This week on DWTS, the couple at the top of the score board last week are doing a Cha Cha dance performance. The season 34 premiere of “Dancing with the Stars” delivered energy, surprises, and even a judging error that got fans talking. Professional dancer Mark Ballas partnered with Whitney Leavitt, and together they impressed viewers with a standout tango. Their night, however, quickly became memorable for a scoring mix-up and for tying at the top of the leaderboard in week one.
Ballas & Leavitt’s Cha Cha Performance & Score
The couple dance the Cha Cha to “Play That Funky Music” by Wild Cherry for their week two performance. Bruno Tonioli says Ballas and Leavitt are not a “one hit wonder” despite the them of the night.
The judges give a score of 22/30 for tonight making their combined score a 32 tying them with Irwin and Carson.
Score Flub During Whitney Leavitt’s Tango Last Week
During the premiere, Leavitt and Ballas delivered a tango that showcased sharp timing and elegant technique. Judge Bruno Tonioli raised his paddle to award them a score of 7. The audience reacted with enthusiasm, and Tonioli’s comments reflected his support for their performance. However, a technical mistake followed when Tonioli accidentally entered an 8 into the electronic scoring system instead of the 7 he had visibly displayed.
This flub resulted in Leavitt and Ballas earning a total of 15 points rather than 14. Although Tonioli quickly acknowledged the error, the result stood, sparking debate among fans online. Many viewers joked that the mix-up worked in the pair’s favor, while others noted that early scoring can set the tone for a team’s momentum in the competition. Regardless of the mishap, the moment highlighted the unpredictability of live television and gave Leavitt and Ballas an early storyline that elevated their profile heading into the season.
Week One Results Highlight Leavitt and Ballas
Despite the unusual scoring moment, Leavitt and Ballas remained competitive in the Week 1 results. Their adjusted score of 15 placed them at the top of the leaderboard, tying with Robert Irwin and Witney Carson. With Carrie Ann Inaba absent from the premiere, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli served as the only judges, making their evaluations even more impactful for the first night of competition.
The tie at the top immediately positioned Leavitt and Ballas as strong contenders. Their combination of technical precision, charisma, and the unexpected scoring drama generated buzz both inside the ballroom and across social media. While some viewers focused on Tonioli’s error, others praised the couple’s chemistry and potential. Their strong placement ensured that they avoided elimination in the premiere and gave them momentum moving into week two.
