FAIRFAX DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES — The glitter and glam made a comeback in the ballroom to mark a significant occasion for “Dancing with the Stars”—its 20th anniversary and the start of its 34th season. Fourteen new celebrities and their professional partners graced the dance floor for their debut live performance on Tuesday.
The good news: No elimination this first week! Their scores will carry over to next week. The bad news: There will be a double elimination.
The evening began with a grand opening number featuring all the professional dancers, a new troupe, and the judges and hosts joined in on the excitement. With Carrie Ann Inaba absent due to illness, the judging responsibilities were carried by just two judges, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli.
As the dance-packed two-hour show concluded, two couples found themselves at the peak with the highest score of 15 points out of 20: Robert Irwin partnered with Witney Carson, and Whitney Leavitt alongside Mark Ballas.
Bringing up the end of the list, another tie with 9 points out of 20: Andy Richter and Emma Slater, and Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson.
Here’s a rundown of the night, in order that the couples performed:
Jordan Chiles
Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, teamed with Ezra Sosa, performed a Salsa loaded with tricks and flips. The pair received positive feedback from the judges for their very first dance.
Scores: 5, 5 – 10/20
Dylan Efron
Social media and reality TV personality Dylan Efron, paired with Daniella Karagach, danced a Cha Cha to “Milkshake” by Kelis. Bruno commented on the need for consistent timing and more strength but found the performance surprisingly good.
Scores: 5,5 – 10/20
Elaine Hendrix
Actress Elaine Hendrix and partner Alan Bersten delivered a Cha Cha to “Woman” by Kesha featuring The Dap-Kings Horns. Derek praised the routine as Broadway quality, moving her close friend Lisa Ann Walter to tears in the audience. Bruno described it as sassy, sexy, and classy.
Scores: 6, 6 – 12/20
Whitney Leavitt
From “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Whitney Leavitt and partner Mark Ballas performed a Tango to “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. Derek called it elegant, content-filled and thought Carrie Ann would love the routine.
Scores: 7, 8 – 15/20
Baron Davis
NBA All-Star Baron Davis and partner Britt Stewart performed a Cha Cha to “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. The judges agreed it was fun, charismatic and a great first dance, but needed a bit more content.
Scores: 5, 5 – 10/20
Alix Earle
Social media personality Alix Earle and partner Val Chmerkovskiy performed a Cha Cha to “Circus” by Britney Spears. The judges used words like sharp, clean, precise, powerful and confident. They just asked for a little more fluidity and connection.
Scores: 7, 6 – 13/20
Scott Hoying
From “Pentatonix,” GRAMMY winner Scott Hoying and partner Rylee Arnold performed a Tango to “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga. They also received kudos for a great first effort.
scores: 5,5 – 10/20
Danielle Fishel
“Boy Meets World” star Danielle Fishel and partner Pasha Pashkov performed a Tango to “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson. Derek called the dance a breath of fresh air, and Bruno thought the two made great partners.
Scores: 6, 6 – 12/20
Jen Affleck
“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” Jen Affleck and partner Jan Ravnik performed a Salsa to “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny. The judges applauded the dance but wanted to see more content of actual salsa and fewer lifts.
Scores: 6, 6 – 12/20
Corey Feldman
Actor and musician Corey Feldman and partner Jenna Johnson performed a Tango to “It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me” by Billy Joel. The judges thought Corey’s performance was good, but he needs to work a lot on technique.
Scores: 4, 5 – 9/20
Lauren Jauregui
From “Fifth Harmony,” Lauren Jauregui and partner Brandon Armstrong performed a Tango to “yes, and?” by Ariana Grande. The judges were floored and loved the elegance, texture and frame of the dance and said the couple put all the others on notice that they are contenders.
Scores: 7, 6 – 13/20
Andy Richter
Comedian Andy Richter and partner Emma Slater performed a Cha Cha to “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam & Dave. The judges nicely said the dance was fun, cheeky, uplifting and had some of the spirit of Cha Cha, but the body and technique weren’t quite there.
Scores: 5,4 – 9/20
Hilaria Baldwin
Author and wellness influencer Hilaria Baldwin and partner Gleb Savchenko performed a Cha Cha to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. Derek said it was the best Cha Cha (for mom of seven), and Bruno liked that Hilaria “went for it like a fury.”
Scores: 7, 7 – 14/20
Robert Irwin
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin and partner Witney Carson performed a Jive to “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. The judges, especially Derek, were blown away. He called the dance great, wild and wonderful, and thought the kicks and flicks were brilliant. Derek also dared to say it was the best first dance… ever.
Scores: 8, 7 15/20
Next week, the 14 couples will dance to “one hit wonders” ahead of the dreaded double elimination.
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