Val Chmerkovskiy and Laurie Hernandez in DANCING WITH THE STARS – Season 23 | ©2016 ABC/Craig Sjodin

Stars: Amber Rose, Calvin Johnson Jr., Jake T. Austin, James Hinchcliffe, Jana Kramer, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Laurie Hernandez, Marilu Henner, Maureen McCormick, Rick Perry, Ryan Lochte, Terra Jolé and Vanilla Ice
Network: ABC, airs Monday
Original Telecast: September 12th, 2016

DANCING WITH THE STARS: Season 23 started out with a bang! A big cast, a lot of returning favorite pros, plenty of glitter and a decorated Olympian who screwed up. And I don’t just mean on the dance floor. This is a dance show, not a trial. Yes, Ryan Lochte acted irresponsible and did something dumb in Rio. Is he being punished, yes! Now, please, please, please can we move on already?! I find it incredibly hypocritical of those judging him so harshly, as if they have never used poor judgement in a fit of excitement or under the influence of alcohol. So get off your high horses and let us ALL look forward, not back. Don’t judge lest thee be judged.

Now, back to what this show is about – entertainment, and yes there was plenty of that too. Olympian Laurie Hernandez and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy tied with race car driver James Hinchcliffe and his partner Sharna Burgess for first in an impressive show of talent. Sadly, Governor Rick Perry had just about as much luck on the dance floor as he did campaigning for president. Not only will he not be president but he will not be taking home the mirror ball trophy either.

Amber Rose (TV host) and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Snazzy! Carrie Ann Inaba called her stunning. Julianne Hough said she was graceful in her Foxtrot. BrunoTonioli said she had the ability.
Scores: Inaba – 6, Tonioli – 6, Hough – 6, Goodman – 6, Harland – 7

Marilu Henner (Actress) and her partner Derek Hough
A little jittery. Inaba said she was in control. Hough called her sharp. Len Goodman said she was fabulous in her Jive. Tonioli said not to tighten up.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Tonioli – 7, Hough – 6, Goodman – 7, Harland – 7

Vanilla Ice (TV personality) and his partner Witney Carson
So entertaining! Goodman called his Cha Cha terrific. Hough said there was not a lot of Cha Cha. Tonioli said it was a great performance.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Tonioli – 7, Hough – 6, Goodman – 5, Harland – 6

Ryan Lochte (Olympian) and his partner Cheryl Burke
Room for improvement. Inaba said he had room to grow. Goodman said he performed well. Tonioli noticed a lot of potential during his Foxtrot.
Scores: Inaba – 6,  Tonioli – 6, Hough – 6, Goodman – 6, Harland – 6

James Hinchcliffe (Race Car driver) and his partner Sharna Burgess
Natural Flair. Inaba said she is looking forward to his next dance. Goodman called him a knock out. Hough said he was very graceful in his Foxtrot. Tonioli called it first class.
Scores: Inaba – 8, Tonioli – 8, Hough – 7, Goodman – 8, Harland – 8

Jana Kramer (Country singer)and her partner Gleb Savchenko
Natural ability. Inaba said she had nice lines. Goodman thought her Viennese Waltz was too dramatic. Hough agreed with Goodman. Tonioli called it X-Rated.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Tonioli – 8, Hough – 6, Goodman – 6, Harland – 7

Calvin Johnson Jr. (Football player) and his partner Lindsey Arnold
Nice start. Inaba said he had work to do. Hough said his Cha Cha was fun to watch. Tonioli called him Cha Cha Tron.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Tonioli – 7, Hough – 6, Goodman – 6, Harland – 7

Terra Jole (Reality star) and her partner Sasha Farber
She did well! Inaba called her a huge star. Goodman said she was big in heart. Hough called her a firecracker.
Scores: Inaba – 7, Tonioli – 6, Hough – 6, Goodman – 6, Harland – 7

Laurie Hernandez (Olympian) and her partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy
The Front runner! Inaba saw she was eager to learn. Goodman called her Cha Cha crisp and clean. Hough said her leg action was spot on. Tonioli was delighted.
Scores: Inaba – 8, Tonioli – 8, Hough – 7, Goodman – 8, Harland – 8

Maureen McCormick (Actress) and her partner Artem Chigvintsev
Very nervous. Inaba said she loved her vulnerability. Goodman said she needs refinement. Hough said to focus on the details. Tonioli said she moved well in her Viennese Waltz.
Scores: Inaba – 6, Tonioli – 6, Hough – 5, Goodman – 5,  Harland – 6

Jake T. Austin (Actor) and his partner Jenna Johnson
Stiff. Inaba called him charismatic. Hough said to work on his feet. Tonioli said to focus on his bottom half while doing the Jive.
Scores: Inaba – 5, Tonioli – 6, Hough – 5,Goodman – 6, Harland – 6

Rick Perry (Politician) and his partner Emma Slater
Well, he tried. Goodman said his Cha Cha was too pedestrian. Hough said he was full out on the dance floor. Tonioli called him brash.
Scores: Inaba – 5, Tonioli – 5, Hough – 5, Goodman – 5, Harland – 5

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds (Singer/Music producer) and his partner
Allison Holker
Dapper. Inaba said he lit up the stage. Goodman said he had style with a smile. Hough called his Foxtrot a little hectic.
Scores: Inaba – 5,Tonioli – 6, Hough – 5, Goodman – 6, Harland – 6

Who’s going home: Bye bye Gov. Perry!
Who Has Legs to Take Home the Mirror Ball: U.S.A. U.S.A…Laurie!

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Article: TV Review: DANCING WITH THE STARS – Season 23 – Week 1 – Season Premiere

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