"DWTS" Week 1 Recap: IT'S BACK!!!

September 25, 2018

Guys, the best time of the year has officially started. Not only is it the greatest season that exists (fall, duh), but it’s also time for another season of “Dancing with the Stars”! A big welcome back to sparkly outfits, partner drama, and screaming at the TV because we don’t agree with the elimination—we’ve missed you so much.

Season 27 kicked off this week with a jam-packed two-night premiere. There was some stellar dancing, super-talented minis, AND the season’s first elimination. Here are our highlights.

Danelle Umstead and Artem Chigvintsev

So, Paralympian skier Danelle Umstead is the show’s first blind contestant—and she seriously blew our minds. She and pro partner Artem Chigvintsev wowed with their emotionally charged and super-graceful foxtrot to “Rise Up” by Andra Day. After, Umstead’s husband and her guide dog came onstage to show their love and support, and let’s just say there was not a single dry eye in the house.

Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten

Model and Instagram star (she’s got over 12 million followers 😱), Alexis Ren showed off her adorable and bubbly personality in her sweet ice-cream shop inspired jive with partner Alan Bersten. The duo already has some great chemistry, and Ren’s dancing really looked fab. It was precise, clean, and just so fun to watch. We’re calling it now, this couple just may be the one to beat.

Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong

Singer Tinashe and her pro partner Brandom Armstrong won the high score on Monday night. Their jive to “I’m a Lady” by Meghan Trainor was on another level. It’s clear Tinashe is a performer because she commanded that “DWTS” stage from the second she walked onto it. The piece was high-energy and expertly danced. We can’t wait to see how Tinashe grows throughout the season (because it’s very clear she’s going to stick around.)

Unfortunately for us, “DWTS” wastes no time getting down to elimination business, and last night, stand-up comedian Nikki Glaser and Gleb Savchenko were the first couple sent packing.