Corey Feldman, the beloved 1980s actor known for films like “The Goonies” and “Stand by Me,” is stepping into a completely different spotlight this year: the ballroom. Watch his second performance below. Paired with professional dancer Jenna Johnson on “Dancing with the Stars,” Feldman is embracing the challenge of ballroom dance while fans rally behind his underdog journey. His debut on the season 34 premiere mixed cheers, controversy, and an unexpected audience outcry.
Feldman & Johnson’s Week 2 Performance Score
With the couple wanting to do better than last week’s first performance- Feldman and Johnson perform a Cha Cha to “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot.
The two received a score of 15/30 for the night combining their score from last week for a total of 24.
Jenna and Corey Build a Partnership
Feldman admitted before the premiere that he had no real ballroom or partner dance experience. He leaned heavily on Jenna’s expertise and credited her patience for helping him feel confident enough to face the ballroom audience. Jenna, fresh off a Mirrorball Trophy win, welcomed the challenge of teaching Feldman, calling him a “beginner” who shows up eager to learn.
Their partnership sparked early attention when Feldman disappeared from rehearsals for several days. Rumors swirled online that he might be skipping practice, but Jenna quickly clarified that Feldman had prior personal commitments. Once he returned, the pair shared a rehearsal photo on social media to show fans they were back on track and ready to perform. That transparency helped reassure audiences who were rooting for Feldman to succeed in the high-stakes competition.
Premiere’s Reaction: Score Struggles, Audience Cheers, and Public Outcry
When Feldman and Johnson finally hit the stage, they performed a tango to Billy Joel’s “It’s Still Rock & Roll to Me.” Judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli praised his passion and flair, with Bruno even dubbing him “Tango Jackson.” Still, the praise did not reflect in the scores. Derek awarded a 4, and Bruno gave a 5, leaving the duo with just 9 out of 20.
The audience responded with loud boos, marking the first major disagreement of the season between judges and fans. Many viewers took to social media to argue that Feldman and Johnson deserved higher marks, pointing out his sharp turns and growing confidence. Feldman revealed that scoliosis has long affected his posture, but dancing is already improving his movement. Jenna emphasized that the journey is about growth, patience, and finding small victories.
Though the premiere scores placed them near the bottom, Feldman’s charm and the audience’s support suggest that the duo may ride a wave of public votes and resilience to stay in the competition. For Feldman, the journey is less about perfect scores and more about proving himself one step at a time.
