Dance War, Episode 1: Let’s Get Loud, Maybe, A Little

Welcome to Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann! Tonight, the madness begins as Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba hit the road in search of the most talented amateur performers. I’d love to give you more insight than that, but I already shared everything I know in my preview article. So instead of speculating, let’s find out what’s in store for us.

The show begins with host Drew Lachey welcoming us. He also briefly explains how the show will work.

Carrie Ann tells us about her background. Did you know she was a pop star in Japan? No? Well, now you do.

Bruno says that America has the biggest talent pool. He also likes the fact that the judges are being judged.

The search for participants starts in New York City. During the dance portion of the tryouts, one of the dancers explodes. Yeah, you read that right. (Basically, a powder or something comes out of his clothing.) Bruno and Carrie Ann join in on the action.

That afternoon, the tryouts focus on singing and dancing. Monica does her best, but Bruno scolds her for singing with her eyes closed.

Quandrell tells Carrie Ann that he has never sung in a major competition before. He’s a bit rough, but overall, he does a nice job. When he dances again, Bruno calls him Leroy from Fame.

Next, we’re treated to clips of some really bad singers. Carrie Ann makes a face as if she’s going to vomit during the performances. Anthony settles her stomach, though, with a great singing audition. He follows it up with an equally impressive dance audition, which causes Bruno to yell, “Look at his feet.” Carrie Ann gives Anthony a hug; he made her cry.

Ashley causes Bruno to crave a cocktail because her shirt is sparkly. Yes, I know that doesn’t make sense, but just remember, this is Bruno. Unfortunately for Ashley, her dancing falls short. There may be hope, though, because Carrie Ann reminds Bruno that people can be trained to dance.

Samuel injures the bottom of his feet. The skin is literally falling off of them. Carrie Ann and Bruno allow him to skip the second portion of the dance auditions since they were impressed with him already. He sings and blows everyone away.

Sasha is up next. She sings “Amazing Grace” and has trouble with the high notes and key change. She’s upset and runs off the stage.

D. Diddy talks to the other contestants and comes across as an idiot. He sings in a very low voice, and when he dances, his wig comes off. D. Diddy is actually Drew.

When the day comes to a close, Bruno and Carrie Ann announce who is moving on to the Hollywood callbacks. They call people out in groups and tell them whether or not they are advancing.

The search moves on to Los Angeles. A few people strip during the auditions, some dress in gorilla and chicken costumes, but a few actually show they have real talent.

Shari impresses the crowd with her dancing. Bruno has doubts about her singing, though, and whether or not it is what he is looking for.

Kasey is as cute as a bowl of pudding. Her singing is on, but her dancing lacks finesse. Remember, though, Carrie Ann says that dancing can be taught and learned.

The Los Angeles auditions are interrupted by rain. By the time it stops, everyone is ready to get back to the competition.

Zack is up next. He forgets the words to his song, but it doesn’t matter; Bruno and Carrie Ann have heard enough to love him. He also proves to them that he can dance.

Elizabeth sings directly to Bruno. He eats it up; however, he doesn’t feel her dancing. He challenges her, though, to work hard and improve on her dancing if she is selected.

Andrea tells us that she isn’t a singer. She begins her performance and proves that she wasn’t exaggerating. Bruno says she sounds like Carol Channing. Her dancing is so much better than her singing. When she finishes, Bruno carries her off the stage.

Chris sings for the group and is simply amazing. Bruno and Carrie Ann also love his dance moves; they refer to him as a natural.

After the auditions are done, Bruno and Carrie Ann break the good and bad news to the performers.

The final tryouts are held in Nashville at the Tennessee State Fair. Bruno and Carrie Ann want to find raw talent. During the group auditions, the singing and dancing are both bad. Several talented people are found, though. The first is Kelsey; she looks like Deborah Gibson. She does well with her singing and dancing.