Jenna Dewan Topped Dancing With the Stars Leaderboard
The actress and dancer secured the highest score of the evening during her ballroom debut.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Dance
Jenna Dewan made her debut on the 35th season of Dancing with the Stars, earning the highest score of the night with her partner, Val Chmerkoskiy. The 45-year-old performer danced a tango to the song Call Me.
Why it matters
Dewan accepted the offer to join the competition after attending a previous season finale, citing a personal sense of enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Dewan and Chmerkoskiy earned a total score of 19 for their tango performance. This figure represented the highest single performance score awarded during the season premiere.
The players
Jenna Dewan
She is an actress and dancer who is 45 years old and shares three children with her partners.
Val Chmerkoskiy
He is a professional dancer who serves as a partner on the long-running competition series.
Channing Tatum
He is an actor who shares a 13-year-old daughter named Everly with Jenna Dewan.
Steve Kazee
He is an actor who shares a 6-year-old son, Callum, and a 2-year-old daughter, Rhiannon, with Jenna Dewan.
The details
Dewan joined the show following an offer received after she attended a prior season finale. The performance took place in the Dancing with the Stars ballroom as part of the programs 35th season.
Timeline
Dewan discussed her daughter on Live with Kelly and Mark in May 2026.
Dewan made her Dancing with the Stars debut on September 15, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This performance underscores the continued reliance of major reality competition shows on established entertainment industry figures to drive viewership. It follows a multi-decade trend of leveraging celebrity casting to maintain audience interest in legacy franchise formats.
Viewers can follow the progression of the 35th season through the program's official broadcast schedule. Fans should consult local listings to determine the specific timing for upcoming episodes.
The takeaway
Dewan's immediate success on the dance floor highlights the physical preparation required for high-stakes competition. Her transition to the ballroom serves as a case study for celebrities managing professional commitments alongside family life with three children.
Further reading
For more information on the latest performances, visit the Dance section.
