I Have Nothing to say except… after tonight, I know all I’ll be thinking is, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” How Will I Know this? Because it’s Whitney Houston Night on Dancing With The Stars!
Billy Porter acts as a guest judge tonight while the couples dance to legendary songs by a legendary artist, and later take part in a Dance-Off.
Last week’s Music Video Night sadly saw the end of the road for Lele and Brandon after the couples recreated some iconic music video moments and competed in team dances.
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DWTS 32 Spoilers: Whitney Houston Night Dance Styles, Song Choices
The show opens with Billy Porter performing “How Will I Know” while the pros dance.
Harry and Rylee – Viennese Waltz – “I Have Nothing”
This song is too beautiful and perfect to have 1) lackluster choreo and 2) this star dancing to it. It always disappoints me when they give the best songs to the not-so-great dancers. At this point, Harry just hasn’t improved at all. There’s not much more to say about this.
Derek says he had some breakthrough moments but he dances too small sometimes. Billy says he’s grown and the seduction was at a 5 when he likes to see it at a 10. Bruno says he tried hard to keep the 1,2,3 timing. Carrie Ann says she saw grace in every movement and he’s come far.
Carrie Ann- 7, Derek- 7, Billy- 7, Bruno- 7 = 28/40
Jason and Daniella – Samba – “Higher Love”
Daniella coming in with that unique choreo once again! That backward stairs step was excellent! I’ll admit though, this may be Jason’s weakest dance. He’s been a contender all season, but Samba is tough, and he didn’t quite perfect it like he has the other dances.
Also shout out to David Archuleta bopping along front and center in the audience!
Billy says he loved his character and connection, but criticizes the way Jason kept mouthing the words. Bruno says it was high content and high quality but he messed up a lot. Carrie Ann says it was too casual and he didn’t finish his moves enough. Derek says it was a proper Samba and he must have blinked when the mistakes happened.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 9, Billy- 8, Bruno- 8 = 33/40
Alyson and Sasha – Contemporary – “Greatest Love Of All”
First off, gorgeous dress. I wish Alyson just had a tad more musicality but she’s really one who has rapidly improved. What was that acrobatic moment?? She killed this one. Felt like a more unique take on a Contemporary.
Bruno says it was deeply felt and compliments that acrobatic step. Carrie Ann says it’s been a long time since she’s cried on the panel and compliments the storytelling. Derek says she’s got beautiful energy and what was beautiful was that she was dancing for you. Billy compliments the connection and storytelling.
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Billy- 9, Bruno- 8 = 33/40
Xochitl and Val – Tango – “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
Really disappointed the show couldn’t have just done a nice Cha Cha to this song, but that’s besides the point. I do, however, love when they use a pop song for a Tango. The fact Xochitl is doing these Tango steps in heels with a sprained ankle is so impressive though. Felt like a classic Tango to a more unconventional song.
Carrie Ann says it was flawless. Derek says that is how you do a Tango! Billy compliments her lines and spotting and calls it magical. Bruno says she’s on top of the game and her superpower is Tango!
Carrie Ann- 10, Derek- 10, Billy- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40
Barry and Peta – Rumba – “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”
Beautiful dance to a beautiful song. Classic Rumba, Peta looks beautiful, and Barry is keeping up. Peta did most of the dancing here and I wouldn’t say this was Barry’s best.
Derek says he’s captured the hearts of America and compliments his figure 8 hips. Billy says he knows how to show up and show out but thinks he needs to be challenged more. Bruno says he had it all tonight. Carrie Ann says there was an intensity in his performance tonight but critiques his hips.
Scores after the break!
Carrie Ann- 8, Derek- 8, Billy- 8, Bruno- 8 = 32/40
Charity and Artem – Viennese Waltz – “I Will Always Love You”
Once again, gorgeous dance to a gorgeous song. Viennese is one of my favorites so this was a joy to watch. Charity didn’t quite seem 100% into it like she has past weeks, she almost looked distracted, and it showed in her dancing unfortunately. There was nothing really standout about this other than it being a beautiful, classic Viennese Waltz.
Billy calls it gorgeous but calls her limbs “Olive Oil-y” and critiques her spotting. Bruno says it was classy but reminds her to not cut her moves short. Carrie Ann calls her a beautiful dancer but says they want connection to the movement. Derek says he wants to give her a 10 so bad but then critiques her arm and energy.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 9, Billy- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40
Ariana and Pasha – Paso Doble – “Queen Of The Night
This dance started out way too bouncy for a Paso. Has Ariana even done Samba yet? Why is she bouncing? This whole thing feels like a very modern Paso, in an unappealing way. She looks very awkward doing all of these steps.
Bruno says she dominated the performance. Carrie Ann says she doesn’t miss a moment but there were awkward moments (did Carrie Ann and I just agree??). Derek compliments her arms and texture in her body and calls it a fantastic Paso. Billy says he feels like he needs to stand and says it was clean and compliments her legs.
Carrie Ann- 9, Derek- 10, Billy- 10, Bruno- 10 = 39/40
Now it’s time for the Dance-Off!
Alyson and Sasha vs Harry and Rylee – Rumba – “One Moment In Time”
Neither of these couples has done a Rumba yet so this will be interesting. I like the way Alyson and Sasha went right into the dance, unlike Harry and Rylee just walking, but this is another moment where Alyson’s lack of musicality shows. Alyson picks it up for the second half though while Harry doesn’t improve (much like this entire season…). Harry spinning Rylee was pretty at the end though.
Carrie Ann says Harry told the story more while Alyson danced tiny circles around Harry. Derek says as a whole, he preferred Harry’s performance, but Alyson had a leg up when it came to the dancing. Billy says both were fantastic and the growth is exponential. Bruno says they were both inspired by the music and Harry and Rylee’s romance felt very real to him (because it is LOL).
The winners are Alyson and Sasha, who get 3 bonus points added to their score.
Barry and Peta vs Jason and Daniella – Salsa – “It’s Not Right (But It’s Ok)”
Jason feels a little sloppy with this one, not gonna lie, while Barry’s out here with all the moves!! Jason and Daniella have an advantage with being able to do lifts, while Barry just ripped his shirt open!? Barry has so much rhythm, it blows me away every time. Technique aside, Barry is the one to watch during this dance-off. Jason picked it up near the end though.
Derek says he wants to be like Barry when he grows up, and says Jason is phenomenal. Billy says they all showed up and showed out, but tells Bary skin always wins. Bruno says Barry drew his attention and it’ll be hard to call. Carrie Ann says it’s like comparing apples and oranges, Jason had a lot of fun while Barry stole the moves.
The winner is Barry and Peta, who get 3 bonus points added to their score.
Xochitl and Val vs Charity and Artem – Cha Cha – “So Emotional”
Finally we’ve got some Cha Cha up in this ballroom tonight! Xochitl just makes every step and every move looks flawless. Charity sometimes looks like she’s trying too hard. Charity is also a bit too stompy in this one. Xochitl has great, natural Latin motion.
Billy says every moment counts and compliments Charity’s fringe pants. Bruno says it was the battle of the divas and they had very individual styles. Carrie Ann says it was exciting to watch but one was more competitive. Derek says Xochitl has charisma while Charity was precise.
The winner is Charity and Artem, who get 3 bonus points added to their score.
The bottom three are… Barry and Peta, Charity and Artem and Jason and Daniella.
Going home is… Barry and Peta.
I don’t know why DWTS is allowing Harry and Rylee to beat out other deserving couples this long. It’s so unpleasant to watch. I’m excited to be back next week for the highly anticipated Taylor Swift Night!!
