Dancing With the Stars Season 35 delivered another emotional elimination as the competition entered its second week, with Giada De Laurentiis becoming the third celebrity sent home from the ballroom. The result followed a night of viral-hit performances and closely watched scores from the judges and viewers.
De Laurentiis and professional partner Alan Bersten performed a tango to “Venus” by Shocking Blue during the September 22 episode. The routine was part of the evening’s Viral Hits Night theme, but the performance ultimately left the pair in a vulnerable position.
The judges awarded the duo 12 points out of 30. Bruno Tonioli criticized the routine for lacking intensity, while Carrie Ann Inaba described the performance as “shaky.” De Laurentiis acknowledged afterward that she needed to learn to slow down and control her movements.
The result was especially notable because De Laurentiis had entered the season with plenty of name recognition. However, DWTS combines judges’ scores with viewer voting, meaning popularity and audience support can play an important role in determining who continues.
The latest elimination follows an unusual opening week for Season 35. The premiere featured a two-night format and a double elimination, sending Conner Leavitt and Sarah Jane Nader home before the remaining celebrities competed together in Week 2.
The early exits have already demonstrated how quickly the competition can change. In the first two eliminations, Sarah Jane Nader was sent home despite receiving 14 out of 30 from the judges, while Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman also left after their salsa received a low score.
For De Laurentiis, the result brought an emotional end to her ballroom journey. After the elimination, the celebrity chef acknowledged that she had tried her best, even though her performance was not enough to keep her in the competition.
Meanwhile, several celebrities continue to attract attention as the season develops. Maura Higgins delivered the highest score of the night with 21 out of 30, while Jenna Dewan, Julia Stiles, Harry Shum Jr. and others remain in the competition.
The elimination also means the ballroom is already becoming significantly more competitive. With the field shrinking after just two weeks, every routine carries greater importance, particularly for celebrities who find themselves near the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard.
For fans, the latest result is another reminder that a familiar name does not guarantee a long run on Dancing With the Stars. Giada De Laurentiis has now left the Season 35 competition, while the remaining celebrities face another round of performances and another chance for the judges and viewers to determine who stays.
Compiled with information from various sources.
