‘Dancing with the Stars’ Whitney Houston Night recap: Celebs paid tribute to the legendary singer, then competed in a dance-off [LIVE BLOG]
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“Dancing with the Stars” is past the halfway point with seven celebrities remaining in the eighth week of the competition. So who continued to move forward and who was eliminated on “Whitney Houston Night” when the celebrities performed routines paying tribute to the late, great singer? Scroll down for our live blog with all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary throughout the night.
Last week singer and social media star Lele Pons was unexpectedly the seventh celebrity eliminated from the competition, leaving seven 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 and “Brady Bunch” actor Barry Williams.
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Lele’s elimination came as a bit of a shock. Only three Gold Derby users who placed their bets here in our predictions center saw that result coming. What’s more, she ended the night ranked third on the judges’ leaderboard, so she seemed to have quite a buffer between her and the bottom of the pack. I goes to show that anything can happen once you factor in the votes of viewers at home. Her fan base simply didn’t turn out like they needed to.
“Whitney Houston Night” includes two rounds of competition. The first round will feature the celebrities performing new routines with their pro partners. After that will be the dance-off round where the couples go head-to-head performing the same dance style: Xochitl vs. Charity with the cha cha, Jason vs. Barry with salsa, and Harry vs. Alyson with the rumba. The winning celebrity from each match-up gets crucial bonus points added to their score. As you can see, Ariana is exempt from the dance-off: she got the highest individual dance score on “Music Video Night,” so she gets to sit this one out and gets automatic bonus points added to her score.
So what’ll happen? Follow along below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).
SEEHere’s the set list for ‘Dancing with the Stars” Whitney Houston Night
Jeffrey Kare, 8:02pm — Leave it to Billy Porter to get Whitney Houston night started (even with a couple technical mishaps).
Daniel Montgomery, 8:02pm — Billy Porter out here reminding us that he’s a Tony winner. But yeah, sounded like he was having sound problems.
DM, 8:03pm — And it looks like Harry is getting the deadly first slot.
JK, 8:03pm — We’ll see if he’ll be the next to suffer from it.
Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold (Viennese Waltz)
DM, 8:06pm — Those 10s for his group routine were a little generous. Rylee takes him to ballet class to help him with his movement and performance quality. A good idea, I think, but maybe she shoulda tried that in week two.
DM, 8:09pm — Harry was kinda hunched, still pretty stompy, his arms were more fluid, though.
JK, 8:10pm — It looked like he was doing his best…to follow Rylee’s lead.
JUDGES — Derek Hough saw some better moments and improvements, but he still dances kind of small for a big guy. Billy thinks he has grown exponentially on the show, and the connection was there, but the seduction level was not quite there. Bruno Tonioli noticed he tried to keep the phrasing and timing, but his bum stuck out. Carrie Ann Inaba saw grace peeking out of the corners in every movement. He has come far.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Billy (7), Bruno (7) = 28 out of 40
DM, 8:12pm — The 7s are what I expected. Fair, I think.
Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach (Samba)
DM, 8:16pm — C’mon, Jason! He needs another big moment to bring back some of his mojo. Samba is going to be tough, but I think a hot Latin dance is a good opportunity for him to show off his ample charisma.
DM, 8:19pm — I don’t think that was quite the moment he needed to get back in the game. It looked a little messy in places, but Daniella definitely challenged him this week.
JK, 8:21pm — I thought it was mostly solid.
JUDGES — Billy loves his character, his connection, but his mouthing of the words is distracting. Bruno thought it was a high-content, high quality samba, but he messed it up four times. Carrie Ann credits him with going for the technique, but he didn’t finish his movements. Derek credits him with doing a proper samba, he had the bounce and rhythm, and he’s pretending not to notice the mistakes.
DM, 8:22pm — I think that was the Jason Mraz equivalent of Mauricio completely forgetting his choreography in week two.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (9), Billy (8), Bruno (8) = 33 out of 40
DM, 8:23pm — The 8s are fair. Derek was definitely generous with that 9, but if they’re gonna be nice to Harry, they need to be nice to everybody.
Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber (Contemporary)
DM, 8:26pm — A contemporary is a really good opportunity for Alyson to keep her scores up there after her breakthrough last week. She needs to go for the emotions. She doesn’t know if she can keep it together, but crying is a feature not a bug on contemporary.
DM, 8:30pm — Really solid contemporary. Not my favorite choreography, and not the most impactful, but I think she deserves to stay at 8s.
JK, 8:31pm — I think it’s her best performance yet!
JUDGES — Bruno thought it was simple and expressive. Carrie Ann feels like she watched Alyson’s real story. Derek thinks she has a beautiful energy, and what was special about the routine is that she was dancing for herself. Billy felt the connection and storytelling, he could feel what she said that “Greatest Love of All” was her most important song, but she needs to point her toes more.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Billy (9), Bruno (8) = 33 out of 40
DM, 8:36pm — I wouldn’t have guessed that Alyson would end up tied with Jason.
JK, 8:36pm — Not surprised Billy gave her a 9.
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy (Tango)
DM, 8:36pm — Xochitl actually sprained her ankle before the wardrobe malfunction on “Music Video Night,” but I think tango is going to be a really strong recovery for her.
DM, 8:39pm — That tango was utterly pristine. I couldn’t spot a single flaw.
JK, 8:40pm — Surprisingly absolutely no one, she once again CRUSHED IT!
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was flawless and pristine, she was like a black panther. Derek says, “That is how you do a tango.” It had power and strength and a clean upper body. Billy felt she had the presence, the lines, the spotting, the direction. Bruno says she’s on top of the game, the quality of movement was great, it was dancing at its best.
DM, 8:41pm — She’s gettin’ those 10s.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Billy (10), Bruno (10) = 40 out of 40
DM, 8:43pm — Jason needed a recovery moment, but Xochitl was the one who got it. She’s definitely in it to win the whole competition.
JK, 8:44pm — If any individual deserved the first perfect score of this season, it’s her.
DM, 8:45pm — Absolutely, but I feel bad that Jason couldn’t get that kind of breakthrough win-worthy moment.
Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd (Rumba)
DM, 8:47pm — He wants to get his scores up after a dip last week. Rumba is super slow and intricate. His technique needs to be spot-on. He’s getting input from his hula-dancer wife so he can work on his hip action.
DM, 8:51pm — Barry’s hip action wasn’t quite there, but he had great posture and quality movement.
JK, 8:52pm — He’s continuing to do really good work.
JUDGES — Derek loved the way he used his arms, despite a few problems here and there. Billy thought he did great work with the storytelling, he knows how to show up and show out, but the dance was too easy for him. Bruno thought Barry had it all, no mistakes and that makes all the difference. Carrie Ann thought there was an intensity and bravado, though his hips weren’t quite lubricated.
DM, 8:54pm — I think the judges will upgrade him to mostly 8s this week.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Billy (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40
JK,. 8:57pm — Which is exactly what he got.
Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev (Viennese Waltz)
DM, 8:58pm — Charity has the most iconic Whitney Houston song in a dance style that will complement her technical beauty and personality.
DM, 9:02pm — Beautiful dance from Charity, couldn’t notice any technical flaws there. Not quite up to Xochitl’s dance for me, but might get 10s.
JK, 9:03pm — Breathtaking!
JUDGES — Billy thinks she needs to spot in her turns better and her arms are like Olive Oil. Bruno thought she was on it in the a cappella sections, but when she was in hold she cut short her movements. Carrie Ann thinks she’s a beautiful dancer, but her movements lack some intention. Derek thinks she needs to watch her arms.
DM, 9:04pm — Okay, maybe not 10s. Definitely 9s.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Billy (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40
JK, 9:06pm — Which is just what she got.
DM, 9:07pm — I think Charity has a similar problem to Jason: started the season really strong, but she has hit a snag. For Jason this week it was mistakes. For Charity it’s a continued lack of connection to her movements. Xochitl and Ariana are growing from week-to-week, but Charity and Jason are not quite fulfilling their early promise.
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov (Paso Doble)
DM, 9:09pm — She has a golden opportunity tonight to establish herself as the potential challenger to Xochitl. A paso doble is incredibly powerful, and she has the opportunity to really perfect this dance since she’s exempt from the dance-off and only had to learn this one this week.
DM, 9:13pm — Stellar paso doble, great production and lighting to really enhance that routine.
JK, 9:14pm — She’s continuing to grow to excellent results.
JUDGES — Bruno thinks she dominated that performance. Carrie Ann says she attacks everything, but a few moments seemed awkward for her. Derek thinks no one uses their arms quite like her. Billy thought it was clean and sharp.
DM, 9:15pm — I don’t think she’s quite at Xochitl’s level, but she’s got top three potential. 9s and maybe a 10 or two.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10), Billy (10), Bruno (10) = 39 out of 40
JK, 9:17pm — More like three 10s and a 9.
DM, 9:17pm — Wow, I thought she’d get a 10 from Billy, but didn’t expect it from both Derek and Bruno too.
DANCE-OFFS
Alyson Hannigan vs. Harry Jowsey
DM, 9:25pm — I think after that contemporary, Alyson has the significant advantage on a rumba. She needs to channel the exact same level of emotion.
DM, 9:27pm — Honestly, I didn’t look at Harry much in that dance-off. I think Alyson was clearly better.
JK, 9:28pm — Couldn’t agree more.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought Harry told the story, but Alyson kinda danced circles around him. Derek actually liked Harry’s dance more, but technically Alyson might have been better. Billy Porter thinks Harry could handle more steps and not just be used as a tree trunk for Rylee.
DM, 9:29pm — Wow, Billy literally called Harry a tree trunk LOL.
RESULT: Alyson wins!
DM, 9:31pm — If Barry upsets Jason on the dance-off, Jason will end up second to last on the leaderboard. Eeek!
Barry Williams vs. Jason Mraz
DM, 9:34pm — Jason clearly has the advantage in this match-up with the fast pace of the salsa and his better hip action. This is must-win for Jason right now.
DM, 9:38pm — God bless Barry, that was hugely entertaining, but Jason definitely had the better content.
JK, 9:39pm — I thought both were nearly equal in giving terrific work.
Cordell Martin, 9:40pm — Oh Barry lol. Not a fan of the song choice with this dance style lol
JUDGES — Derek wants to be like Barry when he grows up, the gyrations and movements, and he’s such a competitor. Billy thought they both showed up and showed out. Bruno thinks it’s going to be a close call. Carrie Ann thinks it’s like comparing apples and oranges.
RESULT: Barry wins!
DM, 9:42pm — Jason is now officially second to last on the leaderboard, didn’t see that coming.
JK, 9:42pm — Neither did I.
DM, 9:43pm — I think Barry is pretty safe from elimination after that salsa. I’m worried for Alyson, Charity, and Jason.
Xochitl Gomez vs. Charity Lawson
DM, 9:46pm — I’m really worried about Charity on this routine. I think Xochitl’s natural personality is a better match for the dance style, and Charity has had trouble embodying the really spirited dances.
DM, 9:50pm — Definitely the hardest dance-off to judge. They were really evenly matched, both danced clean and technically proficient cha chas.
JK, 9:51pm — Yeah. Both were excellently pulled off.
JUDGES — Bruno thought it was a battle of the divas, they both had individual, good style. Carrie Ann thought it was really good and exciting to watch, but one team was slightly more competitive. Derek compliments Xochitl’s charisma and energy and Charity’s precision.
RESULT: Charity wins!
JK, 9:53pm — Wow! That was a nice get for Charity!
DM, 9:53pm — That cha cha might have saved Charity tonight. I really hope Jason isn’t a surprise elimination. He’s super vulnerable.
JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD
1. Ariana Madix — 39 + 3 = 42
2. Xochitl Gomez — 40
3. Charity Lawson — 36 + 3 = 39
4. Alyson Hannigan — 33 + 3 = 36
5. Barry Williams — 32 + 3 = 35
6. Jason Mraz — 33
7. Harry Jowsey — 28
CM, 9:55pm — Harry or Barry is going home.
DM, 9:56pm — I really hope this is the end of the road for Harry. It’s the only just result at this point. Anything else would be unfair.
RESULTS
DM, 9:57pm — Safe from elimination are … Alyson Hannigan (hooray!), Ariana Madix (duh), Xochitl Gomez (duh) and Harry Jowsey (sigh). In jeopardy are Jason, Barry, and Charity.
DM, 10:00pm — Eliminated from the competition is Barry Williams.
JK, 10:01pm — Someone who’s first name ends with ‘arry’ was eliminated tonight, just not the one who would’ve been more ideal.
DM, 10:01pm — I’m glad it wasn’t Jason or Charity, but Barry deserved to stay longer than Harry. It’s kind of messed up. But at least we know Jason has some kind of fan base.
CM, 10:02pm — Harry is going to make it to the finals …
DM, 10:03pm — Man, I hope not. Even Grocery Story Joe didn’t get to the finals.
DM, 10:05pm — He’s definitely in the top five for sure. Alyson or Charity might be next in line for elimination depending on their scores. And Jason can’t afford another stumble.
JK, 10:05pm — Hopefully, Jason being in the bottom three tonight helps him out with viewer votes at least.
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