Last week was an emotional mess. First Tamar is sick, then she has a miraculous recovery. Then Alexa has two perfect performances, and then is eliminated from the competition. Then Tamar drops out, explaining that her illness was MUCH worse than originally thought. So Tamar’s gone, Alexa is gone. And I’m just feeling a little sad and underwhelmed.
Tonight, or the first time in DWTS history, the couples have to dance three dances in the semis: a dance style not yet danced, a trio, and a dance-off challenge, which is a recent edition. For the trio dance, couples picked a dancer to enhance their performance and highlight the strengths of each star. Peta Murgatroyd returns to the Ballroom this season to dance with Nick and Sharna; Karina Smirnoff will dance with Carlos and Witney; Bindi and Derek chose Mark Ballas to be in their trio; and Emma Slater will dance with Alek and Lindsay. For the dance-off challenge, Nick and Bindi will compete against each other, dancing a samba, and Alek and Carlos will face-off, dancing a cha cha. The judges will score the dances, and each couple that wins the dance-off challenge will be awarded three additional points.
Phew, I’m exhausted after just typing all of that! That is a lot of dancing to remember, right? Well, let’s get our dancing shows on and get boogying!
Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough 1-855-234-5604
Dancing a salsa to “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” by Sia
We got to learn more about Bindi’s outstanding life and her unconventional upbringing at Ustralia Zoo. I love her even more. Her life is like a movie!! First, her younger brother Robert is simply adorable; he’s as wonderfully mature as his sister. And it’s remarkable to see how Bindi has grown this season, and think of the number of people she’s been able to reach with her message of animal conservation. And as you’d guess, her dance to Sia’s take on the song from Annie was as adorable as you’d imagine “It’s raining happiness!” Bindi gushes.
Julianne: I wish I would have seen a little more down and dirty, but the music called for a lighter, brighter dance.
Bruno: I feel like holiday season celebrations have started right here!
Carrie Ann: I thought it was a great way to start the semi-finals.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 9, Julianne: 9, Bruno: 9, total: 27 out of 30.
Alek Skarlatos & Lindsay Arnold 1-855-234-5601
Dancing a waltz to “America the Beautiful” by Ray Chew Live
Alek is America’s sweetheart, and the close bond that Alek has had with his train buddies Spencer and Anthony. The trio grew up with dreams of saving the world, and, they kinda did. Alek talks about his decision to join the National Guard and the dramatic way his life changed in a split-second. And who doesn’t love a song with an American Flag flapping in the background. All it needed as a line of WWII veterans saluting the flag and I would have gone into full-blown tears mode.
Bruno: I can not believe how far you’ve come in this competition!
Carrie Ann: This is where you shine your brightest, when you’re being steadfast and noble.
Julianne: I’m so glad that you had a ballroom dance tonight. You felt so comfortable, your performance was there, your technique was there.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 10, Julianne: 10, Bruno: 10, total: 30 out of 30.
Carlos PenaVega & Witney Carson 1-855-234-5605
Dancing contemporary piece to “Drag Me Down” by One Direction
I’m still so sad that Alexa was eliminated last week. Carlos’ reaction was heartbreaking. But now, Carlos is dancing for his wife. It was so fun to see how his brothers and dad support him, and he was very open about the estranged relationship he has with his mom. Carlos’s routine included rope work, which is something that I’ve never seen before.
Carrie Ann: I have mixed feelings about this. At times, I didn’t quite get it.
Julianne: You executed that very well … What I was noticing, you lost your connection.
Bruno: That was like Tarzan going to Cirque de Soleil with a bit of Thunder From Down Under thrown in for good measure!
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 9, Julianne: 9, Bruno: 10, total: 28 out of 30.
Nick Carter & Sharna Burgess 1-855-234-5610
Dancing a tango to “Scars” by Alesso f. Ryan Tedder
Nick admits to the mistakes that he’s made in his life and the troubled upbringing that shaped his early years. He used his family’s fame and money to try to solve all of his family’s problems, and his fame turned to alcohol, drugs and partying. Nick still blames himself for his sister’s drug overdose, and thinks that he let a lot of people down. Thankfully, Nick removed himself form his fast, Hollywood lifestyle and is trying to live a clean, and healthy life. And to accomplish this, he has a supportive wife, friends and family by his side.
Julianne: I love the pep talk in the middle, you have to keep going when things happen.
Bruno: You look the part and you played the part beautifully. Mistakes do happen.
Carrie Ann: That was a mistake…come back and do what you’re going to do for the rest of the night.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 8, Julianne: 8, Bruno: 8, total: 24 out of 30.
We’re back and after we watched Val dance a steamy dance with a member of the troupe, we got an in-depth look at and explanation of the very real danger Tamar is facing with multiple blood clots in her lungs.
Then, on a happier note, it’s time to duel! Each pair is looking for extra points, so they’re dancing all-out in these face-off dances.
Alek and Carlos will face-off first, dancing a cha cha to the same song, one after another. They’re both cheeky and fun, but not mind-blowing. But it’s the second dance of the night, so who can blame them?!?
Julianne: You definitely sold it Alek. Carols, your technique was spot on.
Bruno: It was a chest-off! Alek, you’re cornering the eagle market. Carlos, wiggly bum, wiggly bum, wiggly bum!
Carrie Ann: You were both polar opposites, but well done.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: Alex, Julianne: Carlos, Bruno: Carlos, Winner: Carlos, raising his score to 31 out of 30.
Then Bindi and Nick competed against each other, dancing a samba. Bindi wasn’t as sexy as Nick, he’s just a hot guy, but she brought the hip action that was lacking from her first performance.
Bruno: Both of you, considering the time you had, I can’t believe how much content you had. Bindi-where did that hip action come from?
Carrie Ann: Nick, I’m glad you got out of your head, you came back strong! Bindi, I asked for grit, and you came back and said “Grriiiiiiit”
Julianne: I like that Bindi came out and made a point to say, “Watch it” and Nick you’ve been great all season long, you brought it.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: Bindi, Julianne: Bindi, Bruno: Bindi, Winner: Bindi, raising her score from the earlier round to 30 out of 30.
After two dances, the scores were as follows:
Carlos 31 out of 30
Bindi 30 out of 30
Alek 30 out of 30
Nick 24 out of 30
It’s time for triple trouble!
Bindi Irwin & Derek Hough & Mark Ballas 1-855-234-5604
Dancing jazz to “Resolve” by Nathan Lanier
What happens when you combine the king of production and the king of choreography? You get perfection. Their routing was impossible and interesting and fascinating and otherworldly.
Julianne: You are like my little ninja warrior princess.
Bruno: A totally compelling work of genius.
Carrie Ann: Whooooooooo! Whoah Whoa, Wow, Wow That was like a professional dance company!
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 10, Julianne: 10, Bruno: 10, total: 30 out of 30.
Alek Skarlatos & Lindsay Arnold & Emma Slater 1-855-234-5601
Dancing an Argentine Tango to “Ex’s and Oh’s” by Elle King
Is it any surprise that Alek picked his sexy switch-up partner Emma (whom he’s been crushing on all season). Emma and Lindsay have the same body type and all Alek had to do was flip them around with his giant muscles.
Bruno: One thing is for sure, it takes three to tango!
Carrie Ann: I’m impressed; you’re so sure-footed.
Julianne: I think it’s smart that you brought Emma back. You lost steam at the end.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 9, Julianne: 9, Bruno: 9, total: 27 out of 30.
Carlos PenaVega & Witney Carson & Karina Smirnoff 1-855-234-5605
Dancing Charleston to “Booty Swing” Parov Stelar
They’re all virgins … of the Charleston. I can’t believe that in all of their time on DWTS, that neither Karina nor Witney has ever danced a Charleston. And this is Carlos’ first time too, but you couldn’t tell, because he killed it!
Carrie Ann: That was so fun! The Charleston is the Carlos-ston!
Julianne: You completely took over that dance, it was tight, it was clean.
Bruno: Carlos, you stole the show from the girls!
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 9, Julianne: 10, Bruno: 10, total: 29 out of 30.
Nick Carter & Sharna Burgess & Peta Murgatroyd 1-855-234-5610
Dancing a salsa to “No Doubt About It” from The Empire Cast
It’s so great to see Peta back! She had to pull out of this season when she got injured (Allison Holker was her last-minute replacement) and they’re planning on bringing sexy back. Nick looks like he’s having more fun than he’s ever had.
Julianne: It’s good to see you Peta. Second of All, Everything you have to offer, all of “The Nick” was in that dance.
Bruno: That’s how you come back, with a huge, massive hit!
Carrie Ann: Phew! You cam back and that was the most solid you’ve ever been on your feet.
Judges Scores: Carrie Ann: 10, Julianne: 10, Bruno: 10, total: 30 out of 30.
After three dances in one night, Bindi & Derek and Carlos & Witney both had 60 out of 60. Alek & Lindsay earned a 57 out of 60 and Nick & Sharna had erned a 54 out of 60.
Then, the judges’ scores were combined with the fans votes to determine the contestants dancing in the finals. Alek & Lindsay are the first couples announced safe. And then Carlos & Witney are announced safe. And although we knew they were safe, apparently Bindi didn’t know she wouldn’t be eliminated, because the look on her face was so pricelessly relieved. I’m glad that we don’t have to say goodbye to anyone this week. But next week it’ll be tough to see a couple get so close to the finals and be eliminated before Tuesday’s finale.
How to Vote
This week (week ten), viewers may cast their votes for their favorite couples via phone on Monday during and up to 60 minutes after the end of the Dancing with the Stars broadcast in each time zone. Online voting at www.ABC.com and on Facebook at https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ is open for 24 hours, beginning from the start of each episode on the East Coast at 8:00pm, ET/5:00pm, PT and closing at 8:00pm, ET/5:00pm, PT on Tuesday evenings.
Find Season 21 voting phone numbers here!
Dancing With The Stars > ABC > Mondays at 8pm ET/PT
