Time to point those toes and feel the beat as Dancing With the Stars Season 33 kicks off with a premiere full of surprises. Thirteen contestants, ranging from Olympic champions to reality TV stars, had their chance to dance without worrying about elimination.
Celebrities like Joey Graziadei and Tori Spelling chose songs that reflect their personal journeys, leading to emotional stories throughout the show. From the top scores to those needing a little extra flair, here’s what stood out in the season opener.
No Eliminations in the Season Premiere
The premiere surprised everyone, not just with the performances but also because there were no eliminations. This choice allowed the celebrities to relax and enjoy their first dance without the pressure of being voted off.
The show opened with an energetic performance from the professional dancers, including Witney Carson, who returned after a break, and Ezra Sosa, who made his debut as a full-time pro.
Hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough introduced the first dancer, Graziadei. He, known from The Bachelor Season 28, was the first to hit the dance floor with his partner Jenna Johnson. While past contestants from The Bachelor have not always excelled, this year might be different.
Graziadei’s cha-cha earned scores of ‘7’ from judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli. His performance was lively and energetic, showcasing his growth as a dancer.
Following him were Brooks Nader, who delivered a fiery tango, and rugby champion Ilona Maher. Maher expressed her desire to showcase her feminine energy through her dancing, which was evident in her performance.
Family Matters star Reginald VelJohnson brought a charming smile to his dance, winning over the judges with his warmth and charisma. He may not have had the most complex choreography, but his positivity was infectious.
Actor Eric Roberts also made a smooth entry, focusing more on character than on timing, which some believed may have affected his performance. Roberts mentioned that he has slower movements on his left side due to an accident, but he still managed to connect with the audience through his acting skills.
Chandler Kinney and Dwight Howard Impress
Chandler Kinney, known from Pretty Little Liars: Summer School, truly impressed the judges and viewers with her sharp tango to Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go.” She was the standout in Week 1, scoring a strong 23 out of 30. Kinney has some dance experience but had never done ballroom dancing before.
Her performance showed remarkable precision and confidence, indicating that she could be a strong contender for the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.
Kinney’s main competition includes former NBA player Dwight Howard. He demonstrated that height does not prevent him from dancing well, scoring 22 out of 30. Howard moved gracefully across the floor and impressed both the judges and the audience with his rhythm.
Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik also shone, using his gymnastic background to perform impressive lifts and cartwheels. He earned a score of 21 out of 30, showcasing his flexibility and athleticism.
Contestants Share Personal Stories
The premiere was filled with talented dancers, but it also allowed participants to share their stories after facing personal challenges. Tori Spelling and former bachelorette Jenn Tran have both gone through highly publicized break-ups, with Tran recently breaking down on live TV.
In a touching moment, they opened up in backstage videos about how they hope dance will help them rediscover themselves. Spelling has had her share of struggles, and she shared how dancing provides a form of therapy for her. While their scores were lower than some others, their heartfelt stories may inspire viewers to cheer for them.
Spelling performed with a lot of heart, and even though she didn’t score as high as other contestants, her vulnerability resonated with the audience.
Jenn Tran also danced with passion, and both women showed that their emotional journeys could win the hearts of viewers, even if their technical scores were not the highest. This emotional connection often helps contestants in the long run as audiences tend to root for those with compelling stories.
Anna Delvey’s Performance Lacks Enthusiasm
While Spelling and Tran used dance as a healing tool, Anna Delvey, a convicted con artist known from the Netflix series Inventing Anna, did not seem eager to show a different side of herself. Delvey’s performance was underwhelming, and she did not engage with the audience or judges as effectively as others.
Although judge Carrie Ann urged viewers to judge her dance skills fairly, Delvey’s lack of enthusiasm during her cha-cha was apparent. Her comment about not wanting to repeat the choreography was disappointing for many.
Delvey has a complex background, and some viewers hoped she would bring more depth to her performance. Instead, her disengagement left the audience wanting more. While the judges recognized her potential, her attitude raised concerns about her commitment to the competition.
Anticipation for the Upcoming Weeks
Despite a few lackluster performances, the return of Dancing With the Stars was thrilling and full of potential.
With tough eliminations coming up next week, it will be fascinating to see how each contestant works harder to impress the judges and audience. Contestants will need to focus on refining their skills and bringing out their best performances to stay in the game.
The season promises to be exciting, with contestants continuing to grow and evolve. As they share their stories through dance, audiences will have the chance to connect with them on a deeper level.
Dancing With the Stars Season 33 airs every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney+. Fans can look forward to more breathtaking performances and emotional moments as the season progresses.
