“Dancing with the Stars” premieres its 30th season with a new cast of “celebrities” and a returning Len Goodman who was sidelined last season due to the Covid pandemic.
As expected returning for her second season, host Tyra Banks strikes her “model’s pose” upton entering the stage attired in a dress to rival the Mirror Ball trophy.
Spice Girl Melanie C gets the night of dance started off with a Cha Cha with partner Gleb to one of her Spece Girls songs. Len said that he is happy to be back; adding that Melanie was teriffic with a polished performance. Derek said that the dance was clean and precise; adding that Melanie has some great legs. Bruno thanked Melanie for spicing up his life…and the dance; adding that she had some good leg action. Carrie Ann said that Sporty Spice was her fav; adding that Melanie was very clean. Melanie and Gleb earned 27 points for their dance.
WWE star Mike “The Miz” pairs up with Witney Carson for a Cha Cha to the new BTS hit “Butter”. Derek noted that it was good to see Witney back; adding that he was surprised at Mike’s performance. Bruno said that Witney tamed the beast; adding that Mike was light on his feet. Carrie Ann said that Mike was incredible with great energy. Len said that Mike was better than expected. The Miz and Witney scored 24 points for their dance.
NBA star Iman Schumpert pairs up with Daniella for a Jive to the Black Eyed Peas. Bruno noted that it is very hard for tall people to do the Jive but Iman was light on his feet and showed some musicality; adding that it was a great debut. Carrie Ann called Iman the Fly Guy of this season; adding that he was stylish and smooth. Len felt like the dance was all too causal but fun and entertaining. Derek noted that Iman looked comfortable; adding that it was a great first week. Iman and Daniella scored 21 points for their dance.
Olivia Jade is paired up with Val for a Salsa. Carrie Ann said that the dance was well done with great lines. Len said that dance was clean and polished. Derek said that Olivia has great legs and a great first dance. Bruno said that Olivia took to the dance like a duck to water. Olivia and Val scored 25 points for their dance.
Country music star Jimmie Allen pairs up with Emma Slater for a Tango. Jimmie said that he wants to be an amabassador for Country music…and to win. Len said that the dance didn’t support Jimmie’s personality; adding that he has great potential. Derek called it an incredible week one frame. Bruno noted that Jimmie managed to keep the Tango on track; adding that there were some good moments. Carrie Ann noted that it was a tough dance but Jimmie did a great job. Jimmie and Emma scored 22 points for their dance.
Actress Melora Hardin pairs up with Artem for a Tango to the music of Robert Palmer. Derek stood up and clapped; saying that he was blown away. Bruno said that Melora had great lines and brilliant. Carrie Ann said that Melora brought the drama to the dance. Len liked it; saying that Melora just came out and danced. Melora and Artem scored 26 points for their dance.
Olympic gold medal winning gymnast Suni Lee pairs up with Sasha Farber for a Jive. Bruno said that Suni had great kick and flicks. Carrie Ann called Suni incredible and amazing. Len said that the dance was neat and precise. Derek noted that Suni has the technique. Suni and Sasha scored 28 points for their dance to take the lead.
Fitness guru Cody Rigsby pairs up with Cheryl Burke for a Tango that has Cody starting out on a bike. Carrie Ann noted that see what all the hype is about; adding that Cody needs to relax. Len said that Cody has great presence and potential; adding that he is one to watch. Derek said that Cody was so much fun and entertaining. Bruno loved the attitude. Cody and Cheryl scored 24 points for their dance.
Broadway actor and talk show host Amanda Kloots pairs up with Alan for a Tango. Len said that the dance. Derek noted that dance is the best way to claim your joy; adding that it was a sensational routine. Bruno said that Amanda has it all. An emotional Carrie Ann said that Amanda was elegance and beauty like an angel. Amanda and Alan scored 28 points for their dance.
When the show returns from a commercial break, host Tyra Banks has made a costume change.
Karate man Martin Kove pairs up with Britt for a Paso Doble that opens with a speech from Martin. At 74, Kove is the oldest dancer this season. Derek noted that he felt Martin was a bit unprepared. Bruno said that they need to work on the content. Carrie Ann said that Martin had commitment to character but lacked contact Len said that from someone in his seventies, he felt that Martin came out and made a great effort. Martin and Britt scored 13 points for their dance.
Reality star and former Miss USA Kenya Moore pairs up with Brandon for a Fox Trot Doja Cat. Bruno said that it was classy and glossy; adding that Kenya moves very well. Carrie Ann said that Kenya looked like a queen out there; adding that the dance was well done. Len said that the dance had charm and sophistication. Derek said that Kenya has so much potential; adding that the dance was beautiful. Kenya and Brandon scored 26 points for their dance.
Actress Christine Chiu pairs up with Pasha for a Tango to the music of Fergie. Carrie Ann said that Christine is like a diamond in the rough; adding it is what they are looking for on the show. Len noted that Christine had great control. Derek loved the dress; adding that she had a great frame. Bruno called Christine a gem but needs a bit of polish. The duo has already had to deal with injuries. Christine and Pasha scored 25 points for their dance.
Bachelor Matt James paired up with Lindsey for a Cha Cha to the music of Rick James. Noting that he has no dance experience, Matt wore crocs to his first rehearsal. Len would have liked more hip action, but added that Matt’s future could be rosey. Derek called it a great Cha Cha. Bruno said that Matt delivered; adding that next time he would be brilliant. Carrie Ann liked the way they ussed the space; adding that the body rolls were great. Matt and Lindsay scored 24 points for their dance.
Actor Brian Austin Green pairs up with girlfriend Sharna Burgess for a Fox Trot. Derek said that the dance was so good. Bruno said that he is sensing some sizzling chemistry. Carrie Ann said that she loved seeing Sharna so happy. Len said that Brian needs to work on his feet; adding that the competition is working on being something special. Brian and Sharna scored 24 points for their dance.
In the last dance of the night,JoJo Siwa pairs up with Jenna for a historic DWTS event as the first same sex dance couple on the American version of the show. The very first same sex couple happened in 2010 in Israel. The couple performs a Quickstep to “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” with JoJo as the lead. Bruno noted that it was finally the groundbreaking moment they have been waiting for. Carrie Ann called it amazing. Len noted that the dance was entertaining and full of attack. Derek said that JoJo was made for DWTS. JoJo and Jenna scored 29 points for their dance to top the leaderboard.
https://youtu.be/zq1sh82XdfM
Season 30 Premiere scores:
Martin and Britt – 13
Iman and Daniella – 21
Jimmie and Emma – 22
The Miz and Witney – 24
Cody and Cheryl – 24
Matt and Lindsay – 24
Brian and Sharna – 24
Olivia and Val – 25
Christine and Pasha – 25
Melora and Artem – 26
Kenya and Brandon – 26
Melanie C and Gleb – 27
Suni and Sasha – 28
Amanda and Alan – 28
JoJo and Jenna – 29