Derek Hough Lauds Robert Irwin’s ‘Best First Dance’ Ever in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Season 34 Premiere!

Dancing with the Stars is Back!

The much-loved dance competition, Dancing with the Stars, has returned for its 34th season! This season marks a significant milestone, celebrating 20 years on air. Celebrity contestants from various backgrounds, including reality stars and Hollywood icons, are ready to showcase their dance skills.

This season’s lineup includes:

• Jen Affleck, from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
• Hilaria Baldwin, influencer and wife of Alec Baldwin
• Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles
• Retired NBA star Baron Davis
• Social media star Alix Earle
• Dylan Efron, winner of The Traitors season three
• Actor-musician Corey Feldman

Other notable contestants are Danielle Fishel from Boy Meets World, actress Elaine Hendrix, Scott Hoying from Pentatonix, conservationist Robert Irwin (Steve Irwin’s son), Lauren Jauregui from Fifth Harmony, and comedian Andy Richter.

A quick change occurred as judge Carrie Ann Inaba was absent due to illness, leaving Bruno Tonioli and Derek Hough to assess performances. Contestants received scores out of 20, a shift from the usual 30. Tied for the highest scores, Leavitt and Irwin both earned 15/20. Notably, guitarist Tonioli mistakenly held up a “seven” paddle but input an eight, affecting the final score.

Throughout the night, contestants shared their personal stories. Fishel opened up about her cancer journey, while Feldman revealed he was dancing with scoliosis. Baldwin returned to the stage after a hip injury, and Richter humorously cited the paycheck as his motivation.

One standout moment came when Irwin concluded the night with a performance that impressed judge Hough, who called it “the best first dance I’ve ever seen on the show.” Irwin competes ten years after his sister Bindi won the show with Hough in season 21.

No one was eliminated in the premiere, but the next episode promises excitement with a double elimination.

Returning professional dancers include familiar faces such as Gleb Savchenko and Britt Stewart, alongside new talents like Jan Ravnik from Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough are back as co-hosts, adding their charisma to the show.

As this season unfolds, fans are buzzing on social media, sharing their thoughts and favorite moments. It’s heartening to see how the show continues to resonate, with many praising the mix of talent and heartfelt stories.

For the latest updates on Dancing with the Stars, you can tune in to ABC or stream episodes on Disney+.

For further details and insights, you can find verified sources like The Hollywood Reporter or Yahoo Entertainment for ongoing coverage.

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Hilaria Baldwin, Robert Irwin, Danielle Fishel, Alec Baldwin, Jordan Chiles, Corey Feldman, Baron Davis, Dylan Efron, Steve Irwin, Derek Hough, Andy Richter, Scott Hoying, Bindi Irwin, Dancing with the Stars, Lauren Jauregui, Julianne Hough, Bruno Tonioli, Carrie Ann Inaba, Alix Earle, Elaine Hendrix, Mormon Wives, Hollywood Reporter, reality TV star