Dancing with the Stars returned this week for an Elvis-themed night of dance. For people that have been obsessing over the Austin Butler Elvis biopic, this is your episode to sing and dance along. The show opened with a full Elvis performance complete with white suits, big belts, and lip-syncing from the pros choreographed by Jemel McWilliams.
Before the remaining 15 couples hit the dancefloor to dance through three stages of Elvis’ life, Tyra and Alfonso had a quick announcement. Alexis Warr would be stepping in as Joseph Baena’s partner after Daniella Karagach tested positive for COVID.
Jessie and Alan
Dancing the foxtrot to “Trouble,” Jessie and Alan came to the ballroom ready to perform. No trouble here! These dancers were praised by the judges for their improvements since last week. Bruno was happy to see a “proper foxtrot” and better feet from Jessie.
Total Score: 25/40
Jordin and Brandon
Taking on Elvis’ first number one song “Hound Dog,” Jordin and Brandon danced the quickstep this week. Jordin struck the final pose, but Brandon showed off, leaping over her head while she was standing! Carrie Ann complimented Jordin’s confidence and her willingness to become a dancer.
Total Score: 27/40
Sam and Cheryl
Dancing a romantic Viennese waltz to “Heartbreak Hotel,” Sam and Cheryl dazzled under a broken-hearted disco ball. Derek and Len had some corrections for ballroom form here, but Sam was excited to get some enthusiastic feedback from the judges.
Total Score: 26/40
Shangela and Gleb
Last week, energy was one of this duo’s strengths. Quickstepping to “Shake, Rattle, and Roll” had this duo working on their form and technique. Twirling in a poodle skirt, Shangela got high praise from Carrie Ann for being “so sharp” during this performance, and Len said they had “all the energy of an Elvis concert.”
Total Score: 28/40
Teresa and Pasha
Dancing the jive to “All Shook Up,” Teresa and Pasha wanted to dance their way into the audience’s favor. Last week this duo was in the bottom two. Len called them “bright and lively,” but was not impressed with Teresa’s legs (despite the audience’s booing).
Total Score: 23/40
Daniel and Britt
Following Elvis to Hollywood, Daniel and Britt worked on a jive to “King Creole.” Derek complimented Daniel for being in character for the whole performance, and Bruno called their dancing “so strong” and said he found nothing wrong.
Total Score: 29/40
Gabby and Val
After getting engaged last week on The Bachelorette, Gabby is back this week to dance a Viennese waltz to “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Bruno was “totally swept away,” and Carrie Ann was excited to see her beautiful “ballet lines” and overall form. The word of the night was “stunning!”
Total Score: 32/40
Vinny and Koko
Finding themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard last week, Vinny and Koko went off to Vegas with a quickstep to “Viva Las Vegas” for Elvis night. “Welcome to the ballroom! You showed up tonight!” Carrie Ann said to her favorite Elvis of the night to this point. The Jersey Shore star brought it, and the judges were excited to see him improve.
Total Score: 27/40
Charli and Mark
Another quickstep hitting the floor this week, Charli and Mark had to bring it after taking the top of the leaderboard last week. Dancing to “Bosanova Baby,” this couple kept things moving. Len called Charli a “terrific dancer” and shared nothing but love for the performance (with a few minor form corrections). As Bruno said, “The hits keep coming!”
Total Score: 32/40
Selma and Sasha
After an emotional slow dance last week, Selma and Sasha sped things up with a “Jailhouse Rock” jive this week. Working to match their dance to Selma’s muscles and balance wasn’t easy, but these two made it happen! Cart-wheeling and doing splits, Selma received compliments from all the judges for her progress and adaptability in the dance. Len loved their “polish, character, and care.”
Total Score: 28/40
Cheryl and Louis
We’re really off to Vegas now! In the first tango of the night, Cheryl and Louis danced to “A Little Less Conversation.” Despite the judges saying she made things look too easy last week, Cheryl made more mistakes in this performance. Despite the missteps, Len called it “a proper tango.”
Total Score: 21/40
Joseph and Alexis
A new duo, Joseph and Alexis took on Elvis this week with a Viennese waltz that Joseph and Daniella worked on throughout the week. Slowing things down with “If I Can Dream,” these two floated across the ballroom floor. Carrie Ann was impressed by Joseph’s ability to lead in this routine despite some less than graceful hands.
Total Score: 24/40
Heidi and Artem
Hoping for higher scores and even more praise this week, Heidi and Artem performed a foxtrot set to “Suspicious Minds.” Tyra said she felt joy in this performance, and Len agreed, praising Heidi’s musicality. Carrie Ann was excited to see her trusting the process.
Total Score: 28/40
Trevor and Emma
Trevor and Emma turned the judge’s critiques into more dance with an Elvis-themed rumba. This duo turned up the romance as they danced to “Always on My Mind.” “Newsflash, you love dance!” Derek said to Trevor after this dance. Len shared his enthusiasm. “Last week, a caterpillar. This week, a butterfly.”
Total Score: 30/40
Wayne and Witney
Closing out the night, last week’s second place duo Wayne and Witney kept things fast-paced and exciting with a jive to “Burning Love.” This final dance had Bruno excited about all the Elvis details Wayne brought. “It was a proper great jive. I really enjoyed watching you dance,” Len said before telling Wayne he wanted to see him week after week.
Total Score: 32/40
The Results
At the end of the night, Jesse and Alan, Teresa and Pasha, and Cheryl and Louis were the bottom three couples. Jesse and Alan were saved by their combination scores, but only one more couple could be rescued from the bottom two. Derek and Bruno voted to save Teresa Pasha. Carrie Ann voted to save Cheryl and Louis. With a tie-breaker vote from Len, Cherly and Louis were saved.
Next week, the remaining 14 couples take on James Bond to celebrate the movie franchise’s 60th anniversary. Tyra promised stunts, so we’ll see what the contestants have in store for an evening of spies and intrigue next week on Disney+.
