Olivia Jade Makes First Dancing with the Stars Appearance and Looks to “Move Forward”

Olivia Jade made her first appearance in Dancing with the Stars on Monday, stepping up to perform a salsa dance with her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy.

The 21-year-old social media influencer, who is appearing on the ABC show’s 30th season, earned 25 out of 40 points for dating Chmerkovskiy, 35.

The daughter of actress Lori Loughlin and designer Mossimo Giannulli addressed the college admissions scandal her parents have been linked to since March 2019, and subsequently served prison terms after pleading guilty to conspiracy in view to commit wire fraud.

Big night: Olivia Jade, 21, made her first appearance on Dancing with the Stars on Monday as the show launched its 30th season

“Over the past few years I guess you can tell I’ve been involved in a scandal,” she said on the show. “After it all happened, I pulled myself off social media and just soaked up what everyone was saying.”

She added that she “wasn’t trying to pull a pity card”, but was looking “to move on and do better”.

She explained to Chmerkovskiy: “I just want to show people that I have a different side to me, I have a strong work ethic.”

Chmerkovskiy said the show offered “a perfect opportunity for the world to see a different side of Olivia”.

She took the floor to perform a salsa dance with her professional partner Val Chmerkovskiy

Social media influencer scored 25 out of 40 points for outing with 35-year-old Chmerkovskiy

She was praised by Judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who said she was “so proud” of Olivia Jade for her positive journey into the new season.

“This is the start of a whole new chapter in your life,” said Inaba. “I’m so proud of how you came out with such confidence. You are so sure of yourself.

Speaking to People, Olivia Jade said she felt her sister Bella’s support from the crowd.

“It was great having my sister in the crowd,” she said. “She’s my best friend in the world. Her support is everything and it creates a level of comfort knowing my older sister is there watching me. Her best advice was to breathe.

Chmerkovskiy said the show provided “a perfect opportunity for the world to see a different side of Olivia”

Olivia Jade said on the show: “Over the past few years I guess you can tell I’ve been involved in a scandal”

On the show, Olivia Jade said that she “isn’t trying to pull a pity card”, but that she is looking “to move on and do better”

‘She sent me a long text before, like “Take a deep breath, I know you’re nervous.” That’s about all she said, breathe.

Olivia Jade said at a media event earlier this month that she was “super grateful for a second chance” in show business.

“I hope people really know how excited and grateful I am,” she said. “I think back to a few weeks ago, and knowing it was very far-fetched and not really in the cards.”

Dancing with the Stars can be seen Mondays on ABC at 8 / 7c.

Post-dance dinner: Jade was then spotted having a late dinner at Craig’s in West Hollywood

Hide Yourself: Masked Jade while heading to the WeHo hotspot

All smiles: Jade was all smiles in a white cropped top under a tan coat and gray wide leg pants with white and orange sneakers

Fans: Olivia Jade posed for a selfie with a fan before heading to Craig’s house