‘Dancing with the Stars’ Most Memorable Year recap: Emotional night included a tribute to Len Goodman [LIVE BLOG]
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
Bring on the tears! Tonight is “Most Memorable Year Night” on “Dancing with the Stars,” when the celebrities perform routines commemorating their most life-changing experiences. It’s always a moving occasion because dance is such an emotional art form, and because the contestants are able to relive some of their most heartwarming or heartbreaking moments. Follow along below with our live blog for all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary throughout the night.
Last week NFL football player Adrian Peterson was the fourth celebrity eliminated from the competition, leaving 10 to compete for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: actress Xochitl Gomez, actress Alyson Hannigan, “Too Hot to Handle” star Harry Jowsey, “The Bachelorette” alum Charity Lawson, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix, singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, social media personality Lele Pons, Oscar winner Mira Sorvino, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Mauricio Umansky and “Brady Bunch” actor Barry Williams.
More from GoldDerby
'The Amazing Race 35' episode 5 recap: Who was eliminated in 'Yessir, the Pink City'? [LIVE BLOG]
'Survivor 45' episode 5 recap: Who was voted out in 'I Don't Want to be the Worm'? [LIVE BLOG]
Further ramping up the emotion, half of the celebrities will be performing contemporary dances. That style is known for its freedom of movement and expression. In addition, “DWTS” will pay tribute to Len Goodman, its longtime judge who passed away in April at age 78. That tribute will bring back former pros Kym Herjavec, Anna Trebunskaya, Karina Smirnoff, Edyta Sliwinska, Tony Dovolani, Louis van Amstel, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Mark Ballas. They’ll dance to “Moon River,” with choreography by current pros Val Chmerkovskiy and Jenna Johnson.
So who gave the night’s best performances? Who struggled? And who went home at the end of the night? Find out below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).
Daniel Montgomery, 8:01pm — Jeez, these celebrities are so young half of them have most memorable years after 2020 LOL
Jeffrey Kare, 8:02pm — It’s better than calling 2020 anyone’s most memorable year ever.
Cordell Martin, 8:03pm — I know right LOL
DM, 8:03pm — And you can tell there’s a lot of contemporary because there are a lot of men with flowing open shirts.
Mira Sorvino and Gleb Savchenko (Contemporary — 2004)
DM, 8:04pm — Her most memorable year is the year her daughter was born, and her daughter is part of the routine. Should be unique.
DM, 8:07pm — A sweet routine from Mira. Modest, gentle, choreography a little gimmicky, but I liked it well enough.
JK, 8:07pm — Her daughter being a part of that was adorable…as well as the performance itself.
CM, 8:08pm — Loved the nod to “Romy and Michele” lol
JUDGES — Derek Hough thought it was joyful to watch, it was a great way to start. Bruno Tonioli liked the mirror images, it had a wonderful uplifting feeling, but she needs to engage her core more during lifts. Carrie Ann Inaba thought she turned something comedic into something heartfelt.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (8), Bruno (7) = 22 out of 30
CM, 8:10pm — Respectable scores.
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov (Viennese Waltz — 2023)
DM, 8:13pm — No surprise, her most memorable year surrounds her ex and the affair she discovered he was having with her close friend. I look forward to a Billie Eilish waltz to “Happier Than Ever.”
DM, 8:16pm — Good dance, but I was super distracted by the weird mangled arrangement of that song.
CM, 8:17pm — That was a fierce performance
JK, 8:17pm — I thought it was excellent!
JUDGES — Bruno says to use adversity to make you stronger, but he didn’t say anything about the actual dancing. Carrie Ann could feel the fight in her, but it was missing that driving tempo that you need for the Viennese waltz. Derek thinks she’s a beautiful actress who connects to the dances. There was a little stumble, but it was a beautiful dance she should be proud of.
CM, 8:18pm — Oh Carrie Ann lol
DM, 8:21pm — 8a and a 9 maybe?
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30
DM, 8:23pm — I agree with those scores.
CM, 8:23pm — I’m fine with those scores.
JK, 8:23pm — They’re great ones to get.
Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev (Contemporary — 2022)
DM, 8:23pm — Her most memorable year included a breakup from a toxic ex, going on “The Bachelor,” which led to “The Bachelorette.” She was disappointed not to get 9s last week. On contemporary, with her natural ability, if she stays upright she’ll easily get 9s.
DM, 8:27pm — She’s getting 9s at least. Wasn’t expecting the jungle gym LOL.
CM, 8:28pm — Her best performance!
JK, 8:28pm — So breathtakingly staged and performed!
CM, 8:29pm — She better get a few 9’s. I love the opening.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was a dance that will define the season with great choreography and elevated emotions. Derek thought the prop was well used, and she danced with strength and bravery, she took the breaths of the audience away. Bruno had the sense of being in a trap and looking for freedom, the theme resonated with him.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 28 out of 30
DM, 8:30pm — Jumping the gun with that 10 a little I think.
JK, 8:30pm — At least it wasn’t a perfect score.
CM, 8:31pm — Okay Carrie Ann LOL
DM, 8:31pm — Also too soon in the season to call it the dance of the season. Too soon in the night to even call it the dance of the night.
CM, 8:32pm — I know right?
Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber (Viennese Waltz — 2003)
DM, 8:34pm — Alyson is trying to improve every week, but so far she’s stuck at 6s. Her memorable year is the year she married Alexis Denisof, her co-star from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” They just celebrated their 20th anniversary. Wesley + Willow Forever!
DM, 8:38pm — Surprisingly good prop work, she was on the music, her frame looked good. Maybe her best dance?
CM, 8:39pm — I agree.
JK, 8:39pm — I think so too. Wonderfully done!
CM, 8:39pm — This was her most confident performance.
JUDGES — Derek thought the neckline and frame was better, the timing was a little off at times. Bruno thinks the love of the dance comes through her. There was a tiny foot problem, but it was better. Carrie Ann assures her that all criticism is out of love and respect and that she should never let it defeat her.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 21 out of 30
DM, 8:41pm — I wish she had gotten one 8, but those 7s were fair.
JK, 8:42pm — Three 7’s should hopefully bring her some luck.
Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold (Contemporary — 2020)
DM, 8:44pm — The judges got really carried away with his scores last week. With contemporary, they’re really gonna lean into flashing his torso and having him throw Rylee around with big lifts LOL.
DM, 8:48pm — He seems like a nice boy, but I really hope the judges don’t overdo it with him again. She really just danced around him.
JK, 8:49pm — Exactly! It’s almost like half a good performance.
JUDGES — Bruno thought it was lacking musicality, it was stiff, and the moves weren’t connected. Carrie Ann thought it was a step back from last week. When they’re together, he comes to life, but he shrinks back down when he’s on his own. Derek thought he was a fantastic partner for Rylee with the lifts, but the in-between moments need work.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Derek (6), Bruno (6) = 18 out of 30
DM, 8:51pm — Thankfully the judges course-corrected with those scores.
CM, 8:52pm — Harry’s routine was rough.
Len Goodman Tribute
DM, 9:01pm — I’m really loving this Len Goodman tribute. Great clip package, and this group dance is giving old Hollywood class and glamor that he would have loved.
JK, 9:02pm — As well as the instrumental version of “Moon River.” What a touching tribute to Len!
DM, 9:02pm — I hope this puts Val and Jenna in the conversation for an Emmy nomination for choreography.
CM, 9:03pm — I hope so too. Beautiful.
DM, 9:03pm — Beautiful after it ended too. The dignified stiff upper lips on the dancers, and then Bruno breaking down unexpectedly. Heartbreaking.
CM, 9:04pm — That was really touching.
Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach (Quickstep — 1999)
DM, 9:06pm — That Len Goodman tribute was a tough act to follow, but they picked the right performer to try to do it. I’m really excited for this quickstep, which will be inspired by the year Jason decided to pursue a career in music.
DM, 9:09pm — Jason back on track with that quickstep. He looked a lot more comfortable in hold than he did last week.
JK, 9:10pm — He literally is “on the road again.” That was terrific!
CM, 9:10pm — I loved his performance.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thinks they’re a beautiful partnership, he’s technically superior in the competition, but there was a little wobble. Derek thinks he’s taking a chance with dancing that’s paying off. The difficulty level and footwork were impressive, and his frame was better than last week. Bruno thought it gave twinkling pleasure, it was light, bright, and effortless, with tons of content.
DM, 9:12pm — That should be good for 9s, maybe an 8 from Carrie Ann.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30
JK, 9:15pm — Even better!
Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong (Contemporary — 2020)
DM, 9:16pm — A lot of emotions and changes in her life during her most memorable year. She made a docuseries about mental health because she suffers from OCD, anxiety and Tourette’s. She has a lot of natural ability, so I have high hopes for this routine.
DM, 9:20pm — No monkey bars on this one, but I’d say that was on par with Charity’s. Excellent!
CM, 9:21pm — Her best performance as well.
JK, 9:21pm — Incredible!
CM, 9:21pm — This night always brings out the best in most of the couples.
JUDGES — Derek thinks she’s been progressing every week and she should celebrate herself. Bruno thinks it’s her at her most real, no histrionics, just truth. Carrie Ann thinks it was her best dance, toes were pointed, they were all moving with her.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30
DM, 9:22pm — Huh, I thought that was worth at least one 9.
JK, 9:23pm — So do I.
CM, 9:23pm — A bit underscored.
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy (Viennese Waltz — 2021)
DM, 9:26pm — She missed her quinceanera that year. 2021. She’s a baby, and I’m ancient LOL.
DM, 9:29pm — Xochitl is a star. No notes. Spot-on.
JK, 9:30pm — Amazing!
CM, 9:30pm — She just has it! The frontrunner.
JUDGES — Bruno calls her a marvelous princess. The difficulty of the dance, Val choreographed little touches that were fun and dynamic, and the performance was so controlled. Carrie Ann felt it had the right momentum for the Viennese waltz. There was a tiny wobble, though. Derek didn’t see the wobble, she has youthful charm but with maturity of movement.
CM, 9:31pm — I can see one or two 10s.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10), Bruno (9) = 28 out of 30
JK, 9:32pm — Which is what she deservingly gets.
DM, 9:32pm — Nailed it.
CM, 9:33pm — She’s adorable.
Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater (Contemporary — 1996)
DM, 9:36pm — He has the earliest most memorable year so far. He lost his job, which made him feel like a failure. But it was his opportunity to transition into real estate, which helped them “Rise Up.”
DM, 9:40pm — There looked like a slightly awkward moment at the end when she was on his knee and he seemed uncomfortable, but it was much better than expected overall.
CM, 9:41pm — Mauricio shocked me with this dance.
JK, 9:41pm — Weird in spots, but it looks like he’s starting to get the hang of it.
CM, 9:41pm — It was better than expected. He’s going to get an 8.
DM, 9:41pm — Yeah, that would warrant 8s
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was beautiful, the movements were intentional, they were in sync. Derek thinks thinks he has become a dancer through his obstacles, he’s amazed by his commitment. Bruno thought he gave it all he’s got, it was true and honest, and they could read the journey, his best dance yet.
CM, 9:42pm — He’s going to get an 8.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30
JK, 9:43pm — And he gets three 8’s.
DM, 9:44pm — Okay, but remember what happened to Adrian last week. Best dance ever, middle of the pack, got the boot.
CM, 9:44pm — True. Harry needs to go.
JK, 9:44pm — Let’s hope Mauricio just got some more people voting for him tonight.
Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd (Paso Doble — 1968)
DM, 9:46pm — His most memorable year was before most of the other contestants were born. He was out riding motorcycles just before he hit it big with “The Brady Bunch.” Glad to see someone who has lived long enough to have a lot of memorable years to choose from.
DM, 9:49pm — Very solid work from Barry. I’m impressed. Hope that keeps him off the bottom of the leaderboard. Harry was definitely the weakest of the night.
JK, 9:50pm — Agreed! Barry appears to be back on track this week.
CM, 9:50pm — Okay Barry lol
CM, 9:51pm — Are they really going to eliminate someone tonight?
JK, 9:51pm — If they don’t, they’ll make next week even scarier by eliminating two people.
JUDGES — Derek thought it was a redemption dance, Len would have loved it because it was filled with content with no messing about. Bruno didn’t notice any mistakes at all, and it was a real paso doble. Carrie Ann thought it made her heart happy to perform at the level he knew he was capable of.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30
DM, 9:52pm — Wow, I thought maybe 7s, wasn’t expecting all 8s.
JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD
1. Xochitl Gomez — 28
1. Charity Lawson — 28
3. Jason Mraz — 27
4. Ariana Madix — 24
4. Mauricio Umansky — 24
4. Barry Williams — 24
4. Lele Pons — 24
8. Mira Sorvino — 22
9. Alyson Hannigan — 21
10. Harry Jowsey — 18
CM, 9:54pm — Mira or Harry will go home.
JK, 9:54pm — Let’s hope it’s the latter.
DM, 9:54pm — Yeah, I’m worried for Mira if there’s an elimination. But there’s a lot of 24-out-of-30s in there. I think only the top three are absolutely safe.
RESULTS
DM, 9:57pm — The safe celebs are Ariana Madix (no surprise there), Barry Williams (good for him!), Lele Pons (good for her!), Mauricio Umansky (he’s still got it apparently), Xochitl Gomez (duh), Charity Lawson (duh) and Jason Mraz (duh).
DM, 9:59pm — Mira Sorvino is eliminated from the competition in 10th place. Alyson Hannigan and Harry Jowsey survive.
CM, 10:00pm — Told you.
DM, 10:00pm — That’s a big fat bummer.
JK, 10:01pm — I guess giving the first performance of the night wasn’t a good idea for her.
CM, 10:02pm — Unfortunately she never had a moment to stand out from the pack.
DM, 10:03pm — Yeah, and being third from the bottom didn’t help. Alyson and Harry definitely had people voting to keep them alive.
CM, 10:04pm — Yeah Harry is going to overstay his welcome lol
DM, 10:04pm — I think Harry might make it to the top five.
CM, 10:05pm — Let’s prepare ourselves LOL.
PREDICT‘Dancing with the Stars’ now; change them until each Tuesday night’s show
Be sure to make your predictions so that the contestants can see how they’re faring in our racetrack odds. You can keep changing your predictions until just before the next episode airs every Tuesdays on ABC and Disney+. You’ll compete to win a spot on our leaderboard and eternal bragging rights. See our contest rules and sound off with other fans in our reality TV forum. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.
Best of GoldDerby
'Survivor' quitters list: Everyone who voluntarily left the show through the years
Who's performing on 'The Masked Singer' tonight? October 25 lineup includes an all-new wildcard ...
Sign up for Gold Derby's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
