Dancing With the Stars returned on Monday with the semifinal round of the show’s 17th season. Joining the judges table of Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli was former DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The competitive round of dancing required the celebrities to dance two dances to the same song – one to the electric version and the other to an acoustic/stripped down version.
First up was Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani, who were tasked with dancing a Paso Doble to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” After Leah’s commendable performance last week, her Doble looked a little bit safe to the judges who were expecting more from the former King of Queens star. Paso Doble Score: 32 For their second dance, the duo danced a Tango that lacked emotion, according to Carrie Ann and Maks. Tango Score: 33
Taking on a Tango to Fall Out Boy’s “Light ‘Em Up” were Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff. The pair brought the passion to the Latin dance, but lacked technique and control according to Bruno and Len. Tango Score: 35 Dancing a Rumba during their second time out, a shirtless Corbin performed a sensual routine with Karina that saw the pro’s ex Maksim lavish praise on both of them. Rumba Score: 40
Despite some setbacks during rehearsals due to his MS, Jack Osbourne tackled a narrative-driven Jazz routine with his partner Cheryl Burke. Dancing to The Police’s “Roxanne,” the duo impressed the judges – and Jack’s sister Kelly in the audience. Jazz Score: 33 Jack was even more spectacular during his Tango, surprising the judges, as he’s notoriously struggled with the Latin dances. Both his focus and his lifts were on point. Tango Score: 38
Bill Engvall and Emma Slater were next up with a a Tango to LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.” As has been the story week after week, Emma choreographed a cute and amusing routine – this time with a workout concept. Tango Score: 28 Bill stepped it up a notch in his Tango routine, fighting a groin injury sustained during the week of rehearsals and giving one of his most serious performances yet. Tango Score: 32
For their first dance of the night Amber Riley and Derek Hough performed a Jazz routine to Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven.” After learning that her dancing won’t cause her knees any permanent damage, Amber was ready to put everything on the line. It worked, as the audience gave the duo a standing ovation and all the judges were left in awe. Jazz Score: 39 Amber and Derek later took on a romantic Viennese Waltz that once again won the praise of the judges. Viennese Waltz Score: 40
At the end of all of the dancing, it was announced that Amber and Derek, Corbin and Karina and Jack and Cheryl would definitely be moving on to the final round of Dancing With the Stars. Despite her obvious improvements over the course of the competition, it’s revealed that it’s the end of the road for Leah and her pro partner Tony.
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays on ABC at 8/7c.
– Chelsea Regan
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