With its rock n’roll theme complete with air guitar, split jumps and leather pants, Mickey Joe Harte’s debut performance on Dancing with the Stars did not disappoint.
The Donegal singer-song writer took to the dance floor last night in the new series of the popular tv show with his professional dance partner Daniela Roze, dancing the Pasodoble to The Undertones’ Teenage Kicks.
“I’m a big fan of The Undertones, who are from up my neck of the woods, and I have a relationship with the song Teenage Kicks from You’re a Star” he said in a behind-the-scenes video clip before the performance.
He gave an energetic and theatrical performance, staying in his character the whole time. With an almost face-plant during a knee slide, it might not have been the smoothest dancing you’ve ever seen, but it was full of energy, fun and you could see that Mickey Joe was giving it his all. The judges, as always, were frank and sometimes hilarious in their comments.
“The musicality and characterisation was extremely intense from start to finish” said judge Loraine Barry. She also said that he had great stage presence and charisma.
But was it the Pasadoble? “No” said judge Arthur Gourounlian. “It was more like a teenage boy rocking out in his bedroom – you’ve got to be more in sync with your dance partner” he added.
Brian Redmond said it could have been more subtle in places but it wasn’t a bad start.
The funniest comment came from Dublin judge Karen Byrne, who is a professional dancer and instructor, when she said “It was a bit stiff Mickey, but that could have been your trousers”.
It raised a few eyebrows and got the laughs, but sure anything can happen on live tv.
Mickey Joe got 19 points out of 40, putting him in 9th place out of 11 after the first show.
Olympic gold medallist in gymnastics Rhys McCleneghan is in the top spot with 31 points. With his ease doing handstands and the splits, he might have a bit of an advantage over some of the others, but he was fantastic to watch. Other celebrity contestants include Mrs Brown’s Boys Danny O’Carroll and RTE weather forecaster Joanna Donnelly.
Mickey Joe enjoyed himself anyway “I had a brilliant time” he said. And no doubt Donegal people will get behind the Lifford man, who captured the nation’s heart with the now iconic song We’ve got the World, when he represented us in Eurovision 2003.
You can vote for him by texting Mickey to 53125 or calling (ROI)1513 71 71 10 or (NI) 0901 133 11 10.
Related posts:
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)