Sarah Jane Nader has exited Dancing With the Stars season 35 after performing with professional dancer Hailey Bills during the show’s two-night premiere.
The elimination came on the second night of the premiere on September 16, 2026. Sarah Jane and Hailey were the second couple sent home after Conner Leavitt and Adele Zaikman were eliminated on the opening night. ABC confirmed that the season’s premiere featured a double elimination.
Sarah Jane’s sister, model Brooks Nader, quickly reacted to the news. She appeared disappointed by the result, while Sarah Jane focused on the significance of her short but meaningful time in the competition.
Sarah Jane Nader and Hailey Bills Leave DWTS
Sarah Jane Nader entered Dancing With the Stars season 35 alongside Hailey Bills, who was promoted to a professional dancer for the new season.
ABC’s official cast announcement listed Sarah Jane as one of the 16 celebrities competing for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Their elimination means their run on the dance floor ended during the opening week. However, the pair’s participation attracted attention beyond the competition itself.
Sarah Jane and Hailey formed one of the show’s same-sex female partnerships, giving their appearance added significance for representation on the ballroom floor.
Brooks Nader Reacts to Her Sister’s Elimination
Brooks Nader did not hide her disappointment after her younger sister was eliminated.
The model, who previously competed on Dancing With the Stars herself during season 33, reacted to a social media post about Sarah Jane’s departure by calling the result “Robbed.”
Brooks’ connection to the show made Sarah Jane’s elimination especially personal. She had already experienced the intensity of the competition herself after finishing ninth during her season. ABC also highlighted that connection when introducing Sarah Jane as part of the season 35 cast.
Sarah Jane Nader Looks Back on Her DWTS Experience
Despite the early exit, Sarah Jane has emphasized the positive side of her experience.
Her partnership with Hailey was about more than learning choreography and performing for judges. Sarah Jane has spoken about the friendship they developed and the importance of representing a wider community on the show.
That perspective adds another layer to her elimination. Although the pair did not have the opportunity to continue into the following week, their participation became an important part of the season’s opening story.
The Nader Sisters Turned the Elimination Into a Family Joke
Sarah Jane’s sisters also found a humorous way to deal with the unexpected ending.
The family had prepared for a post-premiere celebration, including matching shirts supporting Sarah Jane. After her elimination, the sisters altered the shirts rather than letting the plans go to waste.
They also joked about the celebration during dinner, turning what had been planned as a longer DWTS journey into a lighthearted family moment.
The playful response reflects the close relationship among the Nader sisters while giving Sarah Jane a chance to laugh about an otherwise disappointing result.
Who Is Still Competing on Dancing With the Stars Season 35?
Sarah Jane’s elimination leaves the rest of the season 35 cast competing for the Mirrorball Trophy.
According to ABC, the season includes celebrities from film, television, music, sports, reality TV and social media. The lineup includes Julia Stiles, Jenna Dewan, Tatyana Ali, Taylor Hanson, Amber Glenn, Ezra Frech, Harry Shum Jr., Giada De Laurentiis, Tyler Cameron, Maura Higgins, Ciara Miller, Connor Wood, Jackson Olson and Guillermo Rodriguez, among others.
The remaining couples will continue competing as judges’ scores and viewer votes determine who advances.
ABC currently lists Dancing With the Stars for Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with episodes also available through Disney+ and Hulu.
Sarah Jane Nader’s DWTS Journey Ends Early
Sarah Jane Nader’s time on Dancing With the Stars may have lasted only one performance week, but her partnership with Hailey Bills gave the season an important early storyline.
While Brooks Nader openly questioned the elimination, Sarah Jane has chosen to focus on the friendships, experience and representation that came with taking the ballroom floor.
For now, the competition moves forward without the Nader sisters on the dance floor. The remaining celebrities will continue their pursuit of the Mirrorball Trophy as season 35 unfolds.