DWTS 25 Week 5 Live Blog and Performance Videos

Last week, it was “Most Memorable Year” and as expected, it was an emotional night. Some couples were brilliant and able to combine their personal stories with stellar dancing. Folks like Jordan, Lindsey, and Victoria achieved high scores. Jordan was even able to earn two 10 paddles (the first dancer this season to achieve a ten). But it was a decent to good night for basically the entire cast, as no one scored lower than a 22. That score went to Nick. But with so many couples bunched up together with similar numbers, tonight’s elimination will really come down to who the audience decided to back with their votes.

Sadly, we lost Derek & Sharna last week. Derek wasn’t a stellar dancer by any means but he was improving and was a hard worker with a good attitude. He also seemed to be really bummed about being booted. I wish he could have stayed a bit longer. We have at the very least, four other couples who could have hung up their dancing shoes before him. Let’s see where you guys stood in terms of last week’s poll results.

For favorite partnership, 42% of you went with Jordan & Lindsay, while 22% voted Lindsey & Mark and 12% for Frankie & Witney. When it came to favorite routine, 47% of the vote went to Jordan & Lindsay, 22% to Lindsey & Mark. Those were the only two couples who were able to achieve double digit percentages. The voting was a big more spread out for least favorite routine. At the top was Sasha & Gleb with 27%. With 25%, Nick & Peta. 13% went with Terrell & Cheryl and 10% of the vote was earned by Vanessa & Maks. For you guys, this was the strongest episode of the season, earning a grade of “A” from 43% of voters. 41% opted to give the show a “B.”

When it comes to tonight’s elimination, 42% of you believe Nick & Peta are out while 31% feel it is the end of the road for Sasha % Gleb. Also with some votes, Terrell & Cheryl with 18%. It feels like we all have been predicting Terrell for weeks now but the dude keeps on going. Are we underestimating Cheryl’s fanbase and/or those that love watching a football player dance? Maybe. It is worth noting that he has stepped up his game recently and even his rehearsal packages are less problematic than they have been. I could still see him in jeopardy though.

But I ultimately agree that Nick and Sasha are the two big contenders tonight for elimination, with Nikki as an unfortunate casualty that could potentially happen. Nick is without a doubt the weakest dancer left and Sasha has yet to really break free from being a middle of the pack contestant. But Nikki Bella has the unfortunate combination of being a decent dancer who has been forgettable. Some of that of course falls on the shoulders of her partner Artem. Will it cost them tonight? Or will we finally be saying goodbye to Mr. Lachey?

I am still waiting to see anyone really challenge the top two- Jordan and Lindsey. It looked like it could be Frankie, as he has the underdog and memorable routine edge but not really the profiency in his dancing as the two I mentioned. Will someone else step up and make their case? We will find out tonight as the wonderful world of Disney gets underway…

Little bit of an audio issue as we start. LOL. Okay, we seem to be fine now. The pros/troupe members are out first with a lovely and elegant dance before the pace picks up. Mickey and Minnie are here! “It’s A Small World After All” is playing. And here come the stars. Wow. Kudos to the costume and makeup department. Everyone looks amazing in their Disney outfits. Sasha as the little mermaid is breathtaking. Mandy Moore choreographed the opening. Tom and Erin welcome us to the show, the halfway point in the competition. And here we go… –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Victoria & Val – Jazz
Haha. Very cute. Nice opening. Fun and cheeky. Of course this is jazz, so with this show, anything and everything goes and nothing is really strict on the technical side of it. Not easy to judge a DWTS jazz routine. I guess I look for the partners to be in-sync, full of character, and able to tell a cohesive story. Victoria and Val did that here. I am still amazed at how well Victoria is able to do considering her history. Those legs do exactly what they are supposed to. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len says it was full of joy, sparkle, and entertainment. He compliments the dance and calls it fabulous. Bruno enjoyed the blend of styles. He called it effortless. Carrie Ann loved that the two were in perfect sync. She feels they brought Mickey and Minnie to life.
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.

Vanessa & Maks – Waltz
Vanessa makes a very pretty Snow White. She has to watch two things that were very evident throughout this dance. Her frame was suspect quite a few times and she got a bit unsteady on some turns. It isn’t the first time these two things have been an issue for her. The frame needs to be perfected as we are at the halfway point of the season. Not losing balance on those turns comes from practice and having a strong core. She has done better in weeks past, though I do appreciate how elegant and true to character the dance was on a whole. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno calls it a beautiful waltz. But he mentions the balance issues on her turns. Carrie Ann enjoyed the intimacy. She feels like in certain moments, Vanessa stopped breathing and she needs to work as a unit and not stop her movements. Len liked the choreography and how much proper waltz was in there. He agrees some of it was unstable but calls it understated and beautiful.
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.

Lindsey & Mark – Foxtrot
Gorgeous. Those lines. Wow. Lindsey has some fantastic arm extensions when she does ballroom routines. See, this was the opposite of what I mentioned during Vanessa’s critique. Though it was a different dance, Lindsey had perfect posture and she never lost her balance during any of those quick turns. It was just a flowing, elegant, and pitch perfect foxtrot. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann says she loved it was classic. She says it was one of the most finest holds she has ever seen. Len called it delightful. He loved the nuances. Bruno feels Lindsey captured a timeless elegance and it was so well done.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 10
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.

Nick & Peta – Quickstep
Alright. I will gie Nick credit here. He handled the quickstep way better than I thought he would. Some nice steps there as they raced around the ballroom. Decent posture and I even thought he looked like he was really having fun. A few odd arm placements and some of the kicks in-sync with Peta needed some more vigor but overall, this was a major step up from the Nick we usually see and he should be proud of handling a generally difficult dance quite well. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len says Nick has a droopy right arm but he felt it was fun and entertaining. Bruno loved the sense of fun. He says Nick lost the step a couple of times but don’t lose what you have achieved- which is Nick embracing the dance. And he says be careful of the hold so he doesn’t bear hug Peta. LOL. Carrie Ann felt the second half of he dance was Nick having fun. She did feel the first half of the dance had some mistakes.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 8
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.

Drew & Emma – Viennese Waltz
Hmm. Have I been sleeping on Drew? Or is he fast becoming one of the most improved dancers this season? This was a pretty damn good viennese waltz. An unexpected good one in fact. Gorgeous choreography from Emma executed so well. Loved the hold, the lines, the flowing movement on the floor. And the height difference and lanky issues were not apparent here at all. Drew’s best routine and so far tonight, one of the strongest we have seen. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno feels Drew is getting more and more polished each week. He feels he is leading well. He doesn’t want him to dig down so much during a dance like the viennese waltz. Carrie Ann says Drew and Emma have become one of her favorite couples. She says well done and she calls him a contender. Len liked the footwork a lot. He felt Drew got a bit excited at the end but he feels as the show has gone along, Drew has gotten better and better. Kermit (our guest judge) added in that he loved it.
Carrie Ann- 9
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.

Sasha & Gleb – Rumba
Well, I appreciate Gleb going for a classic and by the book rumba but it mostly a forgettable routine. Thankfully, Sasha looks stunning as Ariel so people may remember that much. She did some decent hip action and it was sultry without being over the top but it just felt so blah for the most part. I’m not sure what they could have done different to stand out though. It was just…there. I doubt I could tell you details of the dance when the night ends. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann felt the movements were broader and she loves the way Sasha’s body dances. Len gives kudos to Gleb. He calls it lovely and well done. Bruno liked the shapes and placements.
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.

Terrell & Cheryl – Quickstep
Cheryl’s choreo made this much better than it was technically. She was smart here with the trees and all that to distract. It wasn’t so much that Terrell couldn’t handle the quickstep as he did a decent job but she was able to marry his steps with some memorable choreography and it will definitely have people happy with the dance. Terrell as a dancer has improved since the start of the show. He still has some ways to go but he continues to show an increase in dance quality and movement. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len says that for a big guy, Terrell dances with speed and control. He says well done. Bruno says the frame was maintained. He says the footwork was better too. Carrie Ann says something shifted in Terrell. She sees such an improvement.
Carrie Ann- 9
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.

Frankie & Witney – Argentine Tango
The most impressive thing about that dance was how in control Frankie was. He was truly leading the dance. I love a good artentine tango when the steps are staccato and the pair is able to vibe off one another. That happened here. I didn’t see the usual Frankie in this but instead, an actual power dancer who was confident in hi steps and able to handle Witney. Really good dance tonight from our “Malcolm.” :P –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Bruno enjoyed the intensity and chemistry. He compliments Witney’s choreography. He says it was a great job. Carrie Ann saw a mistake but it made by Witney. She loved the dynamics and intensity. She says Frankie nailed it. Len loved it and says the mood was captured and it was a magnificent job.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Bruno- 10
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.

Jordan & Lindsay – Foxtrot
I really hope Len doesn’t get all mean about that freestyle break in the middle. Because it was HOT. This has more than enough foxtrot to keep him happy. This partnership is just in a word- stellar. Jordan has such confidence on the floor and it shows in every movement. His arms, extensions, legs, the way he rises and falls, it just screams effortless. And he has the perfect partner to give him aces choreography. I loved this. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann calls Jordan unstoppable. She felt the freestyle went a little long but she still loved it. Len loved the in-hold material. He enjoyed the sway. He isn’t a fan of the breakdown but the part in hold wa sso good, he can forgive it. Bruno loves that it was a foxtrot that is modernized. He felt the technique was perfect.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
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.

Nikki & Artem – Jazz
Well, I mean okay. This was a bit of substance over style if I am being real. The whole thing was a show that looked more impressive than the actual dancing. I mean, jazz. So okay, let’s call it what it is- whatever they come up with. LOL. I guess cool on Nikki for being able to do something she feels passionate about. I’m not sure how I feel about it really. It was alright. Not really deserving of a pimp spot closing the show though. –  Click to Watch Performance VIDEO

Len says the dances summed up the night by being full of fun. He says it was Nikki’s best dance. Bruno called it a vibrant celebration of life. Carrie Ann says since the movie hasn’t come out yet, she loved that she was introduced to it by Nikki and Artem. All compliments all around.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
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.

Week Five Leaderboard (Out Of A Possible 30)
Jordan- 30
Frankie- 29
Lindsey- 28
Victoria- 27
Nikki- 27
Drew- 25
Terell- 25
Vanessa- 24
Sasha- 24
Nick- 22

Elimination Time!!!

In jeopardy- Sasha & Gleb, Frankie & Witney (HMMM) Not sure I believe that. Either a way to boost his votes next week or shock value.
Safe- all other couples

Eliminated tonight… Sasha & Gleb

Sasha says the experience was incredible. She loves everyone and this is a sad moment but she is thankful for the experience and she is happy she got to share her story. They will be on GMA tomorrow morning as they head to the center of the floor to say their goodbyes. –  Click to Watch Elimination VIDEO

And with that, Disney night comes to a close. Thanks for watching along with me. POLLS coming very soon. :D