The glitz, the glamour and … the ganja.
Tommy Chong made his “Dancing With the Stars” debut on Monday night in the premiere of the 19th season of ABC’s popular prime-time staple. The network certainly didn’t shy away from the stoney history of the comedian/actor/director (and Pueblo dispensary endorser).
In the featured first dance for Chong and his pro partner Peta Murgatroyd, they got things rolling with a lowrider convertible on the dance floor and a cameo from Chong’s buddy Cheech Marin before Chong and Murgatroyd danced the cha cha to Snoop Dogg’s “Drop It Like It’s Hot.” Murgatroyd sparkled in a short, flouncy green dress and Chong complemented her in a green smoking jacket.
Update: Chong and partner Peta Murgatroyd advanced in the competition after Tuesday night’s fan voting results were revealed. Here’s a recap.
Here’s what the judges had to say about Chong’s performance:
Julianne Hough — “You have the moves like nobody’s business. You’re like Rico Sauve.”
Bruno Tonioli — “I was expecting ‘Bad Grandpa’; I’m getting ‘Cool Grandpa.'”
Carrie Ann Inaba — “You just did a few little pop-pops, and you killed it.”
Len Goodman — “It was painless, it was fun and I enjoyed it. Well done.”
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While the couple didn’t pull in the top score from the judges, they didn’t finish in last place, either. Fashion designer Betsey Johnson and Tony Dovolani, who also danced the cha cha, had that dubious honor.
The introductory clip for Chong and Murgatroyd naturally kicked off with Chong arriving in a Volkswagen bus and a cloud of smoke.
In the rehearsal studio, there were plenty of laughs and Murgatroyd sporting harem pants, which apparently are different from parachute/MC Hammer pants.
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While discussing their upcoming routine, Murgatroyd says: “It’s gonna be quick and fast, and you’re going to come out with a bang.”
“Ooh, sounds like my sex life,” Chong quips.
Murgatroyd says Chong’s best asset is “his character. Everyone’s going to fall in love with him.”
There will be more “DWTS” on Tuesday night, when the fan voting results are revealed and the first elimination is announced.
