DWTS 25 Premiere Live Blog and Performance Videos

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Welcome to the season twenty-five premiere of Dancing with the Stars. This is Franky back with you all again for another exciting and competitive season of our favorite cheesy reality-competition show. I hope you all had a happy and safe summer. This season, for the show’s 25th anniversary, producers are promising exciting themes and twists to keep us entertained and to keep the partnerships on their toes. So, what has changed from season twenty-four?

Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Premiere: Vote in the Polls

We begin, as always, with the professional cast. Fan favorites like Cheryl and Mark are back while Kym and Sasha are out. Sasha returns to the troupe while Alan, a former troupe member, has graduated to the main cast. Julianne Hough will not return as a judge but you can expect some guest judges throughout the season. Joining Sasha in the troupe are Jenna, and season 24 troupe members Artur, Brandon, Hayley, and Britt. And of course, we have thirteen brand new celebrities ready to give it their all in hopes of winning that ever so important mirror ball trophy.

In this first week of competition, the couples are tasked with performing one of the following: cha-cha-cha, foxtrot, salsa, or tango. The scores for this week as well as audience votes will determine who leaves next Monday. As with every season, you can find the voting number and details for each couple right after I post their judges comments. If you have any questions regarding voting rules, check the official Dancing with the Stars page over at ABC.COM.

I will be the first to admit that I wasn’t blown away by who the show signed on to compete this season. It is a rather light cast in terms of star power, especially for an anniversary season. But perhaps that means we will be treated to some unexpected surprises in the dancing department and some great journey’s for our couples. I am keeping an open (and intrigued) mind about it all. Look for our usual POLLS thread which gets put up within thirty minutes of the live show ending. You guys know I love me some polls. With all that being said, let’s get this premiere night started. Here we go…

We begin with the usual pre-taped opening featuring all the celebrities and their partners. This is really cute though. Everyone looks fabulous. They are all literally dancing in the street (as the song of course claims). And now we are live inside the ballroom. Hello Tom and Erin! Guess who choreographed that routine? If you said Mandy Moore, you get a cookie. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Time to get it started with Terrell.

Terrell & Cheryl – Cha-Cha-Cha
Fun opening routine to the show. As expected, another football player can move well. For a week one cha-cha-cha, this was quite serviceable. A big smile planted on Terrell’s face and some good moves. At times, a little stiff and the the height difference with Cheryl naturally results in a bit of slumping but these are small things that can be worked on with practice and good choreography. All in all, a passing grade and a fun start. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Oh…only one judge gets to comment per couple due to time constraints. Len says Terrell got the party started. He says it had fun and energy but he needs to watch his feet. They are a little bit soft. He wants him to dance up and dance full.
Carrie Ann- 5
Len- 5
Bruno- 5
Total- 15/30
You can vote for Terrell by calling 1 800 868 3411 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Damn. I know they went first so the judges always score lower earlier but that 15 feels like an oddly low score considering we have seen celebrities do far worse and earn the same score.

Debbie & Alan – Foxtrot
That was quite pretty. A little unsteady at the start but that happens a lot when a foxtrot is the very first dance. The turns can be a little dizzying. Debbie found her stride in the middle though. Some really nice lines and fluidity. I am so happy to see Alan as an official pro this season. He choreographed a simple and by the numbers foxtrot here, which is fine, but we will see what we does with Debbie as the season progresses. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno calls it lovely and dreamy. He loved the partnering and chemistry. He wants her to watch her arms. Also, arching the back. He comments it will give her a lovely frame.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 5
Bruno- 6
Total- 17/30
You can vote for Debbie by calling 1 800 868 3402 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Either the judges are going to score tough tonight across the board or they are saving the higher numbers for the couples they believe are the real contenders.

Sasha & Gleb – Cha-Cha-Cha
Okay. That needed some more energy. I mean, come on. I saw decent steps and personality but a whole lot of it felt too safe and chill. The music and upbeat style wasn’t matched by Sasha’s dancing. If she is going to make her mark on the show being a relatively unknown celebrity to this show’s demographic, her dancing needs to stand out more. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann thought she looked fierce. She felt Sasha got a little lost in the beginning but she feels as though she is on the right track. She likes the combo of sexiness and technique.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
Total- 18/30
You can vote for Sasha by calling 1 800 868 3410 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Drew & Emma – Foxtrot
Not bad Drew! He handled the foxtrot well. I was sure going into this he would be one of the weaker ones. Granted, he was a little stiff and awkward in hold and everything could use some polish but hey, the solo parts where he had to be in-sync with Emma were solid and this had a nice mix of energy and elegance- good use of the floor and dancing with energy to match the song. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len wants the feet fixed up. He mentions hand issues and also, a huge mistake that ended up resulting in Drew taking forever to get back. He wants more finesse.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 5
Bruno- 5
Total- 16/30
You can vote for Drew by calling 1 800 868 3404 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Barbara & Keo – Salsa
LOL! Oh man. I sort of adore Barbara? Between dancing to that song and those moves, she needs to stick around a while. Was the dancing great? No. But was it entertaining and memorable? YES. She may have had the weakest routine of the night so far but I will absolutely remember this one when the show ends. Now just practice and get a bit more serious in learning the steps! – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno wants Barbara to maintain the bite- not only in her face but feet and body. He believes the intention was there but the execution needed much more attack.
Carrie Ann- 5
Len- 4
Bruno- 5
Total- 14/30
You can vote for Barbara by calling 1 800 868 3401 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Jordan & Lindsay – Tango
Yes! So the competition just started huh? Alright, so Jordan is about as close to a ringer as we have this season. He has plenty of dance experience so I know people are going to expect a lot from him. As they should. Obviously, the best routine of the night so far. Solid frame, good foot action, nice tango steps. It was very short I felt but that might have been because I was enjoying it a whole lot. Keep it up! Lindsay has a real shot this year folks. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann is so impressed. She loved the body contact and the leading by Jordan. She loved the content and calls it a partnership to watch.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 7
Bruno- 7
Total- 22/30
You can vote for Jordan by calling 1 800 868 3406 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Nick & Peta – Cha-Cha-Cha
Alright, not bad. I don’t think including that little risky move at the end was wise. Nick isn’t good enough at dancing yet to pull that off without it looking kinda weird. The cha-cha-cha steps were decent. I think Peta may have overdone the sex and hip thrusting here just a bit. I would have personally appreciated more cha-cha-cha. But it was a decent dance. It should be interesting to see Nick’s growth on the show as he has big shoes to fill. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len says Nick went for it. He enjoyed quite a few things but thought the step at the end could have been slicker. He says well done for the first week.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
Total- 18/30
You can vote for Nick by calling 1 800 868 3408 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Vanessa & Maks – Cha-Cha-Cha
Well. For me, the wife in this marriage took week one. It took a bit too long to get started with the whole baby and the carriage shtick at the start but once the dancing began, I was impressed. Solid cha-cha-cha. Good energy, well placed feet, and fierce attitude. I think Vanessa could be one of the more surprising contestants this season. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno liked that it was a proper cha-cha-cha. He wants Vanessa to maintain this. Very positive critique from Bruno.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 7
Bruno- 7
Total- 21/30
You can vote for Vanessa by calling 1 800 868 3412 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Frankie & Witney – Foxtrot
Oh boy. Alright, so the near falling in the turn was obvious. Let’s move on from that. Frankie needs to relax. He looks so nervous and it shows both in his face and his dancing. The foxtrot was a little manic. And that energy translated to some awkward steps and at times, an odd frame. I think this guy has potential once he rehearses more, feels more confident, and chills out. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann calls it endearing and honest. She says sometimes a bit stiff.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
Total- 19/30
You can vote for Frankie by calling 1 800 868 3405 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Nikki & Artem – Tango
WOW! I kind of loved that. What fire. That was a very proper tango. Very staccato steps, high intensity, good frame, and decent footwork throughout. Nikki could be another surprise this season if she is able to maintain and show growth. Seems to be a hard worker too. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len says Nikki lost it a bit on one of the underarm turns but he can forgive it because he liked the body contact. He wants her to stop looking down.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 7
Bruno- 6
Total- 20/30
You can vote for Nikki by calling 1 800 868 3409 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Derek & Sharna – Salsa
Yeah, I don’t think Sharna has to worry about another basketball player doing bad. Derek has moves. She needs to work on making sure things are polished in rehearsal though. Derek did everything right but he needs to make it all look cleaner. It was a fun routine though- the basketball dancing at the beginning was cool. A little polish and I think Derek could be a solid competitor this season. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno was impressed by Derek’s command. He wanted more round hip action. He feels that it was a great debut though.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
Total- 18/30
You can vote for Derek by calling 1 800 868 3403 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Victoria & Val – Cha-Cha-Cha
I have such respect for Victoria. She really is an inspiration. You can tell she is a bit unsure of herself on the floor and tad careful but it might actually be nerves more than anything. She had some good stuff in there. I especially enjoyed the big smile and personality while dancing. It made me smile and made me happy. Her story is amazing and she could go far in this. Not my favorite cha-cha-cha of the night but a really solid routine. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann calls it one of the most joyous dances. She loved the leg action- it was crispy and clean. She can’t wait to see what the next ten weeks does for Victoria.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
Total- 19/30
You can vote for Victoria by calling 1 800 868 3413 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Lindsey & Mark – Cha-Cha-Cha
YES GIRL. Wow. I did not expect that. First, great to have Mark back. He so knows how to choreograph well for his partners. This was a great cha-cha-cha. I was most impressed ironically by Lindsey dancing on her own- how in-sync she was with Mark and how on point all the moves were. Strong cha-cha-cha to close the night. This one surpassed my little expectations. Bravo. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len calls it crisp and clean. He calls it the dance of the night.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 8
Bruno- 7
Total- 22/30
You can vote for Lindsey by calling 1 800 868 3407 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.

Week One Leaderboard (Out Of A Possible 30)
Jordan- 22
Lindsey- 22
Vanessa- 21
Nikki- 20
Frankie- 19
Victoria- 19
Nick- 18
Derek- 18
Sasha- 18
Debbie- 17
Drew- 16
Terrell- 15
Barbara- 14

Final thoughts– Well, it was a solid premiere, especially when the show hit the second hour. I think Jordan is the obvious frontunner but he does have some competition. That excites me. Nothing is worse than having just one great dancer while everyone else plays for second place. But make no mistake, Jordan will be in the finals. I have next to no doubt. I was most impressed by Jordan, Vanessa, Nikki, Lindsey, and Victoria. The male celebs need to step it up.

Two reminders– Next Monday is “Ballroom night” with an elimination. Next Tuesday is “Latin night” with another elimination. Also, POLLS are coming very soon. Please check out that thread and thanks to you all for watching the premiere with me this evening. :D