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Dancing With the Stars kicked off its 13th season Monday night, with all eyes on Chaz Bono. While the producers (sagely) saved his performance for last, we won’t make you wait for the verdict on his parquet debut:

Not altogether terrible!

The show’s first-ever transgender contestant is not exactly a natural dancer – his mom Cher made that clear – and it showed. However, with the guidance of Lacey Schwimmer, Chaz more than held his own out there. 

Bruno even called them “cute and cuddly.” Whether you agree with that or not, they should easily be safe this week, given how much attention he’ll get and how many people he may win over by simply being there and making a positive impact.

Besides, Chaz’s 17 points Monday actually beat four other people!

Perhaps the second biggest celebrity name this season is David Arquette, who celeb news readers know hasn’t had the best year, but was cheered on by his daughter Coco and separated wife Courteney Cox in a sweet show of solidarity.

Like Chaz, he didn’t knock anyone’s socks off, but with his energy and enthusiasm, he more than acquitted himself in his DWTS debut and tallied 18 points.

In terms of actual talent AND charm, though? Watch out for J.R. Martinez.

 
Iraq war vet turned soap star J.R. finished tied for the lead after gracing us with a routine full of panache and technical merit. Plus, the man is a hero. Wow.

Chynna Phillips’ nice Viennese waltz landed her in a tie for the top spot with Martinez. Both of them premiered with a modest 22, but there’s room to grow.

Right behind them were Hope Solo and Ricki Lake, who will enjoy a nice edge down the road in Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Derek Hough as their partners.

Neither blew the judges away last night, but they also did just fine, and remain major contenders this season due to what look like decent skills and popularity.

Carrie Ann Inaba said her favorite dance of the night belonged to Carson Kressly’s cha-cha with Anna Trebunskaya, set to Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger.”

THG favorite Kristin Cavallari, showed some spunk with Mark Ballas, even amid tricky cha-cha choreography. With a little polish, she might just go far.

You know who likely won’t, however? Rob Kardashian. With just 16 points, he finished well behind Kim Kardashian‘s debut score of 19 a few seasons prior.

Kim is a terrible dancer, too. We’re just saying.

Tied with Rob was Nancy Grace, who showed a surprising amount of rhythm at times, but looked tired by the end. Too many long days at HLN, maybe.

At least they topped Elisabetta Canalis, whose performance was perhaps most notable for her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy (yep, brother of Maksim)!

Surprisingly bringing up the rear was Ron Artest. He’s got an adorable daughter, and a great new name (Metta World Peace). But man. He was not good.

The scores for opening night:

  • Chynna Phillips & Tony Dovolani: 22
  • J.R. Martinez & Karina Smirnoff: 22
  • Hope Solo & Maksim Chmerkovskiy: 21
  • Ricki Lake & Derek Hough: 20
  • Kristin Cavallari & Mark Ballas: 19
  • David Arquette & Kym Johnson: 18
  • Carson Kressly & Anna Trebunskaya: 17
  • Chaz Bono & Lacey Schwimmer: 17
  • Nancy Grace & Tristan MacManus: 16
  • Rob Kardashian & Cheryl Burke: 16
  • Elisabetta Canalis & Val Chmerkovskiy: 15
  • Metta World Peace & Petra Murgatroyd: 14

Who was your favorite Monday? Do you agree with the judges’ scoring? It’s only been one night, but who do you think will win DWTS? Vote below!