This is a new era in the world of Dancing With the Stars.
After 30 seasons on ABC, the celebrity dance competition shifted to Disney+ for its season 31 premiere—and it did not disappoint.
Tyra BanksA new host Alfonso RibeiroA panel of returning judges joined them Len Goodman, Derek Hough,Carrie Ann Inaba And Bruno Toniolifor the big premiere party, which challenged the group of 16 new competitors to dance to a song that “makes them turn up.”
First, some good news. TikTok star Charli D’AmelioShe swept the dancefloor in the competition and earned 32 points for her Cha Cha To Megan Thee Stallion‘s “Savage”Partner Mark Ballas.
The second is Wayne Bradyand partner Witney Carsonearned 28 points for their impressive Cha Cha routine to Carl Carlton‘s “She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked).”
The most emotional moment of the evening was saved forSelma Blairand her partner Sasha Farber, who danced the Viennese waltz to David Cook’s “Time of My Life.”Selma, who is competing after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, brought many in the ballroom to tears, including judge Carrie Ann and fellow contestant Jordin Sparks.
Selma broke down into tears herself while receiving her scores, saying, “I’m so grateful, I’m so grateful.” She and Sasha found themselves in a third place tie withDrag Race star Shangelaand her partnerGleb Savchenko, with both teams racking up 27 points.
When it came time for the first elimination of the season, Jersey Shore star Vinny GuadagninoFind a partner Koko IwasakiThey had 16 points as the lowest judge score, but they were saved by the fans vote.