Meryl Davis still soars despite getting a new partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, this week, during which Julianne Hough returns as a guest judge.
- Apr 8, 2014
AceShowbiz - There's not just one, but two twists in the latest episode of "Dancing with the Stars". Besides the already announced Switch Up, host Tom Bergeron announced on Monday, April 7 that there would be no elimination that night. The scores and votes from last week will be combined with the scores and viewer votes from this week to determine who will go home next week.
The show kicked off with an opening group number featuring the celebrity contestants, pro dancers as well as judges. Julianne Hough who returned as a guest judge joined in at the end of the number.
The first couple to dance that night was Candace Cameron Bure and Tony Dovolani, performing a quickstep. Len Goodman and Julianne acknowledged that the switch up caused a new trouble for Candace, but Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba loved the energy. The judges agreed that there was no contact. The "Full House" alumna earned 28 out of 40 points.
James Maslow was paired with Cheryl Burke. Unlike Candace, the singer/actor made a good team with his new partner as Carrie Ann said, "This is all about the switch up and I did not notice a change." Julianne and Bruno told him to control his butt, while Len called his tango "hot and fiery." James earned 35 points.
Drew Carey got Witney Carson as his new partner, dancing a cha cha. The judges commended him for presenting an entertaining performance, with Len saying, "I have not had that much fun in a minute and a half since a teenaged." Carrie Ann added, "The kick in your step was ridiculous. You killed it. I thought it was fantastic," while Bruno gushed, "You are splendid and confident and sugar daddy of showbiz." The comedian earned 33 points.
Danica McKellar, who switched partners with Meryl Davis, danced a jive with Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Carrie Ann noticed that she was "a bit ahead of the music," Len thought there was "a little too much goofing off," while Julianne pointed out the lack of chemistry. She accused Maks of being the "Mark" of this season, which meant he made it all about himself. "I felt like you just wanted to get by so you could get back with Meryl," she said. Danica earned 32 points.
Charlie White danced a rumba with Peta Murgatroyd, but Len thought it was more like a contemporary number for lacking hip movements. Carrie Ann agreed with Len, but still called Charlie "a marvelous dancer." Julianne said it was "stunning," but criticized his back-weighted feet. The Olympic ice dancer earned 33 points.
Amy Purdy was partnered with Mark Ballas, who thought it was "the biggest challenge" he's ever faced because he had to create "a whole new technique for dancing." Julianne praised Amy for not only "inspiring" people, but also being a performer. Bruno chimed in, "You continue to astonish me. The amount of footwork that Mark made you do was incredible." The paralympic snowboarder earned 34 points.
Cody Simpson sang the opening line of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" before launching into a foxtrot with Sharna Burgess. Carrie Ann said his "hold has improved," but still told him to work on his arms. Len also advised him, "Work on the technique and get the details." Julianne said, "It was great, it was awesome," but noticed that he was "hovering" in the middle of the pack. The Aussie singer got 31 points.
NeNe Leakes and Derek Hough danced a jazz number. Derek said the music came in late, but NeNe "killed it." Len called it NeNe's best dance so far, and Juilanne said it was "awesome" to see NeNe let her "inner Beyonce out." The reality TV star earned 32 points.
For the last performance, Meryl Davis danced an Argentine tango with Danica's old partner Val Chmerkovskiy. Len dubbed it "the dance of the night," Julianne called it "perfection," and Bruno said the dance was "powerful and seductive." Carrie Ann added, "Tonight was a wonderful night but you two are in a class of your own." Meryl once again earned 39 points.
Next week, all remaining nine pairs will return with Disney-themed dances and one of them will be eliminated.
James Maslow & Cheryl Burke - Tango:
Amy Purdy & Mark Ballas - Salsa:
Meryl Davis & Val Chmerkovskiy - Argentine Tango:
