The outlet scored a VIP invite inside the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom for Tuesday’s “Viral Hits Night,” the second week of Season 35 competition.
The live taping kicked off at 5 p.m. PT from the Los Angeles set, where the outlet took a floor seat directly across from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. Their off-camera banter proved just as entertaining as their on-air critiques, with the trio cracking jokes between takes while the audience watched from assigned seats they’d hold for the full broadcast.
Early arrivals included friends and family of Taylor Hanson, Ciara Miller, Tyler Cameron, Amber Glenn, Jackson Olson, Jenna Dewan and Julia Stiles, all settling in as troupe members warmed up the crowd. Previously eliminated pros Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman also appeared, going live on TikTok to give home viewers a sneak peek behind the curtain.
Before the cameras rolled, the outlet spotted “Glee” star Harry Shum Jr., 42, and pro partner Jenna Johnson posing for photographers in matching white satin outfits while prepping their Viennese Waltz to “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Nearby, Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson greeted fans lined up for the 5 p.m. Start.
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy drew first performance slot, delivering an energetic Jive to KATSEYE’s “Animal.” Once their routine wrapped, Dewan didn’t leave the spotlight — she spent the entire show cheering fellow cast members from the sidelines and even freestyled alongside troupe dancers in the skybox during a commercial break.
The pre-show energy backstage ran high as couples navigated the maze of production booths, the iconic skybox and quick-change areas before finding their marks. VIP guests and general audience members alike were escorted through by crew members who kept the flow moving through security and into the ballroom.
Ciara Miller and Brandon Miller’s Tango to “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines & Tinashe emerged as one of the evening’s most anticipated routines. The pair were spotted locked in on choreography right up until showtime, deliberately tuning out Miller’s pre-taped interview package — which addressed her “Summer House” drama involving ex West Wilson and former best friend Amanda Batula. The reality star received a standing ovation from the supportive crowd, then seized the moment with a pointed declaration:
“One time a broke boy ruined my life — or he tried. But we’re here tonight, so it didn’t work,” Ciara proudly exclaimed following her performance.
Later, Guillermo and Witney ignited the room with a fiery Paso Doble to Rihanna’s “Where Have Been,” complete with a crowd-prompting spin on Val Chmerkovskiy’s signature knee walks. Val, watching from the sidelines, broke into a wide grin — a live reaction that recalled his own viral floor glides from last season’s partnership with Alix Earle.
Maura Higgins arrived visibly nervous for her Cha Cha to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” with pro partner Mark Ballas stepping in repeatedly to calm and hype her up before they hit the floor. The “Traitors” co-star adorably covered her ears as her own pre-taped package played — a common celebrity coping mechanism to tune out the noise — then flipped the switch to full confidence once the music started.
When results time arrived, co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro placed three couples in jeopardy: Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, Giada De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten, and Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson. The axe fell on Giada and Alan, with fellow competitors immediately rushing to console them as credits rolled.
The surviving pairs advance to Week 3’s “Yacht Rock” theme, airing next Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with Hulu streaming to follow. Additional themed episodes on tap this season include tributes to Mariah Carey and the Grammys, plus a “Horror Movie Night.”