season 14

By: Victoria Miller

Dancing with the Stars kicked of their 14th season on Monday, introducing 14 new contestants. Stars paired with their dancing professional partners took on either the spicy Latin Cha Cha Cha or the elegant Foxtrot. Who will take home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy?

Maria & Derek:
Cha Cha Cha
‘Extra’ TV host Maria Menounos, pairs up with three-time winner Derek Hough.The couple sizzled as they took on the hot number. Overall the judges praised Maria for what she left on the floor, but she needed to gain confidence, amp up the sexy and shake those hips.
Scores: 7,7,7 for a total of 21 points

Jack & Anna:
Foxtrot
Jack Wagner always known for getting the girl in shows like General Hosiptal and Melrose Place, has a new lady in his life, ballroom partner Anna Trebunskaya. Judges agreed that Jack acted beautifully. The dance was entertaining, but the technique was not there
Score: 8,7,8 for a total of 23 points

Donald & Peta:
Cha Cha Cha
Green Bay Packers’ Wide Reciever Donald Driver is paired with Peta Murgatroyd. Donald had the audience on their feet by the end of their routine. He was a ball of fire.
Scores: 7,7,7 for a total of 21 points

Gavin & Karina
Foxtrot
Singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw is partnered with returning champ Karina Smirnoff. The dance was charming — but DeGraw was a little stiff.
Scores: 7,6,7 for a total of 20 points

Roshon & Chelsie
Cha Cha Cha
Disney Star Roshon Fegan teamed up with Chelsie Hightower The youthful couple attacked the number with high energy.
Scores: 8,7,8 for a total of 23 points

Sherri & Val
Foxtrot
Light on her feet, The View Co-host Sherri Shepherd partnered with Val Chmerkovskiy lit up the entire ballroom during her first dance.
Scores: 8,7,8 for a total of 23 points

Melissa & Maksim
Cha Cha Cha
Melissa Gilbert, known as Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie, stated, “I’m trading in my pigtails and prairie dress for sequins and high heels.” Partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy choreographed a difficult routine, which she executed well  — but the judges told her to relax.
Scores: 7,6,7 for a total of 20 points

William & Cheryl
Cha Cha Cha
Tela novella star William Levy partnered with long time DWTS professional Cheryl Burke. The couple started rehearsals 10 days later than everyone else — but  you would have never know.
Scores: 8,8,8 for a total of 24 points

Martina & Tony
Foxtrot
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova is teamed up with Tony Dovolani. Intense on the court, she needs to be more graceful on the dance floor.
Scores: 7,6,7 for a total of 20 points

Katherine & Mark
Foxtrot
Opera Singer Katherine Jenkins is paired with two time mirror ball champion Mark Ballas. Watching them was like watching two professional dancers.  She looked elegant and graceful as she glided across the floor. Katherine received the highest score of the night.
Score: 9,8,9 for a total of 26 points

Gladys & Tristan
Cha Cha Cha
The Empress of Soul, Gladys Knight, danced with Tristan McManus.  She lip synced to the song and her sassy facial expressions were planned to perfection.
Scores: 8,7,8 for a total of 23 points

Jaleel & Kym:
With the help of Pro Kym Johnson, former Family Matters star Jaleel White proved to everyone that just because you play a clumsy dork, doesn’t mean you actually are one. The routine was beautifully danced with ease and charm. The final dance of the night Carrie Ann said, “That was icing on the cake.” His score tied him in first place with Katherine.
Scores: 9,8,9 for a total of 26 points

Compared to previous seasons of DWTS, season 14 has a talented bunch. The lowest score of the night was a 20 and the highest of 26, which is the highest score ever to be awarded in week 1. The competition continues next Monday on ABC at 8 p.m. and first eliminations will air Live, Tuesday at 9 pm.

image from washtimes.com