‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 24, Episode 9 Recap: Simone Biles Sent Home In Semi-Finals

This season of Dancing with the Stars has certainly been a whirlwind of upsets and perfect scores, and this week was no exception. Simone Biles and her partner Sasha Farber were eliminated from the dance competition, leaving just three couples to duke it out in the finals.

DANCING WITH THE STARS RECAP

This week’s episode started with four couples vying for a spot in the finals. Each couple danced twice, the first was the Judges’ Challenge, the second just a dance they hadn’t performed yet on the show.

First to perform are Normani Kordei and Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who perform a Viennese waltz to Rihanna‘s “Desperado” at the request of judge Len Goodman. At this point, Kordei’s past wonderful performances are starting to hurt her, because any misstep becomes that much more noticeable. She stumbles coming out of a turn, and lands a 36/40.

Next up, David Ross and Lindsay Arnold do a foxtrot to Michael Bublé‘s “You Make Me Feel So Young,” chosen by judge Julianne Hough. Ross has never been the sharpest dancer, but he puts his all into it and always looks great doing it. He earns a 34/40.

It’s Biles and Farber’s turn, and they do a stunning jive to “Faith” by Stevie Wonder ft. Ariana Grande. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba made the choice and helps them through choreography. After last week’s upsetting moments, Biles looks like she’s trying to show off more personality in the routine. And the judges agree, giving Biles her first perfect score of the season at 40/40.

Last to go in round one are Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater, who perform a rumba to James Arthur‘s “Say You Won’t Let Go,” chosen by judge Bruno Tonioli. Tonioli takes the time to work with Jennings on his lines and extensions, and the lesson sticks. The football player looks weightless on the dance floor, and he even admits it feels good to be able to feel himself make every movement. The couple receives a 38/40.

Round two starts off with Kordei and Chmerkovskiy performing a jazz routine to “What a Wonderful World” by Ray Chew Live. A video takes us through Kordei’s childhood, dealing with her mother’s breast cancer and also Hurricane Katrina. The routine is a wonderful celebration of New Orleans life, and the emotional dance earns a standing ovation from the judges and a perfect 40/40.

Ross and Arnold follow up with a tango to Ed Sheeran‘s “Castle on the Hill.” Ross gives us one of his best performances of the season, and earns himself and his partner a fair 36/40.

Biles and Farber give the crowd a rumba to Demi Lovato‘s “Skyscraper.” The dance shows off the most connection between the dancers that we’ve seen from them yet. The dance is flawless and the judges agree, awarding the couple with their second perfect score of the evening. 40/40.

Lastly, Jennings and Slater do a quickstep to “Yes I Can” by Superhumans. Jennings’ confidence on the dance floor is palpable, and he puts his all into this routine. They come the closest to a perfect score that this pair has come to, leaving the stage with a 39/40.

First to be safe are Kordei and Jennings, leaving Ross and Biles to sweat it out. And, despite scoring two perfect scores in one evening, Biles is the dancer to be let go. Even the judges can’t believe what they’ve heard.

Tune in next Monday at 8 pm for the season finale.