How did Stephen Nedoroscik fare on Week 1 of Dancing with the Stars? Full leaderboard and more!

Stephen Nedoroscik has returned to competition – dance competition that is!

Less than two months after taking the world by storm during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and winning two bronze medals, Stephen took to the dance floor Tuesday with partner Rylee Arnold to begin their stint on Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars.

(Fun fact: Stephen is the first male gymnast to compete on DWTS! Derek Hough also had a great shoutout, saying, “Let’s give it up for men’s gymnastics!”)

Stephen leaned into his “full-on nerd” personality with a Rubik’s Cube theme on the dance floor (including a giant Rubik’s Cube chandelier overhead). The number was set to Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and the routine fit the music, with Stephen coming out with some of the best energy (if not the most energy) of the night. Judge Bruno Tonioli even commented on it, saying Stephen was an “unstoppable explosion of energy.”

Of course, no gymnast can do a routine without showing off their special set of skills. In this case, Stephen got low in a back bend, did a front handspring and a split, and did a straddle jump over Rylee!

Although Stephen is used to having rhythm on the pommel horse, it was questionable whether that rhythm would naturally translate to the dance floor. Spoiler alert: it translated and more, with the pair scoring a 21/30 – tied for third in the Week 1 standings! No doubt his athleticism, agility, and flexibility gave Stephen an upper hand, and the rhythm is definitely there. With some fine-tuning, Mr. Pommel could go very far in this competition.

So what exactly does Stephen need to fine-tune for next week? Bruno said to work on the details, the little things, just like you do in gymnastics. One of those little things that judge Carrie Ann Inaba commented on? Pointing his toes! A (hopefully) easy fix for a gymnast.

There was no elimination this week, so all votes will carry over and be added to Week 2’s results for the first elimination next Tuesday, September 24, when two stars (yes, two!) will be eliminated. Get excited – it’s Oscar night!

Although voting has closed for Week 1, moving forward, you can vote for Stephen and Rylee on ABC.com and by texting STEPHEN to 21523. You can vote 10 times online and via text (so 20 votes total).

Watch Stephen and Rylee’s jive and see the full leaderboard below!

Week 1 Dancing with the Stars Leaderboard