‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season Premiere Recap: New Host Tyra Banks Joins, Skai Jackson Takes The Lead

Season 29 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars has finally kicked off!

The new, pandemic-era season saw some major changes: Tyra Banks joins the show as the new master of ceremonies after the departure of the long-time host, Tom Bergeron. Six-time champion Derek Hough replaces judge Len Goodman, who can’t travel from the U.K. amidst the pandemic. There’s also no live audience in the ballroom. Instead, audience voting is live during the show.

Of course, one thing will never change, and that it the dancing. COVID-19 restrictions mean no epic set pieces and backup dancers. The focus this season will really be on the dancers’ skills alone.

Skai Jackson took the lead with an impressive tango to Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass,” while Carole Baskin was the talk of the internet for her terrible paso doble to “Eye of the Tiger.” Nelly brought the heat with a salsa to his own “Ride Wit Me.” Here’s a closer look at the current standings:

Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten:

Tango, “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj

Judges’ Score: 21/30

Justin Machado and Sasha Farber:

Cha Cha, “Respect” by Aretha Franklin

Judges’ Score: 21/30

Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson:

Foxtrot, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Judges’ Score: 20/30

Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev:

Cha Cha, “Stupid Love” by Lady Gaga

Judges’ Score: 20/30

Monica Aldama and Val Chmerkovskiy:

Foxtrot, “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts

Judges’ Score: 19/30

AJ McLean and Cheryl Burke:

Jive, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd.

Judges’ Score: 18/30

Anne Heche and Keo Motsepe:

Cha Cha, “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa

Judges’ Score: 18/30

Jeannie Mai and Brandon Armstrong:

Salsa, “Tell It to My Heart” by Taylor Dayne

Judges’ Score: 18/30

Jesse Metcalfe and Sharna Burgess:

Quickstep, “Part-Time Lover” by Stevie Wonder

Judges’ Score: 18/30

Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart:

Cha Cha, “Buttons” by The Pussycat Dolls

Judges’ Score: 18/30

Vernon Davis and Peta Murgatroyd:

Foxtrot, “All of Me” by John Legend

Judges’ Score: 17/30

Nelly and Daniella Karagach:

Salsa, “Ride Wit Me” by Nelly

Judges’ Score: 16/30

Chrishell Stause and Gleb Savchenko:

Tango, “Raise Your Glass” by Pink

Judges’ Score: 13/30

Charles Oakley and Emma Slater:

Salsa, “In Da Club” by 50 Cent

Judges’ Score: 12/30

Carole Baskin and Pasha Pashkov:

Paso Doble, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Judges’ Score: 11/30