Chynna Phillips, J.R. Martinez off to hot start on new season of 'Dancing With The Stars'

Singer Chynna Phillips and actor J.R. Martinez are off to a hot start on the new season of "Dancing With The Stars."

(Get a dance-by-dance recap of all the action in week one of 'Dancing With The Stars.')

Both Philips and Martinez tied for the top of the leaderboard with a score of 22 out of 30 for their individual Viennese Waltzes during the Monday night premier.

"I definitely feel like the monkeys off my back and I just really felt the lord carrying us tonight," said Philips, who was partnered with Tony Dovolani. "I have to say, I just felt the power of God around us and that's so exciting."

Martinez said this is only the beginning for him.

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"Every week, we want people to see the rise and the climb and how we get to a certain place," said Martinez, whose partner is Karina Smirnoff. "It's not going to be easy, but we're going to get there."

Just a point behind them was soccer star Hope Solo and her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, for their Viennese Waltz.

"I do know how to block out pressure and deal with pressure," she said. "I've done that my entire career for 20-plus years. I can handle the lights and the camera."

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Rounding out this week's judges' top five were Ricki Lake and partner Derek Hough with 20 points, and Kristin Cavallari and partner Mark Ballas with 19 points.

"I really want to connect with him and do everything he told me to do and I feel like I did my best," said Lake, who did a Viennese Waltz that compelled judge Carrie Ann to say she looked like a princess.

A Vienesse Waltz by David Arquette and his partner, Kym Johnson, earned them sixth place.

With 17 points apiece, Carson Kressley with partner Anna Trebunskaya and Chaz Bono with partner Lacey Schwimmer tied for seventh.

Bono said he's feeling pressure to do well on the show because of all the support he's been given for undertaking the challenge.

Tied for ninth with 16 points were Rob Kardashian with partner Cheryl Burke and Nancy Grace with partner Tritan McManus.

"I don't even listen to the scores," Kardashian said. "It doesn't mean anything. It's just three peoples' opinions. I care about my fans and I felt great about my performance."

"I have received so many phone calls and letters and emails from viewers to cheer me on and inspire - and it really has," Grace said.

In 10th place was Elisabetta Canalis and Val Chmerkovskiy with 15 points.

(Get a dance-by-dance recap of all the action in week one of 'Dancing With The Stars.')

The Los Angeles Lakers player formerly known as Ron Artest, now legally Metta World Peace, was in last place with partner Peta Murgatroyd. They scored 14 points for their Cha Cha Cha.

That score was according to the three judges. Young Diamond Artest said her father performed exceptionally well.

"He did really, really good," she said as dad craddled her in his arms. "In fact, he did great."

One of the 12 couples will be eliminated Tuesday night.

To see photos of all the "Dancing With The Stars" season 13 contestants, check out our slideshow!

Source : http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/entertainment&id=8360819