LOS ANGELES — Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas earned the highest score of Dancing With the Stars Season 35 Premiere Night 2, receiving 21 out of 30 for their foxtrot to Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet.”
What to know
All three judges awarded sevens. The performance featured Traitors-inspired elements, reflecting the pair’s previous appearance together on the reality series.
Higgins, known for Love Island and The Traitors, finished ahead of Jenna Dewan (19) and Julia Stiles (18) on the women’s leaderboard.
The strong opening places Higgins among the early favorites as the competition continues.
Based on official scores from the September 16, 2026, episode.
