Ep 1. Week 1

On the season 18 premiere of Dancing with the Stars, the 12 celebrity contestants take the stage with their professional dance partners for the first time. Week 1 showcases the dancers' ability to perform the cha-cha, foxtrot, salsa, tango, and other ballroom styles.

Co-hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews welcome the audience back to the beloved dance competition series. Judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, and Bruno Tonioli take their seats at the judges' table, ready to provide their expert critiques.

The first couple to take the stage is former NFL player Ray Lewis and his partner, who dance a lively cha-cha. From the start, Ray shows off his athleticism and natural rhythm, impressing the judges with his timing and expression.

Next up is actress Kate Hudson and her partner, who perform a contemporary dance. The judges note Kate's grace and elegance, but also encourage her to show more emotional depth in future dances.

Country singer Kip Moore follows with a foxtrot, wowing the judges with his smooth footwork and charm. They praise Kip for his ability to connect with the audience and bring energy to the ballroom.

Other standout performances include comedian Miranda Hart's salsa, which showcases her comedic timing as well as her dance skills, and pop star Justin Timberlake's tango, which highlights his intense stage presence and precision.

Throughout the episode, the audience gets to know each of the celebrities a bit more, learning about their backgrounds, motivations for joining the show, and personal connections to dance. The judges also share their thoughts on what they'll be looking for this season, emphasizing the importance of technique, storytelling, and connection to the music.

At the end of the night, the judges award their scores to each couple, based on a combination of technical proficiency and artistic expression. The audience also has the opportunity to vote for their favorite dancers, and the couple with the lowest combined score from the judges and the audience will be eliminated next week.

Overall, the season 18 premiere of Dancing with the Stars sets the stage for an exciting and unpredictable season, with a diverse range of celebrity contestants and dance styles. From lively cha-chas to elegant foxtrots, the first week showcases the beauty and athleticism of ballroom dance, and promises even more thrilling performances to come.