Chaz Bono makes "DWTS" debut; J .R. Martinez and Chynna Phillips tie for lead

(CBS) Actor J.R. Martinez and singer Chynna Phillips may have emerged as the best dancers Monday night on "Dancing with the Stars" but the most talked-about contestant remains 42-year-old transgender Chaz Bono.

Described as an author and activist, Bono is the child of Cher and the late Sonny Bono and grew up on the periphery of show business. He and partner Lacey Schwimmer, the last to perform, cha-cha-ed to the middle of the leaderboard and earned warm praise from the judges.

Pictures: "Dancing with the Stars" Season 13

"You can dance!" exclaimed judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Head judge Len Goodman praised his footwork, something that did in several contestants before him, and judge Bruno Tonioli told him he should be proud of his dancing debut.

Bono's participation in the show sparked controversy when it was announced. Several conservative groups urged viewers to boycott the show, but Bono's appearance also won praise in the LGBT community. His mother, Cher, has been a fierce defender, speaking out vehemently on her Twitter account.

What did you think of Bono's performance and the "DWTS" debut? Take our poll on who will win, discuss the show in the comments below and return here to see who was eliminated during tonight's results show.