Guillermo Rodriguez Advanced on Dancing With the Stars
The Jimmy Kimmel Live! sidekick successfully moved into the second week of the competition.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Dance
Live Poll
When facing high-pressure tasks, would you choose to persist even if you initially wanted to quit?
Guillermo Rodriguez has advanced to the second week of Dancing With the Stars season 35 after performing a cha-cha. He continues to compete alongside his dance partner, Witney Carson.
Why it matters
Rodriguez has remained in the competition despite expressing a desire to leave the show at an airport before the official cast announcement. He is currently balancing his ongoing television work with the demands of intense dance rehearsals.
Rodriguez earned a score of 10 out of 30 for his performance on the season 35 premiere. He now has five days to prepare for his second appearance on the program.
The players
Guillermo Rodriguez
He is a 55-year-old television personality known for his long-running role as a sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Witney Carson
She is a 32-year-old professional dancer and choreographer who serves as the partner for Rodriguez on the show.
The details
Rodriguez juggles his regular duties as a sidekick on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with the rigorous training schedule required for the dance competition. He successfully performed his cha-cha routine on the show, which is broadcast on ABC and Disney+.
Timeline
The first elimination episode aired on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Rodriguez discussed his competition experience during a podcast on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This performance continues a recent trend of late-night show personalities joining the dance competition, following Andy Richter's participation in the previous season. The move highlights the ongoing strategy of casting popular television staples to broaden the show's demographic appeal.
Viewers can follow the progression of the season on ABC or stream episodes live on Disney+. The competition requires participants to balance rigorous training schedules with their professional commitments, impacting the weekly broadcast availability.
The takeaway
Rodriguez has demonstrated resilience by continuing his participation after initial hesitation regarding the commitment. Fans can anticipate his return to the stage as he prepares for the second week of the season.
Further reading
Explore more performances and industry updates on the Dance section of our site.
Live Poll
When facing high-pressure tasks, would you choose to persist even if you initially wanted to quit?
