Julia Stiles Debuts on DWTS with Emotional Dolly Parton Tribute

Key points

• Julia Stiles and pro partner Ezra Sosa performed a quickstep to Dolly Parton's 1980 hit '9 to 5' during the Season 35 premiere.
• Stiles revealed that Parton personally cleared the song for her use only a few weeks before her death in August.
• The pair received a total score of 18 out of 30 from judges Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba.
• Stiles advanced to the next round, while Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills were eliminated in the double elimination.
• Stiles admitted she had previously declined invitations to join the show due to fear but decided to participate this year.

Background

Stiles had been confirmed for Season 35 in August, with the cast including Amber Glenn, Giada De Laurentiis, and Guillermo Rodriguez. The season premiered over two nights in September, featuring a double elimination format. Prior to the premiere, Stiles and Sosa clarified that Stiles did not attend Juilliard, despite her character in 'Save the Last Dance,' and named their team 'So Stilez.'

How outlets are covering it

Rolling Stone emphasized the emotional significance of the tribute, noting Stiles' desire to honor Parton's legacy. USA Today focused on the judges' scores and the elimination results, highlighting that Stiles advanced despite receiving 6s from all judges. E! News highlighted Stiles' personal anxiety, describing the performance as an 'out of body experience' and noting her motivation to prove Andy Cohen wrong. All outlets agreed on the song choice and the timing of Parton's approval.

Why it matters

The performance highlighted the intersection of celebrity legacy and current events, as Stiles used a song approved by the recently deceased Dolly Parton to make her debut. It also demonstrated the competitive pressure of the show, with Stiles overcoming previous fears to participate and advance despite a modest score.

What to watch

Stiles and Sosa will compete in the next round of Season 35, facing other couples including Giada De Laurentiis and Taylor Hanson. The season will continue with weekly eliminations until the final Mirrorball Trophy is awarded.