Giada DeLaurentiis bows out, Guillermo & Witney stun judges

The “Dancing With the Stars” set in Los Angeles buzzed on Tuesday night as Season 35’s Week 2, a “Viral Hits Night” themed episode, went live at 5 p.m. PT.

Reporters from Page Six secured VIP seats across the judges’ table, giving them a front‑row view of Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli. While the audience cheered, the contestants and their pro partners performed a mix of classic dances and modern chart‑busters.

Before the show began, the backstage crew prepared for a live taping that would last roughly an hour. The floor crew moved swiftly through the quick‑change area, while troupe members entertained early‑arriving fans with choreographed routines.

As couples warmed up in the ballroom, former pros Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman shared behind‑the‑scenes clips on TikTok for viewers at home.

The episode opened with Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy showcasing a high‑energy Jive to “Animal” by KATSEYE. Their performance drew cheers from the floor, and Page Six reporters noted Dewan’s enthusiastic support for the rest of the cast throughout the show.

The night also featured a spontaneous freestyle in the skybox where “Step Up” star Jenna’s partner joined the troupe during a commercial break.

## What Happened

During the live taping, couples were announced one by one and performed to songs chosen for the “Viral Hits Night” theme. Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong danced a Tango to “No Broke Boys” by Disco Lines & Tinashe, delivering a routine that earned them a standing ovation.

Afterward, Miller said, “One time a broke boy ruined my life — or he tried. But we’re here tonight, so it didn’t work,” as she acknowledged her recent “Summer House” drama.

Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson captivated the audience with a fiery Paso Doble to “Where Have You Been” by Rihanna. Their choreography incorporated Guillermo’s signature knee walks, prompting Val Chmerkovskiy to laugh and cheer from the floor.

The duo received enthusiastic applause as the crowd clapped along during their performance.

The season’s top couples faced elimination threats in the final segments. Co‑hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro announced three pairs in danger: Guillermo & Witney, Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten, and Tyler Cameron & Sharna Burgess.

Ultimately, Giada and Alan were sent home as the bottom couple, prompting fellow competitors to rush over and offer support as they exited the ballroom.

## Background & Context

Season 35 of DWTS began earlier this year with a roster of celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers. The “Viral Hits Night” episode, airing on Tuesday, featured contemporary chart‑topper songs that each couple used to showcase both technical skill and showmanship.

Prior to this episode, several couples had already performed classic dances such as Viennese Waltz and Jive, setting a tone for the competition.

Page Six’s VIP access allowed reporters to observe the entire production from the audience to backstage. They noted that guests were seated after a brief holding period, guided through iconic areas like the skybox and quick‑change zone.

The floor spot across from the judges offered an intimate view of off‑camera interactions between the judges, which appeared as lively and humorous as those on TV.

The episode also highlighted support among contestants. Former “Traitors” co‑stars Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas entered together, with Higgins visibly nervous before performing a Cha Cha to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Mark was seen encouraging her throughout the routine, helping her maintain composure and deliver a confident performance.

## Analysis

The episode’s results reinforce the unpredictable nature of DWTS elimination rounds. While Guillermo & Witney advanced after a strong Paso Doble, their future remains uncertain as they will face another themed night next Tuesday— a “Yacht Rock” episode slated for 8 p.m. ET.

The elimination of Giada De Laurentiis & Alan Bersten shows that even seasoned contestants can fall in the middle of the competition, prompting discussions about scoring dynamics and audience voting power.

The show’s emphasis on contemporary hits continues to attract a broad viewership, as evidenced by the enthusiastic response to the “Viral Hits Night” performances. The inclusion of former pros Hailey Bills and Adele Zaikman in pre‑show entertainment illustrates the program’s effort to blend nostalgia with current pop culture.

This blend may help maintain viewer interest in a season that already boasts a of themed episodes, including a Mariah Carey tribute and a future Grammys‑dedicated night.

Overall, Week 2 underscores DWTS’s blend of dance technique, celebrity appeal, and audience engagement. Contestants who can pair technical proficiency with charismatic showmanship are more likely to thrive in the remaining weeks.

With next week’s “Yacht Rock” theme on the horizon, fans can anticipate whether Guillermo & Witney will capitalize on their momentum or face another challenge that could alter the competition’s trajectory.

The show continues to air on ABC and Disney+, with a Hulu stream available the following day. Viewers can expect more twists and performances as the season progresses toward its finale.