ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars is back on air with its 29th season. You may have missed its premiere Monday Sept. 14, so here is a recap of what to expect in this new season. 

With new precautions due to COVID-19, there are a lot of changes happening on set, so here is a quick run through: To start, there will be no backup dancers or huge set pieces, and of course no live studio audiences. This may make the show seem duller than usual, but now we really get to see our new celebrities’ talent and improvement up close and personal without all the distractions. 

Yet the biggest question of course is “Who are the new celebrity guests?” This season gives us fifteen new stars, including former Disney Channel actress Skai Jackson, AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys, Jeannie Mai from the talk show “The Real”, Charles Oakley, a former NBA star and Carole Baskin from “Tiger King”!

Along with these guests comes a new host, Tyra Banks, who is taking the place of Tom Bergeron who had previously hosted the show since its debut back in 2005. Also new on set is Derek Hough, six time mirrorball champ, joining the show on the judges panel (socially distanced of course).

The stars and their partners gave amazing performances with Skai Jackson and her partner Alan Bersten’s tango to “Superbass” by Nicki Minaj tying with Justina Machado and Sasha Farber’s cha cha to “Respect” by Aretha Franklin for the highest score, both with 21/30 points. 

Dancing with the Stars is off to a great start this season with fun new celebrity guests, talented judges, and amazing professional partners. If you missed the premiere make sure to tune in for the next episode, airing Tuesday Sept. 22.