Dancing with the Stars week 1 power rankings: Who needs to step up?

DANCING WITH THE STARS – “EpisodeÊ2701 – “DancingÊwith the Stars” is back with a new, dynamic cast of 13 celebrities who are ready to move out of their comfort zones and hit the ballroom floor on a special two-night premiere. The competition begins with a two-hour season premiere, live,ÊMONDAY, SEPT. 24Ê(8:00-10:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network. (ABC/Eric McCandless)

DEMARCUS WARE, LINDSAY ARNOLD

The top tier

3. Tinashe and Brandon Armstrong (23; safe)

Bobby Bones said it best on last night’s show when he dubbed Tinashe one of the best dancers. The only weakness she has so far is that she might not have quite the name recognition and fanbase than the couples on top of the power rankings.

But that doesn’t mean her popularity can’t build going into week 2 and beyond, and if she continues to have strong scores and a great personality on the show, then she’s poised to go deep into the competition.

2. Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke (22; safe)

Juan Pablo Di Pace earned the first 8 of the season, which immediately catapults him to the top tier. If DeMarcus Ware hadn’t shown him up in the second half of Monday night’s show, he would have been the top here, and he could very well have the ability to really surprise. At the end of this week, he’s only one point off of the top scores — and he’s on Fuller House, which is pretty popular on Netflix, or so we hear.

1. DeMarcus Ware and Lindsay Arnold (23; safe)

Is it any surprise that DeMarcus Ware tops the power rankings after week 1? Not only did he easily make it into the safe category, but he also was chosen to re-perform his cha cha with Lindsay Arnold on the Tuesday show by the judges.

That’s the strongest sign that he’s an early favorite.

Dancing with the Stars returns next week Monday (and Tuesday!) with another elimination presumably on the way.