- In the first part of the season premiere, the male celebrities -- Penn Jillette, Jason Taylor, Cristian de la Fuente, Adam Carolla, Mario and Steve Guttenberg -- and their dancing pro partners, took their turns.
- The sixth season of Dancing With the Stars kicked off with the six male competitors taking their moves to the dance floor for the first time. The second half of the two-night premiere, when the women kick up their heels, would wait until Tuesday.
Penn & Kym, Cha Cha Cha: Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson introduced themselves and Kym, who enters her fourth season on the show, was nervous about Penn's sheer size. When they met, he said, "You're the one that's going to teach Sasquatch to dance?" Penn & Kym danced the Cha Cha Cha to "A Fool in Love" by Tina Turner. Penn pulled off a chest-first slide on the floor in which he put his 6-foot-4 and wide frame through Kym's legs. At the end, he showed off some magic, whipping a surprise bouquet of fake flowers out of his vest. Judge Len Goodman complimented Penn on his hip work and said he stayed true to the spirit of the Cha Cha Cha, but that he needs to work on his footwork. Bruno Tonioli said it was "like watching a trailer for 'Shrek Goes Cha Cha Cha.'" Carrie Ann Inaba said Penn had great energy and a great attitude. Scores: 5, 6 and 5 from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta, Foxtrot: Jason Taylor explained that he's fiery, aggressive and "kind of a jerk" on the field but that it takes a real man to ballroom dance. Edyta Sliwinska, who's been on the show since the beginning, said "it's my season to win." She said Jason "is very sexy and super athletic" but that he was worried about not seeming macho. To get over it, he put on a pink tutu in rehearsal. Jason & Edyta danced the Foxtrot to Marvin Gaye's "Pride & Joy." Len said Jason is "a good-looking guy" and that he has great posture, but the acting side of the dance is what he needs to work on. Carrie said Jason is very fluid when he dances and she loved the detail he demostrated with his hands. Bruno said Jason is "the most graceful tackler I've ever seen." Score: 7, 8 and 7 from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl, Cha Cha Cha: Cristian de la Fuente has been named People En Espanol magazine's most beautiful man three times and he's best known to American viewers from a guest appearance on "Ugly Betty." The Chilean actor revealed that he's also a first lieutenant in the Chilean Air Force and a proud member of the aerobatic team. His partner is two-time champ, Cheryl Burke. Christian was worried that everyone expects him to know how to dance because he's Latino. Cheryl said Cristian's biggest challenge is loosening up. Cristian & Cheryl danced the Cha Cha Cha and Cristian had some trouble with his posture. Carrie said the couple's chemistry was great, but that Cristian has to pull his shoulders up. Bruno pointed out the same thing about Cristian's shoulders, saying he looked like he was riding a bike. Len said it was "a dance of two halves" -- from the hips, down, things were fine but Cristian's upper half needs work. Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Adam & Julianne, Foxtrot: Last year's champion Helio Castroneves was in the audience and Tom Bergeron asked Helio if he thinks Julianne Hough can do for her new partner Adam Carolla what she did for him. Helio simply said, "Yeah, sure." (Lest we forget Helio's engagement ended as he and Julianne mamboed their way to the title). Awkward? Adam said he wanted to do the show because it sounded like it would be humiliating. Julianne is entering her third season undefeated, but Adam is worried he will destroy her perfect record. Adam and Julianne danced the Foxtrot to Donovan's "Mellow Yellow," with Julianne wearing an appropriate draped and flowing yellow dress and Adam's tuxedo finished with a yellow bow tie. Bruno said if the Foxtrot was an actor, it'd be George Clooney -- suave, sophisticated, elegant -- and what Adam delivered was "Will Ferrell with a touch of John Cleese." Len said Julianne's got her work cut out for her this season, but he praised Adam's footwork. Carrie Ann was at a loss for words and finally said, "Keep working." Scores: 5, 5 and 5.
Mario & Karina, Cha Cha Cha: R&B star Mario is the youngest dancer in the competition at 21. His partner Karina Smirnoff is back for her third season. The couple lost practice time when Karina had surgery to repair a herniated disc in her neck, but she made it back in time to continue practicing. Mario and Karina danced the Cha Cha Cha to the Black Eyed Peas' "Hey DJ." Carrie Ann loved Mario's performance, his posture and bravado. Len said it was good but Mario needs to work on his footwork. Bruno reiterated the footwork concerns, but the comments were good, overall. Mario said backstage that he's had no formal dance experience and that his on-stage dancing experience doesnt give him an unfair advantage. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Steve & Anna, Foxtrot: Steve Guttenberg said he's been a big fan of the show and that he wants to be part of something positive. His partner Anna Trebunskaya warned that she lays down the law as a dance teacher. Steve struggled in rehearsals but got a boost when Anna affirmed that he was "less horrible" that he'd been before. Steve and Anna danced the Foxtrot to the jazz standard "(Up a) Lazy River." Bruno said Steve started a little shaky, like he came from "the Billy Ray (Cyrus) School of Dance." Carrie Ann liked it and said Steve was adorable and that there's "something very charming" about him. Len said Steve was the first dancer who came out looking like he was enjoying himself. Backstage, Steve sent congratulations to his parents, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Scores: 6, 6 and 6.
The tally of judges' scores:
Mario & Karina: 24
Jason & Edyta: 22
Cristian & Cheryl: 21
Steve & Anna: 18
Penn & Kym: 16
Adam & Julianne: 15
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