Following last night’s devastating mass shooting in Las Vegas, Dancing With the Stars began tonight with a moment of silence and an emotional introduction from host Tom Bergeron. “There’s an old saying the show must go on,” he began. “And it will. But first, all of us at Dancing With the Stars want to send our love, thoughts, and prayers to everyone touched by the violence in Las Vegas. Please know that we’re doing tonight’s show with you foremost in our minds and hearts.”
After that, the show jarringly went from a somber tribute to a high-spirited opening dance number—but as Tom said, the show must go on. Honestly, the “Guilty Pleasures” theme night was the pick-me-up we needed, and the contestants and dancers did not disappoint. ABC and DWTS productions also decided to forgo an elimination (a wise decision, in my opinion).
On a lighter note, Nick Lachey and Peta Murgatroyd put on one of the most hilarious and adorable routines the show has ever seen, thanks to a jazzercize number to the Pointer Sister’s ’80s hit, “Jump.” No matter how long Nick remains on the show, we owe the dancing gods a bit of gratitude for that one. Take a look, below.
The Dances:
Drew Scott and Emma Slater: It’s hard to believe this was the same Drew from premiere week, because that guy is no where to be found. He did a solid Argentine Tango that drew rave reviews from the judges and a couple of 8s. Score: 23/30
Derek Fisher and Sharna Burgess: The ’90s are back in style, and so is the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Sharna and Derek put on a spirited routine that scored a positive review from Len and a commitment from ABC to revive the series. (OK, just kidding on that last part.) Score: 21/30
Victoria Arlen and Val Chmerkovskiy: Victoria said the quickstep is the dance that scares her the most (while Val says it’s Chumbawamba’s “Tubthuming” that keeps him up at night), but it turns out neither of them had anything to fear. They nailed the quickstep and might have made sequined plaid a thing in the process. Score: 22/30
Vanessa Lachey and Maksim Chmerkovskiy Alan Bersten: For reasons unbeknownst to pretty much everyone but Maks, he was not able to compete on the show tonight (the hosts cited “personal reasons,” which is not something you often hear on DWTS). Whatever the reason, we hope everything is OK. Meanwhile, Alan—fresh off his elimination with Debbie Gibson—did his best Richard Gere impersonation to Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” while Vanessa continues her audition to be a future member of the troupe (which we fully endorse, by the way). She’s a natural. Score: 23/30
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev: Nikki said her guilty pleasure is romance, so naturally that meant she and Artem danced a Viennese Waltz to Fifty Shades of Grey. It was a sexy dance, but perhaps the best part was the end when Nikki’s fiancé, John Cena, made his first appearance on the ballroom floor to fight congratulate Artem. Watch the full dance here. Score: 21/30
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson: Apparently Frankie’s dream has always been to be in a boy band. So there’s only one thing to do: take Nick Lachey aside to get pointers for that boy band gaze. As it turns out, it’s very close to Joey Tribbiani’s “smell the fart acting” (and coordinated denim outfits). Anyway, as for the dance, it was actually pretty damn close to boy band perfection, but the judges deemed it only worthy of 7s. You know what they say to that? “Bye, bye, bye.” Score: 21/30
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas: Lindsey’s rehearsal package opened with her admitting that she broke up with her significant other of a year-and-a-half only a week ago, and she’s in need of some Ben & Jerry’s. But whatever broken heart Lindsey is nursing, it wasn’t evident in her spirited pajama-clad jive, which is one of the best that the show—and Mark—has ever produced. Score: 27/30
Sasha Pieterse and Gleb Savchenko: The Pillsbury doughboy would be so proud! Sasha and Gleb whipped up the best ingredients for their chef-themed jazz, but Len said it was lacking some of the same pizzaz from the previous weeks. Sure, whatever you say, Len. Score: 19/30
Nick Lachey and Peta Murgatroyd: Was I watching a jazzercise routine or auditions for GLOW season two? Either way, Nick and Peta channeled their inner ’80s athlete with sparkly leotards and leg warmers, and I’m sold. It is without a doubt the cutest, most spirited, most adorable routine I have ever seen. (That rehearsal romance package with Nick and Vanessa was a solid runner-up.) Nick, you are just what the day ordered. You can see the full dance here. Score: 21/30
Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke: Len Goodman said Terrell came back with a nice mix of salsa and fun; while it’s not exactly a touchdown, it was a good start. The real star is Cheryl Burke, though, who has gotten this guy in fighting shape. Score: 21/30
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold: Jordan’s guilty pleasure is superheroes and comic books, and it certainly served him well as inspiration for his Charleston. Carrie Ann called it one of the fastest dances she’s ever seen, but Len called out Jordan and Lindsay for the lack of an actual Charleston (he gives them a 7 in protest, while Carrie Ann and Bruno hand out 9s). Score: 25/30
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