DWTSPremiere Full Recap: Tori Spelling Tries to 'Find Myself Again,' 1 Star Set 'the Standard for Season 33'

Mar. 15, 2025

‘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)

Jose Alvarado, Jr./ABC (2)

Welcome back to the ballroom!Dancing with the Starsannounced itsseason 33 participantson Sept. 4, and on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the new batch of celebrities, which includesBeverly Hills, 90210actressTori Spelling, Olympic bronze medalistStephen Nedoroscikand Bachelor Nation’sJoey GraziadeiandJenn Tran, will get to show what they’ve been working on in the studio.Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli andDerek Houghwill return as judges for season 33, andJulianne HoughandAlfonso Ribeirowill be back as hosts.Convicted con artistAnna Delvey’s casting drew attention, as she’ll have tocompete with an ankle braceletas she remains under house arrest as a dispute about her deportation remains ongoing. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement granted Delvey, whose real name is real name Anna Sorokin, special permission to compete onDWTS.Whoopi Goldbergquestioned the casting onThe Viewearlier this month, wondering whether “a two-tiered system” exists within ICE. Her co-hostAlyssa Farah Griffinstated that Delvey, 33, still owes people money, adding, “Con artists tend to remain con artists.” Griffin, 35,issued an apologyon the Sept. 16 episode ofThe View, for which Delvey’s lawyer Duncan Levin told PEOPLE, “We are thankful.“While Julianne, 36, acknowledged on the Sept. 16 episode of theCall It What It Ispodcast that Delvey’s casting is “controversial for sure,” the pro dancer said she’s “so obsessed” with Delvey competing on the show.Viewers had to wait until the end of the night to catch Delvey’s debut number, a Cha Cha toSabrina Carpenter’s hit “Espresso.” “I’ve reinvented myself many times and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer,” Delvey said.Graziadei, 29, started off the premiere with a strong Cha Cha to Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing in the Country” that put him at the top of the leaderboard. Former NBA playerDwight Howardimpressed the judges, too, with his Salsa to “This Is How We Do It,” and actressChandler Kinneyproved herself to be an early frontrunner with her Tango to Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!“Read on to find out how all 13 contestants fared with their opening numbers.(Note: the most recent updates appear at the top, so scroll all the way down to start from the beginning of the show.)

Welcome back to the ballroom!

Dancing with the Starsannounced itsseason 33 participantson Sept. 4, and on Tuesday, Sept. 14, the new batch of celebrities, which includesBeverly Hills, 90210actressTori Spelling, Olympic bronze medalistStephen Nedoroscikand Bachelor Nation’sJoey GraziadeiandJenn Tran, will get to show what they’ve been working on in the studio.

Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli andDerek Houghwill return as judges for season 33, andJulianne HoughandAlfonso Ribeirowill be back as hosts.

Convicted con artistAnna Delvey’s casting drew attention, as she’ll have tocompete with an ankle braceletas she remains under house arrest as a dispute about her deportation remains ongoing. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement granted Delvey, whose real name is real name Anna Sorokin, special permission to compete onDWTS.

Whoopi Goldbergquestioned the casting onThe Viewearlier this month, wondering whether “a two-tiered system” exists within ICE. Her co-hostAlyssa Farah Griffinstated that Delvey, 33, still owes people money, adding, “Con artists tend to remain con artists.” Griffin, 35,issued an apologyon the Sept. 16 episode ofThe View, for which Delvey’s lawyer Duncan Levin told PEOPLE, “We are thankful.”

While Julianne, 36, acknowledged on the Sept. 16 episode of theCall It What It Ispodcast that Delvey’s casting is “controversial for sure,” the pro dancer said she’s “so obsessed” with Delvey competing on the show.

Viewers had to wait until the end of the night to catch Delvey’s debut number, a Cha Cha toSabrina Carpenter’s hit “Espresso.” “I’ve reinvented myself many times and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer,” Delvey said.

Graziadei, 29, started off the premiere with a strong Cha Cha to Tyler Hubbard’s “Dancing in the Country” that put him at the top of the leaderboard. Former NBA playerDwight Howardimpressed the judges, too, with his Salsa to “This Is How We Do It,” and actressChandler Kinneyproved herself to be an early frontrunner with her Tango to Chappell Roan’s “HOT TO GO!”

Read on to find out how all 13 contestants fared with their opening numbers.

(Note: the most recent updates appear at the top, so scroll all the way down to start from the beginning of the show.)

Everyone Lives to See Another DaySeptember 17, 2024 10:44 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostRoberts, Spelling and VelJohnson ended the Sept. 17 premiere at the bottom of the leaderboard, but Ribeiro revealed that no one would be going home in order for all 13 pairs to “get their footing” in the competition. However, Julianne announced that next week’s Hollywood Night, which will pay homage to the movies, will be a double elimination.

Everyone Lives to See Another Day

September 17, 2024 10:44 PM EDT

Roberts, Spelling and VelJohnson ended the Sept. 17 premiere at the bottom of the leaderboard, but Ribeiro revealed that no one would be going home in order for all 13 pairs to “get their footing” in the competition. However, Julianne announced that next week’s Hollywood Night, which will pay homage to the movies, will be a double elimination.

A Criminal Closes the ShowSeptember 17, 2024 10:22 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostThe premiere ended with Delvey’s highly anticipated performance. “I did serve my time andDancing with the Starsis a way for me to show people a different side of me,” she told the cameras.Her partnerEzra Sosaknew Delvey had a tough road ahead. “There is a lot of publicity surrounding Anna, so this is a lot of responsibility to guide her and hopefully give her that second chance,” he said.Delvey hoped that it would be just that. “I hope that everybody who feels negatively and I will be able to turn their opinion around,” the con artist, whose story inspired Netflix’sInventing Anna, said, adding, “I’ve reinvented myself many times and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.“Delvey and Sosa got the crowd buzzing with their Cha Cha to Carpenter’s hit “Espresso.““I’m kind of like, lost for words a little bit because you actually have the facility to be a really beautiful dancer,” Derek said.Inaba asked the audience to give Delvey a fair chance. “This is about your dancing here,” the judge pointed out. “Let’s all give her that space, please.“Score: 18/30

A Criminal Closes the Show

September 17, 2024 10:22 PM EDT

The premiere ended with Delvey’s highly anticipated performance. “I did serve my time andDancing with the Starsis a way for me to show people a different side of me,” she told the cameras.

Her partnerEzra Sosaknew Delvey had a tough road ahead. “There is a lot of publicity surrounding Anna, so this is a lot of responsibility to guide her and hopefully give her that second chance,” he said.

Delvey hoped that it would be just that. “I hope that everybody who feels negatively and I will be able to turn their opinion around,” the con artist, whose story inspired Netflix’sInventing Anna, said, adding, “I’ve reinvented myself many times and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”

Delvey and Sosa got the crowd buzzing with their Cha Cha to Carpenter’s hit “Espresso.”

“I’m kind of like, lost for words a little bit because you actually have the facility to be a really beautiful dancer,” Derek said.

Inaba asked the audience to give Delvey a fair chance. “This is about your dancing here,” the judge pointed out. “Let’s all give her that space, please.”

Score: 18/30

Pommel Horse Guy Goes for the Gold Again

September 17, 2024 10:13 PM EDT

As the first male gymnast onDWTS, “I’m hoping to make my mark,” Nedoroscik, 25, said.

The Olympian, known as “Pommel Horse Guy,” explained to partnerRylee Arnoldduring rehearsal that he loves computers and completing Rubik’s Cubes. “It’s not just the looks, I’m a full-on nerd,” he said.

But Nedoroscik hoped his analytical skills would benefit him during the competition. “I’m really counting on my mathematical brain to help me remember these dance moves,” the bronze medalist said.

“You are so entertaining and so light on your feet,” Inaba told Nedoroscik before advising him to “point those toes.”

Score: 21/30

‘Traitors’ and ‘RHOA’ Star Phaedra Parks Kills It on the Dance Floor

September 17, 2024 10:06 PM EDT

Phaedra Parkslives to prove people wrong, and she wants to do just that onDancing with the Stars. “My kids asked me, ‘Why would you doDancing with the Stars? You’re going to make a fool out of yourself,’” theReal Housewives of Atlantastar, 50, said. “I’m going to prove those young men wrong.”

After Parks performed a Cha Cha withVal Chmerkovskiy, Tonioli told her, “You have all the elements, you can sell it.”

Inaba found herself “genuinely impressed” with theTraitorsalum’s dance skills. “That was a really great performance,” she raved.

Score: 19/30

Eric Roberts Does a Dance 19 Years in the MakingSeptember 17, 2024 09:53 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostActorEric Robertsshared that he’d been asked to doDancing with the Stars19 years ago, but the show overlapped with shooting a movie he’d already committed to doing. “I am ready to make up for lost time,” Roberts, whose sister isJulia Robertsand daughter isEmma Roberts, said.Roberts, 68, explained to partner Stewart that, after a car accident put him in a coma for three days, his right side is now a quarter beat behind his left.“I’m a little concerned because Cha Cha is one of the quickest dances, so keeping in time with each other is going to be more of a challenge for Eric than it usually is,” Stewart told the cameras.But Roberts wouldn’t be stopped. “I’ve been waiting 19 years for this moment and I’m not going to mess it up,” he said.Robrets and Stewart executed a Cha Cha to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll,” which Inaba said contained “a lot of mistakes.“Score: 15/30

Eric Roberts Does a Dance 19 Years in the Making

September 17, 2024 09:53 PM EDT

ActorEric Robertsshared that he’d been asked to doDancing with the Stars19 years ago, but the show overlapped with shooting a movie he’d already committed to doing. “I am ready to make up for lost time,” Roberts, whose sister isJulia Robertsand daughter isEmma Roberts, said.

Roberts, 68, explained to partner Stewart that, after a car accident put him in a coma for three days, his right side is now a quarter beat behind his left.

“I’m a little concerned because Cha Cha is one of the quickest dances, so keeping in time with each other is going to be more of a challenge for Eric than it usually is,” Stewart told the cameras.

But Roberts wouldn’t be stopped. “I’ve been waiting 19 years for this moment and I’m not going to mess it up,” he said.

Robrets and Stewart executed a Cha Cha to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll,” which Inaba said contained “a lot of mistakes.”

Score: 15/30

Dwight Howard Stands Tall — and Gets a Big Reaction

September 17, 2024 09:43 PM EDT

When NBA champion Howard entered the rehearsal studio standing at 6 foot 11 inches tall, Karagach, 31, worried. “This is going to be the hardest challenge I think I’ve ever had on this show,” she said.

“It’s like watching a giraffe and a gazelle dance to together,” Derek told the duo.

When Howard and Karagach went up to get their scores from Julianne, she told them, “I want to be thrown around like that, definitely.”

Score: 22/30

September 17, 2024 09:31 PM EDT

Despite having some dance experience early in her career, actress Kinney felt hesitant about stepping into the ballroom. “The world of ballroom is very intimidating to me,” she said. “I just hope I don’t trip!”

ThePretty Little Liars: Summer Schoolstar, 24, selected Chappell Roan’s hit “HOT TO GO!” for her Tango withBrandon Armstrong— and it certainly heated up the night.

“I’ve done this show for a very long time — oh my God, that was one of the best,” Tonioli said to Kinney after he ripped his jacket off.

Derek did the “HOT TO GO!” dance and told Kinney, “If this is the beginning, I am scared to see what you have next.”

Inaba informed Kinney that she “set the standard for season 33.”

Score: 23/30

Jenn Tran Might’ve Found Her ‘Perfect Match’

September 17, 2024 09:22 PM EDT

Tran met her partnerSasha Farberat the airport immediately following herBachelorettebreakup airing. “I truthfully felt like my heart was getting ripped out of my chest,” she admitted to the cameras.

So when it came to participating inDancing with the Stars, “I’m here with a little bit of vengeance,” Tran said.

Derek thought Tran found a “perfect match with Sasha.” “You have so much potential,” he told the reality star.

Inaba added, “That was so entertaining. I loved every minute of it.”

Donna Martin Graduates to ‘Dancing with the Stars’

September 17, 2024 09:11 PM EDT

The actress claimed to her partnerPasha Pashkovthat she’d passed on doingDWTSthe past 32 seasons. But now, she “literally 50 hit and my life exploded,” Spelling said. “I’m going through areally public divorce. Everything I thought I was has been burned to the ground. I’m really to find myself again in front of millions of people.”

Inaba found the performance “a little shaky” and “a little vulnerable” and advised Spelling, “Don’t be so timid.”

“You can do this,” Derek said to Spelling. “And you know what, you can, you really can. It definitely felt a little stiff, you could feel the tension, you know, there, but there’s potential there.”

Score: 17/30

Danny Amendola Scores a Touchdown on Night 1

September 17, 2024 09:00 PM EDT

Amendola and Carson tangoed to Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”

“I see power, focus, determination, you want to succeed,” Tonioli told Amendola.

Inaba, 56, told the former football pro that he “executed finely.”

Score: 20/30

A ‘Die Hard’ Star Tries Hard

September 17, 2024 08:51 PM EDT

ActorReginald VelJohnsontold his partnerEmma Slaterthat he’s “got a lot of soul” — and he had ballroom experience thanks to his parents.

“I’m ready to dance, I just hope I don’t die hard doing it,” VelJohnson, 72, joked.

“That was the most compact salsa I’ve ever seen. Not a lot of footwork,” Derek said.

Tonioli concurred. “Moving forward, a bit more steps please,” he told theDie Hardstar.

Score: 16/30

The First Olympian of the Night Checks into the Ballroom

September 17, 2024 08:41 PM EDT

Accordingly, Maher and Bersten, 30, did a Cha Cha toShania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!”

“It was very correct,” Tonioli, 68, said, “but I’m telling you, you got more than that. You’re great, you’re beautiful, let it all hang out!”

Brooks Nader Gives a Model Performance — and Flirty Vibes with Partner Gleb Savchenko

September 17, 2024 08:32 PM EDT

Sports IllustratedmodelBrooks Naderjoked that she had “some unfinished business with dance” after giving it up years ago. When she walked into the studio, dancing wasn’t the only thing on her mind, as she immediately found her partner Savchenko attractive and thought they had “a healthy little flirtatious vibe.”

“Britney Spears is a Louisiana girl like me. I am newly single, so the lyrics are super liberating,” Nader, 27, said, referring to her Maydivorce from Billy Haire.

Derek told Nader after her performance that she has “buckets of potential.”

The Bachelor Takes the Lead

September 17, 2024 08:21 PM EDT

While Graziadei told Johnson, 30, that he thinks he gives “Golden Retriever energy more than sexy,” that didn’t stop him from wanting to go all the way onDWTS. “I got the rose, I got the girl, now I’m coming for that Mirrorball,” he said.

Derek deemed Graziadei and Johnson’s performance “fantastic.”

“You went from handing out roses to handing out sweet dance moves on that dance floor,” Derek said.

The Pros Kick off the Show

September 17, 2024 08:11 PM EDT

Jenn Tran Gets Ready to ‘Cha Cha’September 17, 2024 08:03 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostBachelorette Jenn Tran.Jenn Tran/ InstagramBefore making herDWTSdebut, Tran, 26, posted on her Instagram Stories in a fiery red dance out. “Let’s cha cha,” the Bachelorette wrote on the post. Tran’sDancing with the Starsappearance comes just weeks after her heartbreaking season finale aired, during which she proposed toDevin Strader, only for them to break up after filming ended.“He was making bold proclamations of love and then suddenly the next day he was like, nothing and he denied ever being in love,” Train saidduring After the Final Roseon Sept. 3. “All the promises he had made to me, all of the love that he had wanted to give to me wasn’t there anymore.”

Jenn Tran Gets Ready to ‘Cha Cha’

September 17, 2024 08:03 PM EDT

Bachelorette Jenn Tran.Jenn Tran/ Instagram

Jenn Tran/ Instagram

Before making herDWTSdebut, Tran, 26, posted on her Instagram Stories in a fiery red dance out. “Let’s cha cha,” the Bachelorette wrote on the post. Tran’sDancing with the Starsappearance comes just weeks after her heartbreaking season finale aired, during which she proposed toDevin Strader, only for them to break up after filming ended.

“He was making bold proclamations of love and then suddenly the next day he was like, nothing and he denied ever being in love,” Train saidduring After the Final Roseon Sept. 3. “All the promises he had made to me, all of the love that he had wanted to give to me wasn’t there anymore.”

The Men ofDWTSSeason 33 Joke They Need to Learn to DanceSeptember 17, 2024 07:33 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog Post’Dancing with the Stars’ season 33 duo Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei.Disney/Andrew EcclesIn a PEOPLE exclusive featurette teasing the new season, former NFL wide receiverDanny Amendola, who is partnered with returning proWitney Carson, jokes that when he learned he’d be competing onDancing with the Stars, he said, “Man, I gotta learn how to dance. Quick.” ActorEric Robertsadmits he’s “scared to death” and former Bachelor Graziadei felt pressure not to “suck at dancing” given his Bachelor Nation predecessors’ success on the show.See the full featurettehere.

The Men ofDWTSSeason 33 Joke They Need to Learn to Dance

September 17, 2024 07:33 PM EDT

‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 33 duo Jenna Johnson and Joey Graziadei.Disney/Andrew Eccles

Disney/Andrew Eccles

In a PEOPLE exclusive featurette teasing the new season, former NFL wide receiverDanny Amendola, who is partnered with returning proWitney Carson, jokes that when he learned he’d be competing onDancing with the Stars, he said, “Man, I gotta learn how to dance. Quick.” ActorEric Robertsadmits he’s “scared to death” and former Bachelor Graziadei felt pressure not to “suck at dancing” given his Bachelor Nation predecessors’ success on the show.

See the full featurettehere.

Refresh for New Updates

source: people.com