Dancing with the Stars Season 32 Premiere: Epic Performances, Shocking Scores, and the First Emotional Elimination
The ballroom lit up once again as Dancing with the Stars returned for its highly anticipated 32nd season, promising a night of dazzling performances, heartfelt moments, and the return of a beloved format. New co-hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, a familiar face to the DWTS family, welcomed viewers and contestants alike to an unforgettable premiere on September 26. This super-sized kickoff episode was packed with every celebrity and their professional partner making their ballroom debut, culminating in the season’s very first elimination, setting a dramatic tone for the weeks to come.
Kicking off the night with youthful exuberance was Xochitl Gomez, the youngest competitor this season, alongside her seasoned partner Val Chmerkovskiy. The 17-year-old Marvel star attacked the cha cha with infectious energy to Galantis’s “Peanut Butter Jelly.” Head judge Carrie Ann Inaba was quick to praise Xochitl, noting her undeniable “it factor” – a natural charisma that captivated from the first step. Fellow judge Derek Hough commended Xochitl’s abundant personality, calling her first dance “sensational” while gently advising her to be “a little bit more contained” to refine her technique. Despite the minor critique, it was clear Xochitl made a strong first impression. Xochitl and Val’s scores: Carrie Ann = 6; Derek = 6; Bruno = 6. Total Score = 18 out of 30.
Next up, bringing a touch of classic television charm, was The Brady Bunch icon Barry Williams. Paired with five-time mirrorball champion Peta Murgatroyd, Barry gracefully performed a foxtrot to the familiar strains of “It’s A Sunshine Day” by The Brady Bunch. Derek Hough lauded the performance as “so effortless,” a testament to Barry’s natural ease on the dance floor. Bruno Tonioli, known for his vibrant critiques, described Barry as dancing like the “perfect gentleman,” highlighting his poise and charm. While Bruno offered a few constructive notes on technique, he enthusiastically celebrated Barry’s “great debut,” indicating promising potential for the beloved actor. Barry and Peta’s scores: Carrie Ann = 6; Derek = 5; Bruno = 5. Total Score = 16 out of 30.
Supermodel Tyson Beckford and pro Jenna Johnson stepped into the spotlight with a cha cha set to Luther Vandross’s timeless hit, “Never Too Much.” Tyson showcased impressive stage presence and charisma, with Bruno Tonioli acknowledging his “good moves.” However, Bruno also stressed the importance of focusing on technique, a common challenge for many celebrity dancers in week one. Carrie Ann Inaba appreciated Tyson’s visible commitment to the routine, even while delivering some candid critiques. Despite needing refinement, she saw “a lot of potential” in the model, suggesting he could grow significantly throughout the competition. Tyson and Jenna’s scores: Carrie Ann = 4; Derek = 4; Bruno = 4. Total Score = 12 out of 30.
Injecting vibrant energy into the ballroom, How I Met Your Mother alumna Alyson Hannigan and partner Sasha Farber delivered a spirited salsa to Pink’s empowering anthem, “Never Gonna Not Dance Again.” While Alyson’s infectious personality shone through, earning her a figurative 10/10 for spirit, the judges noted some technical challenges. Carrie Ann Inaba candidly stated that Alyson had “work to do,” a sentiment echoed by Derek Hough, who urged her to “work on timing.” Despite the missteps, Alyson’s genuine enthusiasm made her a crowd favorite, and with Sasha’s expert guidance, she’s poised for improvement. Alyson and Sasha’s scores: Carrie Ann = 5; Derek = 4; Bruno = 4. Total Score = 13 out of 30.
A new professional dancer, Rylee Arnold, sister to DWTS veteran Lindsay Arnold, made her highly anticipated debut with Netflix reality star Harry Jowsey. Their inaugural performance was a cha cha to Justin Timberlake’s iconic “Rock Your Body.” Initially, Harry appeared a bit stiff, navigating the complexities of the choreography, which is completely understandable for a first-timer. However, the judges saw glimpses of his potential. Derek Hough noted a powerful ending to their routine but pointed out Harry was “a bit timid” overall. Carrie Ann Inaba observed a significant boost in Harry’s confidence when he figuratively (or literally) “took off his shirt,” metaphorically shedding his inhibitions. She wisely advised him to find his inherent comfort zone on the dance floor to truly shine. Harry and Rylee’s scores: Carrie Ann = 4; Derek = 4; Bruno = 4. Total Score = 12 out of 30.
The ballroom was set ablaze by singer-songwriter Jason Mraz and his partner Daniella Karagach. Their cha cha to Jason’s own infectious track, “I Feel Like Dancing,” was nothing short of a revelation. Carrie Ann Inaba declared it unequivocally as “the best dance of the night so far,” a high praise indeed for a premiere performance. Derek Hough was so impressed that he gave the duo a standing ovation, raving, “That was awesome!” Jason’s musicality and Daniella’s innovative choreography created a seamless and incredibly entertaining routine that immediately established them as strong contenders. Their harmonious partnership and natural talent were evident in every step. Jason and Daniella’s scores: Carrie Ann = 7; Derek = 7; Bruno = 7. Total Score = 21 out of 30.
Actress and singer Jamie Lynn Spears, partnered with pro Alan Bersten, bravely took on a challenging tango to Mabel’s “Don’t Call Me Up” (Zac Samuel Remix). Derek Hough offered words of encouragement, telling Jamie Lynn, “I think you’re better than you believe you are,” and pointed out her “lot of natural ability.” Bruno Tonioli admired the pair’s “ambitious routine,” acknowledging the complexity they attempted in their first week. However, he advised the Zoey 101 star to focus on refining the technical aspects of the dance, a common hurdle for many celebrities tackling the tango’s intricate footwork and sharp movements. Her potential, however, was clear to the judges. Jamie Lynn and Alan’s scores: Carrie Ann = 5; Derek = 5; Bruno = 5. Total Score = 15 out of 30.
NFL superstar Adrian Peterson teamed up with Britt Stewart to bring serious heat with their salsa to Usher’s electrifying hit, “Yeah!” featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. Adrian showcased his impressive physicality and stage presence, commanding the floor. Derek Hough, however, noted that the routine lacked sufficient rhythm, a crucial element for a compelling salsa. Despite this, Bruno Tonioli lauded Adrian for approaching the routine with “total commitment,” recognizing his powerful dedication. Carrie Ann Inaba was particularly impressed by Adrian’s inherent swagger and expressed her excitement to witness more of his personality and confidence on the dance floor in the coming weeks. Adrian and Britt’s scores: Carrie Ann = 6; Derek = 6; Bruno = 6. Total Score = 18 out of 30.
Internet sensation Lele Pons and partner Brandon Armstrong delivered a fierce and passionate tango to “El tango de Roxanne” from Moulin Rouge. Lele truly embodied the dramatic intensity of the dance, earning high praise from the judges. Bruno Tonioli loved the way Lele “attacked” the routine, commending her powerful stage presence. Carrie Ann Inaba was equally impressed, telling Lele, “You are a powerful woman on that dance floor,” and even playfully urged Brandon to “power up” his own performance to match Lele’s formidable energy. Their dynamic chemistry and strong performance hinted at a formidable partnership. Lele and Brandon’s scores: Carrie Ann = 6; Derek = 7; Bruno = 6. Total Score = 19 out of 30.
Oscar winner Mira Sorvino and her partner Gleb Savchenko captivated the audience with a sophisticated cha cha to Prince & The Revolution’s iconic track, “Kiss.” Mira brought an undeniable elegance to the performance, which Carrie Ann Inaba praised by saying, “Len [Goodman] would have loved that,” a poignant tribute to the late, revered head judge. Carrie Ann further added that Mira’s routine was “so well performed.” Bruno Tonioli encouraged Mira to shed any lingering reservations, declaring, “You’re a great actress, and you’re a great dancer,” urging her to fully embrace her talents on the dance floor. Mira and Gleb’s scores: Carrie Ann = 6; Derek = 5; Bruno = 6. Total Score = 17 out of 30.
Real estate mogul and reality star Mauricio Umansky, partnered with fan-favorite pro Emma Slater, genuinely surprised everyone with their energetic jive to OneRepublic’s “I Ain’t Worried.” Mauricio openly shared his personal motivation for joining the show, admitting he sought to take his “mind off” a challenging year, referring to his well-publicized marriage troubles with Kyle Richards. In a show of support, Kyle herself was present in the audience, cheering him on. Derek Hough enthusiastically raved, “That was great!” particularly praising Mauricio for being a “great support” for Emma, highlighting their promising partnership chemistry. Carrie Ann Inaba admitted she was thoroughly “impressed” with Mauricio’s unexpected agility and enthusiasm. Mauricio and Emma’s scores: Carrie Ann = 5; Derek = 5; Bruno = 5. Total Score = 15 out of 30.
The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson and her partner Artem Chigvintsev delivered a truly dazzling and fierce tango routine to Rihanna’s powerful anthem, “Only Girl (In The World).” Their performance was a standout moment of the night, exuding both precision and passion. Bruno Tonioli, visibly impressed, declared, “That was a tango stunner,” adding that “the execution for week one was superb.” Carrie Ann Inaba was almost speechless, eventually managing to articulate that Charity’s performance was “incredible,” a testament to the immense talent and dedication she brought to the dance floor. Their powerful debut secured them the highest score of the premiere. Charity and Artem’s scores: Carrie Ann = 7; Derek = 7; Bruno = 8. Total Score = 22 out of 30. The highest score of the night!
Comedian and Veep alum Matt Walsh, partnered with Koko Iwasaki, entertained with a quirky cha cha routine to Bell Biv DeVoe’s classic hit, “Poison.” Matt’s performance was undeniably charming and humorous, playing to his comedic strengths. Carrie Ann Inaba admitted that the routine successfully played to Matt’s “strengths” but noted it was “light on real cha cha content,” suggesting a need for more foundational dance steps. Bruno Tonioli found the routine to be “surreal” but ultimately “entertaining,” highlighting Matt’s unique approach to the dance. While engaging, the technical critiques indicated room for growth. Matt and Koko’s scores: Carrie Ann = 4; Derek = 4; Bruno = 4. Total Score = 12 out of 30.
Closing out the night with a bang was reality star Ariana Madix, partnered with Pasha Pashkov. Ariana brought her A-game, delivering a fierce and sexy tango to Hailee Steinfeld’s “Love Myself” (Riddler Remix). Her performance exuded confidence and raw emotion, immediately captivating the judges. Derek Hough emphatically raved, “That was killer!” while Bruno Tonioli added his enthusiastic endorsement, declaring, “That was red hot.” Carrie Ann Inaba not only praised Ariana for her bravery and resilience in the wake of the highly publicized “Scandoval” but also made a powerful, memorable statement by loudly yelling “cheaters suck!” connecting Ariana’s performance with her personal journey and resonating strongly with the audience. Ariana and Pasha’s scores: Carrie Ann = 7; Derek = 7; Bruno = 7. Total Score = 21 out of 30.
With all performances concluded, Dancing with the Stars wasted no time in delivering its first emotional elimination of season 32. The tension in the ballroom was palpable as the bottom two couples were announced: Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater, alongside Matt Walsh and Koko Iwasaki. After a nervous wait and the final tally of votes and judges’ scores, it was ultimately Matt Walsh and Koko Iwasaki who were eliminated, making their premiere night also their last. Their departure was a somber moment, reminding everyone of the high stakes in the competition. As the remaining couples prepared to face another week, the premiere night left a lasting impression, promising a season filled with incredible dances, unexpected surprises, and the enduring magic of the ballroom.