It’s that time of year again when fans gather every Tuesday to watch and vote for their favorite couples on Dancing with the Stars! The show has always been a huge hit within the dance world, but recently it has gained traction with new audiences. The hosts announced that the Season 34 premiere doubled in viewership compared to the previous season’s premiere. A major reason is the addition of newer stars and more relevant contestants, which has attracted a younger audience. Let’s recap the two-hour Season 34 premiere:
The first star to dance was gymnast Jordan Chiles and her partner, Ezra Sosa. They performed a Salsa to “BREAK MY SOUL” by Beyoncé. The judges left positive remarks but wanted to see more Latin dance and fewer tricks and flips. Social media users criticized Sosa’s choreography. Both Derek and Bruno gave Chiles fives, resulting in a score of 10/20.
Next was Dylan Efron, best known as Zac Efron’s brother. Efron performed a Cha Cha with his partner, Daniella Karagach, to “Milkshake” by Kelis. The judges complimented certain moments of the routine but criticized Efron for getting ahead of the music. Derek encouraged him to step into the role of the leading man. Viewers online felt he performed worse than expected and might be one of the first eliminated. Efron also received fives, ending with 10/20.
Elaine Hendrix and her partner Alan Bersten were next, dancing a Cha Cha to “Woman” by Kesha. Hendrix proved that age is just a number. The Parent Trap villain wowed audiences with her skills. Judges praised her performance but said she needed to complete her movements more fully. They earned sixes from both Derek and Bruno, scoring 12/20.
Next up was Whitney Leavitt, a Secret Life of Mormon Wives star from Orem, Utah, dancing with Mark Ballas. Leavitt delivered a strong tango to “Golden” by HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, REI AMI & the KPop Demon Hunters cast. Judges described the dance as “incredible” and a “fantastic tango,” saying it was exactly how it should be. Derek noted that Leavitt’s frame needed to be more consistent, but overall, both the judges and audience were impressed. She received a 15/20 (despite Bruno accidentally punching an 8 into the scoreboard).
Up next, Baron Davis and his partner Britt Stewart performed a Cha Cha to “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer. The retired NBA player gave a fun performance that left fans smiling. Judges noted issues with his heel leads but called it a solid effort overall. They scored 10/20.
The social media star and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy performed a Cha Cha to “Circus” by Britney Spears. The dance started and ended strong. Judges praised it but warned that her precision was edging toward stiffness. This was one of the stronger performances of the night, though some online commenters felt the couple lacked chemistry. They earned 13/20.
Scott Hoying, Pentatonix’s baritone, danced a tango with partner Rylee Arnold to “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga. Already a fan favorite, the pair did a solid job, but judges pointed out messy choreography and poor arm positioning. Arnold also faced criticism for choreography lacking authentic tango elements. They received 10/20.
Danielle Fishel, beloved as Topanga from Boy Meets World, performed a tango to “Stronger” by Kelly Clarkson with Pasha Pashkov. Fishel exceeded expectations, with only minor critique from Derek about her shoulder line. They earned 12/20.
Another Secret Life of Mormon Wives star, Jen Affleck, danced a Salsa with new pro Jan Ravnik to “NUEVAYoL” by Bad Bunny. Just two months postpartum, Affleck wowed the audience, though the judges felt the routine relied too heavily on lifts. They scored 12/20.
Corey Feldman, the childhood star of The Goonies, danced a tango with reigning champion Jenna Johnson to “It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me” by Billy Joel. Feldman gave a fun performance, but his lack of fluidity and technique showed. Derek scored them a four and Bruno a five, totaling 9/20. Many believe Feldman won’t last long in the competition.
Lauren Jauregui, Fifth Harmony alum, danced a tango with Brandon Armstrong to Ariana Grande’s “yes, and?” Judges loved Jauregui’s fluidity and confidence but suggested she elongate her legs. They earned 13/20.
Andy Richter and partner Emma Slater delivered a Cha Cha to “Hold On, I’m Coming” by Sam & Dave. The dance was upbeat and fun, though the judges noted timing issues. Richter’s charm has already made him a fan favorite. They scored 9/20.
Hilaria Baldwin, Alec Baldwin’s wife, performed a Cha Cha to “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez. She impressed with her energy and earned 14/20, a respectable score for night one.
Finally, Robert Irwin and Witney Carson closed the show with a Jive to “Born To Be Wild” by Steppenwolf. Irwin, with no prior dance experience, amazed both judges and fans. His energy and natural stage presence made him an early contender for the mirrorball trophy. They scored the highest of the night with 15/20, a rare feat for the premiere, when eights are uncommon.
That wraps up the Dancing with the Stars Season 34 premiere! Next week will feature a double elimination, so don’t forget to vote for your favorites. See you next Tuesday!
