Following the two-part Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premiere, the early frontrunners are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. Scores are only part of the equation: judges’ feedback, week-to-week improvement, fan support and each celebrity’s upside all factor into our first power rankings of the season. Here are our Dancing With the Stars power rankings following the first two episodes, from the couples best positioned to contend for the Mirrorball Trophy to those who need a major breakthrough in the weeks ahead.
Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Power Rankings
#14: Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson
Week 1 Score: 10
Look, Guillermo is not going to come close to winning the Mirrorball. He could, however, make a deep-ish run due to fan voting, and the guy is having a blast out there! What’s not to love?
#13: Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik
Week 1 Score: 12
Nerves got the best of Tatyana in her DWTS debut, so she’ll need to show serious improvement next week to put her back on the map in this competition.
#12: Jackson Olson and Emma Slater
Week 1 Score: 15
Olson just doesn’t seem to have enough to win this competition. He’s a good athlete with decent rhythm, but neither of those factors nor his fan presence will be enough to take him far this season.
#11: Taylor Hanson and Britt Stewart
Week 1 Score: 16
Now, we’re getting into the zone of celebrities that could make a run up these rankings on any given week. Don’t be mistaken by Hanson checking in outside of the top 10, he has the chops to compete within this field.
#10: Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong
Week 1 Score: 15
Ciara will have a massive fan following that should take her far in this competition, and she showcased by far the most emotion on the floor in Week 1.
#9: Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess
Week 1 Score: 17
Cameron actually received the seventh-highest score from judges this week, but I’m not sure I agree with that. He earned points because of his surprising fluidity at such a large frame, but I think he lacks the X-factor to take him far in this competition.
#8: Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold
Week 1 Score: 16
This comedian can really dance! Everyone (myself included) was shocked by the natural instinct Connor had on the dance floor. With another strong performance next week, he could be on the move up in these DWTS power rankings.
#7: Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten
Week 1 Score: 16
Stamina and durability may end up being an issue for Giada down the line, but she rocked the floor in her first performance. If she can keep it up, she has the capability to make a deep run.
#6: Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa
Week 1 Score: 18
The 10 Things I Hate About You star was always going to be a fan favorite in Season 35, but her screen presence absolutely translated to stage presence throughout her first performance. Julia has legit skills to go far.
#5: Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach
Week 1 Score: 20
Undoubtedly one of the top fan favorites this year, Ezra’s athleticism and natural grace have put him on the map as a true contender early on.
#4: Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov
Week 1 Score: 18
Technique needs to be improved, but Glenn is the most elite athlete in this year’s field and it shows. She can simply do things on the dance floor that no one else can, putting her in a strong position to contend for the Mirrorball.
#3: Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy
Week 1 Score: 19
Now, we’re getting into the best of the best. Jenna didn’t score as high as many were expecting from a former professional dancer in Week 1, but she clearly has the chops. She’ll come back stronger in Week 2 and push the rest of the elite group.
#2: Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas
Week 1 Score: 21
The ultimate surprise of the Dancing With the Stars Season 35 premiere was none other than Maura Higgins. Higgins will likely be the biggest fan favorite in this field, putting her in an already-strong position, but she stunned the audience and judges with her immaculate performance. Maura is in prime position to contend for the Mirrorball.
#1: Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson
Week 1 Score: 21
Harry Shum Jr. was miles above the rest of the competition from a technical standpoint this week. That should come as no surprise, as the Step Up and Glee veteran has professional dance experience. He may not have as strong of a fanbase, but his performances will be the mark to beat weekly moving forward.
Who are the favorites to win Dancing With the Stars Season 35?
Harry Shum Jr. and Maura Higgins have made the strongest early case for the Mirrorball Trophy after two episodes. Still, the season is young, and a breakout routine, a difficult dance style or a strong fan-vote push could quickly reshape these rankings.
When is the next episode of Dancing With the Stars?
Dancing With the Stars returns on Tuesday, September 22 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes are available to stream on Hulu the following day.
Who was eliminated on Dancing With the Stars this week?
Sarah Jane Nader and Conner Leavitt were eliminated in the Dancing With the Stars Season 35 two-part premiere.
