Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Themes Revealed – From Mariah Carey Night to Yacht Rock

Fans of ABC’s glitter‑filled ballroom showdown finally got the scoop they’ve been waiting for. On September 18, former season 34 pro Andy Richter took the mic on the official DWTS podcast and read off the complete schedule of themes that will guide the next eleven weeks of competition.

It all kicked off with a two‑night premiere – Tuesday’s boys and Wednesday’s girls each danced to a Billboard No. 1 hit from the year they were born. The opening night saw a mix of surprises, including the first elimination of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Conner Leavitt paired with new professional Adele Zaikman.

The current cast reads like a reality‑TV mixtape: singers Ciara Miller and Maura Higgins, internet personality Jackson Olson, the ever‑lovable Jimmy Fallon sidekick Guillermo Rodriguez, plus returning stars Tyler Cameron and Jenna Dewan. Joining them on the floor are veterans Tatyana Ali, Giada De Laurentiis, Ezra Frech, Amber Glenn, Taylor Hanson, Harry Shum Jr., Julia Stiles and Connor Wood, all vying for that iconic mirror‑ball trophy.

Here’s the week‑by‑week breakdown, straight from the podcast:

• Week 2 – Viral Hits: Expect TikTok sensations and chart‑toppers that blew up online.
• Week 3 – Yacht Rock: Smooth sailing with buttery soft rock from the ’70s and ’80s.
• Week 4 – Mariah Carey: All‑out diva moments – think high notes and holiday classics.
• Week 5 – TBD: The producers are keeping this one under wraps for now.
• Week 6 – Dedication Night: Couples honor the people who helped them get where they are.
• Week 7 – Horror Movie Night: Expect spooky choreography and a few scream‑worthy lifts.
• Week 8 – Disney Night: Classic animated tunes will bring out the inner child in every dancer.
• Week 9 – Grammy Night: Grammy‑winning hits will set the stage for some serious glitter.
• Week 10 – Semi‑Finals: The field narrows and the stakes get higher.
• Week 11 – Finale: The final showdown for the mirror‑ball trophy.

While the exact song list for each night is still a secret, the themes alone promise a roller‑coaster of styles – from the glossy sheen of Yacht Rock to the high‑energy pop of Mariah Carey, and the spooky thrills of Horror Movie Night. Viewers can look forward to a season that feels both nostalgic and fresh, giving every contestant a chance to showcase versatility.

Stay tuned, because as the weeks roll by the judges’ critiques, surprise eliminations, and dazzling costumes will keep the conversation buzzing on social media. Whether you’re rooting for a favorite celebrity or just love a good dance‑off, season 35 looks set to be one of the most varied yet.