Tim McGraw Song Powers Cha-Cha Performance on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season Premiere
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Dancing With The Stars Season 35 kicked off on Tuesday night (Sept. 15). The iconic dancing competition launched its 35th season with a two-night premiere. During night one, the male celebrities and their partners performed, with one being sent home at the end of the first round based on live viewer votes throughout the episode.
Comedian Connor Wood Danced To A Tim McGraw Classic
Podcaster and comedian Connor Wood was among the celebrities to dance their first dance on Tuesday night. Harry Shum Jr., Guillermo Rodriguez, Jackson Olson, Conner Leavitt, Taylor Hanson, Ezra French, and Tyler Cameron rounded out the men’s roster for the premiere.
The men and their celebrity partners were challenged to dance to a No. 1 song from the year they were born.
The only star to dance to a country hit was Wood, who chose to dance a Cha-Cha to Tim McGraw’s 1995 chart-topping hit, “I Like It, I Love It.”
Like most Week One dances, Connor’s was rough around the edges. But his fans and the judges are confident that if he survives Tuesday’s elimination, he has the skills to go far in the competition.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba told Conner that she was pleasantly surprised by his dance. “There’s a sweetness and a softness to you … some of the moves weren’t correct, many of them, however, they weren’t cringe,” she said.
Derek Hough told Connor and his partner Rylee Arnold that they are “a double dose of dopamine. Pure joy watching you. So charismatic. Great performance.” He praised Connor’s timing, but said that his technique could use some work.
Judge Bruno Tonioli told the pair that they look like the king and queen of the prom. “Keep up your performance level. You connect with the people.”
At the end of the episode, it was revealed that Connor’s dance was good enough to avoid elimination and he will live to see another week.
Watch Connor Wood and his professional partner, Rylee Arnold, dance to “I Like It, I Love It” in the video below.
