Summary (tl;dr)

Conner Leavitt is trending because he was the first celebrity contestant eliminated from the newly premiered Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars".

Essential Background

"Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) is a popular American reality competition television series where celebrities are paired with professional dancers to compete in ballroom dancing. The show is known for its elaborate performances, judges' critiques, and viewer voting, which collectively determine who advances and who is eliminated. The show recently launched its 35th season.

The Full Story

Conner Leavitt, a reality television personality known from "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," recently joined the cast of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 35 as a celebrity contestant. He was partnered with Adele Zaikman, a new professional dancer who earned her spot on DWTS after winning "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro." The Season 35 premiere was a two-night event, with male celebrities performing on the first night, September 15, 2026, and female celebrities on the second night. Leavitt and Zaikman performed a salsa to "Whoomp! (There It Is)" and received a score of 12 out of 30 points from the judges. Despite a reported issue with online voting, the show saw double the votes compared to the previous season's premiere. However, based on the combined judges' scores and viewer votes, Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were the first couple eliminated from Season 35 during the premiere's first night. Leavitt's wife, Whitney Leavitt, was also a contestant in the previous season, making his participation a continuation of the family's connection to the show.

Why It Matters

Conner Leavitt's early elimination on "Dancing with the Stars" has generated significant buzz among fans, as it happened on the very first night of the new season. This rapid exit, coupled with the introduction of new professional dancer Adele Zaikman, has fueled discussions about the competition's intensity and the voting process. Many viewers are interested in the journeys of the celebrity contestants and professional dancers, and an early elimination often sparks debate and increased engagement with the show's developments.

Geographic Location

• CBS Television City, Los Angeles, California, United States (filming and live studio audience shows of "Dancing with the Stars")
• Orem, Utah, United States (training location for many "Dancing with the Stars" professional dancers)