DWTS' 80s Night was the cheerful competition boost we all needed
by Kim Krober
It was 80s Night on Dancing with the Stars, and I couldn't have been more stoked. I was ready for them to bring on the spandex, leg warmers, bright colors, scrunchies, high hair with Aqua Net, and glorious synthesized pop. I was hoping for homages to some of my favorite '80s movies as well, and the performances did not disappoint on that front. Neither did the judges. Bruno and Derek looked like they were channeling Miami Vice while Carrie Ann looked gorgeous with huge, crimped hair. The only one who failed to impress was once again Tyra. I honestly have no idea who picks out her outfits week after week, but they don't do her many favors. I did like her third green outfit a little.
Let's take a look at how your favorites did on this totally tubetacular fifth week of competition:
Justina Machado & Sasha Farber, Jazz
Justina and Sasha got jazzy with the memorable "Maniac" from the Flashdance soundtrack, and it was a fun opening for 80s Night! Justina was a teenager in the 80s, so she was totally in her comfort zone and it showed. I applaud them for even reenacting the silhouette scene in which water came pouring down on Justina. Derek called it a perfect opening, saying she's always so much fun to watch. Bruno complimented Sasha's neckline (saying it gave him vertigo) and called it a deliciously 80s dance that made him cry in a good way. Carrie Ann said they nailed it with the side-by-side dancing required in a Jazz routine.
Score: 24
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Jesse Metcalfe & Sharna Burgess, Tango
How adorable were the childhood photos of Jesse from the 80s? Equally adorable were their costumes and the Patrick Nagel-inspired images of Jesse and Sharna that appeared in the backdrop! This duo danced a fun Tango to Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." Bruno admired Jesse's intent and performance, but he noted that he lost his steps and timing somewhere along the way. Carrie Ann agreed, but could tell he was feeling the music and complimented him for showing his confidence. Derek wants him to succeed and have breakthroughs, but he wanted to be honest about the framing being a disappointment. I don't understand why the judges never seem to like Jesse's routines. They seemed extremely harsh this week.
Score: 19
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Chrishell Stause & Gleb Savchenko, Cha-Cha
Chrishell and Gleb danced a Cha-Cha to New Kids on the Block's "(You Got It) The Right Stuff." Gleb, please don't ever grow a mullet for real. I don't know about the Cha-Cha, but they nailed the memorable NKOTB dance moves from the video. Carrie Ann didn't feel it had enough Cha-Cha content, while Bruno called it naughty. Derek enjoyed the side-by-side steps but warned her about her arm extensions and footwork. Who cares about 6's from the judges when you receive personal messages from the New Kids telling you that you have the right stuff!?
Score: 19
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Jeannie Mai & Brandon Armstrong, Jazz
The photos of Jeannie and her mom performing at weddings in the 80s were priceless. Jeannie and Brandon danced a sudsy Jazz routine to Madonna's "Like a Virgin" that would make the Material Girl herself blush. Derek thought they looked adorable, complimenting her confidence, commitment, and ease. Bruno called it immaculate and a squeaky clean, PG version of Madonna. Carrie Ann thought it was incredible, telling her she's the most exciting performer to watch this season. I wouldn't necessarily say that, but I do root for her every week.
Score: 24
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Monica Aldama & Val Chmerkovskiy, Tango
Monica and Val reminisced about the faux pas last week when they discovered they were in the bottom two despite being told earlier they were safe. The result was they came out stronger than ever with a determined Tango to Soft Cell's "Tainted Love." Bruno said she focused like a laser-guided missile with fantastic shapes. Carrie Ann called it an incredible performance with all the dynamics and big guns brought out this week. Derek admired her drive and legs, commending them for having a Tango that moved across the floor. Two 9's from the judges = total redemption.
Score: 26
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AJ McLean & Cheryl Burke, Waltz
AJ and Cheryl danced a dreamy Waltz to the Journey power ballad "Open Arms." It was great to see a slow dance in a week full of Tangos and Jazz routines. It stood out in a special way. Carrie Ann and Derek complimented his smooth ballroom style. Bruno called them the King and Queen of the 80s Prom with great, sweeping motion.
Score: 24
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Skai Jackson & Alan Bersten, Jazz
Skai and Alan danced a Jazz routine to Huey Lewis & The News' "The Power of Love" from the Back to the Future soundtrack, earning my votes once again in the process. (I had a Back to the Future-themed wedding a couple years ago complete with a DeLorean, so you might say I'm a super fan.) Derek felt it was fun, noting how much she lights up and her incredible energy. Bruno said she has the moves and lifts, but she needs to continue to work on the dismounts. Carrie Ann told her she needs to expand her movements because she's so petite. This was my favorite performance of the night so far!
Score: 24
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Vernon Davis & Peta Murgatroyd, Tango
I enjoyed seeing Vernon in a Bon Jovi-esque wig for his Tango with Peta set to "Livin' on a Prayer." Bruno said the groupies will be lining up for Vernon later, but he needs to work on sustaining the steps throughout the entire routine. Carrie Ann likes the quality of movement she's seeing from him, but he needs to work on transitional moves with Peta. Derek gave a shout-out to the hair and makeup crews but said he wants a little more attack from Vernon. Was it just me or did it look like Peta was in pain, rubbing her neck after they received the judges' scores?
Score: 21
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Kaitlyn Bristowe & Artem Chigvintsev, Tango
Kaitlyn and Artem channeled their inner nerds with a Tango set to "I Think We're Alone Now" by Tiffany. Carrie Ann commended them for keeping in frame (throwing a little bit of shade at the night's other three Tangos). Derek called it a beautiful Tango with sharp, precise movements. Bruno said it was an action-packed 80s blockbuster of a Tango and thanked them for their commitment. She earned three 9's from the judges, which was her highest score to date.
Score: 27
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Nelly & Daniella Karagach, Samba
Nelly and Daniella danced a spirited Samba to DeBarge's "Rhythm of the Night." Derek said it was his best dance ever with an enjoyable freedom to behold. Bruno noted how much lighter and carefree he was on his feet and praised them for doing a proper Samba. Carrie Ann said the dance made her so happy, calling it yummy overall.
Score: 24
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Johnny Weir & Britt Stewart, Contemporary
When I found out Johnny and Britt were dancing a Contemporary to Bonnie Taylor's "Total Eclipse of the Heart," I was excited to see how much expression he would be able to convey with the ultimate power ballad. Bruno said it's the sign of an artist when you can fill the space with movement and emotion. Carrie Ann told him to turn around and take a bow, praising Britt's choreography. Derek said he was watching for mistakes, but it was perfect and beautiful. It was almost the first perfect score of the season, except Bruno had to rain on the parade with a 9.
Score: 29
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Nev Schulman & Jenna Johnson, Quickstep
Nev opened up about being diagnosed with ADHD as a kid and how an after-school dance class changed his life for the better. I thoroughly enjoyed his and Jenna's Quickstep to "Take on Me" by a-ha. From the outfits to the fake flashbulbs to the high-octane energy, this was one of the best performances of the night. Carrie Ann thought his movements were a little smaller than normal. However, Derek absolutely loved it and could relate to Nev's story about focusing his energy on dancing. Bruno thought it was the most exuberant Quickstep ever with very detailed footwork. The only disappointing thing about it were his less-than-perfect judges' scores.
Score: 26
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Peta & Vernon and Jesse & Sharna were revealed to be the bottom two. Bruno and Carrie Ann both voted to save Vernon & Peta (and I think Derek would have made the decision unanimous). I was majorly bummed to see Jesse go home this early in the competition. No offense to Vernon, but I don't think the judges made the right decision. How did your favorites fare this week?
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays at 8:00 PM on ABC.
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