Dancing with the Stars Halloween episode.Photo: Dancing With the Stars/ABC/Instagram
Things got spooky in the ballroom for Monday’s Halloween-themed episode ofDancing with the Stars.
The evening started off with a bang as all four judges —Len Goodman,Derek Hough, Bruno Tonioli andCarrie Ann Inaba— plus co-hostTyra Banksshowed up decked in costumes for the holiday.Alfonso Ribeirowas also dressed to the nines in a suit.
Alfonso and Tyra explained that Halloween Night would feature individual routines from the remaining couples, as well as a team dance round, where the contestants would be split into two groups and compete against each other.
Jordin Sparks and Brandon Armstrong
In her intro package, singer andAmerican IdolalumJordin Sparkscelebrated her success last week and said, “Now it’s just time to put our foot on the gas petal. We’re so close, I can taste it.”
For Halloween night, Jordin told her partnerBrandon Armstrongthat she didn’t celebrate much growing up and always lived in the house that had their lights off. However, when she was 19, she dressed up for the first time as Dorothy fromThe Wizard of Oz.
After her performance, Len said Jordin “cast a spell on me” and called it her “best dance so far” while Derek said she “deserves to be at the top of the pack.”
Carrie Ann added that while Jordin “improved on almost every aspect of dancing… there’s still little slip-ups that’s not quite gelling together.” She added that she “couldn’t believe the performance” and wanted Jordin to bring “more character” during the team round.
Speaking to Alfonso, Jordin said the dance “was a blast actually … for me, it’s really hard to not smile but it was a lot of fun.” She then earned her first 9 from Len, as well as 9’s from the rest of the judges.
Score: 36/40
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas
Charli D’AmeliotoldMark Ballasthat she’s a “Hallo-week person” and loves horror movies and dressing up, so she was extra excited to dance this week.
However, after Mark experienced a lower back flair-up, he decided to bring in Pasha Pashkov to dance with Charli in rehearsals so he could rest.
“I’ve been dancing with Mark for a few weeks now so that comfortability level isn’t the same with Pasha,” Charli admitted, before vowing to give the audience and judges “a fun dance to watch.”
Derek called the dance “fantastic” and Bruno said the routine was a “beautiful expression of art… you two, genius.”
Carrie Ann called Charli “so incredibly talented,” and commended her for how “perfect” her routines have consistently been. However, she challenged the TikTok star to add more intensity and intimacy in her dances moving forward. “I want to see that perfection. I’ve been calling for it,” she said.
Len added Charli was “like a ghost. You transported across the floor with effortless ease.”
Speaking about Carrie Ann’s critique, Charli later said she found it to be motivating. “It gives me something to work on for this upcoming week so I’m really gonna take this to heart.”
Score: 39/40
Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart
Daniel Durantexpressed how he was nervous he was close out the show in last week’s episode. He also noted how “everyone left is so good, I have to be careful. There’s no room for mistakes.”
“You only missed a fraction of one step,” Bruno pointed out, before celebrating the impressive season-first Paso Doble. “Fantastic!”
Len noted how it “lacked some of the key elements” such as his posture and shaping of the body, but told Daniel, “You came out and gave us a proper performance, so well done.”
Derek added how he “loved the concept” of the dance and called it “original.”
Daniel later said of missing rehearsal, “It’s difficult because the Paso Doble is a fast song and … I felt so behind. Coming back, I felt like I had to work super hard all day to catch up.”
Score: 34/40
Shangela and Gleb Savchenko
The drag queen superstar celebrated getting all 9’s last week, which resulted in her best score yet and finishing in fourth on the leaderboard.Shangelathen spoke about the personal impact of Halloween, noting that it was the first time she dabbled with drag.
“My goal this week is to really just deliver the passion that I have for dance,” Shangela said, adding that she also wants to master “the technique that the judges are looking for.”
Carrie Ann called the dance Shangela’s “best performance” and commended her for being so “immersed” in the routine. Len added that it had “plenty of tricks, plenty of treats. It was a proper Halloween [dance]… it scared the pants off of me.”
Derek echoed that he’s “gonna have nightmares” and noted “that was sensational, well done.”
Score: 40/40
Vinny Guadagnino and Koko Iwasaki
Vinny Guadagninoadmitted he felt “disappointed” after last week’s performance and scores. “It’s like a punch to the gut. Obviously, I’m still on the bottom of the leaderboard,” he said.
TheJersey Shorestar continued, “This means so much to me but this is my journey here. Being a non-dancer, sometimes I don’t do it that great on the stage… one thing I know I’m in control of is to keep trying.”
As he rehearsed for his Halloween routine, Vinny said he was excited “to finally be a bad guy.” He added, “I’m tired of being the good guy. Nice guys finish last… literally.”
Derek said he “really felt” one particular moment of the dance, noting that there was “texture in that movement” and pushed for Vinny to continue mastering that.
Bruno said there was “absolutely nothing toxic” in the dance, referencing Vinny’s costume which featured yellow toxic tape, and urged him to “embody more, but you’re doing well.” Carrie Ann added that she “appreciates” Vinny’s effort but also provided constructive criticism about his technique.
Vinny reminded everyone he has “zero dance experience” after his performance and said he’s “a work in progress” while speaking to Alfonso.
Score: 30/40
Heidi D’Amelio and Artem Chigvintsev
Heidi D’Ameliosaid she felt “so happy” after earning her first 10 last week and finishing above Wayne Brady on the leaderboard. Of her proximity on the scoreboard to daughter Charli, Heidi added, “I wanna stay right in her reach and just keep going.”
The D’Amelio Showstar and partnerArtem Chigvintsevdecided to incorporate an elastic band into their routine, which Heidi said was a “big risk” and could potentially lead to a “bottom two-type of disaster” if not used properly.
Derek gave Heidi and Artem a standing ovation and called it her “best dance.” Bruno said she “hit every [move]” and noted that she had “power and precision and drive.”
Carrie Ann noted that she and Charli both have consistent “precision” but disagreed with Derek about the beginning of the dance and said it “didn’t feel convincing.” Len agreed and urged Heidi to “come out and push it a little more.”
Speaking to Alfonso after her dance, Heidi said, “I thought it showed strength and breaking free and I was happy with it… for me, I have to just keep giving more every single time.”
“I think I have more to give and I just want more opportunity to give that,” she added.
Score: 37/40
But things changed on Wednesday when Valtested positive for COVIDand was unable to compete. Stepping into his role was fellow proAlan Bersten, who was eliminated last week with partnerJessie James Decker.
“I’m nervous because it took me awhile to get comfortable with Val coming into my space,” the formerBachelorettestar admitted. “Alan and I need to get comfortable with each other. I really hope I don’t slip down the leaderboard again.”
Len felt the routine was a “little bit too hurried” while Derek praised it as “bloody brilliant.”
Score: 38/40
Wayne Brady and Witney Carson
During rehearsals, Witney said she planned to use Wayne’s strengths of taking on a character and telling a story through their dance. Wayne was in full agreement and ready to cement his place on the top of the leaderboard. “I got my eye on prize, I’m bouncing back and the kid’s ready,” he said.
Len noted it was “full of attack” but said he “would’ve liked somehow to see a different side to it.” Derek disagreed, calling the dance “fantastic” and Wayne’s talent “unparalleled in the competition.”
Bruno commended the dance as “an absolutely clever routine” and added, “It was superb.”
Despite his ongoing injuries, Wayne said he was proud of his efforts and told Alfonso, “You know what? I pull it the hell down.”
Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater
The duo then performed their Contemporary routine, and Len commended it as “lyrical and musical.” Derek praised the “execution” of the dance and added, “To see this growth in you and this love of dance, we feel it, brother. That was fantastic.”
Bruno celebrated it as the “most beautiful gothic romance” and “brilliant,” while Carrie Ann called the routine “spectacular.” She added, “That was amazing. The partnership is beautiful!”
Speaking about his connection to the dance, Trevor told Alfonso, “It was a story, it was a story of mourning, of loss, of love, of desperation, of solitude, it just felt like something I could connect with, that so many people could connect with.”
As he teared up, the actor added that it was particularly emotional for him because he’s had “friends recently who I’ve lost, and this dance connected with me.” Trevor then earned his first 10’s of the season.
Team Dance Competition
In honor of Halloween, the celebrities and their partners got to participate in a team dance competition. Since Vinny and Trevor were in the bottom two last week, they got to be the captains of their respective teams and choose their teammates.
During rehearsals, the group all expressed their enjoyment in working together but also shared their fear about being the “weakest link,” especially during the solo parts of the dance.
Len said he would’ve “liked a little more choreography” from the others while each couple was performing their solo part, but said he overall enjoyed it. Derek also called it a “solid team dance” and Bruno echoed his sentiments, calling it a “fantastic team effort.”
The judges ultimately gave Team Wicked a score of 33/40.
Like theirDWTScounterparts, the groups were focused on “giving it their all” and mastering their solo parts.
After their routine, Derek specifically called out Daniel for his progress during the number, and Bruno praised the routine as a whole. Carrie Ann called it “really amazing” and commended their “strategy.” Len said it was “another strong performance.”
The judges then gave their scores, and Team Scream walked away with a 39/40.
Results
Carrie Ann voted for Heidi and Artem, while Derek and Bruno both voted for Jordin and Brandon. The decision ultimately came down to head judge Len, who chose to save Heidi and Artem.
With this, Jordin and Brandon were sent home in Week 7.
“It’s been so good, it’s been life changing, really. How many people get this opportunity?” Jordin later said, adding that she loved being able to do “something different and new.”
“Thank you guys for inviting me into your world. I’m gonna do more dances after this,” Jordin vowed. “And I have to give so much credit to Brandon for putting up with me… I couldn’t have done this without you.”
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Dancing with the Starsairs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on Disney+.
source: people.com
