"Dancing with the Stars" Premiere: Jennifer Grey, Rick Fox Impress Judges

NEW YORK (CBS) "Dancing with the Stars" returned Monday night with a premiere episode that did not disappoint as 12 new celebrity contestants tested their moves on the dance floor.

PICTURES: "Dancing With The Stars" Season 11
PICTURES: TV's New Fall Shows

The debut performances, which alternated between the cha-cha-cha and Viennese waltz, showcased each contestant in a different light than what we normally see on the screen or in the tabloids.

"Jersey Shore" breakout star Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino was uncharacteristically modest and accepted the judges' remarks after his choppy cha-cha-cha performance with partner Karina Smirnoff, which earned them 15 out of 30 points -- one of the lowest scores of the night.

For Bristol Palin, the daughter of conservative powerhouse Sarah Palin, competing on the show is a way to express her"work ethic to people out there." While sporting a red flapper dress, the 19-year-old mother, who vowed to wear the "most modest outfits," shimmied and shaked her way to a 19/30 with partner Mark Ballas. Judge Len Goodman was a fan  and said it was a "very acceptable performance for week one."

The night's high scores went to "Dirty Dancing" star Jennifer Grey, who scored 24 points for her Viennese waltz to "These Arms are Mine;" singer Brandy, who earned 23 points with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy; and Disney star Kyle Massey, who also earned 23 points for his enthusiastic cha-cha-cha, which was deemed by judge Bruno Tonioli as "adorable and naughty. "

Despite the major height difference, former Lakers star Rick Fox blew away the judges with his grace and poise when he danced the Viennese waltz with partner Cheryl Burke. The two earned 22 points for their performance. Girlfriend Eliza Dushku was seen cheering Fox on from the audience.

Stars with the lowest scores included singer Michael Bolton (16 points), comedienne Margaret Cho (15 points) and former "Baywatch" star David Hasselhoff (15 points), whose performance was described as a "potpourri of insanity" by Toniolli.

This season's first results show will air Tuesday night and will send one of these star contestants packing.