‘Dancing With The Stars’ Recap: Wayna Morris, Ginger Zee & Nyle DiMarco Top The Leaderboard

Dancing with the Stars premiered its 22nd season on ABC Monday night, introducing the latest group of celebrities to take to the dance floor.

Dancing With The Stars Recap

First to perform last night were Kim Fields and Sasha Farber, who performed the Cha Cha. The former Facts of Life actress and Real Housewives of Atlanta star got things off to a good start with her dance to Fleur East’s “Sax.” Though the judges agreed that she needs to improve her hip action going forward, they were pleased with the attitude she brought to the dance. Scores: 7+6+7=20

UFC’s Paige VanZant and Mark Ballas were up second, taking on a Foxtrot for their debut as a dancing team. Paige quickly showed her potential with the ballroom dance to “Ain’t Got Far To Go” by Jess Glynne, proving that she could be a contender for the finals. The judges advised the athlete to bring greater control to her movements, but to also loosen up and have some fun on the dance floor. Scores: 7+7+7=21

Doug Flutie, the football legend who played at Boston College and on various teams in the NFL,  was paired up with Karina Smirnoff to dance a Foxtrot to “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond – a favorite song in the Boston sports world. Though Flutie tried his best to make his dance teacher wife proud, the natural ability just isn’t there. Scores: 5+5+5=15

Full House alum Jodie Sweetin and Keo Motsepe hit the dance floor to the sound of Demi Lovato’s “Confident” for their Tango. Jodie, like fellow former Full House star Candace Cameron Burre, looked like she could stick around in the competition for awhile. She brought the ferocity to the Latin dance and duly impressed the panel of judges. Scores: 7+6+7=20

Geraldo Rivera and Edyta Sliwinska danced a Cha Cha to “Treasure” by Bruno Mars. Though Rivera signed on for Dancing with the Stars to improve his dancing, he showed Monday that he certainly has a very long way to go. With his lack of rhythm on full display, the judges didn’t show too much hope for the reporter going forward. Scores: 5+4+4=13

Marla Maples, known primarily for being one of Donald Trump’s ex-wives, was partnered with pro Tony Dovolani for Quickstep. Set to “Sparkling Diamonds” from Moulin Rouge, the performance gave the former actress a chance to shine. Not only did Maples bring the glamour, but she also brought some quick footwork to the dance floor. Scores: 7+7+7=21

Boyz II Men’s Wayna Morris and Lindsay Arnold did a Cha Cha to “Motownphilly” Monday night. Surprising the judges, Wayne delivered a performance that was one of the best of the night. The singer, incredibly light on his feet, even incorporated some hip-hop moves into the Cha Cha – much to Len Goodman‘s chagrin. Scores 8+7+8=23

Ginger Zee, the Good Morning America meteorologist, and Val Chmerkovskiy did a spirited Jive set to “Move (You’re Stepping On My Heart)” from Dreamgirls for their first dance of the competition. Like Wayna, Ginger delivered a top notch performance. Carrie Anna Inaba even compared her to last year’s winner Bindi Irwin. Scores: 8+7+8=23

The O.C. actress Mischa Barton followed pro Artem Chigvintsev’s lead for a Tango
to “In The Night” by The Weeknd. There may have been some high hopes for the actress, but Mischa, who had told Artem that she had natural dance ability, struggled on the dance floor. The wooden Latin dance failed to impress the judges. Scores: 5+5+6=16

Model Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd took on a Cha Cha to “Cake By The Ocean” by DNCE for their debut in Season 22. The judges were stunned to see how in sync Nyle, who is completely deaf, was throughout the dance with Peta. Not only that, but his footwork was more than impressive for his first week in the competition. Scores: 8+7+8=23

Antonio Brown and Sharna Burgess did a Quickstep to “Bad Man” by Pitbull, Robin Thicke, Joe Perry and Travis Barker. Antonio’s personality was front and center during the ballroom dance, though his actual dancing ability was apparent to the judges as well. The only criticisms had to do with tightening up some technical aspects of his performance. Scores: 8+6+7=21

Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, paired up with Whitney Carson, did a Foxtrot to Flo Rida’s “My House.” Von looked to be a step ahead of fellow football star Antonio, exhibiting a bit more control in his movements on the dance floor. Carrie Ann dubbed his dancing “smooth and silky.” Scores: 8+6+7=21

At the end of the night, Wayna, Ginger and Nyle topped the leaderboard with 23 points a piece. At the bottom was Rivera with just 13.