It’s finally time for ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 16

Season 16 of “Dancing With the Stars” stepped onto the dance floor with a flourish on Monday night, March 18 at 8 p.m. with a two-hour premier show. Excitement was high with 12 new celebrity contestants and three new pros.

Country star Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough led off the dancing with a spirited Cha-Cha that earned high praise from all three judges as an excellent beginning. SCORE: 21

Boxing champ Victor Ortiz and new pro Lindsay Arnold followed up with a classical Foxtrot. Bruno and Carrie Ann were very complimentary while Len offered some constructive criticism for boxers dancing. SCORE: 18

"General Hospital’s" Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson introduced the new contemporary style that will now be a regular dance. Carrie Ann said that contemporary is an amalgamation of many styles. Lifts are expected. Carrie Ann and Bruno liked it, but Len took them to task complaining that Kym’s feet were in the air more than on the floor. SCORE: 20

Beverly Hills Housewife Lisa Vanderpump and new hunky pro Gleb Savchenko danced a Foxtrot. Lisa looked elegant, as usual, and reluctantly gave up Giggy to a costumed attendant. Len called it “acceptable, but not exceptional.” Bruno joked and Carrie Ann was gently complimentary. SCORE: 18

Comedian D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke danced the Cha-Cha to “Low” by Flo Rida. Bruno criticized his timing. Carrie Ann said “Yikes!” Len said, “This was no good.” SCORE: 12

Disney star Zendaya, the youngest-ever DWTS contestant, and Val Chmerkovskiy danced a beautiful, sensual contemporary routine. Len said, “That was great!” That says it all. SCORE: 24

Bachelor-no-longer Sean Lowe and Peta Murgatroyd danced a Foxtrot. Len said it lacked finesse, but Sean had good footwork and posture. Carrie Ann and Bruno were complimentary and said Sean’s drive will take him far. SCORE: 19

Olympian and “Fierce Five” captain Alexandra Raisman and Mark Ballas danced a Cha-Cha. Bruno was impressed, Carrie Ann said she needed to push a little more and Len said, “Well done, good job!” SCORE: 21

Olympic Gold Medal skater Dorothy Hamill and Tristan MacManus danced contemporary. Carrie said the performance was golden. Len called it an “area of outstanding beauty.” Bruno said she told the story beautifully. SCORE: 21

Country superstar Wynonna Judd and Tony Dovolani danced the Cha-Cha to a Bible beat. Len said it was a very good performance. Bruno said her timing and steps were good, she just has to go for it. Carrie Ann said she was workin’ it. SCORE: 18

Comic actor Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess danced the Foxtrot. Bruno said he had skittish charm. Carrie Ann said there was something quite charming about Andy. Len said it had the fluidity of “RoboCop.” SCORE: 17

Super Bowl running star Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff danced a Cha-Cha. Carrie Ann said he’s got the moves. Len said it was all icing and no cake and panned him across the board. Bruno said he had the potential to become the Season 16 sex machine. SCORE: 20

High score for the night was Zendaya and Val, but that could change faster than a Quickstep.

There is no results show tomorrow night, so each couple gets two bites at the apple before the first elimination. Watch next Monday night, March 25 at 8 p.m. eastern to see how the Season 16 couples progress. Don’t miss a step!