New Season of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Launches with the ‘Best First Dance’ in the Show’s History – Recap
Ballroom surprise! In the dramatic new “DWTS” debut, one star takes the house down while another is mercilessly lambasted by viewers.
The drama was immediate, the stakes were tremendous, and the glitter was flying. One participant stunned the judges with a performance that left them speechless on the jaw-dropping launch night of “Dancing with the Stars” (“DWTS”) Season 34, while another was brutally dragged across social media for what fans described as a “painful” exhibition.
Additionally, a prominent judge was not present, which sparked curiosity. She did, however, use Instagram Stories to clarify why she was not featured in the episode.
Robert Irwin’s Electric First Dance Leaves Judges and the Internet in Awe
The renowned wildlife conservationist and television personality Robert Irwin lit up the stage and seized the show as the cherished ballroom competition got underway in typical Hollywood fashion.
Together with professional dancer Witney Carson, the nature-lover performed a stunning jive to Steppenwolf’s well-known hit song, “Born to be Wild.” Irwin first positioned himself on a Land Rover parked in the middle of tall grass, creating a safari-themed scenario.
The charming TV personality used a pair of binoculars to aim at Carson, then leaped off the car’s hood and sprinted to his accomplice.
Every eye was riveted to the floor as the two danced, kicked, flipped, and dipped their way through a performance. The ballroom erupted in applause as Irwin and Carson, dressed in eye-catching matching outfits, performed with such accuracy and vigor.
Judge Derek Hough was overcome with wonder after he and Irwin’s sister shared the prized mirrorball trophy in Season 21. He lavished Irwin with compliments, even making a lighthearted inquiry about whether the 21-year-old had been training covertly for all these years.
Hough said, “That was one of the best first dances I’ve ever seen on this show,” and fans enthusiastically concurred online.
“Robert was hands down the best performance of the night #DWTS #robertirwin #minneapolisbct,” said one fan. Another added, “I feel bad for every other contestant ngl Robert’s gonna take the mirror ball no question 👏🏼.” “Excellent! According to another admirer, “He’s dancing like a pro.” One supporter extended the praise by exclaiming, “my [sic] winner.”
“Robert had the best dance of the night omg!!” said another admirer, echoing the feelings. #DWTS Whitney’s [sic] choreography was flawless. “The best ‘DWTS’ premiere in a long time was that one. One admirer exclaimed, “I’m betting on Robert & Whitney [sic] 🪩 #DWTS.”
One spectator even emphasized how wonderfully Irwin performed in spite of the fact that he had never danced before.
Fans brutally tear Corey Feldman apart as his tango fails.
One contestant’s turn on the dance floor made fans cringe, even though Irwin’s performance was amazing. Renowned for his multi-decade film career, Corey Feldman tried the tango with professional dancer Jenna Johnson but was not impressed.
Wearing sparkly outfits, Feldman wore a black suit and Johnson a striking, figure-hugging two-piece, the two danced to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock & Roll To Me.” Feldman directed them with strong dance as Johnson kicked and swirled.
The routine received scathing criticism online from viewers who didn’t keep back, despite their best efforts. Armchair reviewers quickly vented their rage, calling the performance one of the worst of the evening.
“It hurts to watch! One observer commented, “Oh Corey, that wasn’t good,” while another wrote, “Yell at me if you want!!!! 🤪.”
The statement, “Next week he’s gonna go he can’t even move him and Andy are the first to go [sic],” was even made by another person. One reviewer said, “He knew the steps but has no rhythm at all,” while another said, “Nope don’t like that 😒 [sic].”
Unfortunately, there was more criticism to come. “Sadly, he won’t make it very far because this season has too many outstanding dancers. According to one onlooker, “He’s seeing the bottom [sic].” More internet users made less optimistic predictions about Feldman and Johnson’s futures during the season. Even someone said they were sorry for Johnson.
The Ballroom Battle Begins!
Irwin and Carson had a spectacular performance that night, stunning the judges with a score of 15/20, whereas Feldman and Johnson received a pitiful nine out of twenty.
This season, are you joining them? The list of celebrities vying for the coveted mirrorball trophy is astounding: Jennifer Affleck, Hilaria Baldwin, Jordan Chiles, Baron Davis, Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, Danielle Fishel, Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying, Lauren Jauregui, Whitney Leavitt, and Andy Richter.
With partner Jan Ravnik, Affleck turned up the heat with a fiery salsa to “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny, earning 12/20. With a cha cha to Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko scored a resounding 14/20.
Ezra Sosa and Olympian Chiles did a salsa to Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul,” but they only received a 10/20. Davis and Britt Stewart, two other competitors, also received a 10/20 for their cha cha over MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This.”
Earle, a social media sensation, performed a cheeky cha cha and received a 13/20 on Britney Spears’ “Circus” with Val Chmerkovskiy. Although they were only able to whip up 10/20, Efron and Daniella Karagach also selected the cha cha, this time to Kelis’s “Milkshake.”
Actresses Fishel and Pasha Pashkov from “Boy Meets World” scored a 12/20 for their emotional tango to Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You).”
On December 20, actress Hendrix and Alan Bersten danced the cha cha to Kesha’s “Woman” featuring The Dap-Kings Horns. Rylee Arnold and Hoying of Pentatonix selected Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” for their cha cha, however they were unable to enchant, receiving a mere 10/20.
At 13/20, Brandon Armstrong and Jauregui of Fifth Harmony embraced the sensual vibe of a tango to Ariana Grande’s “yes, and?” With a savage tango to “Golden” from “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” Leavitt and Mark Ballas grabbed the show and tied the night’s highest score of 15/20.
A cha cha to Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming” was attempted by comedian Richter and Emma Slater, but their score of nine out of twenty was more of a whimper than a roar.
Leading the Leaderboard against Dance Floor Catastrophe
Who is falling, and who is soaring? At the top today are Baldwin and Savchenko, Leavitt and Ballas, and Irwin and Carson.
For now, however, it’s terrible news for Richter and Slater, Feldman and Johnson, and the struggling duos that only managed 10/20, such as Hoying and Arnold, Davis and Stewart, Chiles and Sosa, and Efron and Karagach.
A Heartwarming Family Moment
Emotions were running high when Irwin and Carson opened up to Entertainment Tonight following their incredible performance.
Irwin meekly stated, “I’ve never moved to music in my life, and that is all thanks to Witney,” in response to a reporter’s appreciation of his unexpected debut. Being the greatest dancing partner ever, we’ve been here for ten years, and after Bindi accomplished it, we’re back and ready to go.”
The three then reminisced about a sweet scene in the show where Irwin ran to his sister in the audience and gave her a firm embrace.
“Bindi said, ‘This will feel like flying,’ and I now understand that sensation. I went to embrace her and simply said, ‘Yeah.'” It had great significance. It had great significance. “It was really awesome,” Irwin said at the time.
On the night of the premiere, where was Carrie Ann Inaba?
Promotion
One conspicuous absence cast doubt on the evening as fans reveled in the glamour and tension. Carrie Ann Inaba, a veteran judge, was not present.
Inaba did, however, explain her absence in an Instagram Stories post, saying that she needed to relax because she was feeling ill. Despite missing the premiere, she told fans she would return soon and was supporting everyone from home.
Triumph, Feelings, and an Exciting Journey Ahead
This season of “DWTS” is already generating controversy because to the high level of emotions, the shocking absence of a judge, and the dramatic highs and lows.
