Performance Dissected29:17 Sharna’s Return, Tyler’s Surprising Start33:16 Adele’s Early Exit as New Pro40:46 Guillermo’s Comedy Amid Low Scores44:17 Ezra and Daniella’s Standout Dance51:05 Connor Wood’s Upbeat Debut with Rylee Arnold56:14 Taylor Hanson’s Quickstep Impresses59:33 Harry Shum Jr. Dominates the Night01:05:16 Female Celebrities Set for Night Two01:09:32 Afterparty Plans and Next Steps

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Cast Preview

Also available on YouTube.

Dancing with the Stars returns for its milestone Season 35, and the panel is ready to break down this star-packed cast. Matt Liguori, Sasha Joseph, and Brandon Donlon, as they preview all 16 pairs, dive into the revamped premiere format, and draft the celebrities most and least likely to take home the Mirrorball Trophy. With a mix of nostalgia, dance experience debates, and social media strategy, this episode sets the stage for a memorable new season.

The discussion kicks off with the Season 35 cast reveal, addressing the unusual two-night premiere and speculation over separate nights for male and female celebrities. The hosts analyze leaked format details, guest casting surprises, and the impact of popular reality TV personalities on fan voting. Casting choices for pros come under scrutiny, with attention to Britt Stewart's partner and the much-discussed absence of Gleb. The must-lose draft format provides a fresh angle, as each host selects the pairings they believe will fall short of winning, sparking spirited debate over social followings, dance history, and reality TV crossover appeal.

Highlights include:

Lively reactions to food network star Giada De Laurentiis’ inclusion and injury storyline

The strategic impact of same-sex pairings, notably Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills, and what it means for new pros

Analysis on Conner Leavitt’s Broadway background versus fandom strength for the Levitt siblings

Britt Stewart’s continued search for a finale-worthy partner, this year with Taylor Hanson

Debates on dancers versus celebs, as Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Dewan take slots with high dance credentials

As the panel weighs nostalgia, social trends, and on-the-dancefloor abilities, the path to the finale is anything but set. Will fan bases or technical prowess decide the next Mirrorball champion? How will the new format and casting shake up classic show dynamics?

Jump in for a season preview that mixes roster deep-dives, reality TV cross-pollination, and sharp takes on everything from TikTok strategy to surprising early injuries. Listen now for DWTS Season 35 insights you won’t find anywhere else.

00:00 DWTS 35 Season Launch06:06 Hosts Debate Casting Strength12:18 "Must Lose" Draft Explained15:00 Giada De Laurentiis Chosen First20:12 Same-Sex Pairing Picked Early28:07 Conner Leavitt Draft Doubts34:13 Tatyana Ali Picked for Elimination41:00 Taylor Hanson and Britt Drafted48:16 Guillermo and Whitney Discussed52:36 Connor Wood’s TikTok Stans Noted56:48 Amber Glenn: Dark Horse Debate1:02:18 Tyler Cameron’s Relevance Questioned1:06:34 Ciara Miller’s Vote Concerns1:11:27 Maura Higgins’ High Variance Team1:15:21 Dancers Harry and Jenna Risked1:21:18 Finale Contenders: Jenna vs. Harry1:28:50 Julia Stiles Versus Jackson Olson1:35:01 Jackson Olson Moves to Audience1:41:56 Weekly Coverage Plans Outlined

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Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Finale Recap

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Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro wraps its first season as Matt and Sasha Joseph break down the dramatic finale and what it means for season 35. Adele claims victory and a spot in the pro lineup, but questions remain—did the judges know all along, and what happens when backstage drama spills onto the dance floor? Join the hosts as they dig into the performances, cast dynamics, and the biggest stories heading into a new season.

From rehearsals filled with travel chaos to emotional reactions on finale night, Matt and Sasha Joseph give a thorough rundown of the final three: Adele, AJ, and Selena. They discuss how the show's pacing, editing, and choice of returning celebrity partners (including Charli D’Amelio, Nev Schulman, and Adam Rippon) shaped the outcome. The conversation turns to how social media drama—especially involving AJ’s fiancée—might affect pros' futures, and why some feel Adele’s introverted style brings something new to the DWTS cast. Looking back, the hosts debate changes they’d want to see if the pro search returns and preview the upcoming cast for season 35.

Highlights from the discussion include:

Adele’s consistent performance and why her win felt nearly inevitable after Alan’s exit

The impact of pairing finalists with high-profile celebrity dancers and how partner chemistry played into the judges’ decisions

AJ’s intense drive, public disappointment, and how ongoing drama may affect his future with the franchise

The role of editing and show format in shaping audience perception and whether the outcome might have been predetermined

Calls for tweaks in future seasons: more behind-the-scenes content, less predictability, and maximizing new pro integration

With DWTS season 35 on the horizon, which new and familiar faces will rise, and can Adele’s standout skill as a new pro translate into lasting success? Listen for a complete finale breakdown, cast speculation, and the latest on DWTS’s ever-evolving dance floor drama.

Chapters:0:00 Season Finale: Adele Crowned Winner6:35 AJ’s Disappointment After Loss12:05 Judges, Pros, and Audience Unite16:15 Selena’s Freestyle Impresses Judges24:02 AJ Teams With Charli D’Amelio31:14 AJ’s Controversy Sparks Pro Backlash38:43 Adele and Nev’s Showdown Begins43:29 Adele’s Winning Freestyle Performance46:53 Show Critique and Future Hopes54:06 Anticipating Season 35 Reveal

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Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro Ep 7 Recap

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RHAP dives into Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, Season 35, as hosts Matt and Sasha Joseph break down the penultimate episode. Sporting hoodies and ski goggles in the spirit of the show's signature preseason anonymity, they dig into the week’s dramatic elimination, shifting alliances, and speculation about which pros will make it onto next season's main roster. Guest judge Kim Johnson brings extra insight and nostalgia, while surprise appearances from Dancing with the Stars veterans stir up new energy in the ballroom.

The discussion centers on the multi-round structure, where contestants first pair with returning DWTS pros like Whitney Carson, Gleb Savchenko, Jan, and Riley Arnold, followed by a fiercely competitive round of paired routines. Each duo’s dynamic is unpacked—from Alan’s challenge to bring out Whitney’s sparkle without receiving feedback, to Salina’s chemistry with Jan and bold choreography choices. The importance of “wow moments” is debated, with judges demanding stand-out performances, while the hosts question if this focus truly fits the skills being tested.

Highlights from this episode include:

Alan and Whitney’s jive performance struggles with chemistry and the tension of a hands-off rehearsal process

Salina impresses alongside Jan, blending commercial dance with salsa and earning high praise for creativity and energy

Adele and Gleb’s partnership stands out for technical prowess and seamless connection, drawing comparisons to top series pros

AJ’s intensity with Riley in rehearsals sparks talk on whether drive outweighs approachability in a potential new pro

Rumor mill churns about next season’s casting, possible judge panel changes, and the return of fan favorite Sharna Burgess

With the DWTS: Next Pro finale and Season 35 just ahead, will technical mastery or show-stopping flair carry the day? How will shifting dynamics and rumored cast shakeups shape the upcoming season? Dive into the episode for a detailed strategy discussion, candid opinions, and all the latest ballroom buzz.

Catch the full podcast for insider analysis, bold predictions, and the latest on your DWTS favorites.

Chapters:0:00 Masked Entrances and Preseason Rituals6:31 Pros Return, Challenge Format Revealed9:00 Alan and Whitney’s Choreography Struggles12:26 Judges Critique Alan’s Partnership14:47 Wow Moments Debate Intensifies16:41 Selena and Yan’s Viral Salsa18:42 Adele and Gleb’s Ballroom Chemistry21:24 Riley and AJ Clash Over Intensity26:10 Selena Outshines Alan in Quickstep34:41 Adele and AJ Deliver Top Foxtrot37:36 Alan’s Emotional Elimination Announced41:28 Finale Predictions and Partnerships44:45 Season 35 Casting Rumors Detailed50:11 Same-Sex Pairing Returns54:22 Holiday Special and Finale Preview

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