RHAP: We Know Dancing With The Stars

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 4 Recap Also available on YouTube. It's Mariah Carey night on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, and Matt Liguoi and Sasha Joseph are breaking down all the performances, the judging controversies, and the heartbreaking elimination that's leaving the fandom with a lot of feelings. Episode 5 marked a milestone, the first 9 paddles of the season finally appeared, but the night also ended with one of the most-discussed eliminations of the year: Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong saying goodbye despite a season of crowd-pleasing performances. Matt and Sasha dig into what went wrong with the voting and why some fans feel the show's fanbase dynamics are working against certain contestants no matter how well they dance. Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach delivered another standout rumba, Jenna Johnson had her best night of the season, and Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas broke the season's 9 barrier with a waltz to "If It's Over." Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov closed the show with one of the most talked-about finishing poses of the year. But not every moment landed: Carrie Ann Inaba's judging drew fire from both hosts, Val Chmerkovskiy's hairstyle sparked social media controversy, and Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold gave the show its most eyebrow-raising package segment of the season. Matt also drops a hot take about Sharna Burgess's hair, the duo digs into the Jackson Olson-Guillermo TikTok drama, and Sasha's complicated feelings about Guillermo Rodriguez make for one of the funniest exchanges of the year. Ezra Frech and Daniella earn 8s across the board. Both hosts feel 9s were warranted Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas score the first 9 of Season 35; Matt and Sasha debate whether it was truly a 9 Amber Glenn and Pasha close the show to high praise, but Carrie Ann's 7 draws serious pushback from Sasha Ciara Miller's elimination over Tyler Cameron sparks a bigger conversation about Black women on DWTS and voting dynamics Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa charm in the middle of the pack; Jackson Olson struggles with his performance face With Super Bowl night on the horizon and Matt away, Sasha and Chappell will break it all down next week. Catch Matt when he returns the following episode. Timestamps:0:00:00 – Intro / Ciara elimination reaction0:07:00 – Black women on DWTS and voting dynamics0:14:00 – Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson tango (Amber Riley in the ballroom)0:21:00 – Jenna's best night / Val's haircut controversy0:34:00 – Tyler Cameron and Sharna / Julianne-Val weirdness0:45:00 – Maura and Mark score the first 9 of Season 350:50:31 – Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson: "Obsessed" samba0:57:07 – Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: birthday week1:01:37 – Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik1:06:27 – Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: the grinding package1:12:50 – Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: Viennese waltz1:16:33 – Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov close the show1:22:07 – Elimination breakdown1:25:20 – Next week: Super Bowl night with Chappell Join the RHAP Dancing with the Stars Facebook group: ?https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhapdwts Never miss a minute of RHAP’s coverage!LISTEN: Subscribe to the podcast feedWATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 4 Recap Also available on YouTube. Return to the ballroom with the latest round of Dancing with the Stars Season 35, Episode 4, as Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph break down Yacht Rock Night. Sentiments run high from the get-go, with heated reactions to Britt Stewart’s unexpected early exit, her fifth within seven seasons. As the co-hosts sort through surprise eliminations, mixed theme choices, and clashing fan bases, this episode dives deep into the strategies, production decisions, and personalities shaping the season. The conversation focused on the emotional reactions around elimination night, particularly regarding Britt’s recurring early exits and the broader implications for the show’s pro dancers. Judges’ scoring inconsistencies, the puzzling selection of Yacht Rock as a theme, and fan engagement online become central topics. The discussion explored the efforts of contestants attempting to merge their personal talents, like Amber Glenn’s blend of ballroom and figure skating or Ciara’s transformation into her iconic onscreen persona. Several points were raised, including the role of social media in voting, the pressures faced by pros who juggle DWTS with outside commitments, and the evolving landscape of themed nights. Strong debate over Britt Stewart’s repeated early eliminations and its impact on pro participation Close look at mismatched themes, from a confusing Yacht Rock Night to anticipation (and anxiety) for upcoming Mariah Carey and potential NFL-themed episodes Observations about scoring disparities, with attention to how some dances receive higher ratings despite visible missteps The spotlight on certain celebrities’ journeys, from Amber Glenn’s standout performances to the unique pairing-based fan dynamics Behind-the-scenes talk on how travel, outside gigs, and social media presence factor into rehearsals and performance quality Can future themes deliver on energy and music, or will song choices keep throwing off dancers and fans alike? Will the pros get more say in their celebrity partners—or do recurring elimination patterns signal deeper issues in casting and production? Catch the full episode to follow the drama, dance breakdowns, and real-time fan reactions as Dancing with the Stars navigates a pivotal stage of the competition. 00:00 Yacht Rock Night Kicks Off06:48 Britt Stewart’s Early Elimination Outrage13:30 Yacht Rock Theme Critique19:31 Sexiest Pro Nominees Revealed25:39 Amber Glenn Tops Leaderboard35:11 Guillermo’s Surprising Fan Power41:47 Tatyana’s Breakthrough Performance46:07 Glee Cast Supports Harry Shum51:21 Taylor Hanson’s Painful Exit58:00 Maura and Mark’s Dynamic Chemistry01:03:31 Ciara Miller Finds Confidence01:08:41 Jackson Olsen’s Stalled Progress01:12:03 Connor Wood’s Questionable High Scores01:16:24 Jenna Dewan’s Samba Overdrive01:21:05 Tyler Cameron Struggles Despite Sharna01:26:04 Ezra’s Foxtrot Stuns Judges01:31:24 Britt’s Exit Sparks Frustration Join the RHAP Dancing with the Stars Facebook group: ?https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhapdwts Never miss a minute of RHAP’s coverage!LISTEN: Subscribe to the podcast feedWATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 3 Recap Also available on YouTube. Chart a course for reality TV drama with Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph as they break down week 2, episode 3 of Dancing with the Stars: Viral Hits Night. Fourteen couples light up the ballroom with viral songs, but only thirteen make it to the next round. Judges dish out one-word critiques, sometimes breaking their own rule, and an elimination leaves everyone talking. Matt and Sasha recap the standout dances, offbeat themes, and celebrity journeys of the week. They weigh in on Giada and Alan’s exit, the viral song choices that didn’t always hit the mark, and the mounting pressure as live TV nerves sink in. Sizzling lifts, bold choreography, and a few wardrobe malfunctions keep the commentary lively, as the hosts examine how connection, or lack thereof, impacts voting and scoring. Discussion turns to Julianne Hough’s nostalgic look, record-breaking “hype” for the season, and the ever-present influence of Bachelor Nation as the celebrities try to win over America (and the judges). Listen for insights on: The judges’ one-word critiques, rule-breaking, and how it shaped the evening’s feedback Giada’s tough night, her apparent discomfort on stage, and the hosts’ speculation about her and Alan’s partnership The top leaderboard results and why certain performances felt emotionally flat or lacked genuine connection Breakout dances highlighted by lifts, technical risks, or unexpected song-to-dance pairings Wardrobe choices, both hits and misses, including Julianne’s throwback outfit and a handful of questionable celebrity ensembles The episode spotlights big questions: Can charisma and confidence beat technical skills? Which partnerships will connect enough to survive? As Yacht Rock Night approaches, tune in for predictions, critical breakdowns, and spirited chat about the season’s next moves. Dive into this week’s Dancing with the Stars discussion for sharp takes, memorable moments, and reality-TV analysis you’ll only find here. 00:00 Viral Hits Night Kicks Off06:57 Giada and Alan Eliminated13:01 Underwhelming Start for Jenna & Val20:50 Ciara Miller's Reality TV Journey25:04 Tyler Cameron's Shirtless Salsa Gamble32:47 Julia Stiles Struggles With Scores38:01 Jackson Olsen Balances Baseball, Dancing44:20 Giada and Alan's Final Dance49:15 Conner and Riley Stumble After Highs52:27 Ezra and Daniella's Showstopping Cha-Cha1:04:00 Amber Glenn's Powerful Tango Moment1:09:37 Guillermo Surprises With Rihanna Paso1:14:33 Taylor Hanson Falters With Cha-Cha1:17:08 Harry Shum Jr.'s Emotional Waltz1:22:57 Maura Higgins Overthinks Her Cha-Cha1:29:33 Looking Ahead: Yacht Rock Night Join the RHAP Dancing with the Stars Facebook group: ?https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhapdwts Never miss a minute of RHAP’s coverage!LISTEN: Subscribe to the podcast feedWATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 2 Recap Also available on YouTube. Dancing with the Stars returns for the second night of its 35th season, and Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph break down every glittery step as the women make their ballroom debut. With five hours of content in the opening week and a jam-packed cast, the co-hosts dive into routines, judge banter, and the latest elimination, all while balancing the chaos of a two-night premiere. Among the laughter and technical critiques, they spotlight standout performances and evaluate what’s working—and what’s holding some celebs back. This jam-packed episode examines the women’s performances, from Tatyana Ali’s early fumble and hopeful redemption to Maura Higgins' show-stealing cha-cha with Mark Ballas. Sasha Joseph and Matt compare the energy and nerves between nights, highlighting the troupe’s moment in the spotlight and Derek Hough’s fiery duet with wife Hayley. The discussion also touches on the season’s same-sex pairing with Sarah Jane and Haley, tracing fan support, voting quirks, and representation. Emotional storylines come front and center, especially for Summer House’s Ciara Miller, while wardrobe choices, judge commentary, and the afterparty coverage round out the night's drama and fun. Dissecting Tatyana Ali’s jittery opener and the struggle to regain momentum after a major slip Analyzing Maura Higgins’ performance as a surprising early highlight and the chemistry with Mark Ballas Exploring Ciara Miller’s emotionally charged routine and what it tells us about her state of mind Comparing judge critiques across the board, including Carrie Ann’s “lift police” moment with Jenna Dewan and Val Questioning the impact of same-sex pairings and how fan bases shape who makes it through the first eliminations Reviewing Derek and Hayley’s dynamic ballroom performance and the production’s shift with more elaborate troupe features Amidst wardrobe debates, fierce competition, and emotional reveals, who is primed to break out in the coming weeks and who’s hanging by a thread in the leaderboard shuffle? Find out how the cast stacks up and the moves that spark the most debate by catching the full episode for your latest dose of Dancing with the Stars insight and analysis. 00:00 Premiere Night 2: Women's Turn06:42 Afterparty Co-Hosts: Dylan and Robert09:16 Derek and Hayley's Powerful Performance13:16 Tatyana Ali's Slip and Recovery18:14 Ciara Miller's Emotional Dedication26:51 Ciara Holds Back, Judges React33:10 Giada De Laurentiis' Struggles Revealed37:34 Julia Stiles' Dolly Tribute Dance43:26 Maura Higgins Stuns Judges51:26 Sarah Jane and Hayley Eliminated56:51 Jenna Dewan Scores With Val01:01:25 Combined Leaderboard, Top Scores01:04:19 Preview: All Couples Next Week Join the RHAP Dancing with the Stars Facebook group: ?https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhapdwts Never miss a minute of RHAP’s coverage!LISTEN: Subscribe to the podcast feedWATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 1 Recap Also available on YouTube. Dancing with the Stars returns for its 35th season, and Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph are back in the ballroom to break down the drama, missteps, and memorable performances from night one. With a two-night premiere, male celebrities compete while fan voting crashes and an early elimination sets the tone for a packed season. The hosts dig into the impact of new pros, burst pipes in the voting system, and the range of personalities on stage, setting the scene for what’s to come as the women get ready to take the floor. From surprising eliminations to judging quirks, Matt and Sasha explore each routine, giving special attention to standout performances, unexpected slip-ups, and how dancers juggle life on and off the show. They dive into production choices, like song selections celebrating the year of birth, and highlight the chatter among fans and guests throughout the live coverage. The hosts share candid reactions on the fairness of first-night eliminations, the fate of new pros like Adele, and the ongoing quest for the next big DWTS star. Plus, the duo discuss after-show developments and speculate about long-term favorites in the competition. Highlights from the discussion include: The voting site collapse and its ripple effect on eliminations and fan engagement. First-night elimination, including the impact on Adele and thoughts on fairness for new pros. Dissection of each male contestant’s strengths, Ezra’s inspiring debut, Jackson’s entertainer energy, and Harry’s pro-level skills. Judges’ grading strategies, from Carrie Ann’s “Lift Police” to Derek’s surprising name mix-ups. The behind-the-scenes look at the social media presence and family dynamics that boost (or hinder) stars with devoted fan bases. As DWTS sets the stage for a stacked cast and fast-paced season, the pressure is on for both pros and contestants. Who adapts best to the format’s curveballs, and can the newest faces shake up the predicted leaderboard? Which performances left room for growth, and who already stands out as a favorite? Catch the full episode for sharp takes on routines, early season predictions, and all the offstage drama you won’t see on the dance floor. 00:00 Season 35 Begins, First Elimination06:28 Voting Crash and Technical Chaos13:08 Conner Leavitt Eliminated Night One18:32 Judges’ Critique Style and Score Reset23:00 Jackson Olson’s Performance Dissected29:17 Sharna’s Return, Tyler’s Surprising Start33:16 Adele’s Early Exit as New Pro40:46 Guillermo’s Comedy Amid Low Scores44:17 Ezra and Daniella’s Standout Dance51:05 Connor Wood’s Upbeat Debut with Rylee Arnold56:14 Taylor Hanson’s Quickstep Impresses59:33 Harry Shum Jr. Dominates the Night01:05:16 Female Celebrities Set for Night Two01:09:32 Afterparty Plans and Next Steps Join the RHAP Dancing with the Stars Facebook group: ?https://www.facebook.com/groups/rhapdwts Never miss a minute of RHAP’s coverage!LISTEN: Subscribe to the podcast feedWATCH:  Watch and subscribe to the podcast on YouTubeSUPPORT:  Become a RHAP Patron for bonus content, access to Facebook and Discord groups plus more great perks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices