'Dancing with the Stars' 2013: First night front-runners

"Dancing with the Stars" kicked off season 16 with 12 new cast members on March 19, 2013 and along with the new members "DWTS" also introduced the first of two new dance styles with tonight's introduction being contemporary. Two of "Dancing with the Stars" first night front-runners performed this new style of dance while the other two performed a cha cha. So, who went all out and pulled in top scores for "DWTS" premiere night?

Actress, singer and dancer, Zendaya Coleman at 16-years of age is the youngest cast member to ever compete on "Dancing with the Stars". Tonight Zendaya and pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy, performed a contemporary style dance. This young lady was fearless on the dance floor. Judge, Bruno Tonioli told the young dancer, "A supreme debut on 'DWTS'. I can't wait to see you in other dances." That's pretty high praise for premiere night of "Dancing with the Stars". The two earned 24 from the judges, (8/8/8).

Zendaya Coleman and Val Chmerkovskiy - Contemporary - Dancing with the Stars Season 16Zendaya Coleman and Val Chmerkovskiy - Contemporary - Dancing with the Stars Season 16

Country crooner, Kellie Pickler is the first ever "American Idol" contestant to be cast on "Dancing with the Stars". Pickler and pro partner Derek Hough were the first couple on the floor this evening dancing a cha cha. Going first on "DWTS" premiere night has got to be nerve-wracking but Pickler pulled it off elegantly and gracefully. Pickler is a natural born dancer and if tonight is any indication, (and I believe it was), Pickler will continue to improve. The two earned 21 from the judges, (7/7/7).

Olympic gold medalist, Aly Raisman may just turn out to be as great a ballroom dancer as fellow Olympian and "Dancing with the Stars" season 8 winner, Shawn Johnson. Maybe better. She's on the right track because she is paired with Johnson's former partner, "DWTS" pro, Mark Ballas. Tonight Raisman was fearless, attacking the cha cha with a vengeance, proving she has the potential to go far in this competition. One thing is for certain, Raisman can shake and shimmy with the best of 'em. The two earned 21 from the judges, (7/7/7).

Olympic gold medalist, Dorothy Hamill hasn't glided across the ice skating rink in quite a few years but tonight's "Dancing with the Stars" contemporary dance routine proved she hasn't lost the magic. Hamill is still "America's Sweetheart" and those of us who "knew" her back then swelled with pride as she and "DWTS" pro, Tristan Macmanus treated us to a stunningly beautiful dance. The two earned a 21 from the judges, (7/7/7).

These four are the first night front-runners for "Dancing with the Stars" 2013 premiere but remember, this was only the first night of competition for season 16. There will be no elimination round this week. Instead, the 12 cast members will perform one more dance next Monday for your votes and the results will air Tuesday, March 26 at 9/8c on ABC.