It’s all happening on ABC right now. It’s that time of the year when Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) season begins. 5.5 million viewers worldwide tuned in on September 16 to watch the season 34 premiere of DWTS on Disney+ and ABC. And it is surely one not to miss with this star-packed cast. With hosts Fresh Prince of Bel Air Actor and Season 19 winner Alfonso Ribeiro and former DWTS pro dancer and two-time winner Julianne Hough, the season kicked off and introduced a new lineup of 14 celebrities as they began their journey to compete for the mirror ball.
This season’s judges include the DWTS veteran and six-time champion Derek Hough, the ever-electrifying choreographer Bruno Tonioli, and the cheerful dancer and choreographer Carrie Ann Inaba, who was not in attendance as she had to miss the premiere due to illness.
The premiere was on September 16, but we have also seen the second episode of DWTS on September 23, and there is a lot to catch up on, including eliminations. So, who are the new contestants? How did they score? Well, we will catch you up on all you need to know.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles and her pro Ezra Sosa kicked off the episode by dancing the salsa to “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé, even receiving permission from the icon herself to use the song. She performed a first dance with flips and tricks that we would expect from someone of her caliber. Hough noted he would like to see more Latin elements from their dances, and Tonioli said that some of the “dismounts were wobbly.” For this dance, the pair earned a score of 10 out of 20, which guaranteed them eleventh place on the leaderboard.
The following week was one-hit wonders night. So, Chiles and Sosa performed the jive to “Maniac” by Michael Sembello. The jive is always a high-energy energy high high-movement dance. The routine used a combination of strength and fluidity that Chiles has gained from gymnastics. The judges said she had a playful quality; Inaba said she “reminded her of Tina Turner.” And this week, one judge would give a one-word comment. Theirs was “content.” They scored a 22 out of 30 along with three other pairs.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Content creator and brother of Zac Efron, Dylan Efron, was paired up with pro dancer Daniella Karagach. He did not hold back and shook his booty to “Milkshake” by Kelis in a cha cha. Tonioli joked that Efron’s backside was first class, and Hough said he would like to see him “take a lead role in future dances.” They received a 10 out of 20. They took tenth place on the leaderboard.
In Week two, Efron and Karagach danced to “Macarena“by Los Del Río and did the samba. The judges said that his hips were expert-level and that he did use some difficult moves. There was a show of improvement, as there usually is with going from week one to week two. And Tonioli added his “one word” comment, saying he was a “snake hip wonder.” They scored a 20 out of 30. They landed in ninth place on the leaderboard.
Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten
Actress Elaine Hendricks was paired up with pro dancer Alan Bersten. Most known for her role in The Parent Trap. Her intro to the dance included the infamous head tilt with the black hat from the movie. They danced the cha-cha to Ke$ha’s “Woman.” Hough said she has a “Broadway quality to her dancing.” He also said that her “journey to reclaiming dance has officially begun tonight.” They scored a 12 out of 20, placing them in seventh on the leaderboard.
In Week two, they did the jive to “Hey Mickey” by Tony Basil. They really got into the cheerleader theme and war cheerleader costumes. The spins were a little unsteady, but we don’t expect these people to be perfect. Some of them do not have a dance background. She does so, but there is still room for improvement. Her performance impressed the judges. Tonioli said that the “fan factor was through the roof.” Inaba exclaimed a “woo” as her one-word comment. They scored a 21 out of 30, landing them in seventh place and tying with three other contestants.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
“Villain” of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and momtoker Whitney Leavitt was paired with pro Mark Ballas. They danced the tango to “Golden” from K-pop Demon Hunters, a choice that was influenced by her kids. There are plenty of high kicks and straight frames. The judges praised her. Even Ribeiro said the dance “stopped the room.” The dance scored a 16 out of 20, leaving her tied at the top of the leaderboard.
For Week two, they performed the cha cha to “Play That Funky Music“by Wild Cherry. And oh my gosh, did they cha cha away. The dancers built and maintained so much momentum throughout the whole number. Judges called her a “hit machine” and described her as an “engine.” Hough left his one-word comment with an action, which was a clap. They scored a 22 out of 30, leaving them in third place on the leaderboard.
Baron Davis and Britt Stewart
NBA All-Star Baron Davis was paired up with pro Britt Stewart. They did the cha cha to “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. Donned in signature hammer pants and a bedazzled jacket. Hough said that Davis had “crushed the dance,” and Tonioli said he had “hammered” the cha cha. They scored a 10 out of 20, leaving them in ninth place.
In Week two, they did the samba to “Return of the Mack“by Mark Morrison. Sadly, there was a mistake in the first quarter of the number, which seemed to take Baron out. Inaba even noticed, as she commented, that she only wanted to talk about “the beginning of the dance.” The judges did say that he had a “smooth travel” along with “strong slingshots.” The one-word comment was “smooth.” They scored an 18 out of 30, leaving them in 11 place.
Alex Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Social media star Alex Earle was paired with Val Chmerkovskiy they danced the cha cha to Britney Spears’ “Circus.” She dressed as a lion tamer, and they had sparks falling from the ceiling behind her. It was straight to the point with the comments, as they all agreed that the pair “killed their first dance.” They scored a 13 out of 20, leaving them in fourth place.
For Week two, they did the jive to “Mambo No.5 ” by Lou Bega. The starting pose was absolutely fierce, and for their ending dip, it was very dramatic. Her long legs and graceful arms took her a long way. The judges say there was a “freshness to it.” Hough said it was a “difficult routine,” but they did a fantastic job and had a lot of potential. Tonioli’s one-word comment was that it was a “breakthrough.” They scored a 21 out of 30 and landed in fifth place.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
Pentatonix member Scott Hoying was paired with pro Rylee Arnold. They did the tango to “abracadabra” by Lady Gaga. They served face and brought the paws to the dance floor. Hough said that the dance was “impressive,” and Tonioli made a joke that Hoying “stole his suit.” But the dance needed more authentic tango. The pair scored a 10 out of 20, landing them in 12th place.
In Week two, they did the cha cha to “Blue (Ba Da Bee)” by Eiffel 65. In this fun number, it was impressive how Hoying hit his moves so sharply. And they seemed to be more comfortable this week. They noted that there was “definite growth,” and it was “more focused.” Hough’s one-worded comment was “blue.” They scored an 18 out of 30, landing them in 12th place once again.
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
The Boy Meets World star Danielle Fishel was paired with pro Pasha Pashkov. They danced the tango to “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson. Her fight with the early stage of breast cancer inspired it. Tonioli loved Fishel’s fluidity and gliding movement. The performance moved Hough deeply. The pair earned a 12 out of 20, which landed them in sixth place.
Fishel sustained an injury of a hamstring tear, plus a deep tissue massage that burst her blood vessels. She fought through and was a lot stronger than some expected. The pair danced the cha cha to “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona. Tonioli once again commented on her shoulders, but there was also a comment of sensuality and the right amount of spice. They commented that there was a “naturalness to her,” and the one-word comment was “good.” They scored a 19 out of 30, landing them in tenth place.
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
Another mother from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Jen Affleck, was paired with pro Jan Ravnik. They danced the salsa to “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny, to show off her Hispanic heritage. They were amazed by Affleck, who had just given birth two months prior. There was a distracting number of lifts. They scored a 12 out of 20, landing them in eighth place.
For Week two, they did the quick step to “Take on Me” by A-ha. There was so much energy and even a jump off a table. The judges said that there were “beautiful holds” and that they “maintained great body contact.” The one-word comment was “twinkle toes.” It landed them in second place with a score of 22 out of 30.
Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson
The Goonies star Corey Feldman was paired with pro dancer Jenna Johnson. They did the tango to “It’s Still Rock’n’Roll” to Me by Billy Joel. Feldman, who is an avid Michael Jackson fan, incorporated some of the artist’s smooth moves into his performance. Which got cheers from the audience. Hough and Tonioli agreed that while the performance was great, the dancer still needed to work on their technique. This is something that is a struggle for Feldman due to his scoliosis. They ended up earning a nine out of 10, landing them tied for last place.
For Week two, they did the cha cha to “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot. There is much to wonder about during this number as Feldman incorporated Michael Jackson’s style once again. There just seems to be a lot more effort on Johnson’s side rather than Feldmann’s, but we also can’t blame him, as he does have a physical abnormality or disability. Judges said it was “a lot of fun,” it was “technically unique,” and the one-word comment was “committed.” They scored a 15 out of 30, landing them in last place.
Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong
Lauren Jauregui of Fifth Harmony was paired with pro Brandon Armstrong. They performed the tango to, “yes, and?“by Ariana Grande. They glided across the ballroom with fluidity and a dedication to character. The judges truly commended her dancing skills, and Hough said that the dance was “really good.” Tonioli advised her that his only critique was for her to “polish her moves.” They scored a 13 out of 20, landing them in fifth place.
For Week two, the pair did the foxtrot to “Love Fool” by The Cardigans. It was a dreamy routine with light blue costumes reminiscent of Cinderella. They stared into each other’s eyes throughout the entire time. The judges commented that it was very “mesmerizing, really gorgeous.” And the one-word comment was “classy.” They scored a 21 out of 30, landing them in sixth place.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Most known for being Conan O’Brien’s right-hand man on his late-night show, Andy Richter was paired with pro Emma Slater. They performed the cha cha to “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam and Dave. They made the audience roar with laughter and cheers. Tonioli said he appreciated how “cheeky and uplifting” the dance was. Hough shared that they were “truly rooting for him.” They earned a nine out of 20, leaving them at the bottom of the scoreboard.
For Week two, they did the tango “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls. Richter seems to have made some progress this week. The dancers didn’t move much, but they clearly enjoyed the routine. The judges commented that they see the “joy in the routine,” and it is like “thunder and lightning.” The one-word comment was “improved.” They scored a 16 out of 30, landing them in 13th place.
Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko
Alec Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria Baldwin, was paired with pro Gleb Savchenko. They did the cha cha to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. She had clear skills. Judges commended her for the “sharpness in her movements.” They earned a 14 out of 20, placing them in third place.
For Week two, the pair did the tango to “What is Love” by Haddaway. Baldwin has a dance background, and it truly served her well. Her arms were gorgeous the whole time. The judges noticed and commented that she had a “beautiful frame” and “used musical phrasing.” The one-word comment was “lift.” They scored a 21 out of 30, landing them in eighth place.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
Wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin was paired with pro Witney Carson. They did a lively jive to Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” There were multiple jumps and tricks, and even some lip syncing. Tonioli commented that the performance was “absolutely brilliant.” Hough said he thought it was “probably the best first dance he’s ever seen on the show.” They scored a 16 out of 20, tying for the top of the leaderboard.
For Week two, the pair did the tango to “Move Your Feet” by Junior Senior. There was a funny robot dance break in the middle period that Tonioli said “he did not need.” They performed phenomenally together, and we agreed they didn’t need the dance break. He truly seems to be the real deal. The judges commented that it was “powerful” and “clean” and that his “charisma is off the charts.” The one-word comment was “crikey.” They scored 22 out of 30, landing them in fourth place.
To Wrap It Up
In the end, it was Feldman and Davis who were eliminated. It’s not off the judges’ votes or scores. It is off the audience’s text in votes. They sadly left the show, but it was fun to see them dance. That was a recap of weeks one and two of DWTS, and we hope that you continue to read the rest of our recaps that are to come.
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