Anna Delvey laughs about prison
Season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars” started off with a bang.
While there were no eliminations in the first week, audiences were introduced to a new group of celebrities competing for the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough returned as co-hosts with judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough.
At the start of the two-hour episode, former Bachelorette Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson were shocked to receive a 21/30 – a very high score for week one – after a very impressive and energetic cha-cha.
It was Chandler Kinney who “set the bar so high,” Inaba said. She and partner Brandon Armstrong absolutely killed their tango, topping the leaderboard with a score of 23/30. However, Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach came in second with 22/30.
During rehearsals, Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik seemed to have no rhythm or dance skills. He then took to the dance floor with partner Rylee Arnold for a very energetic jive that earned them a 21/30.
The last ‘star’ to hit the dance floor was convicted felon Anna Delvey, who laughed during her package as she explained that she was wearing an ankle monitor because she was in prison and ‘it was hard to leave’. She added, “I’ve reinvented myself many times and this time I’m going to be a ballroom dancer.”
After her routine – which started with a zoom in on the enchanted anklet – Inaba addressed both Delvey and the audience. “When you came onto the dance floor, there was a shift in the energy in this room. I just want to say: let’s give all of this a chance, because I can imagine this is scary for you,” the judge said. “I’m not for or against what you’ve done, but this is about your dancing here, so let’s all give her this space, please.”
Watch all the dances and scores from the premiere below:
