Guillermo Rodriguez’s DWTS Debut Ends in Historic Low Score Shock
Guillermo Rodriguez has spent years making television audiences laugh, but his first night on Dancing With the Stars delivered a very different headline. The longtime Jimmy Kimmel Live! personality found himself in the history books after receiving one of the lowest premiere scores the competition has ever seen during the Season 35 opener.
Despite the disappointing result, Rodriguez walked away with something many contestants never earn on premiere night—overwhelming audience support.
A Tough Start on the Ballroom Floor
Partnered with reigning Mirrorball champion Witney Carson, Rodriguez took on a Cha-Cha to “Mr. Big Stuff” in front of judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. While the performance was packed with enthusiasm, the judges agreed that the technical execution simply wasn’t there.
His final score totaled just 10 out of 30, placing him among the lowest-scoring contestants in Dancing With the Stars history. The score immediately sparked reactions across social media, where many viewers argued that his effort deserved more recognition.
Judges Praise the Effort Despite Low Marks
Although the scoreboard looked brutal, the judges made it clear they appreciated Rodriguez’s commitment.
Derek Hough applauded his willingness to take on such a demanding challenge, while Bruno Tonioli praised the entertainment value he brought to the ballroom. Carrie Ann Inaba acknowledged his confidence and stage presence, even as she pointed out the obvious technical flaws.
The audience inside the studio responded with loud boos after the scores were revealed, showing that many fans believed Rodriguez deserved better.
Witney Carson Stands Behind Her Celebrity Partner
Professional dancer Witney Carson has guided celebrities to championship success before, but this season presents an entirely different challenge.
Rather than focusing on the numbers, Carson celebrated Rodriguez’s determination and positive attitude. Throughout rehearsals, she has repeatedly highlighted his willingness to improve and embrace every lesson, qualities that often become valuable as the competition progresses.
Guillermo Rodriguez Refuses to Be Discouraged
Rodriguez didn’t allow the historic low score to dampen his spirits.
Following the performance, he expressed gratitude for dancing alongside Carson and said he was proud simply to be part of one of television’s biggest competitions. His upbeat attitude quickly became one of the night’s biggest talking points, with many fans applauding his humility and sense of humor.
That resilience could become one of his biggest strengths as the season unfolds.
Can Guillermo Bounce Back?
History has shown that early scores don’t always determine a contestant’s fate. Several celebrities have survived rough premieres before finding their rhythm later in the season.
Rodriguez now faces an uphill battle, but viewer support could prove just as important as judges’ scores. With fan voting playing a major role, his popularity may keep him in the competition long enough to show meaningful improvement.
Final Thoughts
Guillermo Rodriguez’s Dancing With the Stars debut won’t be remembered for technical perfection. Instead, it will be remembered as a performance that combined courage, humor, and determination despite producing one of the lowest scores in the show’s history.
Whether this marks the beginning of an unforgettable comeback or simply an entertaining chapter in Rodriguez’s television career, one thing is certain: viewers will be watching closely to see what happens next.