JOJO Siwa made history on Dancing With The Stars tonight as the first contestant EVER to be paired up with a same-sex partner.
The Dance Mom alum gushed she is “proud” to represent the LGBTQ+ community after coming out earlier this year and took the ballroom stage alongside Jenna Johnson.
The pair snagged the top score of the night by getting a 29 out of 40.
Earlier, Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby was praised for working it on the dance floor – though the judges urged him to “work on his hips.”
On the season 30 premiere, Olivia Jade was joined by with big celebrity names such as JoJo Siwa, Bachelor star Matt James and Peleton cycling director Cody Rigsby.
The show had 15 stars joining this season to perform in front of DWTS’ 4 judges: Derek Hough, Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli.
Dancing with the Stars, hosted by Tyra Banks, will be on ABC tonight at 8 p.m. ET.
Read our Dancing with the Stars live blog below for the very latest news and updates…
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‘NERVOUS’ CHERYL
DWTS veteran Cheryl Burke revealed that she was “nervous” to perform this season sober after publicly announcing she gave up alcohol earlier this year.
“I’m Nervous for DWTS … Confession time — this may be my 24th time doing #dwts, and even though I’m SO excited, I also have major nerves,” the 37-year-old dancer captioned an Instagram video of herself driving to rehearsal today.
“Doing this show sober has really made me realize my every insecurity and the amount of pressure I put on myself, which is tough,” she added.
However, she crushed it with her partner, Cody Rigsby.
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STRONG SIWA
JoJo Siwa celebrated her historic debut outside of the DWTS studio with her partner, Jenna.
However, Jenna appeared to injure her ankle as she was getting it “checked out” by a medical tent.
The pop star then admitted that before DWTS, she could “not even do one push up.”
She said that her goal was to do 20 pushups by tonight’s premiere and in the clip, proudly exclaimed that she was able to hit the number.
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‘BRING BACK TOM AND ERIN’
Following tonight’s premiere which saw Tyra Banks back as host, viewers expressed their disappointment that longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews did not get asked to return.
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ARTEM’S BIGGEST FAN
Following the DWTS premiere, Artem’s girlfriend, Nikki Bella, gushed on Twitter about his performance.
The WWE star gushed of her baby daddy: “What an amazing premiere! I’m so proud of @artemchigvintse He truly creates magic & memories.
“So excited for everyone’s journeys starting. It truly is one the most incredible experiences you will ever have!
“Take in every second! Here we go season 30!!”
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GIRL POWER
JoJo and Jenna did a quick step to Are You Gonna Be My Girl in baggy purple pants and a lime green crop top.
She wore her signature hair bow on her shoulder as she was praised by Bruno for the “freedom of expression.”
Though they “lost control” when Jenna slipped, Derek said JoJo was “born” for Dancing With The Stars.
She was given an 8 from Carrie Ann and a 7 from Bruno, Len and Derek.
They led the leader board with a score of 29 out of 40.
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MAKING HISTORY
JoJo Siwa made history as the first EVER DWTS contestant to be paired up with a same-sex partner.
The Dance Moms alum said she was “very proud” of the move after coming out earlier this year.
She screamed as she walked into the room to see Jenna Johnson standing there.
“What better way to go into season 30 than to make history,” Jenna gushed.
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‘SOMETHING SPECIAL’
Len praised the couple for having “something truly special” on the dance floor.
Tyra even chimed in to say the pair were “so hot” on the dance floor.
The real-life couple got a 6 from each of the judges and a total scored of 24 out of 40.
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9021-WOAH!
Brian Austin Green FINALLY confirmed he teamed up with his real-life girlfriend, Sharna.
The pair sparked a romance just months ago following his divorce from ex wife Megan Fox.
The 90210 actor admitted he is doing the show because of his girlfriend.
“I’ve never danced with someone I’ve dated,” he said before adding he’s “nervous.”
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‘LACKING’
“I would have liked to have seen more hip action,” Len said.
Derek criticized Matt’s foot placement while Bruno said something similar.
Carrie Ann, Len, Derek and Bruno all gave Matt a 6 each.
He had a total of 24 out of 40.
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BACHELOR IS BACK
Matt James traded roses for mirrorballs and teamed up with Lindsay.
He claimed that although he has “no dance experience,” he’s a competitor so will win the show.
The reality star wore a bright blue suit with a zebra-print shirt as he did the Cha Cha.
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FLOSSY, FLOSSY!
Christine wore a gorgeous yellow chiffon dress complete with bedazzled long sleeves and gloves.
As her costars cheered her on from the audience, she was praised by the panels.
“You are like a diamond in the rough,” Carrie Ann gushed.
Len said that she was “sharp” while adding it was a “terrific effort.”
“I love that dress and you did really, really good. That frame is beautiful,” Derek exclaimed.
While Bruno said that she is a “gem” but needs a “little more polish.”
They got a 6 from all four judges with a total score of 24 out of 40.
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SHOWING OFF BLING
Christine Chiu is partnered with Pasha and will do a tango to an on-theme song, Glamourous, by Fergie.
The Bling Empire star said her “entire life” is full of glamour.
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KENYA KILLS IT
The Bravo star stunned in a long red dress with matching bold lipstick.
Bruno praised the Atlanta native for “moving well” while Carrie Ann gushed she is a “queen.”
Carrie Ann and Bruno gave the pair a 7 while Len and Derek handed out a 6.
Their total was a 27 out of 40.
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PEACHY KEEN
Real Housewives Of Atlanta’s Kenya Moore, 50, teamed up with Brandon for her DWTS debut.
“I have no ballroom dancing experience, I just try to move to some Beyonce,” she admitted to her pro partner.
The pair immediately hit it off and vowed to make “magic” together.
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COOL AS A COBRA
Cobra Kai star Martin Kove, 74, teamed up with Britt to take on the dance floor.
The pair did an intense dance that mirrored some theme from his hit film, The Karate Kid.
All four judges were critical of his “stiff” moves which reflected in the scores.
Carrie Ann handed out a 4 while Len, Derek and Bruno gave a 3 each.
Overall, their total was just a 13 out of 40.
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‘SHE’S GOT IT ALL!’
“Hi my friend, you brought tears to my eyes because I know how much Nick means to you and you were like an angel dancing ,” Carrie Ann said as she also broke down in tears.
The pair were co-hosts on The Talk before Carrie Ann left earlier this year.
All four judges gave Amanda a 7 each – giving her a total of 28 out of 40.
She is tied at the top of the leaderboard alongside Suni Lee.
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BREAKING DOWN IN TEARS
Amanda Kloots broke down in tears as she opened up about losing her husband Nick to Covid last year.
“I grew up dancing and did Broadway for years and after everything, I wanted to do something for me,” Amanda told her partner, Alan.
“If Nick were here today, he would tell me to not stop living. To keep going,” she said as she began to sob.
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LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Cody and Cheryl – who matched in bright pink – began their routine on an exercise bike but couldn’t nail their routine.
Carrie Ann said he appeared “nervous” and didn’t “hit all the moves.”
Tyra admitted to being a “fan” of Cody and has even taken many of his classes.
All four judges gave him a 6 each, giving him a total of 24 out of 40.
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WORKING ON HIS FITNESS
Peloton instructor Cody Rigsby made his energizing debut.
He was partnered with veteran Cheryl Burke.
“My claim to fame is I’m a Peloton instructor but I used to be a dancer,” Cody explained to his partner as she appeared to not know who he is.
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GOLD MEDAL CONTENDER?
“When you do soar, you’re like sunshine my love,” Bruno told her before giving her the tip to “not look at the floor.”
Len said her dance was “neat and precise” but was not “free.”
She was urged by Derek to “not try so hard to be perfect.”
Suni and Sasha got a 7 from Carrie Ann, Len, Derek and Bruno.
The couple got a total score of 28 out of 40 – the highest of the evening so far.
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STAY A WHILE
Suni teamed up with Sasha – who also was partners with her Olympic teammate Simone Biles – to dance to Justin Bieber’s Stay.
“I’m so nervous, I don’t know how to dance! People assume I can dance because of gymnastics but it’s so different,” she said.
She did an energetic number in a pretty pink satin dress.
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‘LET’S GO!’
After Melora did a talented tango to 1980’s hit Simply Irresistible, she was praised with big words from the judges.
“Wow, I am blown away! I’m keeping an eye on you,” Derek gushed.
Carrie Ann added she had the “energy and spirit” to do a “job well done.”
She was given a 7 from Carrie Ann and Derek and a 6 from Len and Bruno.
Artem and Malora’s total score was 26 out of 40.
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OUT OF THE OFFICE
The Office star Melora Hardin teamed up with last season’s winner, Artem, for her DWTS debut.
She stunned in a floor-length pink dress with a thigh-high slit and red top.
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COUNTRY SCORE
Jimmie was praised for a “great first attempt” but noted the dance was a tough one.
Emma and Jimmie, whom Tyra nicknamed Jemma, got a score of 22 out of 40 from the judges.
