Aurora Ramazzotti Wins Opening Night of Dancing with the Stars 2026
Aurora Ramazzotti and professional partner Nikita Perotti claimed victory on the opening night of Ballando con le Stelle’s twenty-first season, topping the leaderboard after performing a fast-paced jive. The dance competition officially returned to television on Saturday, October 3, moving its broadcast location from the Foro Italico auditorium to the Pippo Baudo studios at Saxa Rubra.
The premiere showcased a revamped judging panel and a shake-up among the professional dance instructors. Judges Fabio Canino and Selvaggia Lucarelli were absent, replaced on the panel by Alberto Matano and Barbara D’Urso, while Simona Ventura and Francesca Fialdini took charge of the bonus point pools known as the tesoretti. Thirteen celebrity contestants entered the competition for the season premiere, which featured no eliminations or dance-offs, ensuring all participating couples will return for the second episode.
Jive Performance Secures Top Spot for Ramazzotti
Ramazzotti and Perotti earned a top technical score of 43 points from the judges for their energetic jive routine, tying with Andy Díaz and Gioia Giovanatti, who performed a salsa at the close of the evening. Judges praised Ramazzotti for her natural rhythm, sharp footwork, and stage presence, while her mother, Michelle Hunziker, watched from the sidelines in tears. Combined points awarded from the social media audience and the judging panel ultimately pushed Ramazzotti and Perotti into first place for the night.
Jury Standouts and Emotional Debuts at Saxa Rubra
The premiere featured strong performances across the board, alongside emotional moments for several contestants. Noemi Bocchi debuted alongside Giovanni Pernice with a samba that scored 42 points, shedding tears during the broadcast after remarking prior to the show that “Fino ad oggi tutti hanno parlato di me tranne io”. Actress Monica Guerritore earned 41 points for a paso doble with Luca Urso, later receiving a 16-point bonus from Francesca Fialdini that brought her total to 57 points. Ornella Muti delivered a tango with Pasquale La Rocca that earned a standing ovation and 40 points, though judge Guillermo Mariotto offered a mixed critique regarding her facial expression.
Where Dancing with the Stars Films and New Judges
Where is Dancing with the Stars filmed for the 2026 season?
The production moved from its previous home at the Auditorium del Foro Italico to the newly designated studio named after Pippo Baudo at Saxa Rubra.
Who are the new judges on the panel this season?
Alberto Matano and Barbara D’Urso joined the judging lineup for the twenty-first season, replacing outgoing judges Fabio Canino and Selvaggia Lucarelli.
Were any contestants eliminated during the season premiere?
No couples were eliminated or sent to a dance-off during the opening episode, allowing all thirteen competing pairs to advance to the next week of the competition.
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