Dancing With The Stars – Premiere – The Top 13 Perform – VIDEO

By On 09/22/2008 · 61 Comments · In Uncategorized

ETA: Brooke Burke and Derek Hough had the highest score of the night, and I take back what I said about the heavy lifting. Compared to the other women, she executed the most complicated steps and did them well. Toni Braxton was also really good. Some other favs: Lance Bass and Misty May-Treanor. And can I say that Alec Mazo is HOT. There. I said it! I’m not down with the karaoke versions of popular songs. ABC, you have a hit show, why so cheap? Jeffrey Ross, the comediene, will probably be eliminated tomorrow. What do you guys think? BTW, deadline to sign up for the DWTS pool is 9 pm ET tomorrow night.

I’m re-caping Dancing With The Stars as a first time watcher, so this should be interesting! Kids, watch out for questions I may have a few…

This is the biggest Dancing of the Stars Ever! Two dances the first week! Two Stars Eliminated! Whee!

Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris introduce the “Stars” of Season 7!

Video and Recap…after the JUMP…

Cody Linley and Julianne Hough – The Cha Cha – Cody is Jake Ryan on Hannah Montana. He’s the youngest contestant at 18. Cody can’t keep his mind off of Julianne’s HOTNESS. The dancing is energetic if not very smooth. Len Goodman says he came out full of confidence and high energy. Bruno tells Cody to focus on the feet. Carrie Ann sees incredible potential. They are doing the Quickstep tomorrow. EEP! The scores: Len – 6, Bruno – 6, Carrie Ann – 6 18. 1-800-868-3401

Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff – The Foxtrot – Karina is injured, but she’s dancing anyway. Rocco swears he’s never danced before. Well, that could have been worse. He’s a bit of a clodhopper. At least he didn’t trip. Bruno thought it was a mess, and says he lost the timing part of the way through. Carrie Ann thought it was really cute. Len says he needs more finesse. Carrie Ann – 5 Bruno – 4 Len – 5 – 14. 1-800-868-3402

Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo – The Cha Cha Cha – Alec brags that he’s the first winner of DWTS. Toni is excited for about a minute, then launches into a big story about her medical woes with Alec. I’m impressed Toni’s got quite the fancy footwork! Carrie Ann thought it was fantastic and more like a week 5 routine. Len thought it was a good mix of basic and tough steps and gives her advice on her knees–keep them straight! Bruno calls her slinky, sultry and sexy. Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 7, Bruno – 8 – 22. Best score so far! 1-800-868-3403

Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke – The Fox Trot – Maurice is mumbling, I can’t understand a word he’s saying. OMG, Maurice, you should be gliding across that dance floor not shuffling. Yikes. Len says there were parts that were wild, parts that were wacky, and parts that were wonderful. Bruno says he has a great presence on stage, but his footwork and posture were poor at times…he needs to work on that. Carrie Ann said the Foxtrot parts were stiff and slow. Carrie Ann – 6 Bruno – 6 Len – 6 – 18. 1-800-868-3404

Brooke Burke and Derek Hough – The Cha Cha Cha – Brooke Burke has had 4 kids? I missed something, somewhere. She tells Derek the kids are part of the package. Something tells me Derek is unfazed. He tells Brooke she’s got “hyper-extended legs” that will make her lines look beautiful. Is it just me, or did it seem like Brooke didn’t have much heavy lifting there? Carrie Ann says her body is designed to dance, great energy, great strength. Bruno says “What a debut.” Len says, “Best dance so far.” Carrie Ann – 7, Len – 8, Bruno – 8 – 23. 1-800-868-3405.

Ted McGinley and Inna Brayer – The Foxtrot – Ted feels all macho and above the “dancing” thing. A paycheck is a paycheck I suppose. Inna is the “new girl in town.” The fake version of “God Only Knows” is totally distracting me. Is this show so cheap they won’t pay for the original versions of songs? Uhm. The dancing wasn’t bad. Bruno says he turned from Cary Grant into Steve Carell. Len says it was suave and his footwork was good. Carrie Ann says he has to overcome his fears, he’s got great potential, great lines. – Carrie Ann 6, Len – 6, Bruno, 6 – 18. – 1-800-868-3406.

Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer – The Cha Cha Cha – Lance says he was the worst dancer in *NSYNC. Lacey, is a new pro this year, fresh from last year’s So You Think You Can Dance. Lance is full of sh*t about the “can’t dance” thing. That was pretty entertaining. Len says what you did, you did well. He didn’t like the “hodge podge” of movement. Carrie Ann says “it was hot hot hot…fantastic.” “That was edgy, spunky…fabulous, you should be proud…a cha cha cha for now,” says Bruno. Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 6, Bruno – 8 – 22 – 1-800-868-3407.

Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas – The Foxtrot – Cloris is like, really old. Corky, her partner, is the father of the current winner of DWTS. Cloris isn’t required to move much. Which is a good thing. She’s 82 years old, and she’s creaky. But she sure is funny! She gets the big standing 0. Once she’s finished dancing, she gets the big standing O, and then Cloris turns on the charm. She’s on. She lifts her leg onto the judges table. Bruno babbles on about something, and then kisses it. Len says, “You dance well for your age…Corky.” Ha ha. And then, “I thought you acted that dance beautifully. Mind your cleavage.” Lots of joking around, no serious judging here. Carrie Ann asks her to sit down, and Cloris sits on her lap. Carrie Ann laughs and says, “I admire you for everything you’ve done.” Cloris may last a few weeks into the competition for curiosity sake. Carrie Ann – 6, Bruno – 5, Len – 5 – 16 – 1-800-868-3408.

Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska – The Cha Cha Cha – Jeff scratched his cornea earlier and is dancing anyway against doctors advice. Just by the pre-package, he looks like a trainwreck. And judging by his dancing, he’s going to be the first one voted off. He’s ridiculous…not even taking it seriously. I don’t think the audience will find him very funny. Carrie Ann says, “The flirting was good.” Bruno calls him ungainly and says nothing else really worked. Len says everyone that comes onto DWTS is a winner. Jeffrey is obvious cannon fodder, a little comic relief. He’s here to be voted off first. Carrie Ann – 4, Len – 4, Bruno – 4 – 12. 1-800-868-3409.

Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas – The Foxtrot – Mark is this year’s champion. Kim is…uhm….famous for being a fame whore. After Jeffrey Ross is eliminated, I hope she’s next. She just bugs. Again, not a whole lotta heavy lifting, here. At least Brooke had a few fancy spins. Len says, “it was a bit cold, there was no chemistry between you.” Bruno says she has a very dusky beauty, but she must make it more available. I’m sure Kim can work on that. Carrie Ann says “you move very well,” and then tells her she needs to move her head more and make more eye contact. Carrie Ann – 6, Len – 7, Bruno – 6 – 19 – 1-800-868-3410

Susan Lucci and Tony Dovolani – The Cha Cha Cha – Uhm Susan? Eat a sandwich or cover up, cause skin and bones are just nasty to look at. Yikes. Susan looks like she’s about to keel over from low blood sugar. She’s got the steps down, but she’s mincing around the stage like she’s going to break. Bruno says, “The Cha Cha Cha needs a slut.” That’s one way to put it. He continues, “You were very very careful…let yourself go.” “Carrie Ann says, “Your body is banging in the red outfit.” And then–Whoa, no she di’int! Carrie Ann tells Susan to gain some weight. Len says, “It was a bit too careful….come out and perform a little bit.” Carrie Ann – 5, Len – 5, Bruno – 5 – 15. 1-800-868-3411

Misty May-Treanor and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – The Foxtrot – So, Misty is a tad clumsy? She’s not as big a clod on the dance floor as she claims to be. She’s no Jeffrey Ross! Carrie Ann loves her intensity and advises that she not muscle everything. Len thought it was elegant. Bruno says, “You are truly glowing on the dance floor,” but that she needs to make sure her feet are in the right place. Carrie Ann – 6, Len – 8, Bruno – 7 – 21 – 1-800-868-3412

Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson – The Cha Cha Cha – His dancing is decent, but I’m not wowed, unlike the judges who love him. I will admit, he’s light on his feet for a big guy. Len says, “A great big bundle of joy.” Carrie Ann adds to Len’s Happy Happy Joy Joy critique. Bruno says, “Big boys can dance…you were so light on your feet.” Carrie Ann 7, Len 7, Bruno 7 – 21 – 1-800-868-3413

 
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  • jenniewdc

    I loved Tom’s line after the scores for Rocco & Karina: “I forgot we had a 4!” That’s about what I thought when I saw the 4 come up. LOL

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Watching. Toni did well.

  • dvls

    “Some chick” is Samantha Harris. She’s a bit of an idiot. Enjoy!

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    I’m on dialup tonight, so no chat for me. But I had to check in really quickly and say that I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MAKS!!! (he’s so my tv boyfriend this fall. lol)

    Toni and Alec were good, and I thought Cheryl and Maurice were good as well. The judges are being really stingy with scores tonight.

  • KTINTN

    Don’t forget Lexi from “SYTYCD” & Benji’s sister is the new pro this season. ….

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Totally dating myself here, but Derek reminds me of Vince Van Patten…

  • s0x_prisoner

    GO LACEY!

  • KrazeeK120

    I really liked Lancey!!!!!

    I’m totally excited to see Msquared though (Misty & Maks)!!!!

  • http://www.myspace.com/gwendolyndiane GwendolynD

    I love Cloris Leachman. That is all.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    MJ, the karaoke versions of the songs are annoying and distracting. ITA.

  • nomi

    Here’s why Kardashian has poor balance: round heels.

  • smartcookie

    It kind of stinks they gave Lacey Schwimmer somebody who can already dance well (and has a built-in fanbase) in her first season, when poor Inna Brayer got a nobody and poor Edyta got horrid Jeffrey Ross. Maybe Edyta wanted a quick season this time… Lacey looks even trashier than Kim Kardashian, which… That’s going some!

  • KrazeeK120

    I can’t edit my post anymore, but I do wish to say that I’m glad Lance did OK. He was HORRIBLE when he was in *N Sync. They always hid him in the back. I always felt sorta bad for him because he looked so out of place.

    Anyways, Toni has been my fave so far but I’m still waiting for Maks and Misty!

  • bigepaz

    Corky is the son of the current winner of DWTS.

    Hey MJ just an FYI – I’m pretty sure Corky is the “Dad” of the current DWTS champion – Mark Ballas (who won last season with Kristi Yamaguchi).

  • KrazeeK120

    YAY Misty and Maks were good!!!

  • gabam

    I’ve always loved Lance. IMO Lance was never terrible and was never put in the background any more than anyone else when it came to dancing in the group. The routines were set up so that everyone did the same thing at the same time most of the time. Being a fan, I would have noticed if Lance had been slighted.

    VOTED!!!!!

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Loved Lance/Lacey, Maks/Misty (gah! he is so hot!), and Toni/Alec. I see that Lacey is being cast as the “rebel” – to go alongside Maks’ ballroom bad boy. That’s fine with me – I think she and Maks should have gorgeous little mad talented dancing babies. ;) She wasn’t my favorite on SYTYCD during her season, but I do think she’s a great dancer. I’m excited she’s on the show and TOTALLY stoked that she got Lance.

    About Edyta getting Jeff Ross – well, last year she and her partner (Jason Taylor) came in 2nd. They have to change things up a bit and give all of the pro dancers a chance – just like Cheryl had her turn with Wayne Newton a couple seasons ago and Julianne got Adam Carolla last season. And Kym had freaking Jerry Springer. Anyway, in 6 seasons, Edyta may not have won like Julianne and Cheryl have, but she’s usually had the “hot” guys, and been in the top 3 twice (thank you wiki for the refresher LOL). I like Edyta (I think she is GORGEOUS), but it’s her “turn.”

    BTW, we could say the very same thing about Julianne that’s being said about Lacey. She got Apolo Anton Ohno right off the bat her first season, and they won. No, he’s not a “dancer” (I have a problem comparing what guys in boybands do to the ballroom dancing they have to do on this show, but that’s another story for another day), but the athletes typically do well on the show because they pretty much already have some semblance of agility and great work ethic. Anyway, enough about that.

    I’d say that Cody/Julianne and Maurice/Cheryl will stay around for now on the basis of the womens’ fanbases. And I think Mark probably has a decent sized fanbase from being last year’s winner, so he and Kim will probably be safe for a few weeks. Warren/Kym will likely be safe since the NFL players usually do well, and they were the last dance of the night. And Susan and Cloris both probably have big fanbases who watch this show. So, whoever is left – that’s probably who’s in trouble.

  • smartcookie

    I think Jeffrey Ross, Rocco DiSpirito and Ted McGinley are all cannon fodder (fanbase-wise) and they don’t look like good enough dancers to counteract that. Susan Lucci, Lance Bass and Warren Sapp are likely to have the largest fanbases coming in, and that will counteract lousy scores from the judges (if they get them, I mean, not that they necessarily will) for awhile. After that, I think Kim Kardashian, Toni Braxton and Brooke Burke and Cloris Leachman will bow out, because again, not the fanbases others have. But I didn’t think Mark Cuban, the basketball owner Kym danced with last year, would last either, and he was around forever, so I may be wrong!

    I don’t like Lacey Schwimmer, so I would like to see as little possible of her total, so that’s my bias there. I’m not crazy about Julianne, either (as someone I want to see more of) but I think she’s about ten times the dancer that Lacey is. Besides, Apolo Anton Ohno was teeny-tiny, and needed a partner that small, so there were good reasons to give him to Julianne.

    Oh well. Neither here nor there. I just don’t care for Lacey’s personality. At least her dad didn’t appear to be in the audience with his own personal scrolling LED sign blinking at us, so that’s a plus.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I think Jeff Ross is a goner. Either him or Rocco or Ted. I’m thinking Rocco and Ted both acted like class acts. Plus, Ted has good will from being on Love Boat. LOL. Ross has a lot of points to make up for his poor judges score, so that will hurt.

  • PokeSmot

    West-coaster here (also newbie to the site/first time poster); we have only seen the first two dancers and…these judges are way harsh!!!

    First couple–Blondies–boyfriend needs to MOVE THEM HIPS!!

    2nd couple–Rocco–Have the potential to be good; he’s very charasmatic. Once he loses the nerves, he could be very good.

    NOTE: The music on this show SUCKS!!! It throws off the dancers!! Hell it throws off my typing!

    3rd couple–Toni B.–She’s really smooth/fluid in with her dancing and they look great together.

    4th couple–Maurice G.–Great Energy; love the song and it actually sounds good and makes the dance better than it probably actually was. I thought they did good and have the potential to get better.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I have a question about the voting, peeps. You can vote during the show? And the voting is only open 30 minutes after the show airs? How many times can you vote?

  • http://absinthedreamers.blogspot.com/ Starrlight

    They said you get 13 votes per line, but I am not sure when they open the lines. I am with you on Ted.

    Oh and the band might be ok but the singers SUCK HARD on this show. I wish they’d get the house band from Rock Star INXS

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    MJ no idea about the voting. I’ve never and am not voting. LOL. In fact, this is the first season I’ve watched for awhile.

    All I know is that the judges’ score is combined with the votes. I don’t even know if it’s half and half.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Here are the instructions. A little confusing. You can vote online until tomorrow afternoon.

    I’m not voting. I haven’t picked up the phone to vote for anything since the Idol finale.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Voting opens at the start of the show and phone/text voting end 30 minutes after the show ends. You can vote as many times as there are contestants left in the competition, per phone line (except the last few shows when the numbers dwindle… I think the lowest they do is like 6 votes? Something like that.). You can also vote on abc.com with a valid email address (I think you have to register). Same thing there – you can vote as many votes as there are contestants left. The difference is that that voting method stays open until noon the day after the performance show.

    Since I have cell service through AT&T, I phone voted and texted tonight – 13 votes for Lance/Lacey and 13 votes for Maks/Misty. If you call in your votes while the show is still on, you rarely get busy signals – at least I didn’t tonight.

  • J

    I’ve never seen the show but thanks MJ for the clips. I just love Cloris Leachman ….she is so funny. I know she doesn’t have a chance of winning but it is awesome what she can do at her age and she looks great.

    I would dance with Corky Ballas any time :wink_ee:

  • PokeSmot

    5th couple–BwakBwak–Wow, she has rhythm and an awesome body!! Really, who looks like that after 4 effen kids!! She should win for that alone!! “Best dance so far (old judge)” what he actually meant was “best bod so far.” Yea! She moves her hips!!

    Although this is only the third season I have watched of DWTS, I believe the key to winning is “move them hips”.

    6th couple–Ted (Jeff)–He has potential!! His dancing was cheesy, but smooth; needs more finess, but, this is something he an acquire with practice.

    7th couple–Lance & the Wench who was rumored to have dated Cookie (yeah I’m biased)–Lance is totally out-dancing her; how embarrassing for her!! He is a great dancer and I’m calling top 3 right now. Wow, he is totally HOT when he is on the dance floor!

    8th couple–Cloris–Wow, she looks great for…did they say 82?!?! No frikken way!!! Taking everything into account, she looks as good as BwakBwak. I know talent wise, she can’t make it far, but Damn, I hope she does!! Vote for Cloris, Y’all!!! :clap_tb:

  • mac

    Totally dating myself here, but Derek reminds me of Vince Van Pattenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

    I totally agree pj. I’m dating myself also, but when I was a teenager, I had the biggest crush on him! I thought he was totally hawt. I watch him now on tv on the World Poker Tour. He is a commentator on that show (I don’t watch it because he is on it, I love to watch Poker on tv LOL). He is still hawt!

  • bigepaz

    I’m on the west coast, so I’ve just now seen Cloris Leachman. Wow! Hilarious!!! Mark really is a carbon copy of his dad Corky – just younger.

    This is definitely the best first show in a loooooooooong time! I think the judges are being a little more realistic this year instead of giving out crazy high scores. That gives the dancers something to work for.

    ooh – show is back on!

  • PokeSmot

    We (me, my daughter and the Nanny) voted on-line last season at abc.com and you only get 13 votes per IP address. Which I feel makes the contest pretty fair.

    9th couple–the comedian–no rhythm at all; although the routine had it’s cute moments. The ballroom comment was pretty funny too! He needs to stay for his comedic value.

    10th couple–Kim K–Damn, Baby Got Back! Not feeling her; she’s not connecting with me. Although, she is very beautiful and she does remind me of Princess Jasmine. If girlfriend could learn to connect with the audience and if she could be taught to move them hips, her potential would be off the charts!! It will be a true test of how good of a dance instructor Mark is; if he can produce results from Kim, he deserves to be called the best.

  • AZIdolFan

    mj i agreed with you on brooke some of those moves looked very labored and she really didn’t do much but she does know how to move her hips. she looked good and i was actually surprised she wore pants. if you noticed most of the girls wear very little. i though Lacey and Lance did amazing but i’m biased as i love Lacey. and i hope they make it the finale. i voted so here’s hoping!

  • PokeSmot

    11th couple–Susan L–Damn, Tony is fine!! :wub_tb: Susan’s too stiff…like her face :devil_tb:…Dang, now I feel bad for being so mean. She will not last long in the competition if she cannot loosen up.

    12th couple–Misty–Wow, Misty! She is totally sexy!! All she needs is a little finess and girlfriend will be a contender to No. 1.

    13th couple–Warren–I’m impressed; he moves really well for a big guy. His attitude can totally win this for him!! He is so Fun!!

    Predictions: Going Home–The Comedian & The Cook; Susan L. should also be in the running to go home. Also, in the running is the young blonde boy, but, I’m figuring the Hannah Montana crowd will keep him in the competition for a few weeks.

    Off to vote for Cloris; see y’all tomorrow. Good nite everybody!

  • sunchick

    But I had to check in really quickly and say that I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE MAKS!!! (heà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s so my tv boyfriend this fall. lol)

    Hey, Maks said he was MY tv boyfriend this fall. You tramp, stealing my man! :nono_tb: :tongue_wink_ee: Mondays are for Maks. I couldn’t get into the last season at all. So far my faves are Lance/Lacey and of course Maks/Misty May. Apparently, alliteration is the key to getting my vote.

  • abbysee

    I loved Lance, he was the best male celebrity dancer hands down. He has the showmanship and the skills to make this fun.

    Susan Lucci is too tiny and most folk lose weight on this show don’t they? Part of it was nerves though cause in the taped bit she was more fleet of foot. Too much thinking on her part. She needs to let go. I am not sure she can. Oh well.

    I shouldn’t like Toni, as she is my hubby’s fantasy woman, but she was better than Brooke Burke, imho.

    I don’t know any of the regular professional dancers well enough to have a favorite, but the young couple could make some noise because they are cute.

    The singers and the band, but especially the singers are simply horrible. They might as well just fire them all and play the record.

    Save Cloris Leachman. That is all.

  • PokeSmot

    mj,

    Great re-cap!

    Can anyone join your DWTS pool? If yes, where and how do we sign up? Although, I usually wait until a show is over before I pick a winner, I want to give the usual way a try this time.

  • goldenlpb

    Susan Lucci is so skinny and even at 62 yrs old! Brooke did fantastic and looks great for someone with 4 young kids. I still like Lance and Lacey the best.

  • katrina

    I thought Lance did really well. I don’t like Lacey – her look is all wonky to me, and that outfit – no. The dance was good, though.

  • dancingqueen

    Bye Jeffrey, I hope! Never liked Lacey, but, they did well. In no particular order, my tops would be Misty, Maurice, Toni, & Brooke.

  • ziggy

    How I judge this show is by how many times do I want to rewatch some of these dances. Last year I didn’t rewatch ANY!! NOT ONE!!

    This year is going to be great!!

    Thanks MJ for the video’s you have made it easier for me to rewatch my favorites from last night.

    Already this year is ten times better than last year.

    Biggest surprise? WARREN!! The man can move and he is a joy to watch.

    Favorite – Lacey and Lance!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://stores.ebay.com/BookWomanBlues-Book-Nook Bobbi

    So glad this show is back! So great to see Maks on my tv screen again. ;) I’m also stoked that he’s got a great partner.

    As for the music, I have always suspected that rather than it being a matter of money, the reason they have a band is because of the need to customize the music. They often change the tempo of a song, even within the song. I know they have at least one rehearsal just to get the timing of the music right. Can’t do that if you’re using the original music. That being said, their singers drive me up the wall!

    It amazes me every season. Whenever I see the list of “stars”, I always think this is going to be the season it will really tank. Then, they start and surprise me again. Looks like another really good group. I think this is going to be a fun season! (Not glad they’re having Adam Carolla back from commentary though. Ugh! Bring back Jimmy Kimmel!)

  • t2

    Sorry guys — thought Misty May looked clutzy and sooooo much older with make-up. I have a feeling that Max was unhappy with the performance too because he always wears his thoughts on his sleeve.

    On the other hand Alec finally looks happy. Poor guy got stuck with Paulina Poretskova (who I love but she can’t dance) and that ditzy model. Finally he gets a partner who at least has some sense of rhythm and that beautiful Alec smile and swiveling hips are back! Yay!

  • KrazeeK120

    Well I was going to vote but ended up not. I doubt my faves (Maks/Misty and Lance/Lacey) are going to be in any sort of trouble tonight.

    I kept being indecisive about what to do with my points. I was going to split them but this morning I decided to put them all on Jeff. His judge score was really low. We’ll see if I end up keeping them there!

    I was hugely surprised (and pleased) by Warren! I’d definitely like to see him around awhile longer.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Yes, anyone can join the pool!

    DWTS Pool

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I put all my points on Ross. I’m not sure what to do about my overall pick yet.

  • sparklesgirl2

    I hope Susan stays around a while. She needs to loosen up, but I’d love to see her around just for the outfits and the personality. I grew up with my mom watching All My Children in the background, and to see her on this show is just fun for me. She was pretty funny during the judges’ comments. And not gonna lie, even though she’s a little skinny, she looks hot for someone her age. She’s the female Dick Clark of soap operas! (Just like Bob Costas is the Dick Clark of sports…)

    I didn’t see all of the dances, but I think Maurice will be a lot better at his next dance. He showed a lot of personality and potential in parts of that dance; I felt it was kind of choreographed weirdly. I also really like Cheryl, so I hope they do well. I also really enjoyed Warren and Kym (and I like Kym a lot too), and I hope Cloris goes far as well. I didn’t see any of the “great” ones of the night, because I am reluctant to get hooked on another show, but I think I’m jumping on the wagon…

  • Allison

    It kind of stinks they gave Lacey Schwimmer somebody who can already dance well (and has a built-in fanbase) in her first season, when poor Inna Brayer got a nobody

    That’s why I though a bunch of votes to Inna & Ted.

  • spritely

    I’m having computer issues, so i can’t read or contribute much this week, but I’m so happy you’re doing this show, mj. I hope you get a kick out of it. Probably somebody has already said this, but I think you may be amazed at how much some of these people progress over the season. Last night, I think I grinned through the whole episode. I usually ff any time Samantha is on, but I didn’t even do as much of that last night. I hope Jeffrey and Kim go first!

  • bigepaz

    I have only voted online a few times for Apolo – back in season 4. I never understood their voting method and I don’t know that I will vote this season either.

    Like I mentioned earlier, the judges are definitely making the dancers earn their scores. Last season (and seasons past), most of the couples would have received at least a “7″. I think “6″ is the new “7″. I like it though. Make them work for the higher scores!

    I kinda feel like Warren Sapp could be the surprise of the season. He really reminds me of Emitt Smith — although not as smooth. He’s charming, he can move and he’s got a great partner with Kym. We’ll see.

    Brooke was pretty good too and deserved her scores tonight. She just needs to smile. She looked really nervous. But seriously, she has that body and pumped out 4 kids? Yowza!

    Lacey and Lance will go far, but America likes the underdog and I’m not sure that Lance can top his NSYNC-mate Joey Fatone (who was fabulous). Still, their dance was hot. And they should sail on through many rounds if they keep this level up.

    Maksim and Misty – pretty good, but I think her elegance was over-stated. To me, she still had hints of being a “jock”, but she has an awesome professional who can probably work the kinks out. Maksim has been to the finals twice, but has never taken home the mirrorball. maybe the third time is a charm?

    Kim Kardashian – meh
    Susan Lucci – Meh and way too skinny, but she’s got the All My Children Vote.

    Poor Edyta – she’s not going far this year because Jeffrey has got to go! Absolutely the worst of the night. I will miss all her sexy choreography and controversial “lifts”. At least it looks like her other half – Alec – will do well with Toni Braxton.

    Rocco and Cloris won’t last long – but I bite my tongue on Cloris, because I think voters will want to keep her on just to see the antics. How the heck is she gonna look doing the Mambo!?!

    Maurice Green and Cody – well, they were okay and they both have partners that have won twice and have solid fanbases. Still, both won’t win either. That Cody was funny about Julianne’s hotness – I hope he sticks around for a while. I’d like to see them dance a little more as I am a big fan of Julianne.

    Ted McGuinely was charming. Hopefully he’ll stick around for a few more weeks.

    Overall, this first episode was awesome! I’m glad that they didn’t do a boys night and then a girls night. I like this “two dance week, plus double elimination”.

    Also, Dial Idol is running predictions on DWTS. Check out who’s in the lead!

  • janerazor

    I will admit the music last night was off…like the entire band had just played quarters with extra-strength Nyquil. Usually the music is better.

    I was so annoyed with Jeffrey Ross and his jiggling satin-covered belly. I’m usually not a body snob, but since the professional dancers have such amazing bodies, I think the stars should at least attempt to look a little good. I mean, even Wayne Newton and John Ratzenberger tried to be handsome when they were on DWTS. Anyway, it’s too bad for Edyta; I just love her and her ridiculously tiny outfits!

    Brooke had nice hip action, though her footwork needs some tidying up.

    OTOH, Warren had nice footwork, but he’s gotta loosen those hips. He has great stage presence, though, and can really move well. Why is it that football players do well with ballroom dancing? Not all sports seem to translate to dance (basketball, tennis), but football does?

    I thought Susan Lucci would be much better than she was. All of a sudden, she reminded me of that old MADtv character, Dixie Wentworth.

    I’ve heard bad things about Lacey as a pro, but I will reserve judgment for a bit. I did not like her “funny” quip about not being able to marry Lance now. Didn’t look like Lance thought it was very funny either.

  • sailormoon

    What an entertaining first show! Thanks mj for posting these. I made early predictions on a separate headline post before this show aired picking Cody/Julianne, Lance/Lacey, & Misty/Maks…but after last night, I’ll add Toni/Alec & Brooke/Derek to that list. They were pretty good. Maurice & Warren weren’t bad either. I also thought Toni danced better than Brooke and had more difficult steps, but Brooke sure does know how to shake those hips!

    I definitely agree, Kim has gotta go!…annoying! I’d actually like to see her go before Jeff and that’s saying something…

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I’m a little unclear on the poll. It says we have to pick two peeps before Tuesday night’s elimination, but we haven’t seen the second set of dances yet.

  • jersey

    Pj, I also find it confusing. I just picked two based on last night. *shrug*

    ETA: Wait, do I have to pick 2 even if 2 are being eliminated? If I put all 20 pts on Jeff Ross and he gets eliminated, do I get all 20? Or do I have to put at least 1 pt on someone else? Color me confused.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    I picked one based on last night. Tomorrow I’ll pick based on tonight.

    One is being eliminated tonight, One is being eliminated on Wednesday. So, base today’s picks on last night. Then, you have until Wednesday’s results show to pick for tonight.

  • gabam

    MJ, I signed up for the pool but I can’t figure out where to enter my picks. I didn’t even see a place to click to give me the options. Maybe I’m not on the right page. *sigh* HELP, MJ or anyone. Thanks.

  • jersey

    Thanks, MJ. gabam, down the left hand side of the page, there should be a bar. One of the choices is overall pick – click there to pick the person you think will win the whole thing. There is also a choice that says “weekly pick” – click on that to assign your weekly point.

  • gabam

    Thank you, jersey.

  • hcpoirot

    I do hope that the celebrities picked up their game or this will be the worst DWTS since season 1.

    Since season 2, at least one pairs had scored 24 at first week of the dancing. Season 6 was the highest with Mark and Kristi scored a stunning 27 at their first week of dancing. (the highest ever of first week score)

    But the journey still very long. Lets wait and see

  • hcpoirot

    My prediction: Ted and Inna will go home cause lack of fans votes. Yes , jeffery probably not as famous as Ted but Edyta had been dancing for 7 season and had picked up quite a few devoted fans along the way. They will try to make sure Edyta stay maybe one or two more weeks.

  • Ladybug

    Too many dancers. Too confusing!

    I will wait for it to settle down some after Thursday when a second couple will go. Not soon enough, IMO.

    Thanks for giving us a place to yak about it, MJ.

  • hcpoirot

    Just checked on Dial Idol, Jeffery and Edyta at the bottom of the votes though the votes still had some margin error. Because the judges scores was tight after get divided into percentage, anything still can happen.

    Not suprisingly Warren & Kim got the most votes, thanks to the football fans. Football fans always pulling through even in season 2 when the football celebrities was a mediocre dancer. (he got a runner up just based on fans votes not on judges high scores)

    Susan and Toni get second highest votes.

    Cause of the margin errors, anyone can go home tomorrow.

  • baxter

    Hey MJ thanks for the vids. I had to skip DWTS last night cause Monday is reserved for a glass of vino and Wentworth Miller…sigh!!! :)

    I am pulling for Misty and Maks though. I am a huge Vollyeball nerd and think Misty is freaking AWESOME!!!