A comprehensive recap of weeks one and two on 'Dancing with the Stars' (2024)

We are so back! If you didn’t catch the first two weeks of Dancing with the Stars, look no further for a full recap. Let’s “jive” into this season’s kickoff episodes with a full recap of both week’s top and bottom scores as well as the top and bottom costumes.

Also tune in tonight for Week three, “Soul Train Night” as these stars try to stay on the track of progress.

Week One

Top Scores

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (SCORE 23)

Kinneywas by far the most talented star of the night. I was a little skeptical seeing that they were dancing to “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan (and especially a tango), but somehow it worked so well. Armstrong is such a fun and talented choreographer, and he really got to show that here.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (SCORE 22)

This was a fantastic set. Karagach (five feet three inches tall) has some practice with a taller man from season 30 (Iman Shumpert, six feet five inches), but Howardis another six inches taller. She has some kind of skill as a pro to be paired with these men and still put on an outstanding performance.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (SCORE 21)

Genuinely surprised by Graziadei here. I didn’t watch his season of “The Bachelor,” but he’s all over my TikTok. He looked like he was having so much fun, and on top of that, he was on beat. This dance really kicked off the night on the right foot.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (SCORE 21)

This dance was fun and fast. I knew Nedoroscik would have some kind of rhythm, but he was hitting those marks perfectly. I’m excited to see what Arnold can do with a partner like Nedoroscik who has some kind of background in movement.

Bottom Scores

Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart (SCORE 15)

I was very sad to see Roberts at the very bottom. I thought he did a wonderful job, despite being behind on a few steps. Stewart is a wonderful partner, as we saw with her now fiance, Daniel Durant, from season 31, and a patient and kind teacher. Roberts isn’t the most talented, but his heart is in it. So i don’t think he should have been at the very bottom.

Reginald Veljohnson and Emma Slater (SCORE 16)

Unfortunately, I do think this score should have been lower. Veljohnsonis a beloved and nostalgic actor by everyone including me, but he did just a dash more movement than Harry Jowsey last season. I really enjoyed watching the performance, but even Derek Hough said that it was the slowest cha-cha he had ever seen. But his excitement still showed through despite his age.

Top Costumes

Joey Graziedei and Jenna Johnson

Graziedei’s attention to theme was the only one that I felt went with the song choice. Very classy cowboy with a very nice silk looking shirt. He had some nice dance shoes resembling cowboy boots as well. Johnson’s cute fringe top and skirt also paid homage to many cowgirls’ outfits.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach

I absolutely loved the color choice for this dance. The cross halter top on Karagach was eye-catching, and the stray from a simple button up or shiny blazer for Howard was a great choice. Also loved the nod at his top resembling a basketball jersey for Howard.

Bottom Costumes

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold

Unfortunately I was confused by the costume choice here. I of course am a big fan of the fringe, but not too sure what it had to do with the rubix cube theme. Although they both wore stripes, I don't think it matched in a good way. The white being dominant for Arnold and the black pants on Nedoroscik did not compliment each other in the way that was pleasing. But a wonderful dance nonetheless.

Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa

I was not a fan of the color scheme of this dance. Sosa is a newly appointed pro, so I will cut him some slack on the choreography part, but the costumes were a little too off-theme with the song choice being “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter. I do have to admit that Delvey’s bedazzled ankle monitor was a great touch and a very humorous take on her situation.

Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko

Nader’s costume was really pretty up close with the halter top; however, the color being beige was not my favorite. The one pant leg was an interesting and gorgeous touch, but overall there were better costumes. And I know Savchenkocan really dress it up; please don’t mind me calling back his final dance with season 31 finalist Shangela where he came onto the stage in full drag. Be bold, Savchenko.

Week Two

Welcome to Oscars Night. Let’s waste no time and give these stars and their pros the spotlight for a breakdown of the night.

Top Scores

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (SCORE 24)

Once again with the highest score, Kinneyshowed such promise this week. Anytime the “Barbie” Grammy-winning song “What Was I Made For” is involved in something, I lock in. Dancing the rumba to this hit was so smooth and majestic. She has some things to fix but nothing too noticeable to the audience in which it would sway the votes away from her.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (SCORE 22)

Howard was also showing off this week. Here is another slow ballad from a life-changing movie, but this time with the foxtrot to “City of Stars” from “La La Land.” The height difference doesn’t seem to be an issue for Karagach, but we certainly never doubted her (unlike Carrie Ann). Both of these “pros” being able to keep their frame and still match footwork despite being vertically challenged was impressive and can only get better.

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (SCORE 22)

Another top repeater. This pair has a certain chemistry that isn’t what is necessarily called for in this sensual rumba, but this didn’t take me out of the dance. I was entranced by the focus and energy that Graziadeiputs into his moves. There were a lot of lunges in this one, but they were so well placed in the routine and added a certain elegance.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Riley Arnold (SCORE 22)

I absolutely love the Paso Doble. Nedoroscik and Arnold were the epitome of this style of dance. There were technical issues, but who didn’t show those? The nod to his own nickname being “Superman” in the 2024 Paris Olympics was perfect, and he even did the pose that he became viral for. When he ripped off those glasses, he turned into this serious dancer who was ready for anything, especially the lunges.

Bottom Three

Reginald Veljohnson and Emma Slater (SCORE 15)

Veljohnson makes me smile and giggle when he steps on to that dance floor. I love seeing the older people on the show, but I do get sad for them sometimes. You could tell, like Hough said, that he was defrosting a little bit and a tad more comfortable doing the moves. This week, I was a little more impressed by his moves, and he’s nothing if not trying his very hardest and putting his best foot forward.

Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart (SCORE 15)

I hate to see stars who waited too long to be a part of this show hit the bottom of the leaderboard so quickly. Roberts has so far put in everything he has and only ends up on the lower end. He’s not the one with the most talent, but he certainly has more enthusiasm and energy than some of the other people who didn’t get low scores.

Top Costumes

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong

The mauve color costumes this week were so subtly beautiful. I think overall performance is so important: including costume, emotion, effort, and song. Kinney gave her all in everything. The light pink being a hint to “Barbie” was such a great and elegant touch in their dance. I can’t wait to see what she will bring in the coming weeks.

Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart

I absolutely loved Roberts’ bedazzled suit. “The Godfather” theme was so fun and a sweet nod to Roberts’ years in the movie business, despite not being in the movie itself. His beginning solo part was perfect and serious. Stewart looked beautiful in her maroon dress, which was a great compliment to the suit.

Bottom Costumes

Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber

Now I really liked the matching hot pink costumes for this duo. My only reservation is the song choice being from “The Great Gatsby.”I’m a long-time fan of this movie (and book), so I expected to see fringe and hair-pieces and a wave-updo. I think the colors were on point, but there could have been a little more extravagance to match the vibe.

Anna Delvey and Ezra Sosa

This costume choice could have been so much bigger! Sosa looked so nice in his tuxedo, but have they seen “The Devil Wears Prada”? This could have been Delvey’s moment to shine, being a fashionista and all. And I will bring up the ankle monitor again: fringe was added this week and it was so perfect for the dance and honestly the most fun part of it.

Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko

I really enjoy watching the duo dance together, (and don’t think we did not all see that kiss from rehearsals flashbacks) but the costumes were not translating for me. I love Savchenko in the “working man” attire while still looking spiffy. But Nader had a very basic color dress, which was with theme as far as the dance rehearsal story they went for, but the color felt flat, especially dancing to Dolly Parton.

ELIMINATED:Delvey and Sosa; Tori Spelling and Pasha Pashkov

I was extremely sad to see both of these teams go. I understand the hardships that Delvey has gone through, specifically since starting the show, but I wish for Sosa’s sake she had gotten further. I believe she had a little more talent and effort to give. For the sake of Spelling and Pashkov, I honestly don’t think they should’ve gone home. Pashkov is a wonderful choreographer and partner, and spelling had so much left to give.

I’m so glad to be back on the dance floor with these stars, pros and judges. I know that this season will show some actual competition. I’ve been blown away by the performances and cannot wait to see what is in store for the rest of the season.

Where to watch: Live on ABC and Disney+ at 7 p.m. CT and next day on Hulu.

A comprehensive recap of weeks one and two on 'Dancing with the Stars' (2024)
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