Giada De Laurentiis Exits DWTS Season 35 After Low-Scoring Tango

Key points

• Giada De Laurentiis was eliminated after scoring 12/30 on her tango to 'Venus' by Shocking Blue.
• Judge Bruno Tonioli described her performance as 'salsa without spice,' while Carrie Ann Inaba called it 'shaky.'
• De Laurentiis acknowledged her tendency to dance too fast, stating she needs to learn to slow down.
• The episode was themed 'Viral Hits Night,' featuring songs like 'Animal' by KATSEYE and 'What Was I Made For?' by Billie Eilish.
• Jenna Dewan, Ezra Frech, and Amber Glenn tied for the highest score at 21/30.
• Guillermo Rodriguez also scored 12/30 but was not eliminated, as De Laurentiis had the lowest combined judge and viewer votes.

Background

Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars began with a two-night premiere on September 15-16, 2026, featuring a star-studded cast including Giada De Laurentiis, Ciara Miller, and Jenna Dewan. Pre-season odds from The Action Network predicted De Laurentiis as the top pick for first elimination, with a 50% implied probability. The season features judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli, with hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough. The show airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC and Disney+, streaming the next day on Hulu.

How outlets are covering it

E! Online emphasized De Laurentiis's self-reflection on her tendency to dance too fast and her disappointment at the low score. The Hollywood Reporter focused on the 'Viral Hits Night' theme, highlighting how couples performed to popular songs like 'Animal' by KATSEYE and 'What Was I Made For?' by Billie Eilish, and noted that the episode received more fan votes than both premieres combined. TV Insider provided a detailed breakdown of each couple's performance, noting that De Laurentiis and Alan Bersten had a 'tearful rehearsal process' and that the judges' one-word feedback rule was enforced to manage broadcast time. All three sources agreed on the scores and elimination order but differed in emphasis: E! Online focused on the personal reaction, The Hollywood Reporter on the thematic context, and TV Insider on the technical breakdown of performances.

Why it matters

The elimination of Giada De Laurentiis marks a significant moment in Season 35, as she was a high-profile celebrity and a pre-season favorite for early elimination. Her departure, along with Conner Leavitt and Sarah Jane Nader, sets the stage for the remaining 14 couples to compete for the Mirrorball. The 'Viral Hits Night' theme also highlights the show's effort to connect with younger audiences through popular songs, while the judges' one-word feedback rule aims to streamline the broadcast. The competition remains wide open, with Jenna Dewan, Ezra Frech, and Amber Glenn leading the leaderboard.

What to watch

The remaining 14 couples will continue competing in subsequent episodes, with the next elimination to be determined by combined judge scores and viewer votes. The show will likely continue to feature themed nights, with potential for more viral song performances. Viewers can tune in to ABC and Disney+ for future episodes, with streaming available on Hulu. The competition will narrow as more couples are eliminated, leading to the final rounds and the ultimate Mirrorball winner.