Dancing with the Stars, Week 1 

The 16th season of Dancing with the Stars has officially begun!  New celebrities and a few new professional dancers kicked the season off right. No one is being voted off this week.  Here’s a little breakdown of my thoughts of  how each of the couples did:

– Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough (1-800-868-3401)- Cha Cha– Kellie is no stranger to a competition show (Hello, American Idol)  I didn’t know what to expect from her but thought she did a good job.  Derek’s amazing so if a partner has any sense of rhythm, he can make it work! Score: 7, 7, 7- 21

– Victor Ruiz and Lindsay Arnold*– (1-800-868-3402)- Foxtrot– A champion boxer and a new professional, that did okay.  I thought he was a bit stiff, but athletes always do well on these shows, so time will tell. Score: 6, 6, 6- 18

–Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson– (1-800-868-3403)- Contemporary– It’s Jax from General Hospital, how can I not love him?  This pair of Australians are doing a new style of dance that they have only done on the All-Star season.  I thought they did really well.  For week one I thought that Contemporary was a little difficult, but they pulled it off. Score: 7, 6, 7- 20

–Lisa Vanderpump and Gleb Savchenko* and Giggy- (1-800-868-3404)- Foxtrot– One of our favorite Housewives and a new professional (aka the New Maks?). A little bit of a stumble but was elegant.  I think that she will improve every week. (I’m a little worried about Giggy getting a big head) Score: 6, 6, 6- 18

–DL Hughley and Cheryl Burke– (1-800-868-3405)- Cha Cha– Oh DL, I’m concerned.  Cheryl has some work to do before next week, but she’s very good.  Score: 4, 4, 4- 12

–Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy– (1-800-868-3406)- Contemporary– Youngest contestant on the show ever.  One of the best dances, if not the best dance of the night.  These Disney kids are talented, but she really surprised me. Let’s see how she does with the Foxtrot or Waltz.  Score: 8, 8, 8- 24

-Sean Lowe and Peta Murgatroyd– (1-800-868-3407)- Foxtrot– The Bachelor, who was secretly rehearsing until after his season finale. Peta is a great dancer and has a bit of work to do with him.  Score: 7, 6, 6- 19

–Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas– (1-800-868-3408)- Cha Cha– I thought they did well but she is a little stiff.  The girl has a lot of pressure on her because of Shawn Johnson. Also she has 2 gold and 1 bronze medal from the Olympics.  No big thing! Score: 7, 7, 7- 21

-Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus- (1-800-868-3409)- Contemporary– She’s Dorothy frickin’ Hamill people!  I have to say, not the strongest performance, but she is another one to beat!  I didn’t know that she had Breast Cancer during the time of Kristi Yamaguchi’s winning season.  She talked about how Kristi inspired her.  (I admit I got a little teary) Score: 7, 7, 7- 21

-Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani– (1-800-868-3410)- Cha Cha– Have to admit, I’m not a big country fan.  I think Wynonna is awesome!  It’s been a rough year for her, but she did great.  I think she is going to get better and better! She is funny! Score: 6, 6, 6- 18

-Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess*– (1-800-868-3411)- Foxtrot– Let’s be honest, everyone didn’t know what to expect from Andy because of all of his troubles.  Let me say this, I thought he was really good.  I also think the judges were a little harsh with him. (Judges see my note below!)  I hope that he continues to stay on track because everyone loves a comeback! Sharna, being a new professional (she was part of the Troop) seems to be enjoying herself and handling Andy well.  Score: 6, 5, 6- 17

-Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff– (1-800-868-3412)- Cha Cha– Coming off winning the Superbowl (remember, The Beyonce Bowl?) and having knee surgery, this guy has got some moves.  They only had one week to rehearse and I thought that they did a solid dance.  He has rhythm but needs to work on technique, but it is the first week, I think we can give the guy a break.  Score: 7, 6, 7- 20

A little note to the judges:  It’s week one and not an all-star season.  Len – you just got married again, you shouldn’t be so cranky already.  But I still love ya!

So what did you think?  See you next week!

Dancing with Stars airs Mondays at 8/7c and Tuesday at 9/8c on ABC

 *Indicates new professional dancer