Fans react online after judge mistakenly identifies contestant during first performance of season 35
Category: Arts & Culture
Derek Hough created a memorable moment during the premiere of Season 35 of Dancing With the Stars when he mistakenly referred to contestant Tyler Cameron as "Dylan" on September 15, 2026. The slip-up occurred as Hough provided feedback on Cameron's performance, which featured a tango danced with professional partner Sharna Burgess to Lenny Kravitz's hit song "Are You Gonna Go My Way."
The misidentification quickly gained traction on social media, with viewers humorously calling out Hough for the mix-up. "Dylan, you have this, like, Patrick Swayze aura about you, right? You’re cool, masculine, just effortless. It really is amazing, truly," Hough said, seemingly unaware of his error. Fans were quick to respond, with one user tweeting, "Did Derek call Tyler Dylan?! 🤣" and another questioning, "Can Derek get their names right, who’s Dylan??"
Tyler Cameron, 33, a familiar face to fans of The Bachelorette, where he was the runner-up on Hannah Brown's season in 2019, took the mix-up in stride. He and Burgess delivered an impressive performance that earned them a score of 17 out of 30 from the judges. Hough’s comments, though initially marred by the name confusion, included constructive feedback aimed at helping Cameron improve. "For me, the frame, aw mate, we got to expand it. Marrying your presence with the technique, the frame, the posture, you’re going to be fantastic," Hough advised.
Hough's fellow judges, Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba, also weighed in on Cameron's performance. Tonioli expressed surprise at Cameron's skills, stating, "Tyler, what’s going on here? I have to say I’m very pleasantly surprised. I mean, look at him, he looks like a tank... you have natural musicality, a few hiccups here and there, but I’m telling you my love, you have so much potential. Can’t wait to see what you’re going to do." Meanwhile, Inaba praised Cameron's commanding presence, saying, "I am beyond impressed. That was amazing. You have a commanding performance; lean into it." She did note, though, that Burgess had a foot fault during the routine, which drew some boos from the audience.
The judges' feedback reflects a broader trend in the competition, where contestants are often critiqued on their dance skills and on their ability to connect with the audience and judges alike. Cameron's performance stood out, especially considering the competitive field he is up against this season, which includes celebrities like Taylor Hanson, Jenna Dewan, and Giada De Laurentiis.
Following the premiere, social media platforms lit up with reactions to Hough's name blunder. Many fans found humor in the situation, with some theorizing that Hough confused Cameron with Dylan Efron, a contestant from the previous season who finished fourth. Efron, the brother of actor Zac Efron, was a fan-favorite last year, and his athletic look may have contributed to Hough's mix-up.
As the evening unfolded, the online chatter continued, with viewers sharing memes and jokes about Hough's slip. One fan suggested, "Bro Derek thinks Tyler Cameron is Dylan Efron from last year," highlighting the lighthearted nature of the audience's response. This incident exemplifies the unpredictable nature of live television, where mistakes can quickly become memorable moments.
Looking ahead, Cameron will need to build on his performance and the positive feedback from the judges to advance in the competition. The two-night premiere format of Season 35 means that the female contestants will take the stage next, with their performances airing on September 16, 2026. This format allows for a broader showcase of talent and keeps the excitement high as audiences anticipate who will shine in the spotlight.
Cameron’s engagement to model Tate Madden is also a point of interest for fans, as he balances his personal life with the demands of the competition. "It’s so exciting, like, I get to plan the rest of my life around this lovely lady," Cameron shared earlier, indicating his commitment to both his partner and his performance on the dance floor.
As the season progresses, new episodes of Dancing With the Stars will air on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available for streaming on Hulu the following day. Fans are eager to see how Cameron and Burgess will adapt and evolve their routines as they strive for the coveted Mirrorball trophy.
Whether or not Hough remembers Cameron's name in the future, : the competition is heating up, and viewers are ready for more dance-filled excitement ahead!