New Season of 'Dancing with the Stars' Launches with the 'Best First Dance' in the Show's History - Recap

Ballroom bombshell! One star brings the house down — while another is brutally slammed by viewers in the explosive new "DWTS" premiere.

The glitter was flying, the stakes were high, and the drama was instant. On the jaw-dropping premiere night of "Dancing with the Stars" ("DWTS") Season 34, one contestant stormed the stage with a performance so powerful it left the judges speechless, while another was mercilessly dragged across social media for what fans called a "painful" display.

And in a move that raised eyebrows, a major judge was absent. However, she explained why she did not appear in the episode via Instagram Stories.

Robert Irwin Leaves Judges and the Internet Stunned with Electric First Dance

The beloved ballroom competition kicked off in true showbiz style, but it was Robert Irwin, a famous conservationist, who lit up the stage and stole the entire night.

The nature-loving star joined forces with professional dancer Witney Carson to deliver a jaw-dropping Jive to Steppenwolf's iconic anthem, "Born to be Wild."

Together, the pair twirled, kicked, flipped, and dipped their way through a performance that had every eye glued to the floor. Dressed in striking, matching ensembles, Irwin and Carson delivered with such energy and precision that the ballroom exploded with cheers.

Judge Derek Hough, who won the coveted mirrorball trophy with Irwin's sister in Season 21, couldn't contain his awe. He showered Irwin with praise, even jokingly asking if the 21-year-old had been secretly training all these years.

"That was one of the best first dances I've ever seen on this show," declared Hough, and online, fans wholeheartedly agreed.

"Robert was hands down the best performance of the night #DWTS #robertirwin #minneapolisbct," stated a fan, while another added, "I feel bad for every other contestant ngl Robert's gonna take the mirror ball no question 👏🏼." "So good! He's dancing like a pro," asserted a fellow admirer. The praise continued with yet another supporter gushing, "my [sic] winner."

Corey Feldman's Tango Falls Flat as Fans Brutally Tear Him Apart

While Irwin's performance soared, one contestant's turn on the dance floor left viewers cringing. Corey Feldman, known for his decades-spanning film career, attempted the Tango alongside pro dancer Jenna Johnson — but failed to impress.

Despite their best efforts, the routine was met with harsh backlash online, where spectators didn't hold back. The performance was swiftly labeled one of the worst of the night as armchair critics unleashed their fury.

"Painful to watch! Yell at me if you want!!!! 🤪," shared one observer, while another said, "Oh Corey, that wasn't good."

Someone else even went so far as to say, "Next week he's gonna go he can't even move him and Andy are the first to go [sic]." "Nope dont like that 😒 [sic]," opined another person.

Triumph, Tears, and One Wild Ride Ahead

With emotions running high, a shock absence on the judging panel, and dramatic highs and lows already igniting debate, this season of "DWTS" is shaping up to be unmissable television. More details on the story will follow shortly.