Jake T. Austin & Jenna Johnson's Jive
I used to love Wizards of Waverly Place. So I was happy that Jake T. Austin was this year's "Disney Kid". I thought he did a good job, but, like everyone else ever to start out on this show, he's going to need some work. He has great potential, though.
My Score: 6
Babyface & Allison Holker's Foxtrot
I'm glad to see Allison back this season. Babyface did a pretty good job this week, and I'm sure his mom would be proud. I'm hoping to see him improve in the upcoming weeks. I think he could actually be a pretty good dancer.
My Score: 6
Marilu Henner & Derek Hough's Jive
I was so happy to learn that Marilu Henner was joining the cast of the show. I loved her on Taxi and on the Celebrity Apprentice. Plus, it's always nice to see someone you've actually heard of on this show. I also love how excited she was to be a part of the cast. I enjoyed her performance, and was surprised how good she was. She was awesome for (almost) 65 years old! Also, props to the DWTS people for giving Derek a partner that's over 25 years old.
My Score: 7
Laurie Hernandez & Val Chmerkovskiy's Cha-Cha
Laurie is great. She won the gold in Rio, and now she's on Dancing with the Stars. She's following in the footsteps of her fellow Olympic Gymnast Aly Raisman, and if she's as good as her, she's going far. Her first dance was certainly great, and I think she's a frontrunner this season.
My Score: 8
James Hinchliffe & Sharna Burgess's Foxtrot
I'll be honest and say that I've never heard of James before, but he seems like a cool guy. Plus, he's got an inspirational story, and the viewers of this show adore inspirational stories. Like the judges, his dancing really surprised me. He was great for a guy that drives a car for a living.
My Score: 7
Vanilla Ice & Witney Carson's Cha-Cha
I never thought I would see Vanilla Ice on Dancing With the Stars. But hell must have frozen over (probable with some vanilla ice, see what I did there?), because here he is. I'm very glad to have seen this, because even if it wasn't a Cha-Cha, it was incredible entertaining. Like Julianne, this made me SO happy. If I scored based off of entertainment, this would be a solid '10'.
My Score: 5
Terra Jole & Sasha Farber's Jive
When Terra was announced as a part of the cast, I was a bit worried for her. I wasn't sure how she would do, considering quite a bit shorter than your average contestant. I'm proud of her for having the courage to try this. That said, she impressed me. I commend her.
My Score: 6
Calvin Johnson & Lindsay Arnold's Cha-Cha
I'm not a football person, so I did not know who Calvin was (I was soooo lost last season). But that did not stop me from feeling that he did a pretty good. He obviously wasn't the best of the night, but he did well. With all the support from football fans, he probably WON'T be voted off first. Sorry Twitter...
My Score:6
Jana Kramer & Gleb Savchenko's Viennese Waltz
I had never heard of Jana before the show started. But she's a pretty great dancer. She's one to watch this season for sure. And also, who else thinks that there's something going on between Jana and Gleb? Well, probably all of America. I mean, get a room, you two. But unfortunately, that wasn't really a Viennese Waltz. It was far too raunchy. For once, I gotta side with Len and Julianne.
My Score: 7
Ryan Lochte & Cheryl Burke's Foxtrot
Ryan is probably one of the most disliked cast member of the season. I was a bit disappointed that he was in the season. I wish they would have waited a season for some controversy to die down. But I'm giving him a second chance, because all people deserve one. He did a decent job, but I'm not sure it was good enough for him to stick around very long.
My Score: 6
Maureen McCormick & Artem Chigvintsev's Viennese Waltz
I'm excited to see Maureen on DWTS! I love The Brady Bunch! I wasn't sure how she'd do, considering she's older than a typical DWTS contestant. But she did pretty well. And also FLORENCE HENDERSON WAS THERE!!! It was so awesome to see her there cheering on her TV daughter. And also, Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!
My Score: 6
Rick Perry & Emma Slater's Cha-cha
First off, I'm going to try to be impartial with this one. I honestly do not like Rick, but this is Dancing with the Stars, so I don't care about his politics. With that said, this was one of the worst dances I've seen in recent DWTS history. He made Tom DeLay look like Derek Hough.
My Score: 4
Amber Rose & Maks Chmerkovskiy's Foxtrot
I know that I know Amber Rose from somewhere, but I honestly don't know where I know her from. I can already sense that Amber and Maks will fight. Because Maks fights with everybody. I was surprised by her performance. She was actually pretty graceful.
My Score: 6
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WORST OF THE NIGHT: This week, Rick Perry will almost certainly be in danger of elimination. He should be ready to head back to Texas, because he was awful.
(DIS)HONORABLE MENTION: Vanilla Ice
DANCER OF THE NIGHT: Laurie Hernandez
HONORABLE MENTION: Marilu Henner
WHO'S IN DANGER: Rick Perry and Ryan Lochte, for different reasons. Rick because he was the worst of the night, and Ryan because of all of the controversy surrounding him right now.
ONES TO WATCH: Laurie Hernandez, Jana Kramer, Marilu Henner, James Hinchcliffe (These 4 will go pretty far, I think.)
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My Rankings:
1- Laurie Hernandez
2- Marilu Henner
3- James Hinchcliffe
4- Jana Kramer
5- Babyface
6- Terra Jole
7- Maureen McCormick
8- Amber Rose
9- Calvin Johnson
10- Jake T. Austin
11- Ryan Lochte
12- Vanilla Ice
13- Rick Perry
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Overall, this was a pretty good premiere. Aside from their not being very many actual stars, it looks like a good season is ahead.
Grade: A-
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I asked my family members that watch the show who they are rooting for this season (this was before the premiere), an here's everyone's responses:
My mom is rooting for Jake T. Austin this season.
My grandfather is rooting for Vanilla Ice this season.
My grandmother is rooting for Marilu Henner this season.
And I am rooting for Marilu Henner, as well.
Who did you enjoy? Who are you rooting for? Who did you think was just awful? Tell me in the Comments!
