Returning and new pros, opening numbers, scores, and who to look out for in week two.
Opening Number
The opening number, choreographed by Ray Leeper, was to the song ‘Kill the Lights’ by Whitney Myer, bringing the spotlight to everyone. The dance featured all the stars, even Julianne Hough and Alfonzo Ribeiro (Season 19 Mirrorball Champion), the hosts of the show. They also showed off the all-new troupe featuring Jenna Johnsons Neice, Hailey Bills, Onye Stevenson, Carter Williams and Jaxon Willard.
While Carrie Ann Inaba, one of the returning judges, was sick as per her Instagram post linked below, stating that she wasn’t feeling well but would be back next week in better health.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOq8HdpiYuD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Performances
1. Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Dancing a Salsa to the song “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé
Scores: Bruno: 5 Derek: 5
My take: Ezra was given a bad hand last season, when he was given a star who had no interest in being on the show. Ezra now has Jordan chiles as a partner, and their positive energy and friendship is very visible. However, I think that since they were the first ones to go, they set the bar, and the judges were too harsh on them. Jordan’s athletic ability was much greater than others who claimed to have past dance experience.
2. Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Dancing a Cha-cha to the song “Milkshake” By Kelis
Scores: Bruno: 5 Derek: 5
My Take: It’s giving Harry Jowsey from season 32. Dylan definitely has the fan base to bring him far, but not enough skill. I think he was really stiff and as his partner Daniella says, it takes a lot or him to come out of his shell. Even after his first dance, I saw the embarrassment on his face. I think he needs to gain more confidence and embrace that what he is doing isn’t for the weak. He should be proud of himself no matter what.
Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
Dancing a cha-cha to the song “Woman” by Kesha
Scores: Bruno: 6 Derek: 6
My take: Elaine is 55 years old, so for her age, and not having danced in approximately 30 years I think she did really well. going into the premiere, I thought that she was going to be one of the first ones to go, but now I’m rethinking my decision. She is definitely someone to be on the lookout for.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Dancing the tango to the song to “Golden” by HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI and the Kpop Demon Hunters Cast.
Scores: Bruno:8 Derek:7
My take: I think Whitney had a strong background in TikTok dances, so she was able to keep up with Mark more than other stars were. I’m excited to watch her grow as a dancer.
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
Dancing the Salsa to the song “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny
Score: Derek: 6 Bruno: 6
My Take: Since Jen just had a baby 8 weeks ago, I think she did fairly well, however I agree with the judges that the lifts were slowing her down and made her mess up the rhythm. I think she needed to start with more of the basics in order for her to grow, and then she would’ve been better and cleaner.
Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko
Dancing the cha-cha to the song “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez
Scores: Derek: 7 Bruno: 7
My Take: Consider me unimpressed. Not only do i dislike Gleb as a pro, I feel that Hilaria is kind of washed up and not really relevant for the target audience of Dancing With the Stars.
Baron Davis and Britt Stewart
Dancing the cha-cha to the song ” U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
Scores: Bruno: 5 Derek: 5
My Take: Baron’s pants made me giggle. Nothing in his performance really stood out to me, I feel like all the pro athletes have the endurance to keep up and the athletic ability to be able to perform. But most don’t go far and thats what im expecting for Baron.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Dancing the cha-cha to the song “Circus” by Britney Spears
Scores: Derek: 7 Bruno: 6
My Take: WOW. I was honestly not expecting Alix to have so much rhythm. I was mostly expecting her to have the votes to carry her but not really having the talent. I was wrong. Alix really showed up and showed out I am excited to see more choreography from Val for them.
Corey Feldman and Jenna Johnson
Dancing the tango to the song “It’s still Rock & Roll To Me” by Billy Joel
Scores: Derek: 4 Bruno: 5
My Take: For one of the older contestants I’ve seen on the show, he was surprisingly in sync with the music and his pro, I don’t know how Danielle and Pasha got a higher score than Corey and Jenna.
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
Dancing the tango, to the song “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” By Kelly Clarkson
Scores: Derek: 6 Bruno: 6
My Take: Once again, not entirely impressed. I think she has a lot of potential, but won’t get very far.
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
dancing the tango to the song “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
Scores: Derek : 5 Bruno : 5
My take: Rylee had such a hard first season as a pro that the producers are being so kind to her now. I love the match up of Scott and Rylee. I love the TikToks they have been posting and showing how close they are becoming. I think Rylee will be going far no matter who she is with and I think that Scott has enough musical talent to bring him far. I see them making it to the semifinals.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
dancing the jive to the song “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf
Scores: Derek: 8 , Bruno 7
My take: Living in my head rent-free, no notes, I’m willing to stake my life on the fact that he will be in the final two if not the winner of Dancing with the Stars season 34.
Lauren Jauregui and Brandon Armstrong
Dancing the tango to the song “Yes, and?” By Ariana Grande
Scores: Derek: 7 Bruno: 6
My take: I think she tried but won’t last very long.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Dancing a cha-cha to the song “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam & Dave
Score: Derek: 5 Bruno: 4
My Take: I think his next dance will be his last, and I’m not mad about it.
Overview
While I think everyone tried their best, there were some performances I was a little more impressed with than others. I think Robert Irwin will be the person to be on the lookout for.