Photo from here.
One of my favourite TV shows is back on for its 10th year anniversary season and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve never done a post like this before but I figure that as #DWTS is always a very popular tag on Twitter and this season is supposed to be “bigger and better than ever,” I’ll write it. I was thinking I’ll do one post now, at the beginning, one in the middle of the competition, and one after the final! Let me know if you want to see more posts about #DWTS, and if you really want to hear my thoughts as things happen during the show, follow me on Twitter and check out my feed on Monday nights at 8 pm! 🙂
Anyways, this season, season 20, is HUGE. I’m so proud that this show has made it as far as it has, because it combines all of my favourite things, dancing, singing (from the live band), a great show and witty commentary (Thanks Tom Bergeron, you’re truly awesome). I literally think I’ve been watching the show since season 2, back 9-10 years ago, and the show has blossomed and flourished into what it is today! So nice to see!
Okay, enough of the boring talk, let’s get into what I think of each couple and their performance last night! 🙂
Willow Shields & Mark Ballas
#TeamMarkingJay
How could you not love this pair? Willow, in case you didn’t know, is known for playing Primrose Everdeen in the Hunger Games and came out with tons of energy and danced her little heart out. She’s also only 14, which is the youngest celebrity cast member the show has ever had, and though I’m not sure she will make it to the final, I think she’ll go quite far. Plus, you have to give them lots of credit for that awesome team name!
Robert Herjavec & Kym Johnson
#TeamSharkeroo
Well, I’m sorry to go negative so soon but…really? I’d never heard or seen Robert in my life but I know there are hardcore Shark Tank watchers out there. That’s not my problem, though. My problem is that he seems to need to break out of his shell; despite what the judges said about how great he looked, I thought he looked a little stiff and needs some time to get used dancing live with Kym. Speaking of Kym, I’m glad she’s back, as she’s a powerhouse, but I am sad that she replaced Karena Smirnoff (or Cheryl Burke, but she’s annoyed me for about 7 seasons now), because she was one of my faves! Oh well, we’ll see how this team progresses.
Riker Lynch & Allison Holker
#TeamRallison
Even though I stand strong in saying that this is not the Lynch brother/R5 band member that everyone wanted to see on the show (Ross, you would have been SO good on this show!), I will say that I was genuinely surprised at this team’s performance last night! I should have seen it coming, seeing as Riker was on Glee back in the day, but he had rythym and lots and lots of energy, so who knows how far he’ll go? He has a fantastic partner, too, so I’m sure Allison will give it all she’s got and push them well past the midweek mark.
Charlotte McKinney & Keo Motsepe
#TeamKeolette
Well, folks, I think we have my first actual prediction for the day: I suspect Charlotte will go home first. If not first, maybe second (she might pull in votes with her…assets). I was really rooting for Charlotte to blast any rumour of ditziness and prove everybody wrong but it doesn’t seem that will be the case. Also, given that Keo was eliminated first last year, I’ve not really had to chance to decide if he’s a great dancer or not but I hope he pulls through for Charlotte. I really am in her corner. She just needs to work really hard to bounce back from last night’s performance, despite Bruno’s comment about “imposing frontage” (which my mom and I were laughing at for a sold 5 minutes because it literally does not make a shred of sense — aside from being super offensive!!!). You can do it, Charlotte! #harshbuthonestasalways
Patti LaBelle & Artem Chigvintsev
#TeamPattiandArtem
I think we have to get something out in the open here, and I might lose your respect after I do, honesty comes at a price. Did anyone else think that Patti is a bit of…a diva? *people fall off chairs and animals start flocking the nation* I know, I know, I feel like it was something that everyone was thinking and didn’t dare say out loud, but it’s true, she showed a few diva-ish qualities. Having said that, if I were as talented (and flush) as Patti freakin’ Labelle, I’d probably be a diva, too. #justsayin’
In terms of the dancing, it was…decent. It’s first week, so it’s really hard to see who has great potential and who doesn’t. Artem seems like a great dancer, though, so if he puts his mind to it and doesn’t get all sassy and essentially give up like he did last season with Lea Thompson, she’ll be fine.
Chris Soule & Witney Carson
#TeamSouleShakers
These two are going to go far! I was a little worried because he seemed so conservative and shy in the pre-dance package, but when it came to performing, this former bachelor really shook things up! I don’t know if he’ll win, though, which is a shame because I am a hardcore Witney Carson lover (I used to love her back when she was in the troupe and actually tweeted her telling she deserves to be a “pro.” Yea, our love goes way back ;)), but I don’t see them outranking some of the stronger dancers of the pack. Still, their dances should be entertaining and full of energy and rhythm, which is always a great thing for us viewers!
Michael Sam & Peta Murgatroyd
#TeamSambatroyd
I was pleasantly surprised last night by this dance full of energy, soul and booty pops! They definitely have a lot of chemistry as partners and show what it’s like to really get on well with your partner. This one is the one that completely baffles me, because Peta is one of the strongest female dancers of the professionals (and hence has earned the name “The Elastic Band” in my household), but she’s not the best on capitalizing on her partner’s best moves in the choreography. We’ll see about this pair…
Nastia Liukin & Derek Hough
#TeamHoughkin
Well, this is it. This is the pair that will most likely win the whole thing, and I’m not just saying that because I’m one of Derek Hough’s biggest fans (my dad was talking to me last night and I wasn’t listening because I was watching the duo’s dance and he looked at the TV and said “Oh, well of course you won’t be listening, you’re watching the boyfriend!” LOL. No joke. I love him so much it hurts ;)). They came out strong, and you can tell by Nastia’s more competitive side (and sometimes uptight side, let’s be real) that she’s not going to settle for bad marks in the future. I will say, though, that if she wants to win, she needs to drop a bit of the ‘tude and relax a little, because nobody is going to vote for someone who would give Elsa competition in the Ice Queen category. #sorrynotsorry
By the way, how GREAT is it that Derek decided to come back to the show!? The show would never be the same without him, and I’m more than pleased and glad that I get another 12 weeks of watching his pretty, pretty face and fun, kind personality. #numberonecrush5ever
Redfoo & Emma Slater
#TeamFooma
Wouldn’t you think if the legendary Berry Gordy was your father and you literally grew up around Motown legends and music alike that you’d have more than one good dance move? I’m sorry, I love Redfoo, and I was a big fan of LMFAO before they disbanded, but…why? I feel really bad for Emma, though, because she has clearly upset someone who makes decisions on that show (she always get the…slow starters, let’s say). Hopefully Redfoo can turn things around because right now, I think that all he’s rhythmically talented at is the giant pelvic thrust. Don’t get me wrong, this move is useful sometimes, but I doubt it will impress Len Goodman in a waltz.
Noah Galloway & Sharna Burgess
#TeamShway
I have to admit, I missed this man’s package and the beginning of his dance, but from the portion that I did see, I think we have a real contender! He amazed me with his control and fluidity and really blew me away when he finished dancing and picked Sharna up! He’s SO STRONG! That’s not to say that Sharna’s heavy, but I can’t even pick up a box of doughnuts with one arm without wincing (then again, that might have to do with the fact that it’s doughnuts…not the healthiest food, to say the least); I was impressed. Noah is the picture of bravery, courage and strength and I’m really looking forward to seeing what this team puts together in future weeks. Ooh and bonus points for that awesome team name! YAY!
Suzanne Somers & Tony Dovolani
#TeamTwosCompany
This is the one pair that I have no idea what to think. I just hope they don’t rely on gimicks and props to pull them through the entire competition, because that gets old really quickly. She has some rythym and technique down pat but…I just don’t know. I feel like she is the novelty of the season and needs to prove why she should remain on the show (just my opinion). I do, however, find her to be in GREAT physical shape, though (those legs though!!!)! What do you think she eats day-to-day? #wowza
Rumer Willis & Valentin Chmerkovskiy
#TeamValenRue
This pair was fantastic and their dance was such a lovely surprise and the perfect way to cap the night off. I do believe that these two are the ones that #TeamHoughkin need to watch out for! They danced the best dance of the night, by far, and Rumer made every move look beautiful, graceful and fluid, all while making it look effortless, which is the true mark of a good performer. Watch out, Nastia, we have another major contender (although I still do think that Nastia would do anything to win, and she has Derek the wonderGod for a partner which is why I said I think they’ll win it all, but you never know). Looking forward to see what happens in weeks to come. 🙂
Overall, there are quite a few strong contestants this year and I love the fact that they come from a wide range of backgrounds, it always makes for a better show! When you combine that with the fact that it’s the shows 20th season and 10th year, I’m sure there will be some amazing, jaw-dropping acts lined up! We’re in for a fun ride, friends!
Alright, so now that you know my thoughts and who I place at the top, I want to know YOURS! Comment below or get at me through any of my social media! 🙂
Much love,
S♥
All photos (apart from the first) from TV Line.
