'DWTS' Recap: Maria Menounos and Others Take the Stage

March 19, 2012 Dancing With The Stars

"Dancing with the Stars" returned for Season 14 Monday, with the 12 contestants and their partners premiering their ballroom dance moves.

"Without a doubt, this is the best first show of any season," said head judge Len Goodman.

"Extra" host Maria Menounos was the first to hit the dance floor with partner Derek Hough, scoring 21 points for their vibrant cha cha. Check it out!

But the two couples to take the early lead were Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins and her partner Mark Ballas, and actor Jaleel White and his pro Kym Johnson, who tied with the high scores of 26 points each.

Cuban singer William Levy and his pro partner Cheryl Burke were next on the scoreboard with 24 points. Judge Bruno Tonioli declared the couple "the hottest package of the season.

In the bottom were partners Melissa Gilbert and Maksim Chmerkovskiy and tennis icon Martina Navratilova and Tony Dovolani, who scored 20 points each.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns with more performances on Monday, followed by the first elimination of the season on Tuesday.

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