DWTS Season 34 Week 1: Who topped the leaderboard? Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) Is Back With a bang for its 34th season. The popular dance competition premiered on September 16, 2025, with 16 new celebrity contestants ready to showcase their talents on the dance floor alongside their professional dance partners. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed analysis of week 1’s performances and judges’ scores. And leaderboard standings, we’ll also reveal who topped this week based on audience votes and judges’ scores, and who is in danger.
Week 1 Overview
In Week 1, contestants performed i four different dance styles: cha cha cha, a tango, salsa, and jive. The judges’ panel saw a change this time as Carrie Ann Inaba was absent due to illness. Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli handled the scoring. Both judges paid attention not only to the technique of the performance but also to the emotional expression and nuances
The contestants’ scores will combine with the viewers’ votes to determine who faces the first elimination (announced in Episode 2). Let’s take a closer look at each contestant’s performance and the judges’ comments.
Contestants’ Performances and Judges’ Scores
Whitney Levitt and Mark Ballas – 15/20 (Top of Leaderboard)
Dance: Tango
Song: “Golden” (Hunter/X)
Judges’ Comments:
Whitney Levitt, star of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, performed a stellar tango with her pro partner Mark Ballas. Tonioli praised her, saying, “Your acting and dancing were both superb. It was a great tango with no slouching.” Hough called it “beautiful” and complimented her “neck and balance,” but advised her to keep her frame.
Scores: 7/10 from Huff, 8/10 from Tonioli
Analysis: Whitney received the highest score in the first week, placing her at the top of the leaderboard. Her technique and emotional expression impressed the judges. Viewer votes could further strengthen this pairing.
Alix Earl & Val Chmerkovskiy – 13/20
Dance: Cha-Cha-Cha
Song: “Circus” (Britney Spears)
Judges’ Comments:
Alix Earl showed energy and precision in her first performance. “You did great, but need to keep the flow and consistency,” said Tonioli. Huff praised her “precision” and “powerful performance,” but cautioned that “precision doesn’t turn into rigidity.”
Scores: 7/10 from Huff, 6/10 from Tonioli
Analysis: Alix’s performance was energetic and impressive, but there is room for technical improvement. This pair is in a strong position atop the leaderboard.
Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bernston – 12/20
Dance: Cha-Cha-Cha
Song: “Woman” (Kesha)
Judges’ Comments:
Elaine Hendrix, a former professional dancer, showed her experience. Hough described her performance as having a “Broadway vibe,” and Tonioli praised her nuances. Both judges advised her to pay attention to her shoulder position.
Score: 6/10 each from Hough and Tonioli
Analysis: Elaine’s experience makes her strong, and her score puts her in mid-table. The audience’s support could carry her further.
- Danielle Fishel & Pasha Pashkov – 12/20
Dance: Tango
Song: “Stronger” (Kelly Clarkson)
Judges’ Comments:
Danielle Fishel showed dynamism and fluidity in her tango. Tonioli praised her “amazing mobility” but advised her to focus on the shoulder line. Hough called it a “breath of fresh air.”
Score: 6/10 each from Hough and Tonioli
Analysis: Danielle’s performance was balanced and effective. She is in the middle of the leaderboard and could move up next week with improvement.
- Jane Affleck and Jan Ravnik – 12/20
Dance: Salsa
Song: “Nuevayol” (Bad Bunny)
Judges’ Comments:
Jane Affleck performed lifts and tricks in her energetic salsa. Hough called it “spectacular” but criticized the routine for being slow due to the lifts. Tonioli praised her talent but advised her to focus on the dance, not the lifts.
Score: 6/10 each from Hough and Tonioli
Analysis: Jane’s performance was impressive, but needs technical improvement. They are in the middle spot.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa – 10/20
Dance: Salsa
Song: “Break My Soul” (Beyoncé)
Judges’ Comments:
Jordan Chiles faced the challenge of performing like a dancer rather than a gymnastics student. Hough called it an “awesome first dance” but advised focusing on technique. Tonioli said to cut down on some dismounts and work on hip movement.
Score: 5/10 each from Hough and Tonioli
Analysis: Jordan’s performance was encouraging, but based on the score, they may be at risk.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach – 10/20
Dance: Cha-Cha-Cha
Song: “Milkshake” (Kelis)
Judges’ Comments:
Dylann Efron tried to come out of his shell. Tonioli praised their hip movement, but criticized their lack of consistency. Huff praised their flexibility, but advised leadership.
Score: 5/10 each from Huff and Tonioli
Analysis: Dylan’s performance was fun, but technical shortcomings put them at the bottom.
Baron Davis and Britt Stewart – 10/20
Dance: Cha-Cha-Cha
Song: “U Can’t Touch This” (MC Hammer)
Judges’ Comments:
NBA star Baron Davis showed charisma. Huff described it as “fun” and “fantastic,” while Tonioli pointed out the Cha-Cha-Cha’s lack of technique.
Score: 5/10 each from Huff and Tonioli
Analysis: Baron’s performance was fun, but technical shortcomings put them at risk.
- Scott Hoying and Riley Arnold – 10/20
Dance: Tango
Song: “Abracadabra” (Lady Gaga)
Judges’ comments:
Scott Hoying’s tango was impressive, but Huff advised him to stick to ballroom basics. Tonioli described it as “a little messy” but acknowledged room for improvement.
Score: 5/10 each from Huff and Tonioli
Analysis: Scott’s performance was full of potential, but needs technical improvement.
Leaderboard Rankings
- Whitney Levitt and Mark Ballas – 15/20
- Alix Earl and Val Chmerkovskiy – 13/20
- Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bernstein – 12/20
- Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov – 12/20
- Jane Affleck and Jan Ravnik – 12/20
- Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa – 10/20
- Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach – 10/20
- Baron Davis and Britt Steeves
Analysis and Predictions
At the top: Whitney Levitt and Mark Ballas received the highest scores in Week 1. Their technique, emotional expression, and Mark’s choreography put them in a strong position. Viewers’ votes could further strengthen them.
Middle field: Alix Earl, Elaine Hendrix, Danielle Fishel, and Jane Affleck gave balanced performances. These contestants could come out on top with improvement next week.
At risk: Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, Baron Davis, and Scott Hoying received the lowest scores. One of these contestants could be in danger of first elimination unless there is strong viewer support.
Where to watch Dancing with the Stars?
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 airs Tuesdays at 8 pm (ET) on ABC and Disney+. If you want to experience the excitement of the show up close, check out TV Guide Magazine’s Dancing with the Stars 20th Anniversary special issue at DWTS.TVGM2025.com, which includes exclusive interviews, photos, and a celebration of the show’s two decades.
The first week of DWTS Season 34 was full of energy, talent, and emotion. Whitney Levitt and Mark Ballas topped the leaderboard, while other contestants also showcased their talents. The next episode will feature the first elimination based on viewer votes and judges’ scores, making the competition even more exciting.
Will your favorite contestant come out on top? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for next week’s updates!
