Guillermo Rodriguez Exits DWTS Season 35 After Super Bowl Night Low Score

Key points

• Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson were the sixth celebrity eliminated from Season 35, scoring 22/40 on a Salsa routine.
• Joe Buck, host of ABC's Monday Night Football, served as the first guest judge of the season.
• Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy, along with Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach, tied for the highest score of 36/40.
• Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess were in danger of elimination but survived to compete another week.
• Former pro dancer Kym Johnson will join the judges' panel for next week's Dedication Night episode.

Background

This elimination follows a series of notable exits in Season 35, including Ciara Miller and Taylor Hanson. Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson had previously posted the lowest score of 13/30 on Mariah Carey Night but survived due to viewer votes. The current episode marked the first Super Bowl Night, featuring performances inspired by past halftime shows.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six and The Hollywood Reporter both confirmed the elimination of Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson, noting their 22/40 score. Page Six highlighted the emotional farewell between Rodriguez and Carson, while The Hollywood Reporter emphasized the competitive tension, particularly the tie for the highest score and the contentious moment involving Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson regarding a lift. Both outlets noted Joe Buck's role as guest judge and the presence of NFL stars like Emmitt Smith and Donald Driver.

Why it matters

The elimination of a fan-favorite like Guillermo Rodriguez signals a shift in the competition's dynamics, with viewer votes playing a crucial role in previous weeks. The introduction of Joe Buck as a guest judge adds a sports-centric perspective to the judging panel, potentially influencing future scores and eliminations. The tie for the highest score indicates a highly competitive field, with multiple couples vying for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

What to watch

The next episode of 'Dancing With the Stars' will feature a Dedication Night theme, with former pro dancer Kym Johnson joining the judges' panel. Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess, who were in danger of elimination, will continue to compete, while the remaining couples will aim to secure their positions in the competition.