Jericho, New York, U.S.A. – As an avid reality television fan, I was surprised that I never got around to watching Dancing with The Stars. I am currently hooked on the new season (season 33) even though we are only on week two. Here are my thoughts so far:
I became compelled to watch this season when I saw it all over my social media.
I watched the Bachelorette this summer, so Jenn Tran definitely was the reason I wanted to watch the show, but the buzz around Anna Delvey hooked me.
I found it bizarre that a convicted felon, a con artist, was on a dancing show.
After my first watch during week one, I would say my highlights were Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson’s performance in Dancin’ in the Country; Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach’s Cha Cha to This is How We Do It, and Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold’s stand-out jive to Don’t Stop Me Now.
Here are my in-depth thoughts on each pairing:
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson: I love this pairing. I value the level of respect Joey has for Kesely, his real-life partner, whom he paired up with on his season of The Bachelor. He wanted a dancing partner that was in a healthy relationship in order to be respectful to Kesely and I think this pairing works well together.
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach: This is my favorite pairing. I am a basketball fan and think it is so impressive how Daniella can choreograph despite the height difference. I believe they will go far. They are a fun duo and Dwight seems very committed.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong: Chandler came prepared – she is already an amazing dancer and seems to be a pro. I feel they can win it all, but are not my favorite pairing.
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten: I love Llona and the confidence she exudes. Her energy is fantastic and I am excited to watch her flourish as a dancer.
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko: This couple is causing a stir on social media, and I love watching their showmance. I purely want them to stay because they are so fun to watch and I think Brooks will continue to get better.
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold: This is a really fun pairing to watch. I am surprised Stephen has not danced before this. Rylee has brought so much energy to this show as one of the youngest members and her dynamic with Stephen is so fun to watch.
Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy: I haven’t seen much from this couple yet, but I like Val’s style of dancing and am excited to see what is to come.
Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart: Another couple I haven’t seen much from. Unfortunately, I don’t think they will go much farther in the competition.
Tori Spelling and Pasha Pashkov: Tori and Pasha were eliminated, which surprised me. Tori seemed into the show and I am upset to see her go.
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber: Jenn is the main reason I watched the show and it is exciting to see her thriving, living her best life.
Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater: Reginald is a joy to watch and although I do not think he will go far in the competition, I am so happy he is out there giving it a shot.
Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa: Controversial. I don’t think Anna cared to be there, which confused me because the show got so much backlash for having her, so maybe she shouldn’t have been on it to begin with.
Danny Amendola and Witney Carson: Danny has a drive to do well and continue practicing, probably since he was a professional athlete, but I don’t think they will win.
Jessy Siegmann is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.