'Dancing With The Stars' Season 20: Week 1 Scores, Performances Recap
The 20th season and 10th anniversary of "Dancing With The Stars" kicked off to a good start as the celebrity contestants hit the dance floor to prove that they're ready to give it their all for the Mirror Ball Trophy. On Monday night, judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, Julianne Hough and Len Goodman were in good spirits as a front runner emerged, a "Bachelor" proved that he could dance, and an ex-Army man's performance brought the audience to their feet.
Here is a recap and scores of the DWTS week one performances:
Ryker Lynch and Allison Holker
Dance: Jive
Score: 31 (out of 40)
Ryker's jive with Allison was fun and upbeat. While the judges appreciated their energy, they're looking forward to more refinement and improved technical skill in the coming weeks.
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Nastia Liukin and Derek Hough
Dance: Foxtrot
Score: 30
Nastia and Derek's foxtrot to "New York, New York" was shown in black and white before switching to color and ended with an amazing flip by the Olympic gold gymnast. Julianne called it "the most explosive first dance ever."
Willow Shields and Mark Ballas
Dance: Cha-Cha-Cha
Score: 25
The 14-year old was graceful in her movements, but the judges agreed that she needs to improve on her footwork. "I think you're going to go far my dear," said Carrie Ann.
Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson
Dance: Cha-Cha
Score: 28
The "Shark Tank" boss impressed the judges with his charisma and sharp moves. Their wildly energetic cha-cha was praised by Carrie Ann as she said that Robert's energy matched that of a 14-year old.
Michael Sam and Peta Murgatroyd
Dance: Cha-cha
Score: 26
Their cha-cha to "Uptown Funk" showed off Michael's great moves and hip action, though the judges said that he has to work on his footwork.
Chris Soules and Witney Carson
Dance: Jive
Score: 26
"I'm engaged to a Whitney and now I'm dancing with a Witney," quipped Soules. The 'Bachelor' danced to "Footloose" which prompted Julianne to say, "Your feet were a little loose, but it was so much fun!"
Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Cha-Cha
Score: 26
"What I'm lacking in limbs, I'll make up in determination and hard work," Noah promised Sharna in their rehearsal footage. Their cha-cha was sweet and soulful, and the audience gave them a standing ovation. "It was profound," said Carrie Ann. Julianne said that this was the first time she saw a "genuine connection among the pairs that danced tonight."
Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani
Dance: Cha-Cha
Score: 25
The pair paid homage to the 1980s as they danced to Olivia Newton John's "Physical" complete with '80s aerobics outfits, and Len praised the 68-year old, telling her, "You are in lovely condition."
Patti LaBelle and Artem Chigvintsev
Dance: Foxtrot
Score: 25
Patti admits that while she has always sang, she has never danced in her whole life. Nevertheless, her partner effortlessly guided her on the dancefloor which resulted to an elegant foxtrot, and Julianne said, "You are a joyful, graceful goddess."
Charlotte McKinney and Keo Motsepe
Dance: Jive
Score: 22
Charlotte lost her rhythm early and often, and she flubbed some steps. However the judges kept the criticism to a minimum and gave her some pointers to improve next time.
Redfoo and Emma Slater
Dance: Cha-Cha
Score: 22
The flamboyant "Party Rock Anthem" rapper appeared somewhat stiff on the dancefloor, and while the judges praised his showmanship, they all said that he needs to work on his technique.
Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Foxtrot
Score: 32
The pair was the last to perform, and they did not disappoint as their elegant and striking foxtrot impressed the judges. "Things just got real! You are in it to win it!" said Carrie Ann. Bruno praised Rumer's form, and Julianne said that they were definitely the pair to watch this season. Rumer's parents, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were applauding wildly with the rest of the audience after the performance.
"Dancing With The Stars" airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
