Tyra being joined by Alfonso was a good choice. I was hoping he'd end up presenting after Tom & Erin left so I'm glad that he's here now. Also kind of a serve to see two black hosts for one show *.*

 

Also SHANGELA *.*

 

Fun fact: with the addition of Koko Iwasaki, DWTS now has four pros of color: Cheryl, Brandon, Britt, and Koko

Shangela *.*

Teresa *.*

so it’s no longer being shown on live tv?

 

Was ratings not good?

MARK IS BACK WE WON

 

 

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Pre-season Rankings:

01 | Charli D'Amelio & Mark

02 | Shangela & Gleb

03 | Wayne Brady & Witney

04 | Jordin Sparks & Brandon

05 | Joseph Baena & Daniella

06 | Gabby Windey & Val

07 | Jessie James Decker & Alan

08 | Daniel Durant & Britt

09 | Vinny Guadagnino & Koko

10 | Trevor Donovan & Emma

11 | Heidi D'Amelio & Artem

12 | Cheryl Ladd & Louis

13 | Selma Blair & Sasha

14 | Jason Lewis & Peta

15 | Teresa Giudice & Pasha

16 | Sam Champion & Cheryl

Watch all Week 1 dances here!

 

Live from Hollywood, it’s an all new season of Dancing With The Stars! New location, new co-host in Alfonso Ribeiro, new stars, same old song and dance… Just now streaming on Disney+! Hopefully without the pressure of commercial time it allows them to let loose. Louis is back, Mark is back, Koko is a new face, and a crop of 16 couples!

 

First up is the premiere party, where the couples will dance to their favorite party songs. We are also getting an elimination on Week 1. For the first time since I started live-blogging.

 

(scores: Carrie Ann | Len | Derek | Bruno)

 

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Jordin Sparks & Brandon | Cha-cha: Fun fact: it’s about to be 15 years since her debut album. I am getting OLD. Jordin reveals to Brandon that she has no dance experience. Should be interesting. She’s worked with Whitney Houston so dancing to one of her songs is a no brainer.

 

For someone with little to no dance experience she has natural flexibility and lines. She’s got good energy but at times felt unsure of herself. Len liked that there were no extra gimmicks - less is more. Derek warns her to work on her foot placement but thought she had good energy. Bruno commends her for her musicality but agrees that she needs to be consistent with her feet. Carrie Ann thought she had great energy as well.

 

Even more importantly, they brought back the sky box!

 

Scores: 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 = 26/40

 

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Sam Champion & Cheryl | Foxtrot: Cheryl really manifested this :P He references him being an out gay man as part of the reason why he wanted to do the show.

 

He moves very slow and unsure, it feels like he’s gonna forget the choreography. However, I think he picked it up by the end. Derek mentions that he had timing issues but chocks it up to the foxtrot being a slow dance. Bruno compliments his poise and elegance but mentions that the foxtrot needs to be more flowy. Carrie Ann calls the dance a “core memory” and thought the nerves went away after they passed through the judges’ table. Len saw some technique issues but loved the aura of the dance.

 

Scores: 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 = 20/40

 

aside: I’m so glad they brought back the troupe. Ezra Sosa appeared last year as a background dancer but is now joined by Alexis Warr, another fellow So You Think You Can Dance alum.

 

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Heidi D’Amelio & Artem | Cha-cha: From being a model to being a momager! Artem mentions that she and Charli are the first mother-daughter crop on the show! Artem wants to tackle Heidi’s high expectations since it’s so early in the season.

 

I’m getting flashbacks to when he was partnered with Patti Labelle :heart: the Cha-cha was okay if a bit slow to take off at times. I do think she’s a decent dancer all things aside. Bruno wants her to work on interpreting every step and show off her personality. Carrie Ann praises her for her fierceness but notes a little flub in the beginning. Len liked her style but wanted more freedom. Derek agrees that she needs to keep her confidence and focus throughout the show.

 

Heidi thought she wasn’t going to push through but was glad Artem talked her out of the ledge.

 

Scores: 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 = 24/40

 

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Daniel Durant & Britt | Tango: So Daniel is only our second fully deaf star to compete in the show. Britt notes that she wants to learn ASL to help communicate with him better.

 

I hate to make this comparison but already they’re reminding me of Nyle & Peta :heart: This was a pretty good performance! And the mint look is IT. Carrie Ann thought the tango was great despite a small slip. Len commends his attack and use of the floor. Derek thought he needed more but thought it was impressive. Bruno mentions his lines and power were great.

 

Scores: 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 = 27/40

 

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Jessie James Decker & Alan | Cha-Cha: It’s been wayyyyy too long since “Wanted” :drama: Jessie mentions she was kicked out of dance class once so she hopes Alan will be patient with her

 

Honestly color me impressed. I thought she was gonna be much more cringe than I was expecting. I also was expecting a slower dance for her first dance but what are you gonna do? That last combination was amazing. Props to her for getting a standing ovation! Len commends her on her performance quality but wants her to work on straightening her legs. Derek agreed with Len when it came to straightening her legs and accentuating her lines but thought she felt comfortable. Bruno liked the country feel but doesn’t want her to sacrifice the given dance style. Carrie Ann tells her to allow herself to finish her movements as opposed to forcing them out.

 

Scores: 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 = 20/40

 

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Teresa Giudice & Pasha | Tango: This casting choice will be nothing short of iconic *.* Pasha remembers her table flip :lol:

 

They actually incorporated the table flip! Her arms feel pretty lazy and I have no idea why. She’s a lot better than most of the Real Housewives alumni but I don’t know… something felt off. Derek liked the bedazzled turkey but wanted her to work on her focus. Bruno wants her to keep her passion and be consistent as well as take up space. Carrie Ann agrees and tells her that the judges are here for her. Len wants her to attack the dance more.

 

Kenya in the audience supporting her :heart:

 

Scores: 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 = 20/40

 

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Wayne Brady & Witney | Cha-Cha: Well it’s about time he made it onto the show! Wayne attributes him finally doing the show as a means to honoring his grandmother, who passed away earlier.

 

Well he already has great movement and rhythm solo. Yep he’s eating already. This was an electrifying dance. Bruno wants him to make sure he keeps the dance style. Carrie Ann loved his musicality and rhythm but wants him to keep his Cha Cha content when he blends dances. Len wants him to make sure he’s more versatile, and Derek tells him to find his balance between charisma and technique.

 

Scores: 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 = 29/40

 

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Cheryl Ladd & Louis | Cha-Cha: Louis is back! Cheryl reveals that she was such a big fan of him since the beginning.

 

Wait… didn’t “Got To Give It Up” appear in the first Charlie’s Angels movie? Either way it’s nice to see her paying tribute to what made her big. This is a very old-school dance which is surreal to me. It’s reminding me of some of the older DWTS seasons. Louis has still got it after all these years. Carrie Ann loved the dance but thought she could do more choreo-wise. Len loved the chemistry between the two but wants Cheryl to show herself more. Derek commends her lines and thought she had great arm placement. Bruno enjoyed the routine and wants her to push more when it comes to Latin styles.

 

Scores: 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 = 21/40

 

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Vinny Guadagnino & Koko | Salsa: Our third Jersey Shore alum! Will he do better than Snooki? Vinny seems excited. I’m more excited to see Koko, we love seeing new pros! I’m just glad Cheryl is not the only Asian pro.

 

I completely forgot how good Koko was since seeing her in SYTYCD :o she’s DYNAMITE. I think Vinny could work more on his timing but he did a decent job. Len wanted to see more of the club feel but thought he was too stiff. Derek needed rotations but liked that he was having more fun. Bruno calls out the timing and wanted more hip rotations. Carrie Ann thought Koko carried the performance.

 

Scores: 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 = 17

 

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Shangela L. Wadley & Gleb | Salsa: Halleloo she’s back bitches! Gleb seems excited to dance with a drag superstar but she isn’t classically trained.

 

Oh she is what??? SICKENING! This was like the polar opposite of Vinny’s dance. This was a fun club dance and she’s nailing the choreo. Derek loved that she made people want to get up and dance with her and wants the couple to refine the dance more. Bruno thought Shangie carried Gleb through the performance. Carrie Ann’s hair extensions acting like Shangela’s season 3 wigs :lol: Len thought she didn’t hold back and had a lot of spirit.

 

Scores: 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 = 28/40

 

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Trevor Donovan & Emma | Quickstep Trevor has jumped off of planes, but… dancing is his biggest fear. Good thing he has someone like Emma to help him with the process.

 

For someone who’s scared of dancing, a Week 1 quickstep was a BRAVE CHOICE. This was speedy and cute despite a few snafus. I really hope her foot didn’t leave the ground during the jump. Bruno notes that he has the talent and thought he needed to refine. Carrie Ann got on their asses on the lift but loved that there was a ton of content. Len thought it was too chaotic and Derek was impressed by the dance.

 

Tyra rushing people again… maybe if you didn’t mess up several times during the breaks you’d be on schedule.

 

Scores: 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 = 21/40

 

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Gabby Windey & Val | Jive: The Bachelorette was pretty lit this year - we got two of them! Also I’m surprised that Val is back! Val notes that Bachelorettes have a much better track record than their male counterparts (with Melissa Rycroft, Hannah Brown and Kaitlyn Bristowe winning a season. This should be nerve-racking for Gabby but with an extensive cheer and ballet background, as long as Val doesn’t phone it in I think she’ll be fine. She considers herself more performance-oriented than technical.

 

She was a lot better than I was expecting from the package. Another above average week 1 performance! Carrie Ann was blown away and loved the resistance and balance with her partner. Len thought it was great, while Derek called it the best dance of the night and commended her foot movement. Bruno called the dance “first class”. Alfonso also notes All-Stars champion Melissa Rycroft when talking about her.

 

Rachel sitting with Jenna at a table! :heart:

 

Scores: 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 = 28/40

 

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Joseph Baena & Daniella | Jive: So Daniella got the jacked Schwarzenegger son! This is an interesting pairing, I’m not sure how bodybuilders do on this show but I trust that Daniella will transform him into a capable dancer - she has the magic touch.

 

This dance is a hot mess but I am LIVING for it! Daniella ATE throughout that performance, but I thought that Joseph could work on his legs and feet more. Len loved the energy but wants him to point his feet. Derek thought it was great and thought he had good arm extensions. Bruno thought his musicality was good and didn’t dance heavy. Carrie Ann thought he had something unique similar to Iman last year.

 

Scores: 6 | 5 | 6 | 6 = 23/40

 

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Jason Lewis & Peta | Cha-cha: Funnily enough he thinks that his DWTS experience will help him in his future wedding :lol: I like the response of “whiskey dancing, tequila dancing” when talking about his dance experience.

 

Seeing Peta return is like a breath of fresh air. This was… an average dance. I think he did well on some aspects but he could use a LOT of work. Derek wanted more toe leads and pointed out timing issues. Bruno calls him out on counting out loud. Carrie Ann needs him to breathe because he has a lot of potential. Len called it disappointing and also pointed out the heel lead.

 

Scores: 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 = 18/40

 

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Selma Blair & Sasha | Viennese Waltz: I am so shocked that she decided to join the show despite her MS diagnosis! Also she and Sasha are neighbors!

 

I like the opening with the cane, it really opens up the story. She has really good balance on her right and left legs despite everything. This was a really cute dance even if a bit short for a VW. Bruno thought that she created magic during the dance. Carrie Ann starts choking up during her critiques and loves what she represents. Len thought she had great lyrical movements. Derek loved her arabesques and that she represented people who don’t let their illnesses define them.

 

Scores: 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 = 28/40

 

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Charli D’Amelio & Mark | Cha-Cha: The main event: MARK IS BACK! Charli is the youngest star on the show and also had been dancing since she was 5.

 

“Savage” is such a brave choice for a cha-cha - I never expect anything less from Mark. Yeah that dance was fantastic and she really sold that number. Carrie Ann points out that she’s a nuanced dancer which she loves. Len commended that she didn’t sacrifice her performance quality when concentrating on her technique. Derek thought Charli had great attack and precision. Bruno loved her precision as well.

 

Scores: 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 = 32/40

 

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Surprisingly… the first elimination is this early!

 

The couples safe are:

Shangela & Gleb

Cheryl & Louis

Selma & Sasha

Jordin & Brandon

Daniel & Britt

Jessie & Alan

Trevor & Emma

Wayne & Witney

Gabby & Val

Joseph & Daniella

Heidi & Artem

Charli & Mark

and… surprisingly enough Vinny & Koko!

 

The last couple safe is……… Sam & Cheryl!

 

Bottom 2: Jason & Peta, Teresa & Pasha Honestly I was expecting this.

 

Judges’ Votes:

Carrie Ann: Teresa & Pasha

Derek: Teresa & Pasha

Bruno: Teresa & Pasha

 

Len: would have saved Teresa & Pasha

 

Eliminated: Jason & Peta. So unfortunate that Peta’s return was so short but it is what it is.

 

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Next Week: It’s Elvis night! But the movie came out months ago!

 

Dance Ranking:

8 | 1.) Charli & Mark

7 | 2.) Wayne & Witney

7 | 3.) Shangela & Gleb

7 | 4.) Gabby & Val

7 | 5.) Selma & Sasha

7 | 6.) Jordin & Brandon

7 | 7.) Daniel & Britt

6 | 8.) Heidi & Artem

6 | 9.) Joseph & Daniella

6 | 10.) Cheryl & Louis

6 | 11.) Trevor & Emma

6 | 12.) Jessie & Alan

5 | 13.) Sam & Cheryl

5 | 14.) Teresa & Pasha

5 | 15.) Vinny & Koko

5 | 16.) Jason & Peta

haven’t live-blogged this in forever but this is confirmed to be Len’s final season as a judge

 

 

The end of an era :cry:

@1653436191327256580

 

Tyra wasn’t a great host anyways.

To clarify: Alfonso will be on the main floor similar to Tyra was last season, and Julianne will take Alfonso's spot as the co-host (so basically Alfonso is Tom Bergeron and Julianne is Erin Andrews)

 

I'm interested to see if the judges' panel will have 4 judges or will just remain as Carrie Ann / Derek / Bruno. I'd LOVE to see Cheryl (or Mark bc apparently he's not gonna be a pro next season) on but I also think it would be overkill to have two previous pros as judges.

 

As for airing rights, what Disney should do is to have the show live on ABC and then put it up for streaming on D+ the next day so people with a subscription will be able to see the full show. I also believe they should go back to posting the main dances on their YouTube channel (and leave them on this time!) The fan channels were such a helpful part of last season (especially those first three weeks where I was in Europe), but they're also susceptible to Disney being hounds for copyright so I need them to actually do their job this time 🙄