Dancing With the Stars: Athletes already has some people to watch out for!
The show’s first episode of the season aired Monday, April 30, 2018, and the Olympic skaters are the ones to watch.
One of the stars that made headlines before they even hit the stage was Adam Rippon.
Rumors swirled that the first openly gay U.S. skater would be joining the season and fans of DWTS were thrilled to find out that he really would be.
The skater, who won bronze at the 2018 Winter Olympics, was paired with dancing pro Jenna Johnson for Dancing With the Stars: Athletes and the pairing is a perfect match.
After meeting her partner, Jenna told the cameras:
“Adam and I, when we first met, I was amazed, because I felt like we’d known each other for years. Immediately, there was just a chemistry and a connection.”
For his first performance of the season, Adam had to do the cha-cha. The dance might not be hard for professionals, but it certainly isn’t easy if you’re not used to dancing.
DWTS fans know that judge Len Goodman is always ready to call out any teams that don’t have enough cha-cha in their routines.
Good thing for Len, after watching Adam perform, he did not have to worry about that! Jenna choreographed this first routine for Adam excellently and the team totally nailed it.
Before Adam had performed, his competition but fellow Team USA member Mirai Nagasu had said she wanted to win DWTS: Athletes, but if she lost to anyone, she’d be okay with losing to Adam.
Host Tom Bergeron wanted to know if Adam was as charitable as his teammate.
There is only love between these two Olympians! Adam was quick to say:
“Absolutely, I wouldn’t have an Olympic medal without her. I wouldn’t be able to go through this whole experience of touring with stars on ice without her either.”
Adam was inspired by Mirai’s dance and it got him pumped to perform. Mirai might have inspired him too much because Adam totally stole the show.
After the performance, the judges were asked to give their input on what they thought of the dance. Veteran judge Len Goodman was the first to offer up his insight.
Len said:
“I’ll tell you what I think, that was good. It was sharp, it was crisp, it was clear. There were a couple funny vogue-y moments, but I don’t mind that because the whole thing was full of cha-cha content. I really enjoyed watching that.”
After Len’s toned down, but positive critique, it was time for Bruno Tonioli. And every DWTS fan knows that Bruno loves to add flair to every word he says!
Bruno said:
“The angel of the ballroom! With the hip action of a devil. Everything I like! These guys strike a pose or seven. But I am telling you what is amazing is the finish or your lines, or the synchronicity with your partner. On week one, to achieve that level is quite extraordinary!”
Jenna and Adam got some excellent scores, especially since it was the first week! The got an 8 from Carrie Ann Inaba, Len, and Bruno for a total score of 24/30. The score tied for the 2nd highest of the night.
What did you think of Adam’s dance?
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