Guillermo Rodriguez Battles Low Scores and Self-Doubt on 'Dancing with the Stars' Season 35
Guillermo Rodriguez, famously Jimmy Kimmel's sidekick, kicked off his 'Dancing with the Stars' journey with a challenging start, scoring only 10 out of 30 in the Season 35 premiere. Despite initially wanting to quit, he is now embracing the competition and training hard with his partner Witney Carson.
On September 15, 2026, Guillermo Rodriguez, widely recognized for his comedic role alongside Jimmy Kimmel, debuted as a contestant on Season 35 of "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS). Partnered with professional dancer Witney Carson, he performed a Cha-Cha routine to Jean Knight's "Mr. Big Stuff." However, their effort received a notably low score of 10 out of 30 from the judges, making it one of the least successful performances in the show's history. This outcome sparked disapproval from the audience, who booed the judges for what some perceived as harsh critiques. The scoring and performance were reported widely, highlighting the tough start to Rodriguez’s DWTS journey ([1]). [1]
Before the season premiere, Rodriguez openly expressed his reservations about continuing in the competition. In an interview on the official "Dancing with the Stars" podcast, he admitted feeling overwhelmed and repeatedly asked to be sent home. He candidly shared, "At the beginning, I wanted to go home" and urged viewers not to vote for him. These admissions shed light on his initial reluctance and the emotional challenges he faced entering the high-stakes dance contest ([2]). [2]
Despite the rocky start and low judges’ scores, Rodriguez and his partner have committed fully to the experience, dedicating themselves to rehearsal and personal improvement. Witney Carson has publicly praised Guillermo's enthusiasm and dedication, dismissing the judges’ low ratings as "lame" and emphasizing his spirited performances. This shift suggests a growing confidence and resilience from Rodriguez, signaling that he may overcome early doubts and connect more strongly with fans and fellow contestants as the season progresses ([1]). [1]
Fans can view Guillermo Rodriguez's initial Cha-Cha performance online, which vividly displays his commitment despite imperfections and the judges’ critique. The routine's reception reflects the competitive pressures on non-professional dancers adapting to complex choreography and live performance challenges inherent to the DWTS format ([3]). [3]