While I could make fun of a jumped up extra on a show for celebrities all day long, Gilles proved he deserves to be in this competition. He’s charming. He’s sincere. And boy, can he dance! Looks got him into this thing and skill will keep him there. He’s one of this season’s contenders.

Shawn Johnson, the wee little figure skater, will also go pretty far with her innocent smile and graceful lines. Her Olympic gold medal won’t hurt her popularity.

The other true dancers to emerge from the premiere were L’il Kim and Melissa Ryecroft. L’il Kim has the moves. She was upfront about her stint in jail. She’s on every entertainment show in the land sharing her tragic life story. The rapper is in it for the long haul. Melissa got dumped for another woman on national television and had the guts to step into DWTS with only 48 hours notice only a week after the humiliation. Was it resilience of spirit or grasping at a fleeting fifteen minutes of fame? Voters still feel sorry enough for her that she’ll get the benefit of the doubt. If she plays her cards right, she could go far.

The middle of the pack could produce some leaders. Steve-O may be a one-time jackass but he’s giving his all to this competition. His standing ovation shows a strong fan base. Plus his earnest desire to turn his life around is one of the genuinely touching stories of the season. If only he could dance a little better.

Lawrence Taylor is a football legend. He’s self-deprecating. He’s funny. He’s kind of boring. Last season’s footballer was the incomparable Warren Sapp who almost won the whole shebang on sheer personality. That’s a tough act to follow and I’m not sure Lawrence has the showman in him – he certainly isn’t hiding a dancer.

Chuck Wicks is average looking, not very well known and an okay dancer.

Also sitting pretty in the middle is Denise Richards. She looks like she might have some skill but it’s buried beneath her many layers of crazy. It was only the first week and already she’s cried and had a feud with her partner. We sat through the hysterics during her divorce and aren’t likely to listen to it again for too long. Denise lacks charm but her beauty pageant geniality might let her slide through for awhile.

Which sends Holly Madison to the bottom of the contestant barrel. She and Denise are two sides of one coin. Both have posed nude numerous times. Both are grown women who giggle. Denise actually married her disgusting older man and started a family. Much more wholesome than being one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends. The Bond Girl will force the Bunny to an early exit.

David Allen Grier is not funny. He may be a decent dancer but he’s got a nauseating personality. Steve Wozniak is the opposite. He is so sweet you want to hug him but he’s a terrible dancer. Hopefully personality will win the day and Grier will get the boot soon. Or at least stop trying so hard to make a joke.

The two celebs in the most jeopardy are Belinda Carlisle and Ty Murray. Without notes, I would have forgotten Belinda was even on the show. She showed none of the spunkiness expected of a former GoGo. Ty was a jerk with two left feet. His comments were derogatory towards women and gays. Unfotunately, his wife Jewel had to leave the show due to injury which will give him some sympathy votes. He’s also paired up with new pro Chelsea who made it to the top six on So You Think You Can Dance. She’s a magnificent dancer and America already showed how much they loved her with their votes. They’ll want to keep her around to see what she can do.

Meaning, Belinda will be the first one voted off the dance floor.

Who Will Win: The final three will be Gilles, Shawn and Melissa

Who Will Leave: Belinda this week; Holly Madison next week