DANCING WITH THE STARS Showdown: The Season Premiere!

It's that time of year again: a new crop of celebrities, a new ballroom stage, and a new season of Dancing With the Stars!

Kicking things off straightaway are basketball player Ron Artest and his partner, a new addition to the dance troupe, Peta. Len acknowledges that it's the first week, but also admits that the dance was not his "cup of tea." The pair ends up with a total 14 points, with two fives and a four from Len.

Rob Kardashian - whose star status comes from Keeping Up With the Kardashians, and whose sisters are there in support - is the next to take to the floor with Cheryl. The judges notice potential in the dance, even though it's shaky, but they only receive 16 points.

Another reality star, Kristin Cavallari (who is "not a bitch," she assures in her opening video) is paired up with Mark. The couple gives an energetic if unpolished performance, which earns them a solid first score of 19 points.

Singer Chynna Phillips is dancing with Tony, and even Len is impressed with their bold moves: "It's not the best first dance I've ever seen, but it's close," he says. Carrie Ann and Bruno agree, and they walk away with 22 points.

Next up is former prosecutor and TV personality Nancy Grace with another new troupe dancer, Tristan. Despite having fun with the dance (she starts out behind a news desk in a pantsuit jacket), her technique isn't quite there and she receives just 16 points. "The main thing I feel is...great," Nancy says.

Actor David Arquette, who's one of the lightest on his feet so far, dances with Kym. Even with a few missteps and losing choreography here and there, he earns the praise of all three judges and 18 points.

Model (and George Clooney's ex) Elisabetta Canalis is paired with another new dancer, Maks's younger brother Val. It's a solid effort, but 15-point rough execution. Still, when asked what her goal for the night was Elisabetta replies simply: "To have fun."

Taking the stage next is soccer player Hope Solo, along with Maks. In rehearsal they decide work on her elegance. Elegant the performance is, particularly smooth it's not, and the judges note as much. It's strong enough, though, to earn them the second strongest score of the night thus far at 21 points.

TV personality Carson Kressley brings a ton of personality to his dance with Anna, but throws his knees up in the air so high that it has the effect of looking like he's galloping rather than dancing. "It was my favorite performance of the night!" Carrie Ann Tells him, "But technically, you know." The other two judges mirror the sentiment, awarding the performance 17 points.

Army veteran and actor JR Martinez is next up, along with Karina. "The Army taught me a lot," he jokes, "But one thing it didn't teach me was the Viennese Waltz." He brings the crowd to his feet, as much for his courageous backstory as for the strength exhibited in his dance. The judges agree, awarding 22 points and tying the couple for first place.

Actress and talk show host Ricki Lake joins Derek in a quest to follow in Kirstie Alley's transformation footsteps from last season. She gives it a good effort, looking fairly graceful, and earns 20 points for her effort.

Author and producer Chaz Bono, who has already had his fair share of controversy as the first transgender contestant on the show, aims to "not suck" at the cha cha. Mission accomplished, say the judges, awarding Chaz and his partner Lacey a decent 17 points.

Who will be the first to go this season? Tune in tomorrow, on a show with Harry Connick Jr., to find out!

Viewers may cast their votes for their favorite teams via phone on Monday night during and up to 30 minutes after the "Dancing with the Stars" performance shows. Wireless customers with AT&T may also text message their votes by texting the word "VOTE" to the number that corresponds to the team they want to support (message and data rates may apply). Viewers may also vote online at www.abc.com starting from the opening of each episode on the East Coast, until 8:00 a.m., PT the following day. Fans may cast the maximum limit of votes for each voting method.

"Dancing with the Stars" is the U.S. version of the international smash hit series, "Strictly Come Dancing." This version is produced by BBC Worldwide Productions. Conrad Green serves as executive producer and Rob Wade is co-executive producer. Alex Rudzinski directs. "Dancing with the Stars" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound.

 

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