DWTS Season 34 Premiere: Whitney Leavitt’s tango top; Andy Richter showed courage and humor.
Season 34 Returns
“Dancing with the Stars” returned for its 20th year, and the premiere night was filled with joy and surprises.
A dash of celebrity, the energy of new couples, and some heartfelt performances—all of which were present in the show’s first episode.
The Enthusiasm of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt, also known as “Mormon Wives,” performed a powerful Tango with pro dancer Mark Ballas.
Their dance was to the K-pop hit “Golden” (from the movie Demon Hunters), and the judges gave them a 15/20 score, placing them tied for first place that night.
Whitney explained that she loved the song after watching the movie with her children—a similar spirit brought her energy to the stage.
Her style was a blend of tough, delicate, and emotional, and her chemistry with Mark gave the tango the perfect edge.
Andy Richter’s Charm and Emma Slater’s Technique
Comedian Andy Richter performed the Cha Cha with pro Emma Slater to Sam and Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming.”
The judges gave them a score of 9/20. Andy openly admitted that he doesn’t consider himself “the best dancer,” but he still expressed his desire to perform “Peacock” to reach the Mirrorball Trophy.
His performance showcased a comedic touch and liveliness, and Emma’s professionalism kept him on stage.
What stood out in the premiere:
The song selection and general entertainment variety added freshness to the show.
Whitney’s emotional connection and Mark’s technique made the tango impressive.
Andy’s carefree approach made the audience laugh, and his confidence shone through.
What’s worth watching ahead
This was just the beginning; as the season progresses, judging, scores, and audience expectations will combine to create new competition.
Both Whitney and Andy have generated interest with their different styles—one delivered a soft yet confident performance, the other took the stage with entertainment and warmth.
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