Season 29, The Finals! We Have Another Bachelorette Winner

 

An opening number!!!! *jumps up and down*

The four finalists: Kaitlyn and Artem, Jenna and Nev, Sasha and Justina and Daniella and Nelly.

We have two dances (including the Freestyle), a dance by Derek Hough, and Nelly performing for us. Woo hoo. First, though, they do a “Repeat Dance.” Ugh.

Artem and Kaitlyn, Argentine tango

Derek: “Kaitlyn, what a perfect dance to remind people that you deserve to be here, and you are a perfect contender for that Mirror Ball trophy. We’ve held you to a high standard, and I’m glad we did, because you’ve met it. Beautiful performance.” Bruno: “You took my breath away. It was so intensely sensuous, I’m tingling all over. To add to that, the detail was even better this time around. Absolutely stunning.” Carrie Ann: “I’m so glad you chose to do this dance again, because this is the dance where you went from being an amazing dancer to an unforgettable, exquisite… I can’t even find the words right now. What I love so much about this is you challenged yourself. I know I push you, but it’s really you. You pushed yourself, and that’s what you gave us. And this is now one of my Top Three Dances of All Time.”

JUDGES: 30 (out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, samba

Bruno: “Let’s party with Nelly and Daniella. What you have is such a spontanaeity, a natural feel to you. You’re so engaging to watch. Watching you is great, is fun. We all want to watch you.” Carrie Ann: “Nelly, your journey has been the most fascinating for me and gives me the most joy, because you remind us that dance is so much more than just technique, just the steps, just executing with perfection, as far as the technicality speaking. You showed us that dance is about the joy of life. The transformation that you’ve made has just been incredible. You started this—I wasn’t sure that you were gonna take the full ride. But you took the full ride with us.” Derek: “To echo what she said, this show isn’t just about technique, steps and dance. It’s about moments. And you’re a moment-maker, Brother. You create moments. You fill this room with such joy. People feel good. When I ask people outside the show, ‘Hey, who you rooting for?’ A lot of people say Nelly. You connect with people at home. You did a fantastic job.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, paso doble

Previously, the dance (to Swan Lake) started with her at the beginning. This time, it starts with him. Makes more sense.

Carrie Ann: “That dance was perfection the first time you did it. It was once again perfection. There’s no doubt about it. What I love so much about you, is that when I watch you, I feel like I get to have a treat. Whenever you come out on this dance floor, I know it’s going to be amazing. I know it’s going to be technically amazing. I know it’s also going to be artistic. And I know you’re also going to give us 1000%. Thank you for every performance so far.  I’vc loved every performance.” Derek: “I absolutely loved the little change at the beginning, where it was you starting in the spotlight, shedding your light feathers, becoming this dark beast. It was so fantastic. I feel like you kinda catfished us all. Nev Shulmann. You can dance.” Bruno: “How do you improve on perfection? You think about it. You switch the characters, and you created even more dramatic structure. More intensity. It was more thrilling, and you killed it.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, cha cha

Go, Justina and Sasha! I’m unabashedly rooting for them.

Derek: “I said it Week One, and I’ll say it again: ‘You are expoloding with charisma.’ You have all season long. You are just sensational to watch. So much fun.” Bruno: “Justina, la diva Latina. You were almost too hot to trot tonight. You brought in the extra spicy sauce.” Carrie Ann: “Girl, you know how to bring it. Every time you hit these hardwood floors, you light them up on fire like nobody else. You have something that is different than everybody because you have fire in a different way. Every single competitor has something so special, and it’s all different. But I love your fire.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Derek dances. Derek Hough’s dances are as gratuitous as Tyra Banks’ dresses.

So back to the show. Onto what we really came here for: the Freestyle dances.

Daniella and Nelly, Freestyle

For me, one of the worst Freestyles I’ve seen in years. Ugh. The less said about it, the better.

Bruno: “The King of Swag and the King of Bling. Great.” Carrie Ann: “If you don’t mind, I’m going to talk a little bit about your partner. This partnership has been outstanding. This dance gives me hope, because it was a hybrid of hip hop and ballroom and Latin. Two worlds that you would not normally put together. You guys brought them together and created something so magical you give me hope for the future.” Derek: “It had everything. The intro was so good. And then the ending. Especially in the Freestyle, it’s so important to start strong and end strong, and that’s what you did.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, Freestyle

They danced to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” (“Sparkling Diamonds” from Moulin Rouge) It was a very fun number, and the troupe (actually pro dancers) helped. Also, back in the day, the Freestyle used to represent the journey that a person had gone through during the season. And it reflected the person, the star. When I think of Kaitlyn Bristowe, “diamonds” aren’t in the top 100 things I’d think about her. So I’m not sure at all where this choice came from. (She’s also not wearing any “diamonds.”)

Carrie Ann: “That is one of my favorite movies of all time. That number is one of my favorite all-time cinema moments. So I have very high expectations. Thank God, you met them. You’re incredible. That you brought that to life, and so much more. I’m so proud of you.” Derek: “I remember watching you, and Chris Harrison surprising you, telling you you were going to be on Dancing with the Stars. Going from a Zoom call on a couch to a ascending down on this giant swing. Here you are on the Dancing with the Stars final. So close to the trophy. Congratulations.” Bruno: “What I liked about it, you really captured the feel of that Baz Luhrmann extravaganza. But it was so jam-packed with content. It was a showcase of Dancing with the Stars.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, Freestyle

OTOH, when I heard they were dancing to “Singin’in the Rain,” I got worried. Derek Hough had memorably recreated this dance, even discussing it with Gene Kelly’s widow. It was serious. He went into meticulous detail with his dance.

Jenna and Nev take another tack. They start out the traditional way, perhaps, but then they get into this.

With, of course, actual water involved.

Luckily, there’s also this:

(Which memorably recreates the costumes of Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor.)

So, at least their Freestyle used the actual movie that their costumes are from. As such, personally, I’d give their Freestyle higher points.

Derek: “Listen, you can’t pull off Gene Kelly or Singin’ in the Rain unless you’re a leading man. Nev, my friend, you are a leading man. You bring the best out in Jenna as well. She has done a sensational job all season long. The two of you! What a way to finish out the season. I loved it.” Bruno: “You were aiming very very high with this one. I have to say, you succeeded. That midsection, reinventing the dynamic between Gene Kelly and Cyd Charisse (sic), it was showstopping. It was inspired, it was beautiful. And I was not expecting that.” Carrie Ann: “That was like three routines in one. It was very exciting. Classic, then it got a little raunchy, then the water. So many levels to it. You are an incredible performer. I feel we have said it over and over again, but it’s this partnership that makes it magical. And I just wanna congratulate all of the partners, and the pros, who have done an incredible job this season with all of you.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, Freestyle

At least this Freestyle speaks to the person who’s dancing (like it used to be). And isn’t copying some movie from eons ago. (Not that that’s a bad thing.) 

She just looks like she’s having a blast in this dance. Parts of it are in Spanish (of course). Fabulous, and very Justina.

Bruno: “Oh my darling. That really was a celebration of the Latin spirit. The warmth, the passion, the joy, the zest for life. It was so uplifting, I actually hit the rafters (*eyeroll*). It was a tonic for your soul.” Carrie Ann: “I loved that dance. What I loved about it was the message. The Freestyle is all about strategy.  You used this moment to send out a powerful message. It’s a celebration of you, your strength, your courage and your culture.” Derek: “I couldn’t think of a better Freestyle to finish this entire season. That was so good. The intro was fire. All the different things, you guys just crushed it.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

MICHE’s Favorite Freestyles

1. Jenna and Nev

2. Sasha and Justina

3. Artem and Kaitlyn

Then Nelly performs some of his greatest hits. Daniella, of course, dances.

 They show clips of everyone’s friends, family and otherwise cheer sections, saying why they deserve the Mirror Ball. 

The couple in 4th place is:

Robbed! They were robbed! :-(

Daniella and Nelly, thankfully, took third place.

Either of these couples could win. I think, based on their Freestyles, that Nev and Jenna deserved to win of these two. But here you go.

Artem’s first Mirror Ball. That’s a good thing. Because it’s COVID times, we don’t have everyone lifting Artem up. He’s probably glad about that. Congrats.

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Season 29, Semifinals Bring Two Dances and Two Eliminations

 

We have another lame intro thing, where the stars ask “real people” who they are voting for. Yawn.

Then, eons of time of Tyra Banks walking down the stairs. Double yawn.

And since Tyra gets to walk down, they have the judges walking down too. Sheesh. Can we start already? God, I miss the opening numbers!

We learn that the dancers will have two numbers tonight. 

First round is “Judges’ Redemption.”

Alan and Skai, cha cha

Don’t like this song or this dance.

They have Bruno as a judge mentor.

Bruno: “Your legs were so much better.” Carrie Ann: “I thought it was amazing. I’m so proud of you. This is redemption. What a great way to start the semifinals. On point. You were so crisp.” Derek: “Just your confidence. You feel so much more relaxed, but so much stronger in your movement. So sharp. Also, this is my favorite dress of the season. Such a brilliant dance.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, tango

I lovcd this tango. Of course, I also love Justina and Sasha and want them to win.

They have Derek as a judge mentor.

Derek: “Justina! First of all, that intro. The attack, the passion, the energy. Your frame is so exquisite, it’s so stunning. There was no hops. So good. Loved it.” Bruno: “That’s what I was waiting for. You don’t mess with that girl. On top of it, total change of intention that allowed you to drive through the right feeling. And it all happened. So much better.” Carrie Ann: “Mama, you’re on fire tonight. The way you danced together as one. You’re always beautiful and passionate, but tonight, there was like an new oozing sensuality that came from true confidence. All of that is perfect for this dance. Wonderful dance.”

JUDGES: 28 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, salsa

I just love watching Britt. She’s so spectacular. I liked this salsa, too.

They have Carrie Ann as a judge mentor, who coaches them via Zoom.

Carrie Ann: “I felt you were much more in control. I’m so proud of you. I saw the work that I wanted to see from you.” Derek: “First of all, that was a tough routine. That was intricate, and the fact that you were able to that with such power, finesse, it was fantastic. I’m lovin’ this Redemption Dance. Everybody is getting better, they’re improving.” Bruno: “You really have the feeling now, of action and reaction and connection. And you maintained that kind of rhythmical fluidity that you need in the salsa.”

JUDGES: 27 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

Nelly should have been eliminated last week. I don’t think much of his dancing at all. But one can remain stoic with paso doble.

They have Bruno as a judge mentor.

Bruno: “I could see shapes. I could see lines. What I loved: you used restraint power.” Carrie Ann: “You danced that with power and presence. There was a regalness to what you were doing. You have so much control over your body. So impressive. You told the story beautifully.” Derek: “First of all, there is definitely improvement. The focus you have was so captivating.”

JUDGES: 26 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

Pink shoes? Really? wow. Certainly better than their Week One dance. 

They have Derek as a judge mentor.

Derek: “What I loved about that routine was that it was classic. It was pure. It was pure foxtrot. What makes a good foxtrot? Control. You were in absolute control from start to finish, throughout that entire routine. Beautiful.” Bruno: “No messing around. Boom! The frame. You never lost it. Even your bum was under control. You seem to as well have an instinct to interpret the music absolutely right, so in tune with Jenna. Brilliant.” Carrie Ann: “From that first step, the body contact was incredible. Talk about mastering the technique. You have become a true ballroom artist.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, paso doble

Great music. Sounds like Rodrigo y Gabriela. Fun dance.

They have Carrie Ann as a judge mentor, who coaches them via Zoom.

Carrie Ann: “That was amazing. From the moment you began, it was passionate, it was powerful.You were so in the zone. Every nuance. I could feel you. I’m so happy for you. This is what we want.We want everybody to feel great. This was a fantastic, and fast and furious paso doble.” Derek: “You sold me. That was awesome.” Bruno: “Seriously, it was 100% authentic paso doble.” 

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

ROUND 2

Sasha and Justina, contemporary

\Well, I don’t normally like Contemporary, but I really liked Sasha and Justina’s. They dance to “Holding Out for a Hero” because Sasha’s her hero. It was beautiful.

Derek: “Oh my goodness. I’m just having moments tonight, because it is coming to the end of the season. And this is where all the emotions are mixed into… there are no words. Thank you so much. I just love watching you dance. It feels effortless. I know it’s been challenging. I know it’s difficult, but your gift is to  look like it comes from you, from within. Beautiful arms. I love seeing you smile and embrace that dance.” Bruno: “Such freedom of movement. Sense of relief. It was almost like when you watch a child, unleashed (!) running through a meadow. I don’t care about anything, it is me. This is who I am, this is what it is. Take it or leave it.” Carrie Ann: “Justina, you’re right, about Sasha. He’s a very special heart (as Sasha bows his head, embarrassed), and having him by your side has brought out something so incredible. This dance…we talk about ‘What is a 10?’… ‘What is perfection?’ It’s when magic happens on the dance floor. And you can’t put your finger on it, but you feel it in your heart. That did that for me tonight. It was beautiful. It was authentic. You were telling us your appreciation for Sasha, and I could feel it. It was gorgeous.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Alan and Skai, Viennese waltz

They dance to “Lonely” by Miley Cyrus. Nice choreography by Alan. 

Bruno: “The elegance. That could be a Vogue cover. What you did was so beautiful. You managed to maintain an emotional connection, all through the dance. You were telling the story like you’ve never done before, without ever losing the weightless flow that we require from Viennese waltz.” Carrie Ann: “Skai, you are an exceptional young woman. You have a grace, elegance and determination. You do not stop fighting ever, and it’s so impressive. But what I loved most about tonight is that sometimes when women are strong, we don’t show the vulnerability. But the vulnerability is the most beautiful part, because that’s what is the power behind the strength. Tonight, you expressed your vulnerability and it just took the dance to a whole other level. Tonight, this was for you.” Derek: “I’m gonna echo what they both said. It was just beautiful. Elegant. Your frame was gorgeous. You emoted, throughout the whole dance. I really felt you. I connected. Because you were connected to yourself. And when you connect to yourself, others connect to you.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Britt and Johnny, jazz

They dance to One Republic’s “I Lived.” I guess I put jazz (sometimes) right in there with contemporary. I wasn’t really wowed by this dance.

Carrie Ann: “Johnny! Britt! I loved it. That was amazing . That looked like you felt like you were on Cloud 9. Wonderful. It just had this feeling of hope. That’s what’s so beautiful about our show. The way you’ve come, the way you’ve made this journey from—you have struggled the most out of everybody. And you still just keep soaring.” Derek: “Beautiful routine. Well done, Britt. I loved the beginning, when she supported you. It was a perfect representation of your partnership. I really feel that genuine connection between the two of you. There’s a real currency in genuine love and respect for your partner. We feel it. I feel like the audience at home feels it.” Bruno: “Clean, clear, purity of line and form. It was completely you. Very dynamic, very musical. Everything I love was there.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, contemporary

Contemporary is Jenna’s ace. She really excels at it. Really stunning choreography. Incredible moves.

Derek: “I forgot to judge. I was just watching. It was just so wonderful to witness and to watch. Just the partnership, the fluidity, the creativity. Props to all the pros. So much goes into it. Jenna, I know you’re going home, stressing about the choreography. Listen: you aced it. That was phenomenal.” Bruno: “You cannot be that good. There wasn’t a nuance that wasn’t on point, and on purpose. You were talking with your body. I was listening to you. Like Derek, I was totally, totally with you. You were speaking to me.” Carrie Ann: “Listen, your partner there is no joke, and contemporary is her thing. Jenna, that choreography was amazing, it was stunning, it was so artistic. But what’s amazing is you didn’t tone it back one bit for him. And Nev, you delivered every single step. She challenged you, here, where it really matters, to get you to the finals. Challenge: accepted and won.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Daniella and Nelly, jive

This is definitely my favorite of all their dances, probably largely because it’s danced to a song from the ’40s. (I think it’s called “Jump Jivin.’) Fun stuff. I did notice that he’s not wearing dance shoes, only sneakers, so maybe it’s easier for him.

Daniella is just amazing. I love her so much.

All of the judges are on their feet, clapping. 

Bruno: “I can’t believe it. Nelly, you nailed it.” Carrie Ann: “Daniella! Amazing job. But Nelly! What happened? This was incredible. This was the breakthrough. This was the right time to have the breakthrough. This is when you want your moment to skyrocket. I’ve never seen you boogie. You had like a fire under your foot. Nelly: Amazing job. Thank you.” Derek: “Dude, you nailed that routine.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, contemporary

My tolerance for Contemporary is growing thin. This was ok. Not as stellar as Jenna’s.

Carrie Ann; “First of all, tonight’s semifinals, I’ve never seen dancing at this level. So congratulations to all of you. Kaitlyn, I’ve been waiting for you to do a contemporary. This is the dance I knew you’d be incredible at. And you danced from your heart. Your lines were beautiful. Artem, I loved the tenderness between you two. You guys have come together as a very beautiful team.” Derek: “When people ask me about Dancing with the Stars, I always say my favorite part about the show is telling stories. And having the honor and privilege to tell someone else’s story through dance and movement, and have those moments that are so special that you’ll never forget. You’ll always have this now. For your friend, and for yourself. Thank you for that.” Bruno: “Oh my darling. Powerful. Beautiful. Fantastic dance. Really on a fantastic night. I want to take a moment. You see this, but this show wouldn’t happen without all the people backstage that really work so hard to bring this show to the American audience. They do a fantastic job. Safely. Thanks to them as well, as all of you. Fantastic night.”

JUDGES: 30 (Out of 30)

So, who’s going home on this Double Elimination night?

(We are ignoring all the times Tyra messed up tonight. I will remind though: Tom Bergeron NEVER messed up a line.)

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of The Semifinals: Judges’ Redemption

1. Sasha and Justina, tango

2. Artem and Kaitlyn, paso doble

3. Jenna and Nev, foxtrot

4. Britt and Johnny, salsa

MICHE’s Favorite Dances of The Semifinals: Regular

1. Jenna and Nev, contemporary

2. Artem and Kaitlyn, contemporary

3. Sasha and Justina, contemporary

4. Britt and Johnny, jazz

5. Daniella and Nelly, jive

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Season 29, Week 4: We Have No Theme, but We Have Great Dances, and Tyra Messes Up Real Bad

 Yes. I know it’s the pandemic, but jeez, has all creativity gone away too? Let’s just say that Dancing with the Stars is hurting from not having a splashy opening DANCE NUMBER. They have devised LAME opening segments instead. This one perhaps being one of the worst. A pseudo PSA from “Celebrities Who Don’t Like Criticism” bitching about the judges’ comments. Ugh. Stupid. Hated it.

Then we get ten minutes of Tyra walking through a door with a fancy dress on. #Eyeroll #WhoCares

As is common in this season, there is also no stated theme. The episode guides just call it “Top 13.” I refuse. Pick a damn theme, people.

Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

I really adore Daniella, and she is working so hard to make Nelly competitive. But he’s really not a dancer. Still, this paso doble was very watchable. If hair throwing were being judged, she’d have a Mirror Ball already.

Derek: “Nelly, you brought that poppin’ paso—way to start the show. I would’ve liked a little more shape. But I really liked that.” Bruno: “OK, you’ve got the power. Now you have to refine the artistry, especially in the shaping.” Carrie Ann: “Nelly! That is what I was looking for. We asked for a breakout last week. This is the breakout. There was not one misstep. The musicality, everything. I agree with Derek: a little bit more shaping. But wow, what an improvement.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Gleb and Chrishell, foxtrot

As you can see from the pic, it’s kind of a more grabby foxtrot than I’m used to. Not as much, you know, dancing involved. Really hated this one.

Bruno: “Excuse me? Almost too hot to trot. I liked the role reversal. Started very well, but there was a stumble.” Carrie Ann: “Chrishell, I’m really proud of you. You’re really aware of your face. But what I’m liking is the way it’s extending out: the tips of your hands, the points of your feet. There’s so much potential, and you’re growing every week.” Derek: “You feel so much more comfortable. So much more confident. For me, this was your best dance.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30) #overscored

Val and Monica, samba

Monica still doesn’t seem totally comfortable as competitor rather than coach, and she chastised Val in the package for not having enough empathy. But we have gold sparkly fringe, we have “Party in the USA” and we have Val’s exquisite choreography. What’s not to like?

Carrie Ann: (stands and applauds) “Mad respect to you for doing that, because it brought you guys closer together. You were formidable partners, and it made the dancing so much better. Val, I have so much respect for you. The dancing is improved greatly . You looked like you were having fun, you were also totally in control.” Derek: “This was a proper samba. There was so much content. So fantastic. As coaches, we are forever students. We are always learning. You can see that in this performance. You’re always improving. Your best dance.” Bruno: “What really impressed me was how much this was a pure samba. You actually put all the required samba steps together. Good for you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Keo and Anne, paso doble

I don’t know what this was. Some kind of anthem disguised as a paso doble. OK. As a dance, it didn’t really hold up for me, certainly not as a paso. Too many of the actresses in this show just strike dramatic poses rather than just dancing. #NotaFan

Derek: “When you rise above the storm, you will always find sunshine. In this case, a beautiful rainbow. You felt so much more sturdy, so much more on your feet. So much more in control. It makes me so happy to see progress each week, from all of the couples.” Bruno: “The multicolored warrior! Out and proud. It was the most focused performance up to date.” Carrie Ann: “I just love you. Watching you is inspiring me on so many levels. You’re a bright light. But also, you are so powerful. You fought for every single step in that paso. You don’t give up, we don’t give up rooting for you. You still have stuff to learn, but I’m rooting for you, and I think everyone else is. Keep at it.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Jenna and Nev, rumba

Beautiful dance, beautiful rumba. Great costumes, great choreography. Loved this one.

Bruno: “I feel so good, so lovey-dovey. Like a romantic dream, set to music. But you’re so in tune tonight, you two.” Carrie Ann: “The rumba is the woman’s dance, and it’s all about giving good frame, and you gave excellent frame. But you added a lot of poetry to it, which is such an amazing thing. You are standing out to me already as somebody we should keep our eye on. Your lines are beautiful. It’s all… Jenna, you guys are like a vision tonight.” Derek: “That was a beautiful rumba. The in-between movements that you have, the texture that you have are beautiful when we watch you dance. I loved it.” 

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Sasha and Justina, salsa

 Justina dedicates this dance to her grandmother, who passed in 2006, who emigrated from Puerto Rico.

I love seeing those two dance together. That was so fun.

Carrie Ann: “You got us all up on our feet. That’s the first time this whole season. Usually everybody’s coming into Dancing with the Stars and trying something new and it’s foreign to them. Tonight, instead of you being in the ballroom, I felt like I came over to your house.” Derek: “Justina! Oh my gosh. You have so much charisma. So much fun. Last week, it lacked a little bit of energy, but you brought it all this week. It comes from within you. That’s what’s so much fun to watch you dance, cause it’s just so authentic. I love it. Keep that up.” Bruno: “Justina, La Reina Latina. She was on fire. Those hips don’t lie. Good for you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Artem and Kaitlyn, Viennese waltz

Two of my favorite people in the social media world are Kaitlyn Bristowe and her partner Jason Tartick. So when her package is full of them and their story, it’s only a good thing. #Swoon She dedicates this dance to him.

Kaitlyn, back in regular shoes, after two weeks of ankle injuries, tackles this Viennese waltz with Artem.

Great, wonderful Viennese waltz. Loved it.

Derek: “That was so beautifully danced. Just every week, you get better and better. It’s just so elegant, so effortless. It’s stunning. I’m really looking forward to a different type of dance that’s gonna bring out a different side to you.” Bruno: “You have such a flexibility in your back and in your arm, and you’re able to link all the movement with such grace. I can’t wait to see you do something different. If you’re as good in Latin as you are in ballroom… oh my!” Carrie Ann: “We all love love. Love is so special, and it’s like the mysterious ingredient that makes everything so magical. Tonight, you brought that. You are an excellent dancer, and you have been from Day One, I think. Tonight there was something very very special. I loved the lyricism. I could hear Len Goodman saying, “Why aren’t they in traditional hold?” but for me it worked and it worked beautifully.”

JUDGES: 25 (out of 30, the first 9 of the season)

Britt and Johnny, jive

How can a person not love a jive, danced to “Crocodile Rock”? I mean… C’mon!

Loved loved loved that so much.

Bruno: “Johnny is on full throttle. Now I see you, Johnny. You turned the lights on at full beam. You were performing, you were exploding out there. It’s like seeing the real you. It was fantastic. You’re always light on your feet, but you were sharp as well.” Carrie Ann: “What is going on? You guys had Disney Week last week, and everyone’s having breakthroughs tonight. That was incredible. You were glowing, every move. The resistance, the partnership, everything about it was fantastic.” Derek: “Johnny, to echo what they were both saying, it feels like when you’re off the floor, we see you, and when you hit the floor, sometimes it closes off a little bit. Tonight, you opened up, you let us in. And it was just so refreshing to watch that from you.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

Brandon and Jeannie, tango

Jeannie’s mom is betting against her winning #DWTS, so Jeannie uses that as motivation. They are dancing a tango to the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army,” so it’s a fun dance to watch.

Carrie Ann: “I would not bet against you, with all that fire, with all that passion. It was so good, until the end there was that misstep. Jeannie Mai, that is the direction that we need from you. I would’ve thought you’d be more of a Latin dancer, but you’re actually better in the ballroom.” Derek: “Your focus, your attitude in that dance was spot on. It was so good. Great job.” Bruno: “I love the way you can change and switch your personality. It worked extremely well. I love the range you have. Keep going.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Peta and Vernon, rumba

First of all, Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” is a great song. Peta’s choreography definitely played well with the partnership.

Derek: “Man, I love this show so much. Seeing you dance a rumba brings me so much joy. Man, that was beautiful.” Bruno: “Vernon, you’re better and better every week. You have natural charm and charisma. Everything you do seems to be effortless. And you got those hips rotating.” Carrie Ann: “I don’t think we were looking at the arm motions. What’s so spectacular about you is the way you understand momentum. That sweep you did with Peta was like magic. There’s moments in some dances that take your breath away. The way you understand how the momentum works, that’s what’s special about you. And the hip action. There’s a poetry to you that’s really spectacular.”

JUDGES: 22 (out of 30)

Sharna and Jesse, cha cha

I love Sharna to death, and love her choreography always. The sets and costumes are great. But I’m just not feeling Jesse all season long. Dunno what it is, but he lacks the fire that so many of the other contestants really have.

Bruno: “Jesse! You drive me crazy. You’ve got the looks, you’ve got the vibe. You’ve got the girl. You almost had the timing. But you forgot the hips. There is so much that you could do. If you just pushed a little bit harder, it would be so much better. I don’t feel you’re quite there yet.” Carrie Ann: “Your musicality is improved. Definitely, I saw you on the beat. I want more from you. I wanna see what we see in the packages. There’s this easiness to you in the packages. When you’re not dancing, you’re like a different person. I wanna see more of that in the dance.” Derek: “Much better this week. It’s all about progress. It’s all about improving. So you did that.”

JUDGES: 21 (out of 30)

Alan and Skai, foxtrot

Skai dedicates this song to her colleague Cameron Boyce, who died. 

It is a beautiful foxtrot. 

Carrie Ann: “I was blown away by that,” she says with tears in her eyes. Derek: “This was my absolute favorite dance of the night. So beautiful. It was exquisite. It had so much breadth in there. Your neckline is stunning. You’re a gorgeous ballroom dancer. I’m really proud of you.” Carrie Ann: “For me, dance is always about emotion. I”m sure that Cameron is watching you right now, and he’s so proud of you. What you did, you were like an angel, dancing the most beautiful dance. I’m beyond words. It was just sheer perfection.” Bruno: “One thing is for sure: you are back in top form. That was stunning. It was the embodiment of grace and elegance. But what you had that I’ve rarely seen in someone so young is the poise. The poise was regal. Keep doing jobs like this.”

JUDGES: 28 (out of 30, first 10 of the season)

Cheryl and AJ, cha cha

During the pandemic, many things had to go away to put on a show: audiences, props, friends backstage, troupe dancers. But AJ and Cheryl came up with a novel idea to add flair to their dance: the Backstreet Boys, virtually. Appropriately to their song “Larger than Life,” as they appear larger than life behind him at the beginning of the dance (and throughout).

Very fun. Especially for Backstreet Boys fans.

Derek: “Larger than Life? Literally, like 80 foot back here. You are living legends. It’s always a pleasure to watch you, and to see that was fantastic. You’re just so likeable, and I enjoy watching you. Need to work on the footwork a little. Way to end the show.” Bruno: “Crowd-pleasing, barn-storming performance. You got all the reinforcement going, very good. Still need to work on the cha cha cha, but the performance? A winner.” Carrie Ann: “What a great way to end tonight. It has been so much fun. You’re such a natural entertainer, you just know how to bring it. Thank you, it was like going to a concert. We love it.”

JUDGES: 24 (out of 30)

The night’s final leaderboard. Now, something is about to happen that never happened when Tom Bergeron was host. I’m just saying.

Who goes home? Who is in the bottom two? Well…

We get down to these three couples left on stage.

Now, what I believe actually happened is that the bottom two SHOULD BE Anne and Keo and Chrishell and Gleb. But, for some reason, Tyra has a meltdown and says that Val and Monica should come back, because they are in the bottom two. See leaderboard above. I believe to this day that they were never in the bottom two properly. The math just doesn’t work out.

Don’t know exactly what happened here, but it was a major fiasco, the likes of which we’ve never seen.

So the judges now have to decide who’s going home, based on either Anne/Keo or Val/Monica. Well, duh.

Bizarre. Truly bizarre.

Miche’s Favorites of Week 4

1. Val and Monica, samba

2. Britt and Johnny, jive

3. Sasha and Justina, salsa

4. Cheryl and AJ, cha cha

5. Kaitlyn and Artem, Viennese waltz

6. Jenna and Nev, rumba

7. Sharna and Jesse, cha cha

8. Brandon and Jeannie, tango

9. Daniella and Nelly, paso doble

10. Peta and Vernon, rumba

Please Go Away

1. Anne Heche

2. Chrishell

3. Skai

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