The Season 22 premiere of ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” was full of surprises, from Nyle DiMarco’s seriously sexy cha-cha to the unveiling of Paige VanZant’s emotional side. But one of the most shocking moments from the Monday night installment involved a particular Week 1 scoring from the judges.

Geraldo Rivera and his partner Edyta Śliwińskae were given the lowest score of the night, earning 13 out of 30 for their cha-cha — or lack there of. “DWTS” co-host Tom Bergeron noted after the scores were announced that it’s been awhile since he’s seen the judges break out their four-scoring paddle on the show.

But although Geraldo was awarded with the lowest average of the night, he wasn’t the only Season 22 contestant to receive some harsh criticism from the judges. Judge Len Goodman didn’t hold back as he gave Mischa Barton and Artem Chigvinstev stern feedback on their less than impressive tango.

“It’s not in my nature to be nasty but that wasn’t a dance that was walking! You were just walking,” he said. “There was a little bit just walking around and not enough tango, flair and fire. That was all missing. It is what it is.”

Even though Mischa may have strolled through her Week 1 performance, she managed to earn one point higher than Doug Flutie and Karina Smirnoff who sashayed away with a score of 15 out of 30. The former NFL pro begged “all of Boston” to help him stay in the competition by voting for him. But will the Heisman trophy winner earn enough votes to survive Week 2 of the competition?

Eliminations are based on Week 1 scores along with fan votes, which means Mischa, Doug and Geraldo’s fate lies in the hands of viewers. But we have a feeling Mischa’s “OC” fan base and Doug’s Beantown supporters will keep the two in the competition … well, at least until Week 3.

Who do you think will be sent home during Week 2 of “Dancing With the Stars”? Sound off in the comments section below. Season 22 of “Dancing With the Stars” airs Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.

RELATED STORIES