Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 1 Recap: Who Starts off on the Wrong Foot?
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars is off to a fabulous start. A total of 13 celebrities are all in the hunt for The Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. The cast is eclectic, with athletes, actors, and Olympians. And of course, the infamous convicted con artist Anna Delvey. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough have their paddles ready. And hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are also back in the ballroom.
The DWTS premiere features the competitors dancing to their personal anthems. That is a fun theme! Many of the performances were impressive, while a few contestants struggled to find their footing. Overall, the scores seemed a bit higher than usual for the first night of competition. And while there may be a couple of standouts, most of the pack turned in solid performances. It looks like we are in for a great season, folks!
Who was eliminated in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 1?
No one was eliminated on the first night of Dancing with the Stars Season 33!
This is a departure from the last two seasons when one contestant was sent packing after their first waltz around the ballroom. I was surprised that the show opted to forgo the elimination. So, that means that this week’s scores will be combined with next week’s scores.
However, that means that next week, two stars will be sent home in a double elimination. So brutal! And next week’s theme promises to be a good one. The show will celebrate award-winning movie songs during Oscar Night. Still, there’s nothing like a double elimination to heighten the fear level.
Actor Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart, Tori Spelling and Pasha Pashkov, Reginald VelJohnson and pro Emma Slater all had a tough start. They landed at the bottom of the leaderboard. Still, I never say never, and their fans could help pull them through.
Who got the top score of the night in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 1?
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong got the highest score in Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 1.
Actress Chandler and her partner, Brandon brought the house down with their Tango. They danced to Hot to Go! by Chappell Roan. Now, Chandler does have dance experience, but not ballroom experience.
Their performance was bright and fun. Bruno told the duo, “Taking on this tango on week one … I’ve done this show for a very long time. Oh my god. Was one of the best.”
And Carrie Ann also praised Chandler and Brandon. “You have set the standard for Season 33. You guys, that is the standard,” she stated. “That’s what we want to see. You are a beautiful dancer. Bring it on! I want more.”
For his part, Derek spelled out the title of the song with his impression of Chappell’s dance routine. “I mean, if this is the beginning, I am scared to see what you have next because you have so much potential. You’re a superstar,” he said.
Wow! It looks like we may have a frontrunner. Chandler and Brandon received 23 out of 30.
What were the judge’s scores in DWTS Season 33, Episode 1?
Chandler and Brandon (Tango) – 23 points
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Salsa) – 22 points
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Cha-Cha) – 21 points
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Jive) – 21 points
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Tango) – 20 points
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber (Cha-Cha) – 19 points
Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy (Cha-Cha) – 19 points
Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa (Cha-Cha) – 18 points
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko (Tango) – 18 points
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Cha-Cha) – 18 points
Tori Spelling and Pasha Pashkov (Foxtrot) – 17 points
Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater (Salsa) – 16 points
Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart (Cha-Cha) – 15 points
I loved Ilona and Alan’s fun and flirty Cha-Cha. You could tell that she was nervous, but she delivered an empowering performance. I was also pleasantly surprised by Joey and Jenna’s country-themed Cha-Cha.
And, of course, Real Housewives of Atlanta star Phaedra Parks and Val delivered a sexy Cha-Cha. She is truly a performer, and they have sizzling chemistry. Her goal is to reach the finals, and she might make it.
But my absolute favorite performance was Stephen and Riley’s Jive. The “pommel horse guy” brought energy and tons of personality. I loved every second. This couple also has a good connection.
As for Anna and her bedazzled tracking anklet? Carrie Ann used her feedback time to speak out about Anna. “I just want to say something. When you came out on the dance floor, there was a shift in the energy in this room. And I would just like to say. ‘Let’s all just give this a chance,’ because I can imagine that this is scary for you,” Carrie Ann said. “And I’m not pro or for or against anything … but this is about your dancing here.”
Final thoughts on Dancing with the Stars Season 33, Episode 1
Season 33 of DWTS is already delivering. I loved the opening number with all the pros and the dance troupe. This dynamic dance was choreographed by Jamal Sims. And a special shout-out to Witney for her return to the ballroom, and Ezra for being the newest pro dancer!
Now, to next week’s elimination. I feel like Anna and Eric may be in danger of going home next week. In Anna’s case, she barely received any applause when she and Ezra were finished performing.
While it looks like Chandler has an early leg up (pun intended), I think that some contestants could give her a run for the Mirrorball. Plus, I love how some of the contestants just radiate joy and entertain the crowd. Dwight and Daniella, Phaedra and Val, and Stephen and Rylee all served up plenty of personality and got the crowd excited. Of course, Chandler also fired up the crowd with her jaw-dropping Tango.
In the end, I agree with Derek. If this is just the first week of Season 33, we are in for a wild ride.
Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+
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