'DWTS:' Viall, Kerrigan out in double elimination
It’s movie night, y’all!
Relax and put your feet up for the talkie that is Dancing with the Stars movie night. It’s also that complicated week where there are dance-offs, immunity and yes, a double elimination. It’s as exhausting as watching both VHS tapes of Titanic. So exhausting that Nancy Kerrigan and Nick Viall are nixed this week, but let’s chat about it all, shall we?
Normani Kordei and Val Chmerkovskiy
Foreign Argentine Tango
Judges Score: 40/40
So, let’s ignore the fact that an Argentine tango was haphazardly assigned the “foreign” designation and just focus on that beautiful dance. With a strong bob, perfectly executed staccato and beautiful grace, Normani locks herself into immunity with a perfect score.
Simone Biles and Sasha Farber
Silent Movie Charleston
Judges Score: 37/40
If Simone was meant to perform a dance, it just might be the Charleston. A mix of personality and rigid execution, Simone has a way of capturing the essence of a dance without missing a beat. And of course, the judges noticed and gave the routine stellar scores.
Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater
Horror Paso
Judges Score: 37/40
If a Paso to “O Fortuna” doesn’t happen in a season, did the season even happen? Thankfully, it fell into the hands of Rashad and man is it a Paso worth remembering. The combination of strong lines and sheer masculinity made it everything a Paso should be, and the judges took note.
Nancy Kerrigan and Artem Chigvintsev
Pretty Woman Tango
Judges Score: 36/40
Nancy should have been a final three shoo-in, but after last week’s worthless elimination, anything was possible. This week, if there was any justice, she would have been fine, but alas. Her romance tango takes us to the point we all knew Nancy could get to—a perfect mix of fun and precision. The judges still found a way to keep her from a 10, which was as criminal as kicking Julia Roberts off of Rodeo Drive.
Best of the Rest
Nick’s action movie Argentine tango brought in a 34, while David Ross’ Sci-Fi salsa finished with a 32. Bonner’s Western Paso Doble rounded out the group with a 29.
Dance-offs!
Simone Biles v Nancy Kerrigan—Cha Cha
From moment go, Simone and Sasha took the lead, and it’s nothing short of a slaughter. Nancy is amazing, but Simone locked it in too fast for Nancy to stand a chance. Simone secured a bonus three points.
Rashad Jennings v David Ross—Jive
It’s a battle of the giants: Rashad’s perfection against David’s charm. Ultimately it’s a unanimous vote for Rashad and Emma, but they barely captured America’s vote, proving just how much America loves a really great dad with star power.
Nick Viall v Bonner Bolton—Rumba
In the final dance-off, Nick and Bonner rumba to “I Will Always Love You.” It’s quite a somber finish for the evening, but somehow Bonner completely dominated America’s votes. They also nearly swept the judges’ opinion, so Bonner received the bonus points.
USA TODAY Sparkle Points Podium
David Ross
USA TODAY Sparkle Points; 5/5
Yes to satin. Yes to sea foam. Yes to stereotypical depictions of aliens who know how to salsa! David in a shiny suit is the dad couture you didn’t know you needed, but here we are, rooting for the shiniest catcher to date.
Bonner Bolton
USA TODAY Sparkle Points: 4.5/5
Well look at this little nugget in his ol’ timey waistcoat! Was the Paso great? Nah. But that adorable little gun holster and that slicked back haircut? Sign us up, cowboy.
Simone Biles
USA TODAY Sparkle Points: 4.5/5
Holy aqua fringe and headband. It’s easy to get distracted by perfect dancing, but that sparkle fringe, matching headband, and bedazzled flats elevate her performance to the next level.
