It’s time to say goodbye to the first eliminated contestant of Dancing With the Stars‘ season 25—and sadly for Shark Tank (and Keo Motsepe fans), it’s 68-year-old Barbara Corcoran. While Barbara was far from the worst first contestant to be eliminated, her rather over-the-top obsession with Keo made for plenty of awkward moments that didn’t impress DWTS voters. (In her goodbye speech, Barbara said it was “such an honor” to compete on the show, while Tom Bergeron mentioned that he’d love to see a dance-off between her and Charo. Yes, please.)
Elimination aside, the show saw a few more front-runners take their place alongside Lindsey Sterling and Jordan Fisher, but another elimination looms tomorrow night. Until then, let’s get to this evening’s performances!
Debbie Gibson and Alan Bersten: Debbie had a strong outing in week one, but she came out with a vengeance tonight. Gaining on last week’s score by a full three points, the ’80s singer exuded a newfound confidence with her quickstep. And knowing about her physical struggles with chronic pain, it was even more impressive. Alan’s hard work is already paying off. Score: 20/30
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev: Nikki did a 180 from her saucy premiere week dance by performing an elegant waltz. She said she wants to prove she can be elegant, but Nik, I hope you’re doing that for yourself and no one else. The judges loved the performance and noted that she and Artem really came together as one. With a partner like Artem, that’s easy to do. Score: 21/30
Lindsey Sterling and Mark Ballas: Oh how I’ve missed Mark Ballas and his stunning choreography. This guy can imagine and execute a performance like no one else. Lindsey and Mark’s garden-themed quickstep was visually stunning and technically on point. If Mark came back to win another Mirrorball (and you know he did), he’s definitely on his way. Score: 21/30
Barbara Corcoran and Keo Motsepe: I’ve never seen anyone start their tango by singing along, but you gotta love Barbara’s enthusiasm. Sadly, we won’t see more of that (or Barbara gushing over Keo’s abs) since she was the first contestant eliminated this season. Score: 17/30
Nick Lachey and Peta Murgatroyd: Let’s start with the highlights: Peta’s stunning Sound of Music-inspired dress, and Vanessa Lachey’s sweet and tearful reaction to her husband’s foxtrot. As for Nick’s performance, it wasn’t a low point, but Len Goodman remarked that he really wants to see him be more confident out on the dance floor. Score: 19/30
Drew Scott and Emma Slater: Earlier this afternoon, DWTS‘ social media accounts posted breaking news that Drew was injured and may not be able to dance tonight. Really? I can think of other things to consider “breaking” in this day and age. But lucky for Drew and Emma fans, there was no sign of injury in his quickstep because he pretty much nailed it. Score: 20/30
Vanessa Lachey and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: Even if Vanessa Lachey doesn’t win the mirrorball this season, she might end up being my favorite contestant on the show. Her spirit is infectious, her sense of humor is awesome, and she’s “liquid gold,” per Carrie Ann Inaba. And the dancing? All 8s. Amazing. Score: 24/30
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson: Bruno called Frankie’s performance a “missile right on target,” while Carrie Ann referred to it as an “explosion.” And based on that performance, Frankie might be this season’s dark horse. Score: 23/40
Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke: Terrell said there’s nothing in football that can help him in dance, so maybe this is where last season’s champ Rashad Jennings should make a cameo. Cheryl, meanwhile, had no patience for Terrell’s frustrations and rightfully put him in his place. Please, keep these two around for nothing else than to see her show him who’s boss. Oh, and their hot and sexy dance. That was worth it, too. (Sorry, Len “it was a little too raunchy for me” Goodman.) Score: 20/30
Sasha Pieterse and Gleb Savchenko: Last week Sasha said she was doing DWTS to get in shape for her upcoming wedding, but perhaps now we know the real reason (in case you missed it, Freeform announced today that a Pretty Little Liars spin-off is definitely happening). Knowing that ABC/Disney loves to promote its own talent, this makes perfect sense given that a whole new audience is bound to fall in love with the PLL alum. Her spirit is infectious, but her dancing tonight (to be fair, basically Gleb’s choreography) wasn’t up to Len Goodman’s high standards (on the other hand, he contradicted himself and then gave the couple an 8). Score: 23/30
Victoria Arlen and Val Chmerkovskiy: I still can’t get over the fact that Victoria can dance like that and has no feeling in her legs. Per Carrie Ann, every single movement was so polished, and even she can’t figure out how she’s doing it. Len calls it a super duper dance; for once, I think everyone in the studio agreed with him. (Watch the dance, to Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do,” here.) Score: 24/30
Derek Fisher and Sharna Burgess: Anyone else feel like a couple Sesame Street characters were going to pop their heads through the yellow and red-colored houses here? No? Maybe I’m the only one. Anyway, Carrie Ann said Derek danced a little “small,” so maybe a couple of eccentric puppets to cheer him on would have done the trick. Len said he wants more from Derek, too, but Bruno said he has the quality of a great performer. Hilariously, Derek’s mom said the judges were “spot on” and her son “will get it.” Score: 19/30
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold: Seriously, Jordan? Keep dancing like that and I’m going to have nothing to say. I guarantee you if it was later in the season, this would have gotten some 10s, but in keeping with the “growth” theme of the show, the judges were a bit nitpick-y. Seriously, I have no idea what they found fault with. Score: 24/30
PS: Tomorrow is another DWTS elimination—come back to this post for the recap and results.
Source link
