Dancing with the Stars: Showstoppers Night Recap

Week nine in the ballroom was full of great vibes and fun-filled Broadway tunes from some our favorite musicals! Not only did each duo perform an unfamiliar dance style they had yet to conquer, the remaining six celebrity contenders also paired up for the Team-Up Challenge. Read below to find out how your top pair did and which contestants will be back next week to fight for a place in the finals.

Marilu & Derek- Samba

These two got to share their Jersey Boys inspired samba with Jersey Boys star himself and former DWTS pro, Mark Ballas. Guest judge, Idina Menzel admired Marilu so much. She admitted she has known the former actor for awhile, as they have been in the theatre scene together. Julianne called the dance a real samba with real content, also pointing out that Marilu appeared free and like she was enjoying herself. Carrie Ann pointed out that Marilu and Derek’s partnership came together for this routine and it was fun to watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=509k1yV_-ms

Carrie Ann- 9, Idina- 9, Julianne- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40

Calvin & Lindsay- Waltz

The couple performed a beautiful waltz to a hit song from the musical, Cats. Star of the production, Leona Lewis took the stage to help with the performance. Bruno thought their dance was just majestic. He commended Calvin and Lindsay, as it is difficult to balance strides with the music phrasing, yet they did it so effortlessly. Julianne appreciates Calvin’s level of commitment to this competition, declaring this week one of his best dances yet. Carrie Ann on the other hand, didn’t believe it was their best musically; however, still thought it was well done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Toej6ZUpdBw

Carrie Ann- 9, Idina- 9, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 9 = 37/40

James & Jenna- Jazz

Unfortunately, Sharna remained out on injury and needed Jenna to fill in for her once again. James and Jenna danced a Jazz routine from the Broadway musical, The Whiz. Idina thought James looked hot in his all green attire, confessing she would share the stage with the race-car driver anytime. Julianne said it once before and she said it again, James belongs on Broadway and we couldn’t agree more. Bruno commended James’ versatility and skills as every role and style have natural flow. Aside from being a tiny step off in the beginning, it was nearly a perfect performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOETOUGvVxo

Carrie Ann- 9, Idina- 9, Julianne- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40

Terra & Sasha- Charleston 

We can’t help but love the fire inside Terra to achieve greatness in the ballroom. She doesn’t let her size define her and she proved that once again in this week’s performance. Carrie Ann thought she outperformed everyone, focusing on her best attributes. Julianne told Terra that the spotlight is too small for her. Idina expressed that the reality star has an admirable spirit and putting on a show is all about how you make people feel. “We see you. We definitely see you,” she said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0RgM_OM29M

Carrie Ann- 10, Idina- 10, Julianne- 9, Bruno- 9 = 38/40

Jana & Gleb- Waltz

With Gleb’s knee injury, we were skeptical if the two could pull off their waltz inspired from the hit show, Waitress but never-the-less, the duo gave it their all and along came the tears from viewers everywhere. (Yes, us too). Carrie Ann told Jana that she feels as if she is watching a slice of her life unfold. She also thanked her for making it so beautiful and mesmerizing every time. Bruno compared the performance to watching a movie and said it was fantastic. Idina thought the dance had so much complexity, telling Jana that she “broke” her with such a moving routine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8c7s_2pCTE

Carrie Ann- 10, Idina- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40

Laurie & Val- Argentine Tango

The duo’s Argentine Tango from the hit Broadway show, Chicago was nothing short of brilliant. Julianne was left speechless, adding that it was the perfect dance for Laurie to use her strengths, flexibility, and power. Carrie Ann admitted she was speechless also. She felt she really saw Laurie the gymnast, as she “worked Val like he was a vault, balance beam, and bar.” Idina told the 16-year-old, “don’t worry about being sexy – sexy is you. Sexy is being confident and beautiful person that you are, you are that.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw6JoBfDfME

Carrie Ann- 10, Idina- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40

It was then time for the Team-Up Challenge, where the contestants teamed up to dance for extra points.

Calvin & Lindsay partnered up with James & Jenna to perform the Paso Doble. Carrie Ann loved the way they took the energy from the competition. She thought James and Calvin got off in the musicality in the beginning but once they found each other, it was like “boom, boom, bam.” Idina confessed she was probably the worst judge because she didn’t see anything other than how hot they both were.”I don’t know, they were just sexy.” (You said what we were all thinking, Idina).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZnH_ZXr7ws

Carrie Ann- 9, Idina- 9, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 9 = 37/40

Next, Terra & Sasha and Marilu & Derek joined forces for a Jazz routine and from the looks of it, had the time of their lives out on the floor. Bruno compared their performance to a New Year’s Eve Party at the Great Gatsby mansion. “Cooky, whacky, and an endless supply of booze, anything goes!” Julianne thought both pairs went all out and it was exactly what everyone wanted to see.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bQvIXokgKw

Carrie Ann- 9, Idina- 9, Julianne- 9, Bruno- 9 = 36/40

Last up was the night’s two perfect scoring pairs, Laurie & Val and Jana & Gleb. Their Contemporary performance to a soulful, Sia song was absolutely gorgeous. Julianne praised them for amazing choreography and a beautiful routine. She loved that they took a different approach and that it was both emotional and raw. Bruno thought their dance was powerful and touching, adding that not a moment of the song was wasted. “Everything was used to maximum effect,” he told the highest contenders of the evening’s leader board.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNGj8Fha56Y

Carrie Ann- 10, Idina- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40

At the end of the show, America said goodbye to Marilu and Derek who received the lowest amount of votes from last week.

As we close in on this season of Dancing with the Stars, who do you think will be going head-to-head for the mirror ball? Let us know your predictions by tweeting us at @CelebMix!

ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo7nIsWWcp51ksaK6wqKloGWjqa6zv4ysn6ivo6m8sbzEq6pmppmctbV50Z6amqhf