‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 33 pairs Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber (left) and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold Photo:Jose Alvarado, Jr./ABC (2)
Fans eagerly tuned in to the premiere of Dancing with the Stars Season 33 on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. This season’s cast includes a mix of athletes, actors, and reality TV stars, each bringing their unique backstory to the ballroom floor. Among the most talked-about contestants is Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Tori Spelling, who revealed that the chaos in her personal life led her to the show. After her highly publicized divorce, Spelling shared that she’s using this opportunity to rediscover herself. “Everything I thought I was has been burned to the ground,” she confessed, vowing to rebuild her identity in front of millions of viewers.
Spelling, 51, paired with professional dancer Pasha Pashkov, opened the night with a Foxtrot set to Pink’s Trustfall. The judges acknowledged her vulnerability but encouraged her to loosen up and believe in herself. Carrie Ann Inaba noted that the performance felt “a little shaky,” while Derek Hough reassured her, “You can do this.” Although Spelling’s score of 17/30 wasn’t the highest, her personal journey captivated the audience, making her one to watch as the competition progresses.
Joining Spelling on the dance floor were several other notable contestants, including Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Nedoroscik, Bachelor Nation stars Joey Graziadei and Jenn Tran, and former NFL player Danny Amendola. Each competitor brought their own motivations and nerves to the night, with plenty of touching and surprising moments.
Jenn Tran, who recently went through a difficult breakup on The Bachelorette, also sought redemption on the dance floor. Paired with Sasha Farber, she performed a lively Cha Cha to Miley Cyrus’ Flowers. Tran, still reeling from her heartbreak, said she’s on DWTS with “a little bit of vengeance.” Her determination was clear, though the judges encouraged her to push even harder. She earned a score of 19/30, with Derek Hough remarking that she has “so much potential.”
As for Danny Amendola, the former NFL player revealed that he was dancing for his mom, who had always been a fan of the show. His Tango with Witney Carson to Shaboozey’s A Bar Song (Tipsy) showcased his athleticism and determination, earning him a respectable score of 20/30. Bruno Tonioli praised Amendola’s focus and execution, while Inaba highlighted his raw power on the dance floor.
Among the surprises of the night was the appearance of convicted con artist Anna Delvey, whose real name is Anna Sorokin. Currently under house arrest, Delvey received special permission from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to compete. While her casting has sparked controversy, she danced with an ankle bracelet, making for one of the most talked-about moments in the show’s history. Whoopi Goldberg had previously questioned Delvey’s participation on The View, and co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin expressed concerns about her past. Still, Delvey’s legal team expressed gratitude for the opportunity, and the buzz surrounding her involvement only added to the premiere’s drama.
In a more lighthearted moment, Pretty Little Liars actress Chandler Kinney made a strong debut with her Tango to Chappell Roan’s HOT TO GO!. Despite her initial nerves, Kinney dazzled the judges with her sharp moves and earned one of the highest scores of the night, 23/30. Bruno Tonioli even went so far as to call it “one of the best” performances he’s seen in a long time. Kinney’s blend of natural talent and commitment impressed everyone, setting a high bar for the season.
Throughout the night, Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro returned as hosts, keeping the energy high between performances. Julianne, who is no stranger to the ballroom, admitted that Delvey’s participation was “controversial for sure,” but she found herself intrigued by how the season would unfold. Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli resumed their roles as judges, each offering encouragement and constructive criticism.
The first Olympian to take the stage was rugby player Ilona Maher. She danced a Cha Cha to Shania Twain’s Man! I Feel Like a Woman! with partner Alan Bersten. As a strong, muscular athlete, Maher shared that she hoped to inspire young girls to feel confident in their bodies. While the judges felt her performance was technically correct, they urged her to let loose a bit more and fully embrace her femininity. She received a score of 18/30, with Tonioli encouraging her to show more of her vibrant personality in future performances.
Another standout moment came when Die Hard actor Reginald VelJohnson took to the stage with Emma Slater. The 72-year-old actor brought humor and charm to his Salsa, though the judges felt his footwork needed improvement. Despite scoring 16/30, VelJohnson’s enthusiasm and connection with the audience made him a fan favorite.
As the night came to a close, the Dancing with the Stars Professional Troupe delivered a stunning opening number to Celine Dion’s I’m Alive, setting the tone for an exciting and unpredictable season. Fans were left eagerly awaiting the next episode, as the competition promises more emotional moments, surprising twists, and unforgettable performances.
With a diverse cast and a mix of heartwarming stories and headline-grabbing controversies, Dancing with the Stars Season 33 is off to an exhilarating start.
#DWTS33 #ToriSpelling #DancingWithTheStars #CelebrityComeback #RealityTVDrama