Mark Ballas and his wife BC Jean made a memorable impact on the premiere of Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars, where BC stepped in to perform live for Mark's partner, Maura Higgins, during their debut routine.
Why it matters: This season's premiere featured a unique twist with live music, adding to the excitement of the competition. BC Jean's last-minute performance showcased her talent and highlighted the collaborative spirit of the show.
BC Jean performed "Black Velvet" live during the September 16, 2026 episode, filling in for Travis Garland, who was unavailable due to an appearance on America's Got Talent.
Mark Ballas praised BC's ability to learn the song in just one day, emphasizing her talent and readiness for the challenge.
Maura Higgins, partnered with Mark, received a score of 21/30 for their Foxtrot routine, placing them atop the leaderboard for the night.
Driving the news: The two-night premiere kicked off on September 15, 2026, with the male celebrities performing first. Maura's performance was a highlight, featuring her iconic burgundy Hermès Birkin bag.
Mark emerged from a coffin holding the Birkin bag during their routine, which was themed around the reality show The Traitors.
Rob Rausch, Maura's co-star from The Traitors, held the bag in the audience, which had voting details pinned to it: "Text MAURA 21523."
Fans reacted enthusiastically on social media, celebrating both the dance and the bag's cameo in the routine.
State of play: The competition is heating up as the season progresses. Maura's successful debut has set a high bar for her and Mark, who have previous experience together.
Mark Ballas, a seasoned dancer and choreographer, has won multiple seasons of Dancing With the Stars, including titles with figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and TikTok star Charli D'Amelio.
Maura and Mark previously appeared together on the fourth season of The Traitors, which has added a layer of familiarity to their partnership.
Mark shared rehearsal footage on TikTok, showing Maura's early struggles, which humanized the competition and showcased the hard work behind the scenes.
The big picture: The integration of live music and the dynamic between contestants and their partners adds a fresh twist to this season of Dancing With the Stars.
Mark's decision to have BC perform live reflects the show's emphasis on creativity and collaboration among participants.
The show's format encourages celebrities to connect with their partners, enhancing both the performance quality and viewer engagement.
As the competition progresses, fans are eager to see how other contestants will adapt and innovate in their routines.
What they're saying: The buzz around Maura's debut and BC's performance has generated excitement among fans and critics alike.
Bruno Tonioli, a judge on the show, praised Maura's debut routine, calling it "seductive" and commenting on the high quality of movement.
Carrie Ann Inaba echoed the sentiment, stating that Maura told the story through her entire body, which was mesmerizing to watch.
Fans took to social media to express their delight, with many calling the appearance of the Birkin bag iconic and unforgettable.
By the numbers: The scoring system and financial aspects of the show play a key role in the competition.
Contestants typically earn $125,000 for the rehearsal period and initial weeks, with potential earnings increasing with each week they remain in the competition.
Mark Ballas, who has been a part of the show since 2007, has established himself as a fan favorite due to his charisma and skills.
Season 35 will likely be competitive, with a mix of seasoned pros and new celebrities vying for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
What's next: As the season progresses, viewers can expect more surprises and challenges for the contestants.
New episodes of Dancing With the Stars will air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day.
With the competition heating up, fans are eager to see how Maura and Mark will continue to impress the judges and audiences alike.
The next performance promises to showcase even more creativity and collaboration, as contestants adapt to the challenges ahead.