‘Dancing With the Stars’ week 10 recap: And then there were three...
SPOILER ALERT: This recap of Week 10 of Dancing with the Stars contains spoilers.
Tonight marks the end of Dancing with the Stars’ fall edition — and what a long, strange trip it has been. The glittery 25th season of ABC’s celebrity ballroom comp has given us laughter, tears, blindside eliminations (that Nikki Bella-Vanessa Lachey double whammy still smarts) — all without a Hough in sight. Until last night.
Yes, Julianne Hough was back in the ballroom as a guest judge, doing her best glam-era Gwen Stefani. With a Hough finally in the house, all was right in the DWTS world as the final four couples danced a redemption dance and the all-important freestyles. Pitbull performed, Jules danced, and in a Twilight Zone moment, an American Idol golden ticket winner was even announced live!
But the happy vibe was put on pause when Drew Scott and Emma Slater were booted from the party just one dance step away from the mirrorball trophy. After delivering a massively improved Paso doble redemption dance and a near-perfect freestyle that featured a ton of troupe dancers, kicks, flicks, and tricks, the Property Brothers star was told his time was up.
“Look at this amazing, amazing talent,” a humbled Drew said of the remaining DWTS finalists. “I can’t even believe I’m here.”
You’re not, pal. And speaking of those amazingly talented finalists, two out of three of them ended the night with perfect scores.
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold: 40/40 + 40 /40 – 80 total
Redemption: Charleston, “Bad Man” by Pitbull. Len Goodman said Jordan and Lindsay’s Week 3 Charleston had…well, no Charleston in it. For the redemption version he demanded at least three recognizable Charleston steps, but the duo gave him much more than that. The high-energy dance was full of enough Charleston (and Lindy hop!) to put Julianne into shock. “The content was sharper than a Samurai sword,” Bruno Tonioli said. “You danced like two instruments perfectly in tune.”
Freestyle: “Puttin’ on the Ritz 2017 (Jazzy Radio Mix)” by Taco. The ritz was put on, all right. Lindsay choreographed a full-on freestyle for Jordan, complete with tricks, flips, stunts, and cool lighting. “It was everything but the kitchen sink,” Carrie Ann cheered. Bruno also loved the show-stopping dance, telling Jordan he has “the dancing DNA of Ben Vereen, Sammy Davis Jr. and Bob Fosse” all combined. “You’re a superstar,” he said.
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas: 40/40 + 40/40 – 80 total
Redemption: Quickstep, “Barflies at the Beach” by Royal Crown Revue. Coach Julianne was looking for a redo of Lindsey and Mark’s Week 2 quickstep to show off the violinist’s progression in the competition. After the couple completed what had to be the longest quickstep in DWTS history, Julianne concluded, “You nailed it!” Len was so impressed he used some American slang to describe the dance: “It was awesome,” he said.
Freestyle: “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor feat. Styles of Beyond/“Palladio” by Escala. Lindsey and Mark played quirky conductors swept away by the music in their epic freestyle dance. Mark gave great face as his partner (who, incidentally, is the last woman standing) wowed the judges with her moves. “That was you on crack dancing,” Carrie Ann told Lindsey. Bruno said the dance was orchestrated to perfection. “Bravo, maestro!”
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson: 38/40 + 38 /40 – 76 total
Redemption: Foxtrot, “I Won’t Dance” by Frank Sinatra. Carrie Ann was looking for an improvement on Frankie’s Week 1 foxtrot and she challenged him to do a solo this time. Mr. Debonair let it all out as the judges praised his form, shape, confidence, and, most importantly, newfound freedom.
Freestyle: “Run Boy Run” by Woodkid. Frankie and Witney could have played it safe with a lighthearted routine (a DWTS producer wanted them to), but they went rogue with a powerful and serious freestyle. A leather-clad Frankie became the Prince of Darkness as he pounded out his moves. Julianne praised the bold dance, saying it went beyond the competition.
The Dancing With the Stars finale airs Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 9 p.m. on ABC.
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