Dancing With the Stars recap: Even a winning dance-off couldn't save the irresistible (SPOILER)

Tyra Banks Cries While Honoring Jeannie Mai After Her DWTS Exit: 'We're All Emotional'

PLUS: Hospitalized Jeannie Mai Was Told Her 'Throat Would Have Closed Up' If She 'Had Waited 1 More Day'

It took an excruciating nine weeks, but I have finally fallen in love with Tyra Bank's opening look. A J. Lo-inspired, long and silky green confection. So flowy! So iconic! But that was the goal, right? It's Icon Night in the ballroom, a theme that was (awkwardly) spoofed with a black and white skit about faux cologne that Nev got to balance on his bicep.

Do I smell some 10s coming?

A.J. McLean and Cheryl Burke: Apparently, the Backstreet Boy reminds Cheryl of Freddie Mercury — the highest compliment and also a bit of a co-winkydink, since that's who inspired their Viennese waltz. But Freddie never had a problem with timing, unlike the tottering A.J. "That was a tough one. You started off strong," said Carrie Ann Inaba. "You were in the zone, then did you lose the turn, you lost the grip? A bad series of events happened." Score: 23 out of 30

Nelly and Daniella Karagach: His extraordinary athleticism aside (whatta flip!), Nelly seemed uncharacteristically out of sorts while freestyling to Tupac's "California Love." "You missed a couple of steps," noted an excessively bronzed Bruno Tonioli. (Seriously, he's more brown sugary than ever). "He's a gentleman, he knows." "We aren't trying to make you professional dancers, we are trying to make you come to your own personal journey," said Inaba. "You did miss some steps... not sure what happened there." Score: 24 out of 40

Justina Machado and Sasha Farber: The judges weren't that crazy for the duo's rumba, danced to Madonna's "Crazy to You." (Speaking of which, could you feel the weight of my stare, Justina? You're looking slim, girl). "You've got to push it a bit further, yeah?" said Tonioli. But the number was still scheduled at the top of the show so their score was a generous ... 24 out of 30

Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten: It would be nice to report that Skai is too young and innocent to have to deal with hate and discrimination in the real world. But Fantasyland doesn't stretch beyond the DWTS stage door: the Disney star recalled how a fellow tot in her ballet school wouldn't touch her for fear of catching Skai's Black-ness. Who can Paso doble after a story like that? Skai, that's who! "Thank you for sharing your story, and yes, Black lives matter. I'm so proud of you for using your platform," said Inaba. "But I'm more proud of you for your fierce Paso doble!" "Respect, my darling! This is one of the most grownup dances we've had. You lived up to it," added Tonioli. Score: 27 out of 30

Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson: Not wanting to settle for being the Catfish guy, Nev is hoping his DWTS platform will get him to Broadway as the "dance guy." Will his jive to "Saturday Night's Alright" by his icon Elton John get him there? "Brother, I've seen you grow... that has so much content in it, so much charisma," said Derek Hough. "I would like a little more pump in the jive." "Rocketman at his most entertaining," added Tonioli. "I love the structure, the theatricality of it. You are entertaining." Score: 27 out of 30

Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart: While acknowledging the struggles of his icon Amy Winehouse, Weir tearfully recalled his time during the Olympics and how unfair it was that he had six minutes to succeed on the ice after dedicating "every waking moment of his life" to preparation. He initially failed. America made fun of him. That was some really sad stuff... and then, he had to quickstep to Winehouse's "Valerie." But what a great pick-me-up! "Amy would have loved that! Unique, groundbreaking, forget about old perceptions. You did it very well," said Tonioli. Score: Perfect 30

Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev: The front-runner cemented her status by performing a flawless and fancy Argentine tango to Britney Spears, who just so happened to inspire Kaitlyn's singing career. "For me, you've always lacked a little bit of the impact, until tonight," said Hough. "Hit me Kaitlyn one more time!" added Tonioli. "Now, we are in business! The luscious shapes, those lines stretched to infinity. Some of the images were like precious paintings... a star performance." Inaba gave her a standing ovation. Score: Perfect 30

Time for the Dance-off! Nev and Jenna's terrific scores from the previous week meant they didn't have to participate.

Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev vs. Justina Machado and Sasha Farber: The couples had to simultaneously perform a cha cha to "Telephone," but this was an easy call for the judges. Though Kaitlyn and her pro were obviously precise, they were far more subdued compared to the feisty Justina in her sexy dress. (Hated the placing of the couples. Why not stick them center stage, side-by-side, instead of in the opposite corners of the ballroom?) "This was like a proper ballroom Latin competition," said Hough. "You have to stand out, you have to be outstanding." Inaba picked Kaitlin; Hough picked Justina, and Tonioli went with Justina. Winner: Justina and Sasha

Skai Jackson and Alan Bersten vs. Nelly and Daniella Karagach: Dancing a salsa to "Livin' La Vida Loca," the advantage seemed to go to Nelly — who ripped his shirt off early — and his fierce partner, who easily upstaged Skai. But this isn't about the pros, it's about the celebs, and the Disney star simply hoofed it better than Nelly. Inaba picked Skai; Derek picked Nelly, and Bruno went with Skai. Winner: Skai and Alan.

Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart v. A.J. McLean and Cheryl Burke: Dancing the jive to "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go," both duos got their hearts pumping, but it was A.J. (or maybe his yellow shirt?) who got all the attention. Inaba picked Johnny; Hough picked A.J., and Tonioli picked A.J. Winner: A.J. and Cheryl.

The bottom two couples were Johnny and Britt and A.J. and Cheryl. Tonioli saved Johnny and Britt; Hough saved A.J. and Cheryl, so Inaba had to make the final decision: she eliminated A.J. and Cheryl.

Next week are the semi-finals!

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