‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 18 Premiere: Watch Derek Hough, Amy Purdy And More In Episode 1; Who Will Be Sent Home? [VIDEO]

It’s back! “Dancing With the Stars” returned to ABC last night when the beloved dance competition aired its 2014 premiere. And we have to admit -- this might be its best season yet. Not just because new celebs and dancers are bringing the heat in attempts to win the coveted mirror ball trophy, but because ABC had decided to spice up their series by bringing in new co-host Erin Andrews to banter alongside Tom Bergeron.

So, how did Erin Andrews do during her first time hosting “DWTS”? With only a few hiccups here and there we think the show-stopping journalist displayed the upmost finesse and poise as she interviewed the celebs and their partners during the premiere. Overall, we’d say she deserved a score of 28/30!

But we’re sure you’re more interested in the scores of your favorite celebrities to see which ones ranked highest with the judges, right? So sit back, relax and let us quickly recap what happened during the premiere of “DWTS.”

Charlie White and Sharna Burgess: 27/30

The Olympic gold medalist and his partner received the highest score of the night with their contemporary dance to Passenger’s “Let Her Go.” The barefoot beauties wowed fans with their sensuality and with Charlie’s surprising strength as he effortlessly lifted Sharna throughout their routine. “It was poetry in motion,” described Carrie Ann Inaba of their performance, and we have to agree with her.

Candace Cameron Bure and Mark Ballas: 25/30

The former “Full House” star and Mark had the second best score of the night after they lit the ballroom floor on fire with their routine to Ellie Goulding’s “Burn.” The duo began their performance on the ground with a phenomenal illusion that sparked the judge’s interest.

“I felt every minute of it,” Bruno Toniolo said enthusiastically. The judges were floored by Candace’s execution of the contemporary dance. But hey, the child star said she was in it to win it! “Excuses are for losers,” Candace quipped before her performance. This talented star could definitely go far in the competition.

Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 24/30

It’s no surprise that Charlie’s gold medalist ice skating partner was one of the top three. Bringing out the Cha Cha Cha during the first week was a bold move for the petite athlete but she totally nailed it as she got fans out of their seats and dancing. Or was it Markisim’s navel-deep cut shirt that had us excited? Either way, they nailed it on the ballroom floor to Icona Pop’s “All Night.”

“You’re nice on ice, but you’re good on wood!” Len Goodman said in his attempt to give Meryl a compliment. Oh, Len you silly judge you.

“The combination of precision, sharpness and lyricism of arms is wonderful,” Bruno said. “But watch the back of your legs. Don’t keep your legs a part. What a debut.”

Danica McKellar and Valentin Chmerkovskiy: 24/30

Still have a crush on Whinny from the “Wonder Years”? We don’t blame you! The actress shocked fans during the season premiere of “DWTS” with her fluid Foxtrot to Kelly Clarkson’s “Walk Away” as she nearly walked all over the competition. Sassier than ever, Danica proved she’s a force to reckon with during the 2014 season of the ABC series.

“You and Val have great energy together,” Carrie Ann said. “But watch that energy. You’re sometimes a little over expressive with your mouth.”

You’d be smiling too, Carrie Ann, if you had just swept the competition under the rug with that amazing routine!

Amy Purdy and Derek Hough: 24/30

What a treat it was to watch Amy and Derek. While competing in the 2014 Sochi Paralympics, the talented athlete found time to practice the Cha Cha Cha for the season premiere of “DWTS.” And let’s just say, Amy proved she’s the competitor to look out for this season after she conquered her routine to One Republic’s “Counting Stars.”

“I’m in shock. I’ve never seen anything like that. You’re more than a dancer. You’re a beacon of light in the room. It was an honor to watch you dance,” Carrie Ann said as her voice cracked.

Cody Simpson and Whitney Carson: 22/30

This was the most dramatic performance of the night -- and not just because of the passion displayed on the dance floor. Instead of us focusing on their dance, fans of “DWTS” seemed more interested in the love triangle going on between Cody, the new dancer and Cody’s girlfriend.

“The way Whitney moves is distracting,” Cody confessed. And after their Cha Cha Cha to “Timber,” Erin made sure to bring up that comment to the duo.

“In the package you talked about how her moves are distracting. We saw you’re girlfriend in the audience, she gave you a standing ovation so it looks like dating status is still going well. How was it dancing in front of her with these distracting hips?” Erin questioned. The dancing duo giggled their way through the question saying they’re all “friends.” Riiiight.

Drew Carey and Cheryl Burke: 21/30

After losing a significant amount of weight, ABC host Drew Carey stunned fans with his moves as he foxtrotted across the ballroom floor and our hearts.

“I just want to do things with my body that I couldn’t do before. Plus, I want to show other people that it’s possible to do,” he said. Drew was certainly inspiring as he spun Cheryl around on the dance floor.

“I think we just found our crowd pleaser!” Carrie Ann admitted. “You’ve got great form, great style, it’s got an easy groove. I like the classic approach.”

“It was very watchable,” Len said.

Could Drew be the fan favorite this season?

NeNe Leakes and Tony Dovolani: 21/30

The “Real Housewives” star definitely brought personality to her Cha Cha Cha as she playfully danced around to Robin Thicke’s “Give It 2 U” but she was lacking on her form, according to the judges. Could NeNe’s exuberant energy convince America to keep her on the show? We’ll find out next week!

James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd: 21/30

Things got interesting when these two were paired as partners. Apparently the sexy duo were former lovers! OK, so they only went out on one date. But their chemistry on the ballroom floor looked as if they had been in a relationship for years as they spiritedly skipped around during the foxtrot.

“James is on a mission!” Bruno said. “Such vigor, such attack, such dtermination. What you have to do is breathe a little bit. Make it look a little more effortless.”

Sean Avery and Karina Smirnoff: 20/30

Now this was fun to watch. The “shy and bashful” hockey player known for being a little bit of a bad boy stepped out of his macho shell to perform a contemporary routine with Karina. And we have to say, he wasn’t half bad! We loved his confidence as he leaped across the dance floor and we were shocked with his strength as he lifted his contorting partner in the air. Although he didn’t get the score he wanted, Sean didn’t hop of the judges tables like he previously threated. We’re sure his score will improve next week.

Diana Nyad and Henry Byalikov: 18/30

Instead of swimming 110 miles through shark-infested waters, Diana will be conquering another goal: shaking it on the dance floor. However, according to the inspiring role model, dancing might be a bit harder -- especially in heels! “I just don’t wear heels well. I’m uncomfortable in them. It’s wrong for the human foot to be arched that way,” she quipped. But she rocked her pumps as she performed a classic foxtrot!

“If determination and the will to get through has got anything to do with it -- you’re going to make it!” Len said. “You just need a little more finesse.”

Billy Dee Williams and Emma Slater: 15/30

The former “Star Wars” actor might be 77, he might have arthritis and he might have endured a back operation, but that doesn’t mean he can’t still win the mirror ball trophy! The Hollywood legend performed his Cha Cha Cha with ease -- well, maybe with too much ease!

“You’re definitely the most relaxed dancer I’ve ever seen. The hips are still going but were going to need more from you next week. It was a little too simple,” Carrie critiqued.

Who was your favorite performer of the night? Let us know your thoughts on the “Dancing With the Stars” premiere in the comments section below!