Dancing with the Stars Season 33: A dazzling debut
A night of surprises and high scores
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars kicked off with an electrifying premiere, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The first week, devoid of eliminations, introduced a fresh batch of celebrities eager to claim the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returned to guide the audience through the evening, alongside judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough.
High-energy performances and unexpected scores
The two-hour episode began with a bang as former Bachelor Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson delivered a high-energy cha-cha that earned them an impressive 21/30. This score was notably high for a first-week performance, leaving both the audience and the judges in awe.
Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong set the bar even higher with a stunning tango, scoring 23/30 and topping the leaderboard. Carrie Ann Inaba praised Kinney for her exceptional performance, noting that she had “set the bar so high.”
Not far behind, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach wowed the judges with their salsa, earning a solid 22/30. The competition was fierce, with each pair bringing their unique flair to the dance floor.
Overcoming challenges and surprising the judges
Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik faced initial doubts during rehearsals, with concerns about his rhythm and dance skills. However, he and partner Rylee Arnold delivered a high-energy jive that earned them a respectable 21/30, proving that hard work and determination can defy expectations.
The most talked-about performance of the night came from convicted felon Anna Delvey, who danced with partner Ezra Sosa. Delvey, wearing an ankle bracelet, brought a unique energy to the dance floor. Carrie Ann Inaba addressed both Delvey and the audience, urging everyone to give her a chance and focus on her dancing rather than her past.
Scores and performances
Here’s a rundown of all the dances and scores from the premiere:
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Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson
Dance: Cha Cha to “Dancin’ In The Country”
Score: 21/30 -
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko
Dance: Tango to “Piece of Me”
Score: 18/30 -
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten
Dance: Cha Cha to “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
Score: 18/30 -
Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater
Dance: Salsa to “Motownphilly”
Score: 16/30 -
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson
Dance: Tango to “A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Remix]”
Score: 20/30 -
Tori Spelling and Pasha Pashkov
Dance: Foxtrot to “Trustfall”
Score: 17/30 -
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber
Dance: Cha Cha to “Flowers”
Score: 19/30 -
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong
Dance: Tango to “HOT TO GO!”
Score: 23/30 -
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach
Dance: Salsa to “This Is How We Do It”
Score: 22/30 -
Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart
Dance: Cha Cha to “Old Time Rock and Roll”
Score: 15/30 -
Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Cha Cha to “I’m Every Woman”
Score: 19/30 -
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold
Dance: Jive to “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen
Score: 21/30 -
Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa
Dance: Cha Cha to “Espresso”
Score: 18/30
Personal reflections and deeper insights
As a long-time fan of Dancing with the Stars, the premiere of Season 33 did not disappoint. The mix of celebrities from various backgrounds brought a refreshing diversity to the dance floor. Joey Graziadei’s cha-cha was a delightful surprise, showcasing his potential to be a strong contender this season. Chandler Kinney’s tango was a masterclass in precision and passion, setting a high standard for the weeks to come.
Anna Delvey’s participation added an unexpected twist to the show. Her performance, coupled with the visible ankle bracelet, was a stark reminder of her controversial past. However, it also highlighted the show’s ability to offer second chances and focus on personal growth through dance.
For those who missed the premiere or want to relive the magic, you can watch the performances and get more information on the Dancing with the Stars page.
Looking ahead
With such a strong start, Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars promises to be one of the most exciting yet. The blend of high-energy performances, emotional stories, and unexpected twists will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As the competition heats up, it will be fascinating to see how each celebrity grows and evolves as a dancer.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis as the season progresses. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the show, there’s no denying the magic and allure of Dancing with the Stars.