Perry Cha-Chas to Low Score
Former Texas governor makes underwhelming debut on 'Dancing with the Stars'

Rick Perry didn’t have an “oops” moment — it was more like… “Meh.”
Perry’s cha-cha with partner Emma Slater on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” Season 23 premiere received an underwhelming four fives, one of the lowest scores of the night.
The western theme was complete with a projected Texas flag with stars and stripes inside of it on the ground and Perry had on a black jacket with white embroidery on the panels.
The judges called his performance pedestrian, and not very subtle.
They encouraged him to work on his timing, but were also very complimentary of the former governor for being on the show in the first place.
But, he was all smiles as he received his score and walked up to thank judge Julianne Hough on his way off the stage.
But, Perry found it a little easier than a presidential debate.
“Everybody knows I’m really passionate about our vets and that’s why I’m here,” the former Texas Governor said in an interview on the show before his turn on the floor.
Perry and Slater are calling themselves “Team Dance for Vets.”
“My daughter gets married the 15th of October and…this is really moving me along in an expeditious way,” he said, adding that he was going to ask ABC if he could wear the jacket he performed in at the wedding.
According to Slater, the two have been having a “riot” practicing.
“I feel like Rick and I have known each other for years,” she said.
Despite his low score, he got endorsements from a couple of his opponents during the Republican primary.
Support @GovernorPerry’s efforts to help our #veterans. Vote #teamdanceforourvets on #DWTS: 1-800-868-3410 Or https://t.co/TlKn2zsAC0
— Newt Gingrich (@newtgingrich) September 13, 2016
As a Virginian, I’ve never had a chance to vote for my good friend @GovernorPerry—but I will tonight on @DancingABC! Good luck, Rick! #DWTS
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) September 12, 2016
During his interview, one of Fiorina’s tweets appeared and Perry responded by blowing a kiss and saying, “I love you Carly, you’re the best.”
Did you know @GovernorPerry’s dancing to raise money for veterans? Vote for Rick at 1-800-868-3410 or https://t.co/p7LLsEcaaW #DWTS.
— Carly Fiorina (@CarlyFiorina) September 13, 2016
More love for Perry:
You guys can hate on Rick Perry all you want, but he’s having fun and raising awareness for vets issues. Give the man a break. #DWTS
— Conrad Close (@conradclose) September 13, 2016
At least I get to vote for @GovernorPerry this year #DWTS #txlege pic.twitter.com/RyHF7Jx2ps
— Dallas Reed (@J_DReed) September 13, 2016
And not so much:
Rick Perry = Hot Mess #DWTS 🙈 😏
— Melissa Rentería (@Daily_Dos) September 13, 2016
Well, Rick Perry wasn’t bad on #DWTS. He’s was awful. But God bless Texas. pic.twitter.com/z8jAXORPSM
— John Bridges (@JohnBridges) September 13, 2016
Later on the show, two protesters caused some drama when they ran on to the floor after Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte’s dance.
Cuffed for rushing the stage at #DWTS during @ryanlochte‘s dance pic.twitter.com/rjueIKuLsZ
— Jason Nathanson (@ABCNewsJason) September 13, 2016