‘Dancing With The Stars’: Show Pays Tribute To Most Memorable Years

On last night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars, the contestants celebrated their “most memorable year.” Talk about a real tear jerker. They all have been through some pretty hard times. It started with the beautiful opening by Andre Rieu and his orchestra playing “My Heart Will Go On,” by Celine Dion while the pro danced to it.

Even though everyone stories were incredible, but here are the top five of all the dances last night.

• NASCAR driver James Hinchcliffe most memorable year was 2015 when he had a car accident during competition. He made a fast – and miraculous – recovery from a traumatic hip injury that left him wheelchair bound. He recovered in 18 short months: his doctor said that most people don’t survive these injuries. Hinchcliffe also talked about his persistence to come back stronger. His danced the tango to the song  “The Right Time,” by Yves V featuring Mike James. Earning him the highest score of the night 29 points.
• Country singer Jana Kramer dedicated a contemporary dance to that her infant daughter—born this year. She danced to the song “Through My Daughters Eyes,” by Martina McBride because she wanted to tell her daughter she is beautiful and shouldn’t allow any men to abuse her. Jana’s dance received praise from the judges. Carrie Ann Inaba thanked her for dedicating the dance to her daughter. She also said that she loved the fact that she pushed through. Jana scored 26 points, her highest score throughout the season.
• The first star to take the floor was actress Maureen Denise. She dedicated her dance to her husband for saving her from her from drug addiction. She was coming out of five years of a drug addiction when she met him. The tribute was very touching that everyone got emotional. She danced the Foxtrot to the song  “From The Ground Up,”by Dan+Shay. She received praise from the judges. They called this her most honest dance and most improved one yet. She earned her second highest score 24 points.
• Actress Marilu Henner and her partner Derek Hough danced the Viennese Waltz to the song “Surprise Yoursel,”by Jack Garret. Her most memorable year was 1987 when her mother passed away. Henner said  that her mother passed away the same year that she booked television series Taxi, which gave her the biggest break of her career. The judges thought the dance was so beautiful,and that her mom was with her along the way. Watching her dance was a real tearjerker. She scored 27 points, her highest score of the season.
• The show ended with Lifetime’s Little Women reality star Terra Joel who did a contemporary dance to the song “Stand By Me,” Ben E King. Her most memorable year was 2013 because while on tour with Miley Cyrus her father passed away. She danced in memory of her father because she “never at a chance to dance with him at my wedding.” The judges praised her for putting all of herself in the dance and reassure her that her dad was with her tonight. Her dance earned her 27 points putting her in 3rd place.

Laurie Hernandez who came into 5^th place with 25 points – her most memorable year was 2016. Her Olympic-themed dance was the Paso Doble to “Rise,” by Katy Perry. Calvin Johnson most memorable year was 2012 when he broke Jerry Rice‘s single-season record for receiving yards while dancing the Jazz to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” by Marvin Gaye. Amber Rose picked 2013, with the birth of her son dancing the samba to “Woman Up,” by Meghan Trainor. And Ryan Lochte‘s most memorable year was 2008 when he won his first individual gold medal. He danced the contemporary dance to “A Song For You,” by Donny Hathaway, while dedicated to his mom. They tied in 6^th place with 24 points each. Luckily for them, they will be no elimination this week. After this emotional week, we can all agree it’s fair.

Dancing With The Stars airs Mondays on ABC at 8/7c.