httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmNPXqG6ovg
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The usual festive atmosp for a “Dancing With the Stars” premiere was intensified tonight, for it was not only the kickoff of the 24th season, but tonight’s show marked the 400th episode.
Opening with a dance number, featuring the entire cast, to Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” the night was full of high-energy routines, and the expected saucy critiques from judge Bruno Tolioli.
Among the Season 24 celebrity contestants are two who are defying the odds: rodeo star Bonner Bolton and Chris Kattan have rebounded after suffering broken necks in recent years.
Kattan’s injury limits his neck mobility, and may greatly affect his performances in coming weeks.
Kattan’s Cha Cha, performed to “What is Love?” with pro partner Witney Carson, scored a paltry 17 points from the judges.
Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, NFL running back Rashad Jennings were the only two to score above 30, while Olympic skater Nancy Kerrigan, retired baseball player David Ross and actress/dancer Heather Morris are tied for 3rd place with 28 points each.
Charo, and pro partner Keo Motsepe, received a score of 21 for an up-tempo salsa that lacked technique on Charo’s part, but her level of enthusiasm during the dance, and pure giddiness when facing the judges, more than made up for her lackluster routine.