Welcome to week seven of season twenty-five of Dancing with the Stars. Tonight is “Halloween Night,” so get ready to have a SPOOKtacular time. I know…that was super lame. But I try. Anyways, this is actually an exciting night of competition. The remaining eight couples will first perform in an unlearned style. Then, the pairings will be split into two teams of four for our annual freestyle group dances. All dances tonight will the themed after Halloween but the scariest moment of all will happen at the show’s conclusion when another couple is sent packing.
Last week, it was “Movie Night” and we said goodbye to Nick & Peta. Nick’s exit was long overdue and while he was trying his hardest, he was clearly the weakest dancer left in the competition and a far cry from his brother who won DWTS all those years ago. It was another stellar night for our two frontrunner’s, as Lindsey earned a perfect 40 and Jordan landed right behind her with a 39. It was a relatively strong night for everyone though, as the lowest score with the exception of Nick was Drew with a 30. It is a real race between a few couples as to who could potentially join Lindsey and Jordan in the finale. Let’s see what you guys thought in the polls.
For favorite partnership, Jordan & Lindsay once again hit the top spot with 39% of the vote. In a close second with 33% are Lindsey & Mark. And in third, Frankie & Witney with 13%. Could that be our finale? 49% of you voted the argentine tango from Lindsey & Mark as your favorite routine while 29% went with the rumba from Jordan & Lindsay. No other couple’s dance earned double digits. Things were spread out a bit more for least favorite routine. 25% went to Drew & Emma, 20% to Frankie & Witney, and 14% to Vanessa & Maks. Terrell & Cheryl ended up with 13% and Victoria & Val had 12%. That means only three couples had single digit percentages for the least enjoyed dances.
51% of you did not like having Shania Twain around as a guest judge and I have to agree. She didn’t really add much to the show on a whole and some of the scoring was a bit odd to say the least. The episode rating may have even suffered because of it as 50% felt the show deserved a “B” but 26% thought it was just averaged and gave it a “C.” How about tonight’s elimination? 29% think Drew & Emma are goners with 26% going to Terrell & Cheryl, 16% to Vanessa & Maks, and 11% to Nikki & Artem. It is close for you guys and I think it was probably close in votes too. I will personally go with Nikki this week because even though she is a better overall dancer than say Drew and even Terrell, I am not sure her fanbase (or Artem’s) can overpower the likes of the others. But we shall see.
The team dances are going to be a lot of fun tonight and as was the case with the show’s Disney week, I fully expect that producers have gone all out to make the Halloween theme work from the costumes to the staging to the music. We are also really getting close to the end of another season so there isn’t many opportunities left for the celebrities not named Jordan and Lindsey to show the judges and fans why they deserve to go all the way to the end. Could tonight change things? Grab your popcorn (or candy if you will) and let’s get the Halloween celebration started.
ETA– I wrote up this preview earlier today, before hearing about Lindsey’s injury. We still don’t have official word yet on whether she will dance or will have to forfeit, but I really hope she continues on. Her health of course is the most important thing but besides that, without Lindsey in the competition, it is tough to see this the remaining weeks be anything but a waiting game before Jordan is victorious. Plus, Mark’s choreography would be missed. Let’s hope she can dance and is okay.
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And we begin by doing the “Time Warp” with the pros and troupe members before the cast arrives. And yep, everyone is in amazing costumes with great makeup. Lindsey looks okay so far. Mandy Moore choreographed that, as Tom called it, the dancing dead. Tom and Erin welcome us to the show. We begin with round one, the individual dances. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Victoria & Val – Viennese Waltz
Pretty. Not the adjective I expected to use for the first dance on Halloween night but it was a viennese waltz. It had elegance, and I saw some really solid posture from Victoria. There was nice rise and fall and some very clean lines. I don’t think she did anything in that particular routine which will stand out at the end of this two hour night. It was a bit on the forgettable side. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len thought the routine was super and Victoria looked like a natural. He calls it beautiful and well done. Bruno loved how beautiful it was to watch. He compliments her arms. Carrie Ann felt Victoria was connected to the story. She loved the chemistry.
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.
Jordan & Lindsay – Paso Doble
That was awesome. Lindsay used the troupe perfectly to elevate the routine but never letting them overshadow what Jordan was doing. The paso steps were there- all done brilliantly. I especially loved the attention to detail that a Halloween routine requires. My only issue was the length. We have two rounds tonight so the first round dances are shorter than usual and I was desperate to see more of this. Now that’s how you put together a memorable routine. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno compliments the choreography. He calls it insanely good. Carrie Ann felt it was a harder routine because we haven’t seen an aggressive side of Jordan. She loved how powerful it was. Len felt there was plenty of tricks and treats. Len calls Jordan a little devil and says he dances like an angel.
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 – Jive
Not the best I have seen Nikki do. A little sloppy in parts. I also wish those kicks and flicks were sharper. I thought the choreography was decent but it could have been a case of a little too much going on for such a short dance. If they cut some of the middle section with the girls and got to more dancing, it may have landed a bigger punch. Nikki needed a stellar routine here in my opinion and while I don’t think she got that, she did a serviceable job. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann didn’t feel a connection to the music and a bit of a misstep as well. She did like the confidence though. Len says it lacked a bit of punch. Bruno agrees with the missteps and felt Nikki couldn’t get into gear but he is sure she will be back next week to kill it.
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.
Vanessa & Maks – Paso Doble
That was strong. I loved the story there- with the dance actually starting after the rehearsal package with Maks missing and then becoming a zombie. It was cool. I also appreciate how much solo time Vanessa was given here to show off her paso skills. Was it perfect? No. But she was in character and gave it her all. My favorite moments were when she was just dancing alone which I get isn’t the best critique for a show where you are partnering but with the paso, you can play around with solo steps. Good routine. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len felt it was lacking a bit in paso choreography. Bruno again tells her she needs to finish her lines and her shaping. Carrie Ann loves how powerful Vanessa is but she agrees with Bruno that Vanessa loses her balance a bit. She wants her to be balanced and strong on her feet.
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.
Terrell & Cheryl – Tango
Terrell is starting to love getting into character huh?I appreciate that. The tango is really about the frame and those steps. The frame was decent- tuck that bum in a bit more though. The steps were good. I am not sure why Cheryl put in so much time of nothing happening toward the middle as the dance is short enough as is. Was she worried he couldn’t handle a full routine? I don’t know but I wanted to see some more tango spread throughout. On the plus side, Terrell is a much better dancer now than he was in the early weeks. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno compliments the posture even with the height difference. Carrie Ann compliments Cheryl. She thinks Terrell is better when there is more movement. She wants him to create motion even in stillness. Len felt the staccato feel was captured. He compliments Cheryl.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 9
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.
Lindsey & Mark – Paso Doble
DAMN. I had a grimace on my face throughout that. When Lindsey did any arm extension, I felt her pain. But come on now. She totally nailed that despite whatever she is feeling. It wasn’t as technically perfect as she has been in the past but even an injured Lindsey is aces. Loved the choreography and this had so much paso. It may have had more actual paso steps than some of the previous routines and considering the pain level must be high for those moves, I give her so much credit. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann calls Lindsey a beast. She says she saw the pain but saw great movements. She is impressed. Len liked the attack. He thought some of the steps were terrific. Bruno compliments the speed and says it worked so well with all the different styles Mark put in.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
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.
DWTSTour.com for details on the live tour and tickets. :)
Frankie & Witney – Contemporary
Interesting. This was such a different contemporary than we are used to. It was a horror homage. It fit the theme perfectly. I am not sure if the dancing was on point or a bit too frantic though. I want to say this piece is going to be more of “down to personal taste.” There wasn’t anything wrong with it technically but it depends on what side you fall on about how you feel. I do love Frankie’s commitment though and that shined through here. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len thought it was fantastic. Bruno calls it inspired and says the two of them are back on top. He calls it spine tingling good. Carrie Ann says dance was elevated by that. She loved it. Called it riveting.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
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.
Drew & Emma – Charleston
Dang it. THAT FALL. It was going so well. Drew was in-sync with Emma, it was fun, clever and cheeky choreography, and then the fall. Ugh. I wish we could just consider it pat of the theme- like a ghost made him fall. LOL. But alas, we cannot. It was still a big improvement over last week and Drew had a solid dance. Again, choreography kudos to Emma. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno enjoyed all the different styles. He said it worked. Carrie Ann found it quirky but it worked. She loved how in-sync it was. Len says this week, Drew came back to life. He loved every minute of it.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
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.
In the ballroom are three returning vets (Kelly, Corbin, and Alfonso). Why are they there? Well, next week is trio dances and instead of the celeb dancing with two pros, they will be dancing with their pro and a former contestant. How fun!
Here are some results…
SAFE- Jordan & Lindsay, Lindsey & Mark
IN JEOPARDY- Nikki & Artem, Terrell & Cheryl
Team Freestyle Routines
Team “Monster Mash” – Nikki, Jordan, Lindsay, Terrell
Haha. That was decent and fun to watch. Jordan and Lindsey were the standouts with their individual moments. A bit of a mess from Terrell and Nikki but nothing too bad. We have seen far worse team dances in the past. This had a clear beginning, middle, and end and it came together nicely. My grade would be between 8 and 9 for this one. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len says it was a bit messy. He thought the individual dances were nice. But a bit broken up for him. Bruno felt the group sections lost a lot of the sync. Carrie Ann felt like they all under-danced. She also felt the dancing was too small and she wasn’t engaged.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
Results now for the other team…
SAFE- Frankie & Witney, Victoria & Val
IN JEOPARDY- Drew & Emma, Vanessa & Maks
Team “Phantom Of The Opera” – Victoria, Vanessa, Frankie, Drew
Wow. That was really good. Much more cohesive than the first group. And considering this group has arguable the weaker dancers, that’s saying a lot. A much better overall concept, good sync from everyone, and nice individual moments. It wasn’t messy and everyone did their part. Goof stuff. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno calls it lush and lyrical. He thought it was flawless in construction. Carrie Ann calls it the best team dance in the show’s history. Len calls it the most polished dance. All raves.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Week Seven Leaderboard (Out Of A Possible 60)
Frankie- 60
Victoria- 57
Drew- 57
Jordan- 54
Lindsey- 51
Terrell- 49
Elimination Time!
SAFE- Drew & Emma, Terrell & Cheryl
Leaving us tonight…
A DOUBLE ELIMINATION. BOTH Nikki & Artem and Vanessa & Maks are OUT. – Click to Watch Elimination VIDEO
We are rushed for time so no chat. Vanessa and Nikki dance together in the center of the ballroom before everyone comes over for hugs and goodbyes. Wow. Everyone looks shocked but to be honest, if we had been told ahead of time that it was a double, only Vanessa would have been a big surprise.
Nikki, though a solid dancer, was just lost in the shuffle. Pretty surprising though that Vanessa couldn’t escape elimination after Nick’s exit last week and decent movie night routine. And with that, we are down to the final six and only two women remain- Lindsey and Victoria. Remember how in the early weeks I said the men need to step it up because the ladies are overall stronger? Yeah… great analysis there Franky LOL.
POLLS coming soon. Trio dances next week. Have a safe and fun Halloween folks. SPOOKY!
