She Won 'DWTS: The Next Pro'—But This Is What Nobody Saw Coming

From Spinoff Star to the Main Stage

She did the impossible. In a competitive field of aspiring professionals, 24-year-old Adele Zaikman proved she had what it takes to win DWTS: The Next Pro—a grueling spinoff that launched her straight into the big leagues.

But here's the thing nobody expected: her Season 35 partnership would raise eyebrows across the internet.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zaikman has been paired with Conner Leavitt, a personality from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The pairing immediately sparked conversation among DWTS fans who were wondering: could this unlikely duo actually work?

Before stepping onto that iconic dance floor, Zaikman didn't go in blind. She had a secret weapon—advice from seasoned pro Daniella Karagach, who helped her prepare for what was coming next.

But what Zaikman said about her new partner would leave fans stunned...

The Pressure of Overnight Success

Winning DWTS: The Next Pro wasn't just a victory—it was a gateway. For Zaikman, it meant jumping from the spinoff stage directly into one of television's most demanding competitions. No warm-up rounds. No easing in. Just pure, high-stakes dancing.

The journey to that win was grueling. She competed against other hungry young professionals, all vying for the same prize: a shot at the main series. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zaikman emerged victorious, proving she could handle the pressure and precision that DWTS demands.

But winning a spinoff and surviving the main stage are two entirely different beasts. That's where Daniella Karagach came in.

Karagach, an experienced pro who knows the DWTS ecosystem inside and out, reportedly offered Zaikman invaluable guidance before Season 35's premiere. The kind of advice that only someone who's been in the trenches can give. The kind that separates dancers who flame out from those who soar.

Then came the partnership announcement. Zaikman would be dancing with Conner Leavitt—a name that immediately set social media ablaze.

Fans had questions. Lots of them. But Zaikman's response to the pairing would silence the skeptics...

The Unlikely Pairing That's Already Winning

On paper, it seemed risky. Conner Leavitt, known from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, wasn't exactly a household name in the dancing world. Celebrity partners on DWTS come with varying levels of rhythm, coordination, and dance experience. Many arrive barely able to waltz.

But Zaikman wasn't worried. In fact, she was enthusiastic.

When asked about her partnership with Leavitt, Zaikman told The Hollywood Reporter something that revealed her true professionalism: "I couldn't ask for a better partner."

That statement wasn't generic praise or obligatory pleasantness. It was conviction. It was confidence in her ability to guide Leavitt through the learning process, and confidence in his commitment to the craft.

This is what separates a pro who wins spinoffs from one who actually makes it on the main stage. Zaikman understood something crucial: her job wasn't to partner with a polished dancer. Her job was to transform her celebrity into one.

The pairing also represented something deeper—a fresh take on the show's casting. Instead of pairing a young pro with a massive A-list name, DWTS was betting on the chemistry between Zaikman's raw talent and Leavitt's determination to learn.

Now the real question looms: can this duo survive the competition's most brutal weeks? And what does Daniella Karagach's advice have to do with their potential success?

What's Next for the Rising Star

As Season 35 unfolds, all eyes will be on Zaikman and Leavitt's performances. The spinoff victory proved Zaikman has the technical skills and competitive fire. Now she needs to prove she can elevate a celebrity partner week after week, under intense scrutiny, with the judges ready to critique every move.

The mentorship from Daniella Karagach adds another layer of intrigue. What specific advice helped Zaikman prepare? How is she applying it to her partnership with Leavitt? Fans will be analyzing every interview and performance for clues.

What's clear is this: Adele Zaikman isn't just another fresh face on Dancing with the Stars. She's a winner walking in. She's got guidance from veterans. And she's paired with someone who's all-in on the journey. This season just got a lot more interesting.

Season 35 of Dancing with the Stars is currently airing. Follow Zaikman and Leavitt's journey week by week as they compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy.