Welcome to week four of season twenty-five of Dancing with the Stars. Tonight is “Most Memorable Year,” so get those tissues and hankies ready to go. As usual, we will delve deep into the contestants most personal stories, ranging from the happy and inspirational to sad and unfortunate. This night always brings the emotion but it also has a history of being one of the strongest nights of the season since everyone is dancing to memories they are quite passionate about. When all is said and done, a third couple will be eliminated.
Last week, the producers decided not to eliminate anyone due to the Las Vegas tragedy and instead, had all the couples dance and return this week. It was a nice gesture for sure but now we have two weeks worth of scores and audience votes which means we have the chance to see a surprise go down tonight. It was an overall decent show, though probably the weakest of the season. Jordan and Lindsey continued to shine, a whole bunch of couples ended up very close together in scores, and only one pairing failed to make it out of the teens. Let’s see where you guys stood in terms of last week’s poll results.
The top three favorite couples remained the same, though the order changed. At the top, Jordan & Lindsay with 31% followed by Lindsey & Mark with 28% and Frankie & Witney at 17%. Only two couples had double digit scores for favorite routine of the night. The jive from Lindsey & Mark with 47% and Jordan & Lindsay‘s Charleston with 25%. Three couples had the most votes for least favorite dance. In first, Sasha & Gleb earning 35%. Next up, Terrell & Cheryl with 25% and Nick & Peta at 13%.
Even though 48% of you voted the show as above average with a “B,” it was close because 33% went with a “C” grade, feeling it was just an average episode. And what about tonight’s elimination? 45% believe this is it for Terrell & Cheryl and 33% think Sasha & Gleb could be out. Those two do seem like the obvious choices. But remember what I noted earlier. With two weeks of scores and viewer votes, it is entirely possible that a different pairing, say Nikki & Artem could be booted. It wouldn’t even shock me if this is the end of the line for Nick & Peta.
Beyond the dances and stories, it should be interesting to see how the show handles the Vanessa and Maks situation. Will their rehearsal package be all butterflies and rainbows? Or will either one, particularly Maks, have anything to say about what went down last week? From what I have heard, Maks went a bit over the top in rehearsal and Vanessa gave it back to him, resulting in the pro walking out and refusing to return to dance. I guess Vanessa is not like Maks’ usual partners who just look the other way when he turns on the aggression. I like both and I like them together so I hope all is settled and they can back to what has been a pretty decent journey on the show thus far.
So, that covers all my usual pre-show topics. Time to sit back, relax, and get to some dancing. Here we go…
We begin with a pre-taped package as the celebrities quickly talk about their most memorable years. And here come the stars. Vanessa and Maks look to be all smiles. :P
Frankie & Witney – Quickstep
Memorable year- 2017. Nice quickstep. That was a cute opening with the video graphics. Frankie handled the fast footwork well and it impresses me now knowing he has a bit of a memory issue. So kudos to him on getting steps right. It was a nice and basic routine and Frankie continues to be that little engine that could on this show. Without any glaring mistakes to note, this was a success. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len calls it light and fluffy. He appreciates the content. He wants him to work on his footwork here and there. Bruno feels tonight was much better than last week. Carrie Ann enjoys the joy that Frankie puts into his dances. She agrees this was better than last week.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Frankie by calling 1 800 868 3405 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Terrell & Cheryl – Viennese Waltz
Memorable year- 2012. Nice. Probably Terrell’s best dance of the competition. It had elegance, lovely lines, good frame, and an emotional resonance about it. I could understand why considering the dedication to his grandma. A very well done viennese waltz and for the first time since he has been on the show, I am seeing potential in Terrell. Now I need to see that translate to one of the faster Latin routines. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno says it was Terrell’s most accomplished performance to date. He is very surprised. Carrie Ann saw poise and it is elevated everything she saw. Len compliments Cheryl and agrees on the ease and elegance.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Terrell by calling 1 800 868 3411 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Nikki & Artem – Contemporary
Memorable year- 2016. I really enjoyed the beginning with the Nikki hanging on and twisting and turning. It added something different to the usual contemporary material we see on the show. This was a good and strong piece that showcased her athleticism and determination. She should be proud of her comeback medically and of this dance. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann mentions how hard the routine was and felt it was a breakthrough for Nikki. Len thought it was creative. He found it strong and powerful. Bruno loves how powerful Nikki was.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Nikki by calling 1 800 868 3409 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Nick & Peta – Contemporary
Memorable year- 2010? (He didn’t explicitly say in the package) Well, that’s more like it Nick. His best dance? I am floored that he was actually in-sync with Peta during the side by side. I guess personal stories really do bring out something in even the weaker dancers. This was really pretty and well put together by Peta. I don’t know how much longer Nick has on this show but he should be proud of that. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len called it touching. He says it was a little unsteady at one point but he enjoyed Nick’s sensitivity. Bruno enjoyed the energy but he says Nick has some balance issues. Carrie Ann loved the choreography and calls it Nick’s best dance.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 7
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Nick by calling 1 800 868 3408 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Lindsey & Mark – Viennese Waltz
Memorable year- 2016. Gorgeous. So touching. I love what Mark did here. Between dressing like her dad and the way he choreographed that, it was just a perfect dedication. This was almost a contemporary fusion with viennese waltz and it worked so well. Such lovely elegance and sheer emotion throughout that routine. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno calls it gorgeous and magical. He feels she was dancing with her dad. Carrie Ann felt it was beautifully executed. She calls it a wonderful tribute. Len felt it was thought provoking and had imagination but he would have liked a little more viennese waltz.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 8
Bruno- 9
You can vote for Lindsey by calling 1 800 868 3407 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Derek & Sharna – Jazz
Memorable year- 2007. Yes. We needed that break from all the sadness and emotion. This was joy. What a nice and pleasant routine. It brought out Derek’s personality while still showcasing some really decent dancing. Again, similar to Nick, the side by side dancing was in-sync. Very good. I’m not entirely sure what the flower represented in terms of the story but I guess…happiness? Whatever, good routine. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann loved that the dance was a celebration. She says they were a little out of sync (really? I guess I will need to re-watch that section) but she loved the emotion. Len enjoyed it was upbeat and uplifting and says it was his best dance. Bruno calls it an uplifting treat.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Derek by calling 1 800 868 3403 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Go to DWTSTour.com for tickets to the tour this winter.
Jordan & Lindsay – Contemporary
Memorable year- 2005. Fabulous. Lindsey’s time on SYTYCD really helped out her understanding of an emotional and meaningful contemporary routine. And when you have Jordan dancing beautifully to it- just phenomenal. I loved everything about that but that one lift where Lindsay was going up and down in Jordan’s arms was especially breathtaking. My favorite routine of the night so far. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len calls it fantastic. Bruno calls it flawless. He loves Jordan dancing with authenticity. Carrie Ann calls it pure love and gratitude and reminded her of when she took dance classes and the lights went out in order to have a special feeling.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Bruno- 10
You can vote for Jordan by calling 1 800 868 3406 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Sasha & Gleb – Foxtrot
Memorable year- 2016. Hmm. There was quite a bit of unsteadiness there from Sasha. It has happened before with her when she does ballroom routines. I saw lots of foxtrot content, which is good. The choreography was fine. Maybe Sasha just needs to work on her core more and balance. It is tough when you do those turns and all. But this is week four of course, so certain things tend to stand out. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno calls it a proper foxtrot. He feels she has a natural grace. Carrie Ann enjoys seeing Sasha using the floor. She enjoyed the storytelling. Len liked the quality of the foxtrot and the dancing.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Sasha by calling 1 800 868 3410 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Vanessa & Maks – Rumba
Memorable year- 2017. That was…short? I don’t know. It just felt shorter than the rest. But it was beautiful. Vanessa was really emotional in that but it didn’t deter from some wonderful rumba steps. Great hip action and nice gliding around the floor. I wonder how much the issues with Maks mixed with what this dance was all about weighed on Vanessa because she seemed to channel all of that into a really emotional routine. And that’s a good thing. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann thought it was an excellent dance. She says Vanessa lost her balance on a turn but she felt it worked in the dance to tell the story. Len loved the rumba steps. He is all compliments. Bruno calls it romantic, classic, with lovely lines and shapes.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Vanessa by calling 1 800 868 3412 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Drew & Emma – Jive
Memorable year- 2007. LOL. HIS TWIN BROTHER. That was fun. And you know what, the twin isn’t half bad. Ok, back to Drew. Nice jive. Fun. Decent kicks and flicks. A little out of sync in parts but nothing too crazy. Above all else, a memorable routine people will want to vote for. Emma was quite smart here. I can’t imagine this did anything but made people watching smile. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len says Drew is on a roll and calls it Drew’s best dance. Bruno felt it was a full on jive with a feel good factor. Carrie Ann says it all worked. She loved it but she wants his hands fixed for the future.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Drew by calling 1 800 868 3404 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Victoria & Val – Foxtrot
Memorable year- 2017. Wow. That wheelchair opening gave me goosebumps. I will admit, Victoria isn’t the strongest dancer we have this season (though she is in the top half) but she makes up for it with so much joy and inspiration. This was a really good foxtrot and while I can dock a point for a little less content than I would prefer, I would give that point right back for performance quality. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno says Victoria is beyond belief. Carrie Ann loved that we get to be a part of Victoria’s story. She loves the chemistry too. Len calls it a joyful lovely experience.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
You can vote for Victoria by calling 1 800 868 3413 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Week Four Leaderboard (Out Of A Possible 30)
Jordan- 29
Victoria- 27
Lindsey- 26
Frankie- 24
Terrell- 24
Nikki- 24
Sasha- 24
Vanessa- 24
Drew- 24
Derek- 23
Nick- 22
Elimination Time! Damn, to have an elimination on a night like this really sucks. But, we had none last week so it must be done.
In Jeopardy- Nick & Peta, Derek & Sharna
Safe- All other couples.
The third couple eliminated this season is…
Derek & Sharna. WOW. That sucks. Seems Derek got lost in the shuffle of scores and wasn’t able to garner enough audience support to overtake some of the weaker dancers. A shame as he was one of the better dancers who was genuinely trying and enjoying the experience. He will be missed. – Click to Watch Elimination VIDEO
Derek says he got growth as a man and a person out of the show. He is happy and proud to have been a part of it all. Sharna is proud of how Derek danced and showed his emotion. They head to the center of the ballroom. Derek and Sharna will be on GMA tomorrow.
Next week is Disney night. I will be back soon with POLLS.
