Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 12, 2024 9:00 pm GMT
Convicted con artist Anna Sorokin, known as Anna Delvey, made her much-anticipated debut on “Dancing With the Stars” (DWTS) this past Tuesday, but the reception was anything but warm. With a bright, sparkling ankle monitor securing her right leg, Delvey attempted to reinvent herself on the dancing stage, yet viewers were left underwhelmed by her performance.
Anna Delvey’s Controversial Debut
Anna Sorokin, the real-life subject of the Netflix series “Inventing Anna,” was introduced during the Season 33 premiere. She was billed as a “fashionista and entrepreneur,” but much of the audience seemed indifferent as she took her turn to shine. Delvey’s cha-cha routine, set to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” drew a tepid response.
- Audience Reaction: Unlike the enthusiastic cheers awarded to fellow competitors like Olympic athlete Stephen Nedoroscik and rugby star Ilana Maher, the crowd’s silence during Delvey’s spotlight was palpable.
- Judges’ Feedback: The judges were mixed in their responses, with the normally lively Bruno Tonioli making a quippy remark, suggesting, “Reinventing Anna yet again.”
Delvey has previously made headlines for her high-profile criminal case involving swindling banks, hotels, and wealthy individuals. She was sentenced in 2019 and has been navigating the complexities of immigration and home confinement since her release in February 2021.
Mixed Reviews and Social Media Backlash
Following her performance, social media was abuzz with disappointment, leading to “Anna Delvey’s Lackluster DWTS Debut” trending on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the show aired.
- Judges’ Scores: Delvey earned straight 6s from the panel, totaling 18 points, placing her amidst the mid-tier performers for the week.
- Viewer Highlights: While Sorokin hoped her show could provide a fresh perspective, many found her responses during interviews uninspired. When asked about her emotions post-performance, she answered flatly, “I feel happy I don’t have to do this again.”
Legal Shield and Future Aspirations
As she pursued this new venture, Delvey’s ankle monitor represented more than just a piece of jewelry; it was a constant reminder of her past. She candidly shared her current situation, explaining, “It’s actually not a big issue at all. It’s pretty light.”
Despite her rocky start, Sorokin expressed a desire to showcase a different side of herself, hoping for forgiveness from the public. “I hope people will give me a chance to show what I can do,” she stated.
The Road Ahead
As the competition unfolds, the pressure mounts for Delvey to prove herself on the dance floor. Here’s what audiences can expect moving forward:
- Elimination Format: No couples were eliminated on the premiere night. The scores and viewer votes from the first two weeks will accumulate for the first elimination on September 25.
- Next Steps for Delvey: With her initial dance behind her, Sorokin will look to improve her performance and sway public opinion in subsequent episodes.
Public Sentiment and The Show’s Future
Dancing With the Stars” is no stranger to controversy, but Delvey’s participation has sparked a particularly intense debate over morality in entertainment. While some viewers feel that her presence is sensationalist, others argue that everyone deserves a chance at redemption.
As audiences continue to tune in, the question on many minds is whether Anna Sorokin can transform her notorious past into a successful dance career or if viewers will continue to be unconvinced by her efforts on stage.
Conclusion
Anna Delvey’s first appearance on “Dancing With the Stars” didn’t go as well as she hoped. With her past mistakes hanging over her and everyone watching closely, she has a tough road ahead. We’ll have to wait and see if she can change from a con artist to a talented dancer. This might just be the start of a new adventure for her!
