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'I am learning': Kim Zolciak fights back tears after posting lowest score during season premiere of Dancing With The Stars

Published: 02:37 EST, 15 September 2015 | Updated: 05:47 EST, 15 September 2015

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It could be a short run on Dancing with the Stars for reality TV star Kim Zolciak Biermann.

The 37-year-old Don't Be Tardy star posted the worst score on Monday during the 21st season premiere of the ABC dancing competition show.

The former star of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta fought back tears as she admitted she found it hard to 'shake it' with a man other than 30-year-old husband Kroy Biermann.

Lowest score: Kim Zolciak made an inauspicious debut with professional partner Tony Dovolani on Monday's season premiere of Dancing With The Stars

And the mother-of-six's lackluster salsa with professional partner Tony Dovolani saw her at the bottom of the pile with a disappointing score of 12 out of 30 and criticism from the judges ringing in her ears.

But it was the complete opposite story for Aussie teenager Bindi Irwin who wowed the judges with an energetic performance to earn the joint highest score of the night along with Backstreet Boys member Nick Carter.

Kicking off the season was Triple Crown-winning jockey Victor Espinoza and Karina Smirnoff.

Holding back: The reality star looked stiff and was criticized for holding back

Consistent scores: Carrie Ann Inaba, Julianne Hough and Bruno Tonioli each gave Kim a low four score

Stiff arms: The reality star appeared stiff during her routine

'My whole family is into dancing, everybody knows how to dance except me,' said the man who rode American Pharaoh into the history books.

And the height difference between Victor and Karina was instantly obvious.

'It was very clear that I am significantly taller than Victor,' said Karina after they met for the first time.

Big entrance: Kim entered the dance floor on a chaise lounge for the Egyptian-themed dance

Holding back: Kim did not seem at ease during her dance with Tony

Clapping along: The Don't Be Tardy star even looked awkward clapping

'My face is about the same as her chest, and I am trying not to look there at her chest and turn to the side - it is kind of awkward,' said a laughing Victor.

Victor said that having a short memory is great for a jockey but not helpful when you are learning to dance as a video showed him forgetting terms and moves.

In his jockey silks and a mirrorball helmet, Victor then took the dance floor to show off his newly acquired salsa dancing skills with Karina.

Rough dance: The reality star said learning the salsa during the first week was rough

Strange situation: Kim said it was 'strange' for her to dance with someone besides her husband

Family support: Kim's daughter Brielle reacted to the low marks that Kim received

And he was showered with roses from the audience as he kicked off the show.

'Well that was definitely a fun and interesting way to start the season,' said judge Julianne Hough.

'Those hips though! I have got to be honest I thought there might have been a little bit more of a stiff situation happening.

Scary part: Kim told her partner Tony that the hardest part for her was letting go

Getting emotional: The reality star fought back tears while discussing her concerns with Tony

Sage advice: The judges encouraged Kim to come back stronger

'But you know what they say, big things come in small packages.'

'I am sure you don't get rides like this every day at the track,' judge Bruno Tonioli told him.

'You were grinding away. But we have to see a little bit more salsa, a little bit more basics and you have to be on time as this is a dance competition.

TV star: Bindi Irwin was shown at age seven with her late father Steve Irwin

First meeting: Derek was greeted by Bindi while she held a young alligator

'You are adorable. I did not expect you to come out and be the latin lover of the group,' said judge Carrie Ann Inaba.

'You are tiny and your energy is so focussed and so bright it is so exciting to see. There was no salsa but I give you credit for the galloping and horsing it up.'

Carrie Ann gave Victor and Karina a five ad did Julianne and Bruno for a total of 15 to boos from the crowd.

Khaki outfits: Bindi and Derek opened their routine in khaki outfits

Rocking out: The dance partners danced to Crocodile Rock

'It was amazing to go right out of the gate, it was nice to come out and show what the amazing Karina has fought me,' Victor said.

Next up was Grammy-nominated singer and reality TV star Tamar Braxton and reigning champion dancer Val Chmerkovskiy.

'After I had my baby I slowed down a bit and I kind of want to put a pep back in my step,' said The Real host.

Teen talent: Bindi won over the judges and audience with her performance

Fan favourite: The audience roared with approval after Bindi finished performing

'Val is like my little annoying brother,' she said as she was shown warning Val to stop grabbing her body.

The pair were then shown bickering as Val insisted: 'I am the boss.'

'We are both outspoken but I am happy to have the current champion as my partner,' said Tamar.

The couple then took to the floor to perform a quickstep.

Hugging it out: Bindi and Derek embraced after their dance

Good work: Julianne had high praise for Bindi and her brother Derek

'Val has tamed Tamar. Here we have high-octane, high-value, high-class, an incredible amount of content, just keeping up the pace at that speed was unbelievable,' said Bruno as he criticized her footwork.

'It is week one, a long way to go but a brilliant beginning,'

'You blew me away, I did not expect that in week one, that is one of the hardest dances to do. Very nice,' said Carrie Ann.

Cheering section: Bindi's mother Terri cheered her on from the audience

She's a natural: The teenage star showed some fancy footwork and strong timing

'You are a feisty and fierce woman but there was an elegance and femininity that was very smooth and graceful. For a first dance, that was really, really great,' said Julianne.

Carrie Ann gave them an eight, Julianne gave a seven and Bruno and eight for a score of 23 out of 30.

Next up was music legend Chaka Khan and partner Keo Motsepe, who met for the first time on stage at one of her concerts.

Top jockey: Victor Espinoza competed with pro partner Karina Smirnoff

'When I saw him for the first time I thought oh good, he is tall, dark and handsome, the whole nine baby,' laughed Chaka.

When he explained to her he was a prince from South Africa, she laughed and told him: 'Well you're dealing with royalty up in here baby.'

'She is a legend, a diva and a queen. I am so excited to be dancing with her,' said Keo.

New skills: Karina patiently taught Victor their dance routine

Working the crowd: Victor gyrated during his dance routine with Karina and backup dancers

The couple then took to the dance floor to perform a cha cha to her hit I Feel For You.

'That was my groove in high school, I can't believe you are here performing in front of us,' said Carrie Ann.

'It was super fun, I could tell you were having fun, so much fun that at times you forgot the choreography,' the judge said.

Strong start: Julianne told Victor and Karina that they got the season off to a strong start

Smaller panel: Carrie Ann, Julianne and Bruno returned but head judge Len Goodman did not

That was met with a 'Honey don't even trip' quip from the Queen of Funk.

'What a glorious entrance for a glorious woman,' said Julianne as she encouraged her to work on filling the space around her as she danced.

'I adore you and I love to funk as much as anyone else and when you are funking you are brilliant,' said Bruno as he criticized her foot placement and urged her to work on her technique and timing.

Height difference: Co-host Tom Bergeron joked around with Victor and Karina after their dance

Carrie Ann gave Chaka Khan and Keo a five, Julianne a four and Bruno a four for a total of 13 out of 30.

'You know, I feel you, you are absolutely right. I am open for all the training I can get,' said a humble Chaka Khan philosophically.

Next up was social media star Hayes Grier, 15, and British partner Emma Slater.

Smooth moves: Tamar Braxton and reigning champion Val Chmerkovskiy hit the ballroom running

'I hope this can get me a few dances I can take to prom with me and hopefully impress a few ladies,' Hayes said.

Emma then told viewers that Hayes 'dances like a T-Rex.'

'Is this how the kids are dancing these days? What is that,' she laughed.

Tough dance: The Real host and Val performed a quickstep together

'When he talks about the latest trends I don't know if it is an object, a person or a craze,' she said as Hayes urged her to 'hit the Quan.'

'Emma definitely feels a lot older around me, she does't look 26 if that makes her feel any better,' he said cheekily.

They then took to the dance floor to do a high-school-themed cha cha.

Watch out: Tamar and Val received fairly high marks from the judges

'That got me really excited. You have a natural ability,' said Julianne as she urged him to focus on his core strength and to open his 'beautiful' eyes and focus on his partner.

'We have season 21's first boy wonder. You are worth more than six seconds I could watch you for an hour,' Bruno told the Vine star.

'Your musicality seems so natural but you have to be a bit sharper. You have to focus on it and kill people at home.'

The champ: Rumer Willis who won last season with Val was in the audience lending her support

'I was just thinking if I was only 30 years younger I would still be too old for you. I am very depressed right now. I would still be a cougar 30 years ago, jeez. I am not weirding you out, sorry mom,' said Carrie Ann.

'You are so fun to watch, you have this youthful gawkiness, you are still gawky in your body and there is room to grow. You have great stage persona and I want to see more of that.'

Carrie Ann gave them a seven, Julianne a seven and Bruno a seven for a total of 21 out of 30.

Next up was pop star Andy Grammer and partner Allison Holker.

Funk legend: Chaka Khan and pro partner Keo Motsepe lit up the dance floor

Andy performed on the show last season as a musician and admitted he felt his late mother's presence when he was on it.

He revealed she passed away six years ago but was a huge fan of dance.

'She would have loved to be a part of this show and the fact I am doing it this year, I am doing it in her honor,' he said.

'Big moments in my life make me miss my mom even more. When I think of her I think of my biggest champion, a great mom, and it is really nice to feel so close to her and have her be a part of my day so consistently,' Andy said.

Feeling hit: The duo danced to Chaka's hit song I Feel For You

The couple then hit the dance floor and performed a foxtrot.

'For a first time tackling the foxtrot you did pretty well, it is such a difficult dance but you were so dashing and so confident, like a double threat out there,' said Bruno as he warned him to be careful with his footwork.

'I guarantee your mother was smiling down on you. I could feel the tenderness with which you were dancing. I think you were a bit nervous and you need to work on a better connection with Allison,' said Carrie Ann.

More space: Julianne urged Chaka to to work on filling the space around her

Good attitude: The singer took the criticism well and promised to keep training

'I loved it and I kind of disagree with Carrie Ann, I thought your connection was wonderful. I felt you were very present in every move you did,' said Julianne as she urged him to work on his shoulders.

Andy told Erin Andrews his mother would have loved it but he had brought her best friend as he jokingly warned the host to 'back off' on the first show.

'Please tell them you were kidding because now we know what the tabloids will write tomorrow ''He hates her'',' said Andrews.

Working hard: Vine star Hayes Grier and pro partner Emma Slater worked on their routine

Carrie Ann gave the couple a seven, Julianne gave them a seven as did Bruno for a total of 21 out of 30.

'I'm happy, good stuff,' said Andy.

Next up was celebrity cook Paula Deen and partner Louis Van Amstel.

Paula did not waste any time getting close to Louis and she grabbed his face and pushed it into her chest while screaming with laughter.

School theme: The dance partners performed a cha cha with a high school theme

'Put your head on mommy's bosom,' she joked.

'Oooh, nice and soft,' replied Louis as they got to know each other.

'You know it has been 50 years y'all since I did any organized dancing. Louis has taught me it is not about steps it is about moving your body,' said Paula.

''Move your body, move your body.'' I hear that in my damn sleep,' Paula said.

Boy wonder: Hayes was praised by Bruno for his strong start

Louis told the cameras he needed a lot of patience to coach Paula.

'She is so distracted so easily,' he said as Paula was shown accidentally burping in his face.

The couple then performed a quickstep in a set made to look like a kitchen.

'I was scared. I had white underwear when I started, but it probably ain't white no more, that's all I got to say,' said Paula who visibly looked like she had lost weight.

Dinosaur dance: Erin Andrews looked on as Hayes demonstrated his T-Rex dance

'I see a lot of potential in you, the way you move your body is really easy and I can tell it comes naturally to you,' said Carrie Ann.

'But you didn't quite get your feet under you and I felt like you were being dragged around a lot,' she said.

'It didn't quite come together Paula.'

'You looked like you were holding on to Louis for dear life. It is week one, it is nerve-wracking. Let's see the Paula we know and love next week,' said Julianne.

Nailed it: Andy Grammer and pro partner Allison Holker performed a foxtrot together

'The worst is over, take a deep breath and relax. You were like a barnacle, if you were attached to him any harder you would have broken him,' said Bruno as Paula begged to try it again.

Carrie Ann gave the couple a five, Julianne a five and Bruno a five for a total of 15 out of 30.

'Oh, was I that bad?' said Paula as she was comforted by Louis.

Following that was husband and wife Alexa and Carlos PenaVega who met their dance partners Mark Ballas and Witney Carson together.

Lovely dance: The dance partners received mixed reviews from the judges

'Carlos and I really wanted to do this show together because we want to work together. But are we going to be comfortable having these intimate performances with a different guy or girl,' said Alexa.

And Carlos admitted he was not happy when at the end of the first rehearsal Mark called his wife 'babes' and kissed her on the forehead.

'I was like whoa,' he said.

'If we get to the final two, whoever wins will never let the other one live it down,' said Carlos.

Carlos and Witney then took to the dance floor to perform a jive.

Room to improve: Andy and Allison received a score of 21 out of 30 from the judges

'I feel like you are the most natural performer we have seen tonight, you are strong and solid on the floor. You look like a man. But what is lacking for me is that I want to see a little bit more energy,' said Julianne after Carlos and Witney danced.

'I want to see the devil inside you, all revved and pumped up. Seriously, a great performance,' said Bruno.

'What is great about you is that your musicality is off the charts. The music was going through your body and you were interpreting that music like no other. Fabulous,' said Carrie Ann.

Carrie Ann gave them an eight, Julianne gave them an eight and Bruno gave them a seven for a total of 23 out of 30.

Just kidding: Erin joked with Andy about what the tabloids would write about them

'This is just love and fun right now,' said Carlos as he asked if his wife could take her dress home with her.

Alexa and Mark Ballas then performed their own jive.

'This is just like Mr & Mrs Smith. A hot, sexy, wild Latina, the way I like it,' said Bruno.

'I love your energy and your kicks and flicks were good.'

Warm welcome: Paula Deen got up close and personal with pro partner Louis Van Amstel

'You are so beautiful out there, the way you move has a sensuality and strength to you that I think is going to take you far,' said Carrie Ann as she warned her to watch her arms.

'You guys had so much content in there, it was one of the hardest jives I have ever seen. You have an amazing presence keep that up, keep the connection going,' said Julianne.

Carrie An gave them a seven, Juliane gave them a seven and Bruno gave them an eight for a total of 22 out of 30.

'I will ask for the dress if it makes Carlos happy,' said a giggling Alexa.

Body movement: The celebrity chef said she got the message to move her body

Kim and Tony Dovolani were up next and it did not take long for the tears to start flowing.

The mother of six admitted her biggest challenge would be 'letting go.'

'This is the scariest part for me letting go, not like learning the dance,' she told Tony in rehearsals as she began to cry.

'I am in front of cameras for a living so really what is my hang-up? I think I am still trying to make sure that everything is perfect,' Kim said.

Excuse me: Paula also burped in the face of her partner

Tony tried to reassure her ahead of their first performance.

'As long as we do our best that is all that matters. It is okay to be nervous,' he told her supportively.

In an Egyptian-themed salsa Kim was brought onto the dance floor on a chaise lounge, before grinding along with Tony and showing off her famous curves.

Kim was again holding back tears as she told host Tom Bergeron: 'You work so hard to get here and then it is like ''Oh my God I did it''.'

Holding on: The Southern cook held tight to Louis during their dance

But the dance did not get great reviews from the judges.

'You did it. A little bit of advice, you are such a beautiful woman that when we watch you we want to see you go for it,' said Carrie Ann.

'There is no reason for you to hold back, there is so much beauty. I felt that you held back so much, like you were really scared and were like ''I will just do the bare minimum''.'

'You can't do that. With all that you better come back and go ''Pow'' next week,' Carrie Ann said.

Purple pair: The dance partners wore matching purple outfits during their performance

'My sister has six kids and that woman is fierce, and I know you are a strong woman so Carrie Ann is right. I feel that was slow motion, I want to see you come out there and fire it up, I know that is in you,' said Julianne and Kim agreed with her.

'My darling, this dance could be grounds for divorce, you have got all of that on display and you can do nothing with it,' said Bruno.

'You have got to deliver,' added Bruno as Kim interrupted him from the dance floor.

'I am just so excited that I did it,' she said hugging Tony.

Too much information: Paula in her colorful manner told Tom that she was really nervous

'You went through it and that is good, but you have to perform it, you have to sell it,' Bruno told her.

Kim then added she found it 'strange' to be not with her husband, NFL player Kroy Biermann.

'What is even stranger is taking marital counseling from Bruno,' laughed Tom Bergeron.

Erin Andrews asked Kim what was holding her back.

Low marks: The dancers reacted as the low scoers came in

'It is one thing to do reality television it is another thing to shake it with another man. If it was Kroy it would be a whole different volume, I am learning. To have the salsa first week is rough,' she added holding back tears.

Carrie Ann gave her a four, Julianne gave her a four and Bruno gave her a four for a total of 12 out of 30.

'My daughter is like, really?' said Kim as her eldest Brielle was shown reacting to the low score.

Up next was five-time champion Derek Hough and Bindi Irwin, 17, daughter of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin and Terri Irwin.

Husband and wife: Carlos and Alexa PenaVega were competing against each other

'I am Bindi Irwin, I am 17-years-old and my dad is the amazing Steve Irwin - my hero,' said Bindi dressed in jungle wear.

'I am used to khakis and gorgeous animals like Sweet Cheeks here so this is completely different for me,' she said holding a huge reptile at a zoo.

She was then introduced to Derek - and introduced the dancer to a young alligator she was holding.

In the practice sessions the chemistry between the two dancers was obvious, as Derek practiced his Aussie accent and perfected his 'G'Day.'

Strong pairing: Past champion Witney Carson was partnered with Carlos

'Bindi just fills the room with this amazing energy, it is just contagious,' said Derek as they worked on their moves together.

And Bindi was soon doing impressions of her energetic and late father in the dance studio.

'Dad was like that he was like 'Oh, crikey'', she said doing her best impression.

'Having a traumatic experience when she was younger and losing her father, she has kind of turned that into a positive thing,' said Derek.

Great performance: Carlos and Witney received relatively high scores from the judges

'My mum always said that anytime dad would watch me dance around the zoo he would cry. I think the real reason I am doing this is to make him proud and everyone back at home in Australia proud,' she said.

'You know, I think everyone is going to see a whole new side to Bindi,' she told the cameras.

Bindi and Derek took to the stage for their jive with Derek quickly tearing off Bindi's drab dress to reveal a sparking emerald green number.

Bindi was thrilled with her performance - done to Crocodile Rock - giving Derek and host Tom Bergeron a huge hug to deafening cheers from the crowd.

Her turn: Alexa performed a jive with pro partner Mark Ballas

'I've got to tell you that is the loudest response all night so far,' Tom said.

'From the bush to the ballroom, I mean the flicks, the kicks, the face, the fun, that is what this competition is about,' said Julianne.

'It is about all of it as a combination as a whole and you brought it. That was the best performance of the night.'

'You really are the Wonder from Down Under. Clean, precise, it had a finish that was so wonderful to see in week one. Plus what you have is adorable charm that translates. People love you,' said Bruno.

Sexy dance: The judges praised Alexa and Mark for their sexy jive dance

'You are a superstar. When I was watching you I thought that 30 years ago I would have wanted to be your best friend. You energy is so contagious,' Carrie Ann told the teen.

'The way you attacked, every pointed toe was beautiful.'

Derek told host Erin that just before their performance he could hear Bindi humming Eye Of The Tiger to herself.

'It is my theme song other than Crocodile Rock,' she told Erin.

First meeting: Witney and Mark teamed up to meet Carlos and Alexa

Outfit request: Carlos joked that he wanted Alexa to keep her dance outfit

'I don't know it just felt natural to get into the groove. My dad liked that song, my mum likes that song. We are taking it on and bringing the fight,' said Bindi.

Carrie Ann gave Bindi and eight, Juliane gave her and eight as did Bruno for the high score of 24 out of 30.

Then it was the turn of actor Gary Busey and partner Anna Trebunskaya.

Gary struggled in rehearsal and Anna admitted that teaching Gary the dance moves was a difficult challenge.

Difficult challenge: Gary Busey was a challenge for his partner Anna Trebunskaya

'Our first rehearsal was a little bit rough,' she said.

'Teaching Gary is a little bit tricky but that does't matter to me, I know he can do this.'

The couple then took the floor to perform their cha cha, with Gary dazzling in a shiny blue jacket.

Bit rough: Anna revealed their first practice together was rather tough

'That was more than I knew it would be and what I did't know came true as I danced in a cosmos of riddles,' said Gary bizarrely.

'Nothing means anything to me if I have to think about it. This woman Anna has sculpted me today.'

'It was like watching a summer blockbuster, chaos, mayhem and destruction, yet I kept on watching. Bring on the sequel,' said Bruno.

Feeling blue: Gary and Anna danced in shiny blue outfits

Spirited performance: The Hollywood star was praised by the judges for his energy

'In dance you have to give it your all, every move you were 1000 percent in and on the beat,' said Carrie Ann.

'You are larger than life and when we watch we want to be entertained. I don't know how great a cha cha it was but we were entertained. That was amazing, you stole our hearts and maybe America's hearts,' said Julianne.

Carrie Ann gave him a five, Julianne gave him a five and Bruno gave him a five for a total of 15 out of 30.

Decent scores: Gary scored more points than reality star Kim

For his mother: The Point Break star dedicated his performance to his late mother

'I could not be happier and I am humble about it. This was my mother's favorite show, she has been gone three years, so this dance was for you mom,' said an emotional Gary afterwards.

Up next was Paris train attack hero and Army National Guard Specialist Alek Skarlatos, 22, and Lindsay Arnold.

'Hi, I am Alek Skarlatos, and you probably have no idea who I am,' said the military man during his introduction.

American hero: Paris train hero Alek Skarlatos introduced himself to the audience

Alex admitted he had never danced and did not even know what the foxtrot was as Lindsay admitted she was surprised by his talent and work ethic.

'I never realized that this would happen to me and now it has I am just trying to soak it in,' he admitted before the couple danced.

'You represent the best of who we all hope we could be,' Tom told him.

Work ethic: Lindsay Arnold was impressed with the work that Alek put in

'I did not expect that at all. I am sure this whole experience must be so surreal to you but you just came out and showed us one of the best dances of the night,' said Carrie Ann.

'You were graceful and had technique and are obviously a good student. You took my breath away.'

'Definitely the surprise of the night. You are representing the rest of America that wished they could be here tonight. I am just really happy for you,' said Julianne.