The ballroom is buzzing once again as Dancing with the Stars returned Tuesday night for its milestone 34th season, marking two decades since the hit competition first waltzed onto television screens. With a fresh lineup of celebrities and returning pros, plus a few familiar twists, the night proved to be a dazzling start. But it was one performance from Dylan Efron that caught the attention of a lot of people.
A Premiere Full of Firsts and Surprises
The season opener kicked off with a twist: judge Carrie Ann Inaba was absent due to illness, leaving only longtime judges Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough at the table. With just two on the panel, scores were out of a possible 20 points instead of the usual 30. Despite the scaled-back judging, the energy in the ballroom remained sky-high.
The night’s theme centered on personal anthems, which many took on a fun twist with.
Among the 15 celebrity contestants, many pointed out the fun performances from Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, Hilaria Baldwin, and Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel.
Robert Irwin Stands Out in the Night
The most talked-about moment of the night came at the end of the show, when Robert Irwin, son of the late Steve Irwin, delivered a performance that left both judges and viewers stunned. Paired with professional dancer Witney Carson, Irwin earned one of the highest scores of the night, a well-deserved 15 out of 20, but more than that, he received a rare and enthusiastic endorsement from judge Derek Hough.
“That was the best first dance I’ve ever seen on this show,” Hough proclaimed after Irwin’s performance.
The 20-year-old conservationist is no stranger to the spotlight, having grown up in front of the camera on The Crocodile Hunter and continuing his family’s legacy at the Australia Zoo. But his appearance on DWTS also nods to family history, his sister, Bindi Irwin, famously won Season 21 with Hough as her partner.
Now, a decade later, Robert is stepping into the same glittery spotlight, and if his premiere performance is any indication, he’s more than ready to carry the torch.
Irwin’s dance, which blended natural charisma, athleticism, and surprisingly strong technique for a debut, brought the crowd to its feet. With sister Bindi cheering from the audience, the performance was not only a showcase of talent but also a touching continuation of the Irwin family’s deep connection to the show.
Dylan Efron Had Everyone Talking
Earning solid praise was Dylan Efron, who appeared on screen as more than just “Zac Efron’s brother” or The Traitors Season 3 winner. Paired with fan-favorite pro Daniella Karagach, Efron brought undeniable stage presence and commitment to his debut routine. The two danced to ‘Milkshake’ by Kelis which had a lot of people fawning over the performance based on some of the moves.
However, their debut performance earned a modest 10 out of 20.
In a season filled with larger-than-life personalities and dramatic stories, Efron’s grounded, humble vibe provided a refreshing balance.
Despite the absence of eliminations in the premiere (two couples will be sent home in next week’s double elimination), Tuesday night’s episode set a high bar for the season. Whitney Leavitt, who also earned a 15 alongside Irwin, benefited from a scoring glitch — with Tonioli mistakenly inputting an “eight” into the system despite holding up a “seven” paddle. Nevertheless, her high score kept her in top-tier standing.
With returning pros like Gleb Savchenko, Val Chmerkovskiy, Emma Slater, and newcomer Jan Ravnik (a dancer from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour), the season promises an exciting mix of old and new energy. Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough brought charm and chemistry, while the live audience — including the full Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast — added to the electric atmosphere.
