"Dancing With the Stars" 17th season officially kicked off Monday night with 12 celebrities and their professional dance partners, but one star stole the spot light, Amber Riley.
The "Glee" star scored a 27 out of a possible 30, which was the highest score of the night. The lowest score of the night went scientist Bill Nye who ended the night with 14 points.
"Ballroom dancing is definitely out of my normal character," she said on the show. "You have to take yourself so seriously and I don't take myself seriously."
Afterward, she told Us Weekly that rehearsing for "Glee" was actually tougher than "DWTS" rehearsal, to which partner Derek Hough had a ready reply.
"Ask her again in a few weeks," said Hough, who was Pickler's partner last season. "DWTS is live and it's one take, so this is eventually going to be harder."
The 27-year-old was spotted (PHOTO) make-up free and wearing her gym clothes as she arrived on set for rehearsals, Tuesday afternoon. The actress wore a color-coordinated ensemble for the occasion, dressed in a purple and fuchsia vest top, purple patchwork leggings and a pair of purple and pink Nike Free trainers.
Amber's dance partner was also seen coming out of rehearsals looking slightly fatigued.
American dancer and choreographer, Hough, 28, wore tight-fitted light grey T-shirt, a pair of denim jeans, grey trainers. He teamed his look with a black belt and blue snapback cap which he wore backwards.
Riley agreed that on "Glee," they could cut away, do another take or "distract" from a gaffe with the dancing of 11 other people.
Later on Twitter, she thanked her co-stars Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Chris Colfer, Diana Agron and Ashley Fink for being in the audience to support her, and then it was time to call it a night, excitement or not.
What an amazing night! Gotta get some shuteye! Rehearsal tomorrow :) working hard for y’all and myself. Gnite
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) September 17, 2013
Thank you @druidDUDE @JennaUshkowitz @Ashley_Fink @DiannaAgron @chriscolfer for coming tonight! You guys rock!!!!! — Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) September 17, 2013
Amber joins a list of celebrity names including Elizabeth Berkley Laurn, Corbin Bleu, Brant Daugherty, Bill Engvall, Valerie Harper, Keyshawn Johnson, Christina Milian, Bill Nye, Jack Osbourne, Nicole Snooki Polizzi and Leah Remini.
