‘Dancing with the Stars’ Hair Metal Night recap: Competition rocked by another double elimination [Updating Live Blog]
Are you ready to rock? “Dancing with the Stars” celebrates “Hair Metal Night” on Tuesday, October 8, ending this week’s special two-night event that started on Monday with “Soul Train Night.” No one was eliminated from the show that night, so those judges’ scores and viewer votes will be combined with tonight’s to determine who goes home in what will be another double elimination. Scroll down for our live blog with all our minute-by-minute commentary throughout the night.
The following 11 couples are still competing for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson, “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson, NBA champion Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach, TV star Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong, Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten, model Brooks Nader and pro Gleb Savchenko, Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold, reality star Phaedra Parks and pro Val Chmerkovskiy, actor Eric Roberts and pro Britt Stewart, “The Bachelorette” star Jenn Tran and pro Sasha Farber, and actor Reginald VelJohnson and pro Emma Slater.
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In addition to those 11 competitive performances, the evening will include an opening number choreographed by “DWTS” pro Pasha Pashkov to “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS. Speaking of KISS, that band’s co-founder Gene Simmons will join Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli at the judges’ table to evaluate the couples’ routines. And Derek will present another master class on dance, this time focusing on lifts and tricks. Find out what happens — and what we think about it — below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).
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Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Paso Doble)
Daniel Montgomery, 8:04pm — One of many paso dobles we’ll be seeing tonight. Paso doble is tough, and I want to keep seeing improvement from him. I don’t want him to plateau.
JUDGES — Bruno thought he put everything he had into it, but he has to keep the power without losing the artistry. He’s got the power, but needs more finesse. Carrie Ann loved the attitude and attack, but it needs to be shifted and added finesse. Derek noticed some timing issues, but it was well done. Gene says some words, calls Witney beautiful, and “Wham bam thank you ma’am!”
DM, 8:10pm — Whoa, some parts of that looked like he messed up dramatically. Can’t tell if I saw it right.
Jeffrey Kare, 8:10 — Looked to me like it had some rockin’ potential.
DM, 8:11pm — Makes you wonder if seeing it in person makes a difference.
JK, 8:12pm — Makes you wonder if seeing it in person makes a difference.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Gene (9), Bruno (7) = 30 out of 40
DM, 8:13pm — Either way, I actually agree with those 7s. That 9 from Gene was kinda silly. I hope he doesn’t go overboard like that all night.
JK, 8:13pm — I absolutely agree with the latter.
Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater (Cha Cha)
DM, 8:15pm — He tries hard. He had his knee replaced, so his legs hurt. But Emma is giving him more choreography it sounds like. Best of luck to him.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann notices he does less choreography than anyone else, but the audience is still with him. Derek thought his upper half was good, he was right on time. Gene says it’s all in the attitude, and Reginald has the attitude. Bruno thought Reginald definitely had the look.
JK, 8:20pm — Typical Reginald performance…shocker (NOT!)
DM, 8:20pm — Poor Reggie. He definitely stopped moving by the end of that routine. Some decent moments of choreography in hold, but Emma literally danced circles around him. Bless him, though. I hope I’m up to this show in my 70s.
JK, 8:20pm — At least he has a fan who’s been constantly supporting him (according to Derek).
DM, 8:23pm — I wonder if his fans will keep him around again.
JK, 8:24pm — Tonight should be telling.
JK, 8:25pm — Gene’s probably about to give him bonus points for that.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Derek (5), Gene (5), Bruno (5) = 21 out of 40
JK, 8:25pm — Never mind.
DM, 8:25pm — Wow, I was afraid Gene was gonna give another 9 or something.
Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Jive)
DM, 8:26pm — Chandler isn’t really a rebel like hair metal requires, but she’s still the best dancer in the competition, so I’m always expecting a lot.
JUDGES — Derek thinks she’s in a league of her own, but she needs to work on stamina. Gene says she fogged up his glasses, she’s got a future in dance and should stick to it. Bruno thought her performing instincts are flawless. There was a little slip, and she needs to keep the flicks and kicks sharper. Carrie Ann also thinks she needs to clean it up and hit it harder.
DM, 8:31pm — Fast paced, clean (I think, maybe one mistake early on, but I might be seeing things tonight), excellent.
JK, 8:31pm — Contrary to the song, we’re definitely gonna take that performance.
DM, 8:32pm — Some of Gene’s “judging” is bordering on creepy, though. Keeps commenting on the women’s physical beauty. Chandler fogging up his glasses with her gyrations, yeesh.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Gene (9), Bruno (8) = 33 out of 40
Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko (Cha Cha)
DM, 8:36pm — They keep talking about how hot last night’s rumba was. I thought it actually had quite good choreography and Gleb kept the sexy in check. And I think she has what it takes to nail the cha cha.
JUDGES — Gene thinks her vibe and personality are out of this world. Bruno thinks she delivers a good time, and it was improved all the way with her balance and movement. Carrie Ann thought it was focused and when a woman had something to prove, get out of her way. Derek praises the clean lines and the epic overall dance.
DM, 8:41pm — Really good when the content was there. I still think there coulda been more of the actual cha cha choreo.
JK, 8:41pm — Smashing!
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Gene (9), Bruno (8) = 33 out of 40
DM, 8:43pm — Gene’s playing fast and loose with those paddles, keying in a 9 and then trying to give a 10. He needs to chill out LOL
JK, 8:43pm — Especially after a little mix up with the score he meant to give.
DM, 8:44pm — Either way, those scores might move her up the leaderboard and save her.
JK, 8:45pm — Agreed
Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Foxtrot)
DM, 8:47pm — He’s gotta get the timing and energy under control. This dance’s challenge will be getting his feet to match the beat.
JUDGES — Bruno thought he gave beautiful lines and heel leads. Carrie Ann appreciated that he took the notes and applied them. Storytelling is next. Derek also notices he worked on the frame and timing, but there needs to be more stride across the floor. Gene thinks he has personality in his body, which means … something.
DM, 8:52pm — You could really feel him focusing on his timing and rhythm. I don’t think it was his breakthrough dance quite yet, but he’s moving in the right direction.
JK, 8:52pm — Probably the first dance of the night with heart.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Gene (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40
DM, 8:53pm — Well deserved 8s
Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Paso Doble)
DM, 8:59pm — They had a disastrous dance last night. I really hope they redeem themselves. They have such potential, and this is a good dance style for someone with something to prove.
JUDGES — Carrie isn’t noticing the height difference because they solved that problem. Derek thought he was the comeback king, and this might have been his best dance. Gene calls him a powerful and attractive man, and the dance was a slam dunk. Bruno thought it was a return to form, but he needs to not break his hands in order to improve his shaping.
DM, 9:03pm — Definitely better than last night’s dance, but he still coulda cleaned up that paso doble some.
JK, 9:03pm — I agree about it being a step up from last night.
DM, 9:05pm — I sense he’ll get 8s. I’d personally give a 7, but I’m channeling my inner Len Goodman and being a stickler.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (7), Gene (7), Bruno (7) = 29 out of 40
DM, 9:08pm — Wow, surprised by those scores considering the comments. Glad most of them agreed with me haha
Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart (Paso Doble)
DM, 9:09pm — They’re using the paso doble to tell the story of Eric’s comeback from his car accident. Again, a good dance style when you’ve got something to prove.
JUDGES — Derek loves his spirit, but he lost time. Gene thought he ruled. Bruno thought his attitude and intent were brilliant, and there was good content, but his timing was off. Carrie Ann is impressed that he’s reconnecting with his own body, despite the mistakes in this routine.
DM, 9:12pm — Kind of a mess from Eric, I’m sorry to say. Looks like he was off his timing and steps for a lot of that.
JK, 9:13pm — The lighting designer knows how to make him look good….but not while he’s dancing.
DM, 9:13pm — I have a feeling he’s going home.
JK, 9:14pm — There’s a good chance of that happening tonight.
DM, 9:15pm — Especially after that awkward interview that Julianne Hough thought might be another “Nothing” moment, recalling Anna Delvey.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Derek (5), Gene (6), Bruno (5) = 22 out of 40
Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Jive)
DM, 9:18pm — She says jive is similar to rugby practice, so hopefully she’ll get those flicks and kicks down.
JUDGES — Gene thought it was magnificent. Bruno loved wild and wonderful and the attitude was perfect, but she went wrong many times. Carrie Ann loves how emotional and committed she was despite falling off the beat. Derek encourages her to come back like the athlete she is after a setback.
DM, 9:21pm — Ilona’s movements coulda been sharper and more precise, especially the flicks and kicks, but I love her, so good for her!
JK, 9:23pm — Really loved her kinetic energy.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (6), Gene (7), Bruno (6) = 26 out of 40
JK, 9:25pm — Man, Gene’s really struggling with the paddles tonight.
DM, 9:25pm — I really feel for her. It sucks to be disappointed in yourself. I didn’t notice as many mistakes as the judges and Ilona did.
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber (Paso Doble)
DM, 9:28pm — Jenn had a breakthrough dance last night, and paso doble, yet another paso doble, is another really dramatic style. And a potentially great showcase for her more intense side.
JUDGES — Bruno noticed that Sasha added everything the paso doble needs. Carrie Ann thinks she dances on the edge, and she hit it. Derek loved the knee walks across the floor. Gene thinks they’re a steamy couple, and Jenn delivered.
DM, 9:32pm — Really strong effort from Jenn. It could have used more intensity, but she went for it, and kudos to her for her focus.
JK, 9:33pm — She killed it!
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Gene (7), Bruno (8) = 31 out of 40
DM, 9:34pm — Wow, Gene Simmons was the Len Goodman on those scores. He’s really unpredictable, a scoring agent of chaos.
JK, 9:35pm — No kidding.
Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy (Paso Doble)
DM, 9:38pm — Sigh. Yet. Another. Paso. Doble. Four of the last five dances have been pasos. I think they should have spread these out a little, though it’s helpful to eb able to compare them directly to each other.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann and Derek noticed mistakes, though Derek thought it was a more dynamic performance than Carrie Ann did. Gene likes a bad boy and bad girl. Bruno thinks she needs to work on her free arm.
DM, 9:42pm — Phaedra had some bright spots, but it couda been a little better. Looked like Val was dragging her across the floor at times.
JK, 9:42pm — Despite channeling Tina Turner in terms of hairdo, she did solid work channeling Bon Jovi in terms of rhythm.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Gene (5), Bruno (7) = 26 out of 40
DM, 9:43pm — Where the frick did that 5 come from with Gene?!
JK, 9:43pm — Gene really is giving off Len Goodman vibes tonight.
DM, 9:43pm — Even Len would have given that at least a 6 LOL
Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Tango)
DM, 9:47pm — Okay, Joey, the door is open to take the top of the leaderboard. I didn’t realize this was his first time in frame, but I think he’s up to it.
JUDGES — Derek thought it was one of the best tangos from a male celebrity ever. The movements were precise. Gene says he has the goods. Bruno says that’s how you rock a tango and completely proper. His footwork and leg action were stunning. Carrie Ann calls it phenomenal.
JK, 9:52pm — A hurricane came to the ballroom, but it was in the form of Joey’s killer performance.
DM, 9:53pm — I wasn’t quite as wild about it as the judges, but I was really impressed by the footwork, and it was easily one of the best of the night.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Gene (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40
JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD
1. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Tango) — 34 + 36 = 70
2. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Jive) — 36 + 33 = 69
3. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Foxtrot) — 30 + 32 = 62
3. Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber (Paso Doble) — 31 + 31 = 62
5. Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko (Cha Cha) — 28 + 33 = 61
6. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Paso Doble) — 30 + 30 = 60
7. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Jive) — 30 + 26 = 56
7. Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy (Paso Doble) — 30 + 26 = 56
9. Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Paso Doble) — 23 + 29 = 52
10. Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart (Paso Doble) — 24 + 22 = 46
11. Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater (Cha Cha) — 21 + 21 = 42
DM, 9:55pm — Wow, Joey beat Chandler for the night and also beat Chandler when you combine the scores over the two nights!
JK, 9:55pm — There’s some truth to Cordell’s comments about Joey already being secured for the finals.
RESULTS
DM, 9:57pm — Safe from elimination are Joey (duh), Brooks (good for them!), Stephen (duh), and Chandler (duh). Also safe are Jenn (not surprised), Phaedra (a little surprised), Danny (not surprised), and Dwight (not surprised). The last safe celeb is … Ilona (whew!). That means Reginald VelJohnson and Eric Roberts are both out.
JK, 10:00pm — Not surprised nor sad about this.
DM, 10:00pm — I was a little worried for Phaedra there. Lucky for Brooks I think that she bumped up her scores so dramatically.
DM, 10:02pm — Doesn’t really clarify who has a strong fan base since they eliminated the bottom two on the judges’ leaderboard.
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