“Dancing With The Stars" premiered its 24th season tonight on ABC and to say it was incredible was an understatement. This is also the 400th episode, which is major for any television show. As always, there were some amazing moments, some crazy moments and some that had us scratching our heads in wonder.
The good:
Nancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvinstev: The former Olympic figure skater, who spent the past few years quietly living life as a wife and mom, wowed the judges and audience with a beautiful, classy Viennese waltz. She proved she was in it to win it with her beautiful lines and extensions, as well as her obvious determination.
Nick Viall and Peta Murgatroyd: The most recent "Bachelor" star (who proposed to the love of his recent life, according to Tom Bergeron) and the new mom were one of the many couples to perform the cha cha cha tonight. Bruno Tonioli compared him to a pop idol, while Carrie Ann Inaba and Julianne Hough also seemed to like him. While he does need to work on some of his technique, he proved that he has potential to go far.
Heather Morris and Maks Chmerkovskiy: The "Glee" star and the new dad were one of the favorites before they even hit the dance floor. They did not disappoint in the least. While they tied with Nancy and Artem regarding scores, they took it a step further with their chemistry.
I have a feeling they are going to make it to at least the semifinals.
Simone Biles and Sasha Farber: Carrie Ann was right, it was a great combination of technique and power. I think we all expected them to do well, but they knocked it out of the park. I believe that they are going to make it to the end.
Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater: The NFL free agent and the newly engaged dancer were tonight’s surprise.
He had rhythm, personality for days and worked the stage like nobody’s business. He has the potential to be the Emmitt Smith of this season.
The fun:
Charo and Keo Motsepe: The ‘cuchi-cuchi’ girl was the funniest contestant of the night. She is known for her huge personality, and she brought it in spades. While her technique needs some work, they certainly have a ten in personality!
Bonner Bolton and Sharna Burgess: The bull rider/model had all the ladies, including his partner, hot and bothered with his dancing and smoldering good looks. However, what is most impressive is the fact that he was PARALYZED last year and now is moving and shaking it like nobody’s business. He is another one we are going to have to watch out for this season.
David Ross and Lindsay Arnold: The newly-retired Chicago Cub surprised everyone tonight with his fun personality and technique. The judges all fell in love with him. Not bad for the show's first MLB player!
Chris Kattan and Witney Carson: The "SNL" star reprised his "Night At The Roxbury" routine, but sadly didn’t have the sideburns. He may have scored the lowest tonight, but what he lacked in content and technique he made up for in laughs.
Mr. T. and Kym Herjavec: The "A-Team" star, who is paired with the newly married Kym, danced to his show’s theme song tonight. While most of the footwork was a bit off, he was fun to watch as always. I pity the fool who decides he should be eliminated first!
The singers:
Normani Kordei and Val Chmerkovskiy: The Fifth Harmony star, who is paired with the reigning champion, was the first star to take the stage tonight. While they did a good job, she had the unfortunate curse of going first, which means that by the time we see the last dance, she is forgotten. She has the talent, but she needs to bring more to the table if she wants to stand out.
Erika Jayne and Gleb Savchenko: The "Real Housewives" star/singer performed to one of her songs tonight in a sexy, borderline raunchy salsa.
While she exuded sexuality and sensuality, Len Goodman found it a bit too raunchy for his taste. She does have some decent technique, and I hope she continues to focus on that as well as her sensuality. If she combines the two, she will be unstoppable.
