Anna Delvey’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’ debut met with a chilly response from upset viewers
One of the most talked-about couples from the premiere of “Dancing With the Stars” on Tuesday night was none other than Anna Delvey, accompanied by her glittering ankle monitor.
Anna Delvey, or Anna Sorkin, is the infamous figure behind the Netflix series “Inventing Anna,” who was found guilty in 2019 for conning banks, hotels, and affluent friends by pretending to be a wealthy German heiress.
During the Season 33 premiere, Delvey presented her ballroom persona with a decent cha-cha and her sparkling ankle monitor, despite facing backlash over her participation in the reality competition.
Introduced as a fashionable New York “entrepreneur,” she was strategically placed as the final dancer to retain every intrigued viewer for the full hour of the debut.
The audience in the studio was unusually quiet, having previously cheered loudly for other contestants like Olympic athlete Stephen “Pommel Horse Guy” Nedoroscik and rugby star Ilona Maher, as Delvey performed her dance with new pro dancer Ezra Sousa to the tune of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso.”
During her performance, digital screens displayed flames erupting from Anna Delvey perfume bottles in the background, but there was little heat in her dance or interactions onstage.
“In 2017, I faced numerous charges of grand larceny,” Delvey mentioned in her striking voice-over leading to the dance, where she appeared to struggle with her ankle monitor during practice. “I’ve served my time, and ‘Dancing With the Stars’ offers me a chance to present a different version of myself.”
“My past demonstrates that I’m quite determined,” she added, showcasing her best spin of the evening. “That determination can be directed towards something positive.”
She explained that her ankle monitor was a result of overstaying her visa while she was incarcerated.
“It was a challenge to leave,” she laughed. “I’ve transformed myself numerous times. Now, I’m aiming to be a ballroom dancer.”
Judges’ Feedback on Anna Delvey’s ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Performance
The judges were gentle with their feedback. Derek Hough, a former pro dancer, appeared caught off-guard when asked to speak first, managing some vague compliments while expressing surprise.
The usually exuberant judge Bruno Tonioli managed a witty remark.
“Reinventing Anna once more,” he quipped. “And it might just be working.”
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba, rather than critiquing, took a moment to challenge both the studio and television audience for their lackluster response.
“The energy has shifted. Let’s give this a chance,” stated Inaba. “This is about her dancing; let’s provide her with that opportunity.”
The judges awarded Delvey straight scores of 6s, totaling 18 points, placing them in the middle of the leaderboard. “Anna Delvey’s Lackluster DWTS Debut” quickly began trending on the social media platform X following her performance.
Who was eliminated on ‘Dancing With the Stars’?
No couple was sent home on Tuesday evening. The scores from the first two weeks, along with viewer votes, will determine the first elimination on September 25.
During the follow-up interview, Delvey didn’t impress much with her unenthusiastic replies to co-host Julianne Hough’s questions, who has shown notable improvement from the previous year. Hough asked why Delvey decided to dance.
“Just because,” replied Delvey. “I’m hopeful that America will see a different facet of me.”
When asked what it was like to finish her dance, she stated, “I’m glad I don’t have to do that again.”
“Well, you might have to do it again next week,” responded Hough.