Dancing With The Stars’ remaining nine couples were ready to cast a spell on judges and viewers during the show’s Halloween theme on Monday, October 31. In addition to featuring Halloween-inspired routines and the creepiest, most creative wardrobe and makeup yet this season, DWTS’ iconic team dances made a return for the first time since 2019 – and created unexpected thrills and chills for viewers. Monday night’s scores had a 15-point gap between the lowest to highest couples, with points ranging from 63 to 78.
American Idol winner and singer Jordin Sparks and her partner Brandon Armstrong were the first on the dance floor with a Tango to “Oogie Boogie’s Song” by Ed Ivory & Ken Page. Despite her yearning for her first “10,” Jordin got straight “9s,” also earning her first “9” from judge Len Goodman.
In Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas’ pre-recorded package, it was revealed that earlier in the week, Mark had a flare up in his back, forcing an anxious Charli to practice with DWTS pro Pasha Pashkova just in case he wasn’t up to competing. Despite the obstacle, Mark did perform and the couple earned a 39 for their Argentine Tango to “Tanguera” by Fabio Hager Sexteto.
Mark wasn’t the only pro to have a health concern this week. Last Wednesday, Bachelorette star Gabby Windey’s partner Val Chmerkovskiy tested positive for COVID-19. DWTS pro Alan Bersten, who was partnered with Jessie James Decker (eliminated last week), stepped in to dance with her, however Gabby struggled to adjust to a new partner this late in the competition, according to her pre-recorded package.
Struggles aside, the couple danced an Argentine Tango to “Shivers” by District 78 featuring Mikayla Lynn. The routine earned Gabby a 38 out of 40, including two “10s.” Hopefully Val recovers quickly and returns to the ballroom next week!
Deaf actor Daniel Durant also had to miss a day of practice and group training due to feeling under the weather. After rallying, Daniel and his partner Britt Stewart earned a 34 for their Paso Doble – the first one performed this season.
Drag Queen star Shangela and her partner Gleb Savchenko danced a terrifying Jazz routine to “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift. The scariest dance of the night and one of the best routines this season earned Shangela her first “10s” and a perfect score. They were the only couple to earn a perfect score this week and topped the leaderboard for the first time.
Actor Trevor Donovan and his partner Emma Slater were ready for redemption after landing in last week’s elimination round. The couple danced a flawless Contemporary to “Ghost” by Justin Bieber, a routine that earned them two “10’s” that contributed to a score of 39, tying them with Charli and Mark for the first time.
Following the couple performances, it was time for the team dances, a segment that gave couples the chance to earn 40 additional points. The honor of team captains were reserved for Jersey Shore star Vinny Guadagnino and Trevor who had the lowest scores on last week’s leaderboard. After personally choosing their teams, both groups met for two practices before Monday’s live performance.
Team Wicked, led by Vinny, included his partner Koko Iwasaki, Shangela and Gleb, Gabby and Alan, Heidi D’Amelio and Artem Chigvintsev, and Jordin and Brandon – making Koko the only female pro on the team. Besides having a five-couple team, Team Wicked also had the challenge of Alan only having one day to learn the routine after Val had to quarantine. The team danced to “The Witches Are Back” from Hocus Pocus 2 and earned a 33 out of 40, which was added to each couple’s individual score.
Trevor was captain of Team Scream, which included Trevor’s partner Emma, Charli and Mark, Wayne Brady and Witney Carson, and Daniel and Britt – making Mark the only male pro on the team. The team danced to “Heads Will Roll” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and received a total of 39 added to each couple’s earlier scores.
Even with an impressive routine from Team Wicked, Vinny still ended up dead last on the leaderboard (again). However, DTWS’ proverbial “black cat” must really have nine lives, Vinny’s loyal fan votes saved his life and he again escaped the elimination round. That placed Heidi and Artem in the elimination round against Jordin and Brandon, who were in the bottom two for the first time.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba voted to save Heidi and Artem, while Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli voted to save Jordan and Brandon. Head judge Len voted to save Heidi and Artem, ultimately sending Jordan and Brandon home.
Week eight, which premieres Monday, November 7, will be “90s Night,” featuring live performances by era icons En Vogue, Salt-N-Pepa, Kid ‘N Play and Vanilla Ice. The relay dance round will also be returning next week for the first time this season. We are only two episodes away from the DWTS semifinals and we can’t wait to see what the remaining couples have in store!