Dancing with the Stars Season 21, Week 5 – LIVE BLOG
Switch Up Week!! I’ll be very curious to see how they edit all the packages tonight, who gets pimped, who gets slammed (and if it’s a reflection of the pro or another agenda) and so on.
And if I hear that we “voted for the switch-up” one more time, I may scream. Such a lie. An easy to prove lie. Why they continue the sham, I don’t know.
T-minus 15 Minutes…
Damn, had my contractor still in my house 5 minutes after the show started, so I’m running behind. Loved the opening number, wish we had more of them. 🙂
As a result, I missed most of Tamar.
Most of what Louis said in his rehearsal package is pretty much what I’ve always thought he thought about himself. 😉
Hayes is a very good dancer – but something was wrong with his feet in his V. Waltz. They were moving too much, not smooth enough. Bruno said it – messy.
Got interrupted again – did Maks rip on the choreo or did I hear it wrong?
No kicks or flicks, but man did I love the dance that Paula and Mark did – he did good with her and it looked like they had a lot of fun. 🙂
F*#K. I’m goin over to the dark side of shippers. 🙂 It’s all out there, I hope the shippers are happy. 🙂 Did Alek blush through the entire package?
I agree with Julianne – he has potential but he’s not quite there yet. He’s a little stiff in spots, but he’s getting there.
Wow…they are a gorgeous couple though. They should date. 😉
Really good cha cha from Bindi – still throwing her arms away a tiny bit, but I suspect that she’s so….enthusiastic that it’s going to happen. Nice package editing. 😉 She is a bright summer day, Bruno!! Lovely.
Bindi just makes me happy. Her partner got through a whole series of sentences without sounding like a jerk. And please with the airing the mics – rehab video. :::rolls eyes:::
I’d like that 10 a whole lot better if it wasn’t from his brother.
LOL – love Wit for telling Carlos to suck it.
I think that was a good dance from Carlos, but I was eating. He needs a good score for sure. But three 10’s? I shouldn’t have been eating I guess.
LOL Derek – “Did it really say that?” So gullible. Dude, a producer can’t give a polygraph! Silly boy.
Holy crap – that Tango kicked some serious ass. The choreography was probably the best Derek has done this season, even better than last week I think. Of course, two very different dances, but WOW. Alexa just nailed it. I think she’s turned it around and will go back to Mark with a new perspective.
I would have given it a 40, but I would have given Bindi a 30 last week. I’m conflicted – are they helping her or was it a 40. Or both?
For those not watching All Access cameras, Mark and Alexa are seriously hugging it out. Break through? Also, Bindi, Derek, Carlos, Alexa, Mark all hugging each other. Very nice to see.
Holy CRAP again!! Andy, where have you been? That was an amazing AT! Daaaaaamn.
Hmmm….think I liked Andy better than Nick. I am just not impressed with him. Both Alexa and Andy had a better dance and better choreo.
I see the judges might be with me.
Damn, I didn’t realize that Tom’s father had actually passed, I thought he was just ill. I’m so sorry Tom. 🙁
My judging of Maks – much better this time around than last time. He really tried to give constructive critique most of the time, but cut the BS “because I can” reasoning for a 10. You’re no better than CAI (who missed a massive “lift” in Nick’s routine again this week) when you do that.
Ok so tom being back makes very happy. The opening number not so much lol. The door thing was a cute concept though. Maks so far hasn’t annoyed me yet.
Didn’t really like Tamar and Louis samba. There were too many pauses and at some points, it was a little slow for a samba.
Wow 7:15 and just getting to the first dance. Lots of time spent on Louis & Tamar’s package.
Tamar and Louis….good idea on paper odd in execution. Wasn’t bad though. Agreed with maks. Val’s face was hysterical.
I agreed with the judges. VERY fast song for a Samba. Imagine that. Makes gave his brothers partner the higher score :/
Tamar was painful to watch. She made that huge mistake and looked like a deer in the headlights. The scores were about right I thought. Can I just mention however that I thought Carlos showed his A$$ in the opening stuff. Get over it already Carlos, no wonder Alexas always seems nervous. You don’t own her.
Part of me wonders if Tarmar wants to be there. I get it’s the switch up week, but there wasn’t a connection today and I don’t see one with Val.
I actually liked Louis’ choreography and costumes for the samba, but Tamar did that wierd/blank stare to the heavens again. Bruno was right, she did weeble wobble a bit. She looks gorgeous though.
Tamar’s blank look is back. I think Louis did her a disservice. Why give her something she can’t handle? Though I agree with Maks’ score. It’s like a 7.5
Cleve ropening door concept to intro the original-switch pairings.
Louis would have been better to give Tamar less chaotic choreo, not mention that automaton expression is a buzzkill in Samba.
Tamar has a new record/album coming out. That’s why she’s there in my opinion. The album has dropped and she’s done her PR work. I think you’re right. She’s ready to leave DWTS now.
Allison’s dress is gorgeous. I thought Hayes looked good in dance shoes.
Hayes waltz was entertaining to watch. Lot of techniques, but it lacks fluidity. Still, he is definitely a contender.
did everyone get the gma commerical about strahan teaching people to live happy lives? I oddly feel like he might be the happiest guy on tv so I’m curious to see what he has to say. Peta in the ballroom 🙂 . Ok so hayes had a great reaction to Allison. He seemed genuinely happy yet the dance mom stuff had me dying. If anything this dance just confirmed my theory that this kid might be a robot because he hasn’t had a dance that he is bad at lol. Kudos to Allison too because that was a fun dance. Bruno’s arm movements never get old to me but Carrie Ann and the chin dancing confused me. Did she mean pick his head up more? Now maks is the last person to call people out on lack of content.
I really liked the dance with Allison and Hayes. And here we go with Maks. I don’t know why I think this but Maks looks kind of smarmy. I don’t know how to define it. His hair is a little too slicked back. I don’t know. I think they deserved better scores from the men.
Yep Maks is 100% auditioning for a permanent judges spot, calling out Allison for lack of Viennese Waltz. Very Len like 😉
So is Maks trying to be Len? He is not as witty but he is definitely playing the bad cop tonight. Hayes is the cutest kid ever imo.
I want them attached to a lie detector every week lol. Don’t know which one I liked best Val and the robbed of the mirror ball one or the answer Allison have to the Val being the best looking pro lol.
So if Bruno wrote 8 but raised the 7 paddle, which score count? I thought it was the 1 they wrote down?
Thank you Maks and Bruno for calling out the fact that Hayes’s dance was too jumpy! Also, y’all predicted that it would be a lot of open work, and you are right. It was. I’m not surprised at how fast and jumpy and too staccato it was. After all, this is Allison’s choreography we are talking about. I hope they do what they did in Season 18 where later on in the season, the celebs performed their switch up dance style but with their original partners too.
Yup, PH, Maks ripped on the choreo. He said what everybody has been thinking here about Allison’s choreo – too much packed into a dance and too much energy for some dances.
Now THAT is the Mark I have been wanting to see! I missed crazy and fun Mark and it was so cool to see him that way. He also did a great job choreographing that for Paula!!
Aw! Mark did such a great job with Paula! Looked like they both had a fun week.
Anyone else notice Carrie Ann said of all the women left that Tamar owns the floor? Guess we know where Carrie Ann stamds with her opinion of Bindi!
Mark did a fabulous job with Paula. She remembered her steps. She looked like she was having fun. It was just a perfect routine for her. Kudos to Mark on a job well done.
I appreciate Maks calling that choreography out for not being v.waltz enough. Allison needs to learn to tone that choreography down (as far as pace) and work on her basics more.
Paula and mark had me in stitches but saying that it was her best dance yet. Love this switch up pairing.
Hayes is charming. Can we keep Paula with Mark?
The judges are divided tonight. Team Carrie Ann/Julianne vs. Team Bruno/Maks. Having said that, I agree with Carrie Ann/Julianne. I enjoy Paula and Mark jive.
Maybe I need to have a one way ticket a insane asylum, but I really loved Mark and Paula’s dance! From the beginning when Mark was hollerin out in a southern accent to the end with him dragged into the girl’s house, it was a goofy, fun hoot.
Was it a proper jive? Maybe not, but it sure was fun.
So far not impressed with any one of them, Tamar, Hayes, Paula. Maks gave Val’s partner the highest score even though he dissed her dancing and no connection to Louis. Not surprised. Maks is getting booed by the audience which I find entertaining. LOL!
I felt that Alek’s rumba is very basic and somewhat lackluster. Latin dances don’t seem to be his strong point.
I have to be honest and say that ship Emma and alek. Saying that, that was a hot rumba. Loved it.
Loved Aleks and Emma’s dance. That was hot!!
Alek and Emma have the best dance so far. Gorgeousssss. And the guy has hips!!! 😀 I’m less scared about him doing other Latin dances now.
Not a Tamar fan. She just seems to have no emotion.
Hayes did pretty well but I wasn’t all that enamored by him.
Paula is much better with Mark but still not great. Her dance was super fun though!! ❤
Usually not a big shipper but alek and Emma are adorable! I just love watching him dance in general though.
Did I miss the shipping segment? Oh, good. Didn’t need to see that nonsense.
Bahahaha Heidi I’m worried I’m headed to the dark side with you! That was adorable! Loved her choreo, too.
“It worked out pretty well” re: hands on Emma’s bum lol. So cute. Intrigued to see if they revisit this topic in any coming weeks ?
MORE than one liners people!!
Oh my gosh, Alek and Emma far exceded my expectations of how cute they were gonna be together. That dance was HOT!!!!
I loved the Paula/Mark pairing! That was a fun dance. And Alek/Emma were awesome! I am not sure why they were low balled by the judges.
As of now, I think Bindi has the highest chance of winning by far. Great technique and great performance!
I ship Alek n Emma!! Bindi & Val were great!! Maks gave her a 10!!
Val did a good job with her. I liked the choreography. It seemed fun and light hearted. However, did I imagine this or did Carrie Ann give all kinds of credit to Val. I don’t think Bindi did any better or any worse than she has done all season. Am I crazy??
Bindi/Val are definitely the dance of the night (so far). It’s refreshing to see Val have fun in the ballroom because he hasn’t seemed so with Tamar.
Wonder if Alek/Emma will be the new Kym/Robert
Maks isn’t a very good judge. He’s very dull and serious and not fun.
Have to say I liked Alek’s and Emmas dance the best until Bindi and Val took the stage. Whatever went on behind the scenes between them that was a bit rough, they are great partners together. I really didn’t mind Maks giving them a 10. Even though I suspect the reason he did it was because of bro Val. LOL!
There are dances that make me stand up and go “damn that was good” and as this season has progressed they have mostly been from bindi and here is yet another. I would have given it a 10 too. The dress reminded me of Ricki lakes lol. Oh and can I just say that I’m all for contestants that give props to the entire dwts family including the background people so I like her even more now.
Well, if there was ever a time that I don’t care that Maks gave his little bro a 10 showing TOTAL bias.. is now that he dances with Bindi 😀
That ChaCha was amazing! I did not expect Bindi to be so good with the Latin dances but she killed that. I can’t wait to see her do a Salsa or Samba!
Let’s just toss out that 10 that Maks gave because that’s his brother. That shouldn’t count.
Lindsay has shown that she is a great teacher this season! I really hope they keep her around as a pro and not just in the troupe. I think that was my favorite dance so far!
Ok so Carlos somehow has managed to remedy what I disliked about him thus far and just let it all go out there. Best dance yet from him in my opinion. The Dali lama thing had me dying. I love Lindsay lol. If he keeps this up he is one to watch.
“Alek and Emma sitting in a tree, K I S S I N G”. Ha! Somebody smack me.
That was a lush, romantic rumba.
Bindi is like lightening in a bottle. I agree with Tom about wanting her to be on next season too.
Incredibly impressed by Lindsay and Carlos QS. That was so fast and musical.
Maks, you doofus! You gave a 10 to Val, couldn’t you give one to Lindsay?
I guess Maks saves his 10s for his brother.
I don’t know if that quickstep deserved those 10s, though. They must be giving him a boost.
Danggg Carlos just killed that quickstep. I defintely wasn’t expecting that. Lindsay has been amazing this season with all of her choreography. I loved that dance and I hope Carlos keeps this up with Witney because I really love them!
Okay, Carlos and Lindsay rocked it. This is my favorite dance now
Having Maks as a judge is a joke. While I think that Bindi deserves a 10 for the cha cha, I didin’t like the fact that Maks gave the high scores to his brother and Tamar. If Bindi was partnered with another pros, he probably would not have given her a 10.
It was a good dance. Did I think it was that much better than Bindi/Val? No. It was definitely the best dance Carlos has done all season. Lindsey was pretty funny. She is really showing her chops as a choreographer. I hope she is back next season.
Agree with Maks on Alek. Bindi is again a highlight for me. Strong dance from Carlos even if the judges are ODing on the 10s a bit.
Well at least Maks is consistent. He was one point higher for Tamar(Val’s partner) & Bindi who was dancing with Val and one point lower for everyone else.
I’m so impressed with Lindsay this season. Her choreography has been on point. She did great with Carlos, not sure about three 10’s though.
I’m glad Val managed to put together a nice dance for Bindi. I’m glad she goes back to Derek next week though!
It really seems like Alexa and Mark just don’t click.
I agree. I thought Carlos was overscored a bit. It was good but not great. I loved Bindi’s dance. The rest have been pretty meh to me so far.
That was a great QS! Great job Lindsay!! Still don’t like Carlos. He’s too jealous for my liking. SHUT UP about your wife already. Alexa & Derek did a KILLER tango!!
I didn’t think Carlos/Lindsay deserved three 10’s. It was a good dance but not memorable.
I’ve been waiting for ‘Pompeii’ to be used on this show. (Though I swear the singer got some of the lyrics wrong???)
But very much enjoyed Derek/Alexa’s dance.
God bless these lie detecter tests….have a feeling Val would disagree lol. Marks reaction last week…..well then talk about awkward. This might be the first week where I’ve seen her with that fire to do really well. This was very cool dance and might be my fav Derek switch up dance thus far. The troupe was a extra kick that I loved too. This was like apocalypse pow lol.
Something fishy about Alexa and Carlos’s scores. I thought they were good dances, but just not 10 worthy. Seems like a move to help save them next week.
YES ALEXA!!! That is what I am talking about! I knew she had it in her!!! I knew Derek would bring it out of her! She was amazing!!! I felt that Mark wasn’t really helping her reach her full potential but I had no doubt Derek would be able to bring it out of her! She’s a great dancer and I really hope that this is just the start and that in the weeks to come, she progresses some more!!!
Aww. I’m so happy for Alexa that she had the one really triumphant moment on the show. The tango had such an interesting look and style to it. Like all of Derek’s tangos it was really precise and sharp.
Alexa’s dance was really great. It was nice to see her let go and just dance. Derek did a great job with choreography. It was too bad she felt like Mark didn’t believe in her. It was great how Derek helped her see the word/mind connection. She should be very pleased.
Alexa and Derek!!!! Wow! And that dance, and those scores, with only one week of training for Alexa, is why, in my opinion, Derek reigns supreme as the king of DWTS.
I really feel like Andy really is trying so hard and it is killing him that it isn’t showing as much as the others and I think this week was just the remedy for that. The choreography was killer and leave it to sharna to bring him his best dance yet.
The masterful coaching, teaching, choreo and execution with Alexa is yet another of countless examples of why Derek has had so many successes on this show.
Andy much impactful with Sharna.
Good grief! Sharna is just ridiculously lovely! I really love their costumes. Again as with Alexa, I’m really happy that Andy had at least one amazing dance. He really seems like such a nice guy.
Am I the only one who is starting to think that lots of people got the wrong partners this season? I feel like so many stars have had significant improvements this week…curious to see if that all carried over to what they give us next week.
Also I just wanna throw in that I adore Bindi! She is soooo sweet and bubbly. It amazes me and always makes me smile!
That was definitely Andy’s best dance. But was it only one point not as good as Bindi and Val. I just think the judging is all over the place tonight. I am glad for Andy. I wish that Allison could learn a little something from the older pro’s. I think she has lots of good ideas but she doesn’t always need to use them all at once.
Am I the only one wondering why they saved all the freakin awesome dances for the 2nd half of the show? I mean I’m not complaining, but the past few dances have been amazing. This switch up is really helping out some couples that were in danger (Andy, Alexa).
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I can’t stand Nick. No personality, dull dancing and lots of over scoring and pimping by the producers. I’d love for him to be a shock elimination.
It’s crazy how Derek could make absolutely ANYBODY not only look good but make it look so natural and effortless on them. He is beyond
“Holy CRAP again!! Andy, where have you been? That was an amazing AT! Daaaaaamn.”
The short version is: “with Allison.”
That said, that dance was very reminiscent of her AT with Noah (aside from the feats of strength).
Ok so nick and witney is another pairing that I think was stellar but boy am I glad she didn’t get him as a partner now since she looked intimidated by him in rehearsals. The dance was great though so I’m all for this dance.
Nick did great tonight! Really like his attitude in the competition. I hope he goes far.
Hmm, I wonder if they’re purposely trying to hose Nick tonight? The music was weird for a Paso but I thought he did great. Making it more of a horse race.
Maks is earning serious brownie points from me, now pulling up Witney on her paso choreo. I’ve said before I hate Witney’s paso choreo, it’s basically a glorified hip hop. Literally my biggest bug about her. Pulling her on that and Allison earlier. Good job Maksim! Peta for Allison will be a good pro swap next season.
That was a hot dance from Andy/Sharna and deserved at least one ten. I also adore his personality. Shame he’s stuck with Allison because he totally has potential that Allison can’t seem to unlock.
Dang, yet another great dance. Loved Witney/Nick’s paso. Underscored to me
I came out with a lot of favorite dances this week that I didn’t expect. Bindi/Va; Derek/Alexa; Andy/Sharna; Nick/Witney
Sidenote, I loved how tom ended the show and what they did for him.
Andy was awesome.
But it leaves me a bunch a questions.
How would this season have gone for him had he had Peta?
Given Hayes’ scores, is Allison a liability for whomever she’s paired with?
and the one that gets me the most
Was Allison’s run last season in spite of her rather than because of?
This is a strange night. Love all these switch-up dances. My problem now is that I don’t know who to vote for. Should I vote for Hayes and Alek to make sure they don’t end up leaving because some of the others got such high scores? Or are they safe enough. I better go back and read the other post with the numbers in it.
OMG. Tom’s father passed *today*. 🙁
How Tom managed to get through the show without breaking down, I have no idea.
I was kind of disappointed with Nick’s dance. I want the guy to win but I really hope he can step it up. I think Bindi is giving him a run for his money.
Also, where has Andy been? With Allison, and she is NOT the right pro for him. Sharna did Allison a favor. THAT is what technique and refinement looks like, Allison.
Nick is inconsistent. My heart goes out to Tom on the loss of his dad.
Overall I thought Maks was a decent judge. I wouldn’t agree that he only showed good scores for Val & co because he gave Alexa and Derek a 10 as well! Also agreed with many of his technical critiques. Didn’t care for some of his backhanded compliments though (e.g. saying he used to question Bindi’s authenticity or that he originally thought Alek had no chance).
Also special props to Derek. I admire how he’s always a hundred percent positive on top of being a great dancer/choreographer. You never see him get testy with partners. He only seeks to build confidence.
Glad Andy commented on CIA’S unfair treatment of him. I got tired of her nonsense fast.
-Can I just say I LOVED Alek and Emma’s rumba? Phew that was hot hot HOT! Alek is freaking sexy and Emma is a lucky girl. I hope they date!
-Paula and Mark’s jive was so cute! I love Mark a lot and I knew he’d come up with something great for her.
-Not too impressed with Tamar and Louis. I like her, but I feel like she swings her arms/legs out sometimes and it makes things a bit awkward.
-I really liked Carlos and Lindsay’s QS, but I think the judges overdid their scores a bit. I wouldn’t have scored it higher than a 9.
-Alexa and Derek’s tango was awesome! Loved it and I love the confidence he was able to bring out in her. I found it a bit uncomfortable how she told the cameras that Mark kept telling her she might go home last week. That doesn’t seem like something Mark would do or say. Why do I get the feeling he doesn’t enjoy dancing with her that much?
-Once again, Bindi was the highlight of the night for me. She is just so precious! Her and Val have great chemistry, much more than I thought they would! Their cha-cha was amazing! I think Val enjoys dancing with her more than Tamar. He couldn’t stop smiling.
Yup, Maks is really trying to be the second coming of Len! ” It just wasn’t my cup of tea!” As if, Maks could replace Len! Dream on Chmerkovskiy!
TODAY?? He passed today. Oh lord. No matter how old you are, the loss of a parent is devastating.
Carlos sucks so bad. What a mediocre dancer and what a horrendous personality. How does Alexa deal with him? I totally get Witney’s distain for him now. Lord is he ugly too. He better go next week. Loser.
I want to send my deepest sympathy to Tom. It must have been tough for him to be there tonight even though he would get lots of support from the DWTS family. Love that the show was dedicated to his dad this evening!
Anybody know what song nick was dancing to??
Wow… I got the impression his dad passes earlier in the week :'( my dad is 74 today, I know I don’t have much time with him. So yeah, plus my husbands Mom broke her hip yesterday. She’s 92. He’s gonna be crushed when she passes 🙁
Andy and Sharna were on FIRE today, she did him a lot of good. I kind of wish she was partnered with him permanently as I see a lot of untapped potential in Andy. I started out rooting for Nick & Sharna, but that guy needs to have a serious attitude check. I feel like he’s going to be the surprise elimination because his intense attitude will turn people off and Sharna won’t get that MBT 🙁
This was a night of great dances! IMO one of the best shows in a while.
ANDY!! wowwww OMG ANDY! what was that??? Can we keep him with Sharna? When I heard he was going to be on the show I always wanted him with Sharna and now that I see them together I hope that would have happened! I have no words, I think I’m in love…
Alexa and Derek- Agree with you PH on Derek’s choreo, probably the best he has done all season. And I think she needed this fresh look con the competition. I’m sure she will go back to Mark with a new perspective.
Happily surprised with Paula and Mark.. Mark is so funny. And she is not terrible.
As someone who did not like Lindsey AT ALL her first season as a pro I have to say I LOVE her this season. Way to come back, and she is nailing the choreo. I hope she gets a permanent spot. (I think this season she has proved she is a better teacher than Allison and Witney at least).
What I liked most about tonight is that it was the group in the middle of the pack that actually brought it. If next week there is a double elimination I’m not sure who will go!! Other than Paula.
What a great show!
Big week of breakthroughs for Carlos, Andy and Alexa! Competition is definitely heating up!!
Think the best dances of the night were Alexa, Bindi, Carlos, Andy and Alek.
I did not like Nick’s dance. It was just very weird and the music sucked for a Paso (not his fault, I know, but still). His butt was quite distracting at times as it seemed to be popping out a lot.
I think Tamar could have done a much better Samba with Val than Louis. If she makes it to the Finals, I’d love to see her redo the Samba because I think she could nail it. I think Louis pushed her a bit too much. Yes, she’s a good dancer with lots of potential, but I think Louis gave her too much this week.
Paula is a cutie and I know she’ll most likely go home next week but I don’t really want her too. I’m enjoying her way too much.
Hayes had a nice dance but a bit forgettable. Hope he bounces back next week and he and Emma kill it!
I thought Maks did a pretty good job as a guest judge. I agreed with a lot of what he said. I’ll give his judging an 8/10.
Kinda excited for Olivia Newton John next week! The theme sounds pretty cool too! I’m expecting a Salsa to “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” and the famous/iconic “lift”
As a Nick fan I have to say I was disappointed. I really can’t tell if it was a Paso or not, but the package really left a bad taste in my mouth. Sharna needs to do some damage control. Not good.
And I want to vote for the Andy we saw tonight! But since they are going back to the original partners I’m afraid I won’t see that Andy again. Agree with #nl it is a weird night to decide who to vote for
I’m a Nick fan and I liked his dance, it was good, but it wasn’t GOOD. Something was off. They didn’t give him a very favorable edit in his package, either, and I’m wondering if it threw him off? I also wonder if it was part of an agenda (either downplaying him if he is getting votes, or knocking him down to pull him back up next week).
Andy was just great! Seemed so much more relaxed than usual. I really really enjoyed him.
Bindi was great but I don’t know about the 10. Her hips and feet didn’t seem all there a few times – unless I am just being over critical because I expect so much from her at this point. A joy to watch either way, and I actually like Val’s choreo on this one. 🙂
Loved seeing Carlos, Alexa and Paula all break through this week.
I think Louis’ choreo could have been cool if he had a pro dancing with him. Tamar seemed to really lack some energy/bounce and went vacant again.
I think Hayes got hosed. I was sitting here thinking, I’m forgetting someone, I’m forgetting someone… Took me a minute. Though I don’t think his fans will let him go this early.
I feel so so bad for Tom. Much <3 to him for getting through the evening so well.
Hmmmm…. Wondering if Nick is killing it in the voting department. I’m mostly happy with the scores, but that one seems a bit harsh. Also wondering if Maks has power issues when judging a Backstreet Boy.
WOW! Derek sure knows how to show the best of his partners. Excellent dance, the best of the night for me, probably followed by Bindi and Val. And Maks gave a 10 for Derek. Hell must have frozen over. LOL! I wonder if Maks is auditioning for Len’s place.
I’m really liking Alexa with Derek than with Mark. Derek is really bringing out Alexa’s potential compared to what Mark has been doing. Mark’s attitude is really getting annoying, he comes off very childish, especially when things don’t go his way. Hopefully tonight will carry on to next week for both Alexa and Mark though.
On a lighter note
I couldn’t get over Brian Wilson being in the audience.
The Beard was in the house.
I thought Maks did a decent job, much better than last time, but I don’t see him ever getting a permanent judges job. He can’t hide his bias towards his brother and I really don’t see them ever making him a permanent judge as long as he’s dating one of the pro dancers.
Tom’s dad passed away today? How heartbreaking for Tom. That’s devastating news. I’m sure the show could’ve let him stay away for another week.
After reading all the positive comments about Alek and Emma’s dance, why are they on the bottom of the leaderboard?????? That’s so crazy!! Is this evidence that Alek is getting a ton of votes?
Maks was fine no one can be any worse than Julianne she’s so annoying. This show is rigged I hope y’all know that.
So my thoughts on tonight:
Loved alek and Emma! I feel like Emma is holding back a bit from him? I don’t know why though, alek seems like such a great guy! But I thought their rumba was super romantic and definitely underscored!!
I was so happy for Alexa! I literally did not see one mistake, I knew she has the potential to be a serious contender. I feel like Mark is too sensitive at times and that has hindered him with her. But Derek with his positivity and the wonderful way he looks at each person and all the potential they can have, it did wonders for her!
Lol at Lindsays comment! I think that she and witney are some of the best choreographers on the show, which is amazing considering how young they are.
I was a bit turned off by Nick telling witney what to do, she’s the pro let her teach you! Was a bit turned off by witneys reaction to Lindsay and Carlos doing so well. I know you get competitive girl, but be loving!!
I thought that val did a fantastic job with bindi! I feel like some of the things he incorporated with her will be an added benefit to her. She is a great dancer. I don’t think that Val is mean personally, but he is very particular and forceful, so I could understand why bindi would be worried about disappointing him.
I rally like Hayes he seems like a sweetheart! I think he has a lot of potential that needs to be further developed, especially in his extensions, he has such long arms that can make such pretty lines. I do think allisons waltz was too fast and jerky, but they’re is something about her waltz choreography that I always do like and find beautiful.
So sad about toms dad! He is a strong guy! Did his dad pass away today, it said October twelve at the end of the show? So sad. ? I can’t wait until Tom one day I believe he will see his father again.
I agreed with make half the time, but at times I did disagree with him, his manner of delivery sometimes though doesn’t vibe quite right. And he desperately needs a shave and haircut, a handsome man like him does not need to hide behind all that hair.
Miss brittanys old hair. Anyone know where artem has been? Haven’t seen him on the troupe dancing for a wile it seems. Haley has been dancing great so far, but still for some reason haven’t warmed up to her.
As far as jeopardy goes, the bottom three are Paula (44), Alek (53), and Tamar (56).
Alek should be safe this week (if people are voting for him), but the competition has definitely heated up.
I’m sure the show would have let him stay away another week, if he really felt he needed to. But he said his father loved the show – he probably told him to go back to work.
I actually usually like switch up too because it lets us look into a whole other side of some of the pros and celebs…a what might have been peek, lol
No matter what, please don’t give any votes to Carlos. With those high (and very overrated) scores tonight, he doesn’t need them. Plus, how cool would it be to see that smug ugly face go home next week after his “breakthrough.” #ABC – anyone but carlos twitter hashtag for the win.
Yeah, Clay – rigged for VAL. Has been for a few seasons now. Maks actually took notes from Julianne, that much is clear.
Great night of dancing overall. I was very saddened for Tom to hear that his father had passed, thankfully he was with him last week.
Although I think Alexa and Carlos both had really great dances tonight, however glancing back at The Numbers post, I wonder if their really high scores were more of an attempt to shield them from being eliminated?
I hope Andy and Hayes are also safe, along with Alek and Bindi.
I know nothing about the Backstreet Boys, and I have to say that I personally don’t find Nick all that exciting. I do find that he brings the performance factor, but that doesn’t really do it for me. On the other had, Bindi is sweet and bubbly, Alek is very manly, Hayes is impressive for being such a composed and capable young man, and Andy is just adorable and sweet.
I did enjoy Paula with Derek. And it just hit me that not only did Derek’s partner get the first 10 of the season, Derek’s partner also got the first perfect score of this season (albeit a different partner).
It will be interesting to see the next Numbers post. Paula has the lowest score, Carlos, Alexa and to a degree Andy are somewhat ‘protected’ by this week’s scores, and they have all been in jeopardy before, so hopefully their fans are voting like crazy (or from my perspective hopefully Andy’s fans are voting like crazy :).
I think Paula may be going home based on the lowest scores, but if it turns out to be a double elimination, could Tamar be the other contestant to be eliminated?
You actually have no idea who the bottom three are, Sam. Viewer votes count too.
I liked Andy and Sharna, Tamar and Louis, Alexa and Derek, Paula and Mark and of course ALMA! ?
Btw : Is it the same Dave for season 18 that hated James? If so, welcome back! #eyeroll
I agree it was a pretty good show. Allison and Witney were seriously shown up imo. With their regular partners excelling this week and their new switch up partners not doing well, the common denominator is them. Perhaps Witney is distracted with her engagement and all that goes with wedding planning. Highlights for me were Andy and Alexa. Also loved Mark wirh Paula. That guy has no off switch – he just goes for it! Bindi was great and seemed more mature than her pro tbh. Looking forward to the exoert opinions of the mods on this week.
Bindi, Alex, Andy, and Carlos killed it tonight. But I think I enjoyed Alek-Emma the most. So adorable!!!!
Good show overall.
I’m in the UK and it’s 20 to 4 in the morning, so I will see the show tomorrow. Looking at the numbers though, it is extremely conspicuous that Maks gave a higher score than any of the other judges twice: once to Tamar and Louis, once to Bindi and Val, or as I tend to see it, both to Val. The rest of the time he was pretty much in line with the rest of the judges, if anything a little on the mean side, and gave the lowest score on the panel twice. Clearly he can’t fairly judge his sibling in the same way as Julianne always has. The Fam and their very annoying fans will be calling for him to return permanently but that’s a joke.
Have no idea why people are saying Nick has an attitude. He is the sweetest person you will ever meet. He is very driven & is serious about the competiton. I think the show is trying to “doom” him since he is getting voting numbers they never knew was possible to achieve. Alexa def didn’t deserve her perfect score…I think they are trying to save her from elimination after last week’s disaster. Carlos def improved but that performance was overscored. It’s clear Paula will be the one to go home next week but will be interesting to see how the remainder of the season will play out.
Funny how Maks gave his brother and his brother’s regular partner a point higher than the other three judges.
I think tonight made Allison look bad. Andy did so much better with Sharna. I really liked Andy and Sharna together.
It seemed like Nick was trying to take over the choreo from Witney. What’s that about?
Didn’t sound like there’s a double elimination next week.
Poor Tom. I’m surprised he was there tonight, given that his dad died today.
My deepest sympathy for Tom Bergeron’s losing his father today. Wow!! And, he hosted the show tonight as great as ever. I was happy to have Tom back, and I sure understand how he felt today and tomorrow and will for some time.
@Perrye
Yes, it is me. And Carlos actually makes James look like Derek Hough. That’s how bad Carlos is. At least James was somewhat decent and personable a human being. Carlos is just yucky. Did y’all see the pics of Carlos walking around shirtless outside the studio after rehearsal thinking he is all hot and buff? No dude, you aren’t. You are short and no amount of steroids can fix that. Yuck. Hoping with all hope he is gone next week. Still don’t see how Alexa stands him in their personal life or how Witney has been able to stand him for five weeks now.
IMO, in Lindsay’s first year besides being new she had as a partner a boxer with very little rhythm, which sounds like an oxymoron. She certainly has used her seasons on the troupe well. It appears that she was just absorbing choreography and teaching skills. She has been our favorite female pro this season.
If Allison drops out for six months or so after having her baby (and congratulations to her and Twitch), then Lindsay should stay while Peta returns.
And I really hope Sasha gets a pro slot!
What!!?? Brian Wilson the former SF Giant/LA Dodger baseball player was in house? Why would he be there? Don’t tell me that he is interested? Or do you mean Brian Wilson the Beach Boy?
Anna on All Access said the same thing that is mentioned above, that Nick needs to listen to his Pro and it was a mistake for him to take over the choreo. It seemed like a hip hop dance instead of a ballroom dance. He should’ve listened to Witney. And that his technique was poor because he needed to tuck his bum in.
Also, Anna said that Allison said that she never gets a lot of practice time with Andy because of his schedule. Maybe 2 hours out of 5 a day. But this week, Andy had a more open schedule so he could practice more with Sharna.
Anna said she loved Bindi, Alexa and Andy’s dances. And maybe one more? Carlos’?
Alek and Emma were cute but I’m glad they were scored correctly, technically that rumba was poor. Felt sorry for Hayes, stuck with Allison and that hurt him big time. They did a great job is burying Paula as well with the scores. Whether it’s a single or a double elim next week, I think it’ll be a minor miracle if she survives it. The PenaVegas have been pushed safe from elimination with their scores.
Give it a rest, Dave. We’ve heard your song and dance for several seasons now.
Meant to add another paragraph – it seems the push was on tonight to keep the married couple around, not that they did not deserve some high scores, especially Alexa. And Tamar just didn’t seem focused. It would be very hard to push Val if his partner really isn’t into it. (Somebody above mentioned an album has been released?)
I did have to watch Alexa though, since Tango is probably my favourite style, and this seemed like such a perfect marriage. Given that she did look like she might be screwed without judges’ help I had to see if it deserved the 40. I think it did. Such a ridiculous amount of basic content perfectly executed without ever seeming like Tango-by-numbers, and to a song I didn’t think was a great fit, it’s another perfect storm. Derek deserved the 40, Alexa deserved the 40, it was pretty close to perfect, but it really does raise “the Derek question” again. Derek is clearly the best there is, and Alexa is the second person he’s had through the switch-up that has benefited so much from having him that I wish he was their actual partner just a little bit. So is Derek too big of a gift to whoever gets him? Bindi is the best female dancer this season, but could that have been Alexa, Tamar or even Kim if they’d been lucky enough to get him? Maybe he’s a liability when it comes to actually winning the series, but whoever gets him always does amazing dancing. I do not want Derek to go, but I thought it was worth saying.
@PH: Sorry if I wasn’t clear; I was referring to the judges’ scores only (which is why I gave them).
I’m liking Sharna more with Andy than with Nick. They’re so funny together, and she choreographs without putting any pressure on herself, which I feel she has with Nick.
I never watch the shows live because 1, I hate commercials, 2, I hate watching the judges’ critiques because STORYBOARDING. So I’ll watch in the next few days…but this sounds veeerrry interesting.
Well, if you WANT to be blocked Dave, I’m sure we’ll be fine NOT hearing every week how Carlos is going to be eliminated. You have NO other input on anything, just one line over and over and over. Your most hated celeb this season is Carlos – I don’t want to hear the same two sentences four times every Monday. If you can’t contribute ANYTHING else, yes, I will block you.
Dave it is seriously so unkind of you to be picking on a celeb over their physical appearance. Carlos looks great, and he is a very fit guy in a world full of potbellied dudes.
I just don’t think Tamar enjoyed dancing with Louis. She never even posted anything about him online all week. She probably just didn’t enjoy the week and the dance. Louis got excited as he thought it was his chance to show his skills off. He failed in that department to be honest. Tamar will probably come back and get a much better score with Val next week.
This may have been my favorite switch up yet. Wish some of the pairs could stay. I really enjoyed most of the packages tonight. Derek was absolutely adorable in his package and especially in the lie detector bit, which overall was fun!
Tamar–judges in past weeks have hyped her so much didn’t find anything wrong with Louis trying to get her to rise to all that hype. The 8 irrelevant in the grand scheme of how things played out this evening.
Hayes–poor Allison or poor Hayes? not sure
Paula–fun. Mark looked like he was having a ball. good for them!
Alek–officially a first time shipper…beautiful
Bindi–loved every little bit of package and dance!!!!
Carlos—Lindsay WOW!!! you’ve proven yourself. High energy great performance for him–but something I’m still not liking about him–and prior to show I did??
Alexa–Amazing liked every bit of it!! Derek has done it once again. Her package bothered me A LOT (part about Mark).
Andy—Where has this guy been? So HOT!! His package was hysterical just seems like an overall great guy!!! please please please does he have to switch back? Favorite of the night!
Nick–I was disappointed (and yes I’m a Nick fan) but it was an odd Paso to me. Feel he got hosed with that package as well. I can see how folks are seeing an “attitude” from him after that mess but prior to that I don’t see it. IMO there is a theme emerging with Witney from what we’ve seen in packages…first Cody, at times with Alfonso, Carlos and now Nick where it shows a struggle with the celebs taking the lead. With that said sorry Andy we need Sharna back…:)
Thoughts and Prayers to Tom and his family xoxo
There has got to be a video of Dave trying out for Big Time Rush and getting rejected.
Ananya, #141 that’s my theory as well. There’s no other explanation for the vitriol.
Three were some outstanding dances and some scores that were a bit off. It seems as if a specific judge was hitting out at a certain pro. You need to judge each performance the same. Some written comments under different names but seems to be from the same writer were not very constructive either. Sometimes people do not get the right partner. It happens. Derrick has the ability and technique to work with anyone. DWTS make him a CONSULTANT for the show.
Wow, the tango by Derek & Alexa though… amazing. Their switch-up dance and Meryl D=& Val’s by far has been my favorite of all the switch ups there has ever been so far.This week was definitely a break through for some, and this “theme” is one of favs because of that. Can’t wait to see the changes next week, and the couple’s progresses!
WOW Lindsay and Carlos- that was a great dance. Enjoyed Bindi and Val too – the “sunshine” comments are on point. I’ve thought her a bit annoying, but I think she really is genuine. Alek and Emma – come on now, that was hot and I think it was underscored.
@KellyK (19): I don’t know if anybody answered your question, but the rule is that if there is any sort of discrepancy between what the judge says, what the judge holds up, and/or what the judge writes down, the score the judge writes down is the one that controls.
[On an amusing side note, anyone else remember when Cher was a guest judge, and she accidentally said “Cher” instead of her score? I wonder what would have happened if she had written down Cher instead. 😛 ]
Emma was devastated with the scores and I don’t blame her. How could Alek and Paula almost have the same scores? Alek deserved all 8’s. Poor Alek was blushing though out the whole episode.
Paula and Mark were so fun!! Loved that partnership!!!
This is interesting. Witney’s mom wrote this on her Instagram: “The package wasn’t showing how it really went in rehearsals! They had so much fun and really worked hard on this dance!”
Obviously the package was cut differently.
Oh my gosh!!! ANDY! Andy brought it tonight! HOT HOT HOT! I love Sharna even more for giving this amazing guy an amazing dance. And their pictures and videos at the children’s hospital were the sweetest. Hope next week isn’t a double elimination because I’m still worried about him despite the great score.
Was a tad disappointed with Nick and Witney. I think from the start that they were both just not in this. Witney said she didn’t want him for the switch up with the pressure from the last dance and I think that stuck in her head the whole week which, in turn, frustrated Nick. I know people have said that Sharna’s teaching method is very detailed and strict and I think that was such a big change to go from that to Witney who we’ve seen is a little more “loose” (I don’t know the word for it). In the end, I just think they are two incompatible personalities and I’m glad they’re not permanent partners. I don’t think she and Carlos are that compatible either. They always seem to bicker but I guess the difference is Nick is a lot older and that’s more intimidating. Sharna’s face though when the judges were commenting on Nick’s dance. Looked like she was about to pop a vein! ???
Alexa was great! Loved Derek’s choreo as usual. Carlos did well. I thought the 10s were too high though. Now Alma’s dance was underscored in my opinion! And not because I’m shipping them or anything (which I just might ?). It know it wasn’t mind blowing but 7s? That was harsh.
Dang, Derek just brings out the best in his partners.
I thought Andy looked awkward –
And Nick looked like he was counting through the whole dance.
Just a quick add regarding Val’s comment about working with Bindi on things Derek may not have the time too…what the what? Always gotta get in a dig. bleh….
#kathy2
Was kinda hoping it was that way. The packaged showed them both in a bad light. And they went last too so it stuck to people’s heads.
#kathy2 Sorry. Meaning I was hoping it was just bad editing.
I feel so sorry for Andy. It’s big thing for him to have to cancel a show and let people down so he could spend more time learning the dance. You can tell he’s invested in this process and doesn’t want to leave. He proved tonight that with a competent pro he has the tools to be a potential finalist. Such a shame that instead he’s stuck with Allison who doesn’t have the ability to bring the best out of him and will probably wind up getting him eliminated in the next couple of weeks.
Just saw someone on twitter say they were gonna contact the NAACP because DWTS is not treating Tamar fairly with the judges scores….LMAO !!!
Hated Nicks package! That screamed sabotage to me! I loved his dance, definately not the best one of the night but I truly think it was good.
Stand out to me was definaty Alexa and Andy!
I thought 7s for Tamar was low. She’s a powerful performer, and she did lose balance a time or two, but still deserved 8 I thought.
Mr. Derek Hough says it all. I am loving his choreography more than ever. Definitely the best of the night IMO. I’m disappointed in Mark’s attitude and hope this week he grows up a little. I threw my votes to Alexa tonight because I adore her and I know Bindi and Derek aren’t going anywhere.
Bindi and Val were cute and I thought the 9s were fair. I didn’t think she was quite steady enough on her feet throughout for the 10, but hey because Maks can. I’m not complaining though.
I also loved Andy and am glad they finally showed him some respect. Having more rehearsal time clearly made a huge difference. He looked more polished and completely in character. Of all the celebrities I love his personality the most and I hope the 9s were enough to make it through.
It was interesting that they showed the negative in Nick’s package. While it was nice of CAI to praise him for keeping the BSB flavor in his dances, I find it detracted in that dance, and his disrespect of Witney, even if it was a small slice, spoke volumes. He didn’t look pleased afterwards and no doubt learned a tough lesson tonight to not give those producers an opening. I’m sure it was a small glitch though since, as we’re reminded over and over, he is a BSB.
@M8 Andy didn’t cancel the concerts in order to practice. I believe someone in his group was sick or something and couldn’t perform.
Was very disappointed in Alek & Emma’s scores – I really liked their rumba.
Mark and Paula were a lot of fun – I guess we’ll see what kind of fan base she has if she’s not eliminated next week.
My least favorite of the night was Tamar and Louis – she still had that blank look.
Favorite of the night would be Bindi and Alexa. Andy did a great job too.
Soooo I sensed the whole week that Witney and Nick weren’t feeling it at all. Nick can be an ass when he wants like everyone in this world, but this dude has not a big ego nor an attitude and he wouldn’t disrespect Witney. In fact I think he was mad about the package because they made him look like a douche. I am actually pretty sure he’s annoyed at the “after all you are a backstreet boy” I didn’t like the dance at all. I didn’t like the music. I didn’t like the chemistry. And knowing Nick I’m sure he is gonna rock at the Latin dances. Sharna did an amazing job with Andy. But it seems Sharna is easy like a Sunday morning.
I love Nick but I\, just not feeling him on DWTS. I think there was s much pre-show hype built up and unfortunately he just does not match up or as great as we expected.
Alexa, Andy and Bindi were my faves of the night.
Derek proved once a gain why he is my fave pro. He is just so awesome. I smell another Emmy on it’s way.
(My apologies for the mistakes, I’m not a native English-speaker so I hope my review is quite understandable…)
I didn’t have time to watch all the dances on Youtube, but I loved Alek & Emma’s rumba. I hope their scores didn’t put him in danger of elimination next week, I just want this guy to go far on this competition (Bless be Facebook to allow me to vote for him & Lindsay). I know Alek is very famous on my country, since he did saved us from the terrorist attack and was fairly rewarded with the Legion of Honor, but I can’t realize if he’s popular in US and has a plenty fanbase to keep him safe… I hope so !
Derek is great. What else to say about his dances ? I’m not a fan of this tango, but the dance is strong and well-executed, so I’m fine with the scoring. 🙂 Curious to see how Alexa will react to return with Mark…
I love Carlos & Lindsay’s quickstep but I give all the credits to Lindsay with the dance. She did a great job with her switch-up partner. I can’t usually connect with Carlos, but I find him great and solid on this dance.
Hayes is such a contender, however I feel concerned about Allison. She’s a good dancer, but her choreos are messy compared to the others pros…
I was surprised how much I enjoyed the Paula/Mark’s jive. It was so entertaining !
I was used to like Val on his first seasons, but his attitude annoys me now : inferiority complex towards Derek ? Maybe I’m wrong, but I just feel like he’s trying so hard to prove he’s THE guy to watch… So sad… Tamar is an interesting partner and Val is a great dancer, but he gets on my nerves too easily. 😛
And praise to Sharna to show us how good Andy can do ! Agree with you : he could have been great with Peta.
Oh, one last thing : great job with this blog, mods. Val & fan’s tantrum made me laugh. This guy loves looking for sympathy…
I had the same feeling with Nick, but I was so excited about this because Witney can be so fun and she is amazing. However, in my opinion both Nick and Witney (as everyone) sometimes say things that come off the complete wrong way.
I don’t know- I had such high hopes for it – but was kinda let down 🙁 I was so off put by the package on both nick and witney’s part that I was almost uncomfortable watching the dance. I love them both though – they’re both awesome.
I liked Nick and Witney’s Paso. He did get a little too intense with movements which made them look a bit more spastic than sharp and controlled, but overall I liked how the dance used the whole floor and really moved.
I didn’t like their package as much, an incompatible match. Nick is a forceful personality who I think benefits from Sharna’s authority. Witney seemed a bit intimidated.
Overall the night was a really eye opening, entertaining and well danced night. Several contestants really shined with their temporary partners. Andy, Alexa, Carlos, even Paula showed marked improvement.
I did enjoy Bindi as well. She kept up rather well with Val’s very fast choreography.
That’s another great thing about last night, longer routines with a lot of content. I wish it could be like that all the time.
Maks did pretty good judging. Much better than last time.
Great to see Tom back. He’s the quip filled, easy breezy heart of the show.
I’m wondering though how switch up affects voting. I noticed when voting they still have the original pairs, so your mind naturally remembers the original pair. Take the case of Andy. He did so well with Sharna, but you are still voting, “Andy and Allison” and then maybe you remember that the pair isn’t so stellar together. Do we know if there is a trend with how switch up affects voting?
I love Alek and Emma. The 7s were lowballing in my opinion. If he is showing some improvement, then his scores should remain steady-ish in the latin dances. 8s would have been appropriate. But I see a lot of praise for them and frustration with the scoring…maybe that will translate in votes. I REALLY want a Bindi, Nick, Alek final (and finishing in that order).
Thought Maks did a great job judging last night great comments and he looked really good too
Andy and Sharna stole the show for me he’s got so much potential and Sharna show cased that, she brought out his sexy for sure!
Everyone else was good too this switch up was more season 18 than the disaster of season 19! I liked some of the switched partnerships better than the originals do we have to switch back lol
For me personally seeing Peta back on my TV screen even though it was for a few brief seconds made me so happy, I’ve missed her so much this season. It was nice seeing her support her friends and fam last night at the show
@Susan2 I think you’re right, to me as well she seemed intimidated.
In return I feel like he didn’t take her seriously/he was expecting more passion. But he’s mellowed out a lot, at least he’s not as fiery as he used to be and wasn’t losing his temper.
I almost feel sorry for Witney, she’s so sweet and tiny.
Hopefully he learned something out of the negative reception, and will have a new appreciation for Sharna next week, resulting in a better performance.
I’m guessing the producers didn’t appreciate how Nick treated their young pro, but it was probably the worst switch up all around. I’m just so glad they put Andy and Lindsay and Derek and Alexa together. I’m not a big Alek fan at the moment because I don’t like when a season becomes about shipping, a la S18, and I thought the show started to show their cards a bit too much. I liked Alek much better when he was Alek the train hero vs. Alek the lover boy. I’m glad Emma showed some class though.
@Rose1 If that was their goal, I fell for it. Feeling sorry for Witney being scared of the big bad Nick.
On the other hand I’m wondering if the producers expected the BSB fans to unleash like that on Witney as a result. I low key suspect that’s why her mom put out that message, to take the heat off her daughter.
I’m wondering if it’s less ‘didn’t appreciate how he treated their young pro’ (given that even Witney’s mom said that’s not how the week went down) and more of either
1 – ‘no other switch up team has shown even the hint of problems and we have to have at least one pairing not go well
2 – ‘Nick is getting way more votes than people know and we have to knock him down to keep the PenaVega’s safe’ (since that seemed to be an agenda last night)
3 – ‘we want to knock him back this week so he can push forward next week and we can fawn over the growth he’s made’ (if they have an agenda to push him to the finals), or
4 – I’m personally wondering if Witney just isn’t that amazing of a teacher and without Alfonso she never would have won a MBT? Is that too harsh? I like her, she’d done some great routines, but if any of what the footage alluded to is true, I wonder if she just isn’t authoritative enough and finally got a partner that didn’t sit well with. Nick clearly is a perfectionist and analyzes his routines, and if she can’t handle that or was intimidated, no, it wasn’t going to end well.
I’m actually a little concerned for her given the backlash I was seeing on instagram and twitter last night. I expected people to come down on Nick but there was way more negativity directed towards Witney. I’ve seen how ugly his fans can get with his wife and I hope for Witney they get over it, quick.
@Mermaid28
All points could be I guess.
I find number 2 making sense, as I’ve seen a Twitter buzz analysis, and Bindi, Nick, Tamar, Hayes and now Alek are eating the PenaVegas alive.
About number 3 we’ll find out next week.
And if the producers wanted to throw shade at Nick, but it back fired at their young pro cause his fans weren’t having it, they will find a way to punish Nick next week I’m sure.
Also – and sorry for the back to back posts/Nick rants but I just had this thought hit me – I found it interesting that, despite the negative portrayal of them both, they still got the pimp spot, multiple solo pics on the DWTS instagram account and hype on instagram AND twitter before and after their dance (“Don’t miss this amazing dance!”, “What a way to end the show!!”). Makes me wonder if the package had less to do with keeping Nick back and more to do with pushing someone else forward. Does anyone remember how DWTS treated Nastia and Derek on social media when they started making her look bad?
Or perhaps we are all acting just like Nick and overanalyzing everything and it was just because they thought it would make good tv. Lol. But that’s what makes following shows like this so fun, right? If we get this into it, producers are doing their job (purely from a TV/viewing standpoint).
Overall I enjoyed switchup week!
Tamar seemed overwhelmed by her choreography. I think the judges need to mention her lack of emotion/facial expressions when she dances. From watching the packages she can obviously make some faces. Lol. I wonder if she’s in her head like Alexa is? She didn’t connect with Louis and mentioned she’s just now clicking with Val. Maybe her expectations aten’t being meet? It’s a shame because she can move from the neck down.
Hayes and Alek got “who-dooed” this week. Hayes with choreo (Allison can’t seem to ” dance down”) and Alek with scoring. Asking as a non-dancer, whas that a proper rumba that Emma did? The only thing that stood out as off a little bit was Alek’s arm behind his back a lot. I guess this is to hide when straight arms don’t look right?
Paula and Mark were adorable. When I saw Mark get off the bike and start walking, I swear I thought he looked like Barney Fiffe!!
I liked Andy with Sharna. Hope his schedule is opened up more so maybe he and Allison can train more.
I am pleasantly surprised with Bindi and Val’s dance. Derek has done her well with helping her already given strength. I hope Bindi is in the finals!
Carlos was okay for me. Just can’t seem to get on board with him. He danced well, though.
Nick was surprisingly controlling in the package. I hope it was a bad edit. I like him but there seems to be a looseness to his dancing. Not a commanding sharpness. Not sure if that makes sense?
Finally, Alexa shined. Derek and she were amazing. I was surprised that Derek used the troupe but it worked and wasn’t distracting.
I agree with the person who said Maks looked good in his suit! The hair? Not so much!
I think Julianne has been wearing wigs. Nothing wrong if she is..
Love that Olivia Newton-John will be on!! Love. Love. Love her from back in the day!! The first cassette tapes ( gasp – I know) I ever got was her greatest hits vol 2 and the Purple Rain soundtrack for Christmas. The year My eclectic/diverse taste in music began. I still have both!
It seemed like having Andy and Sharna go right before Nick and Witney and having Andy largely succeed was gas to the flame for a lot of Nick’s fans.
To be fair, it looks like largely the same people who are ragging on Witney are the same ones who were treating Sharna like crap before the season started, so it should blow over relatively quickly.
Sorry for the typos
“aren’t being met”
“was” not whas
I feel like Nick is getting the Nastia treatment this season – starting out strong then being sabotaged. Also that Paso choreo looked so familiar…
Tamar seriously needs to work on facial expressions. And can this be a wake up call that Louis can just stay off the show for good? I don’t like his attitude at all
Alek and Emma are so cute but Emma looked somewhat uncomfortable at all the shipping attention she’s obviously not used to
Val is very good with younger people, and technique wise Bindi was nailing that dance.
I would have loved to see how Andy would have done with Peta!! I think their personalities would have meshed so well. Also I had no idea Sharna could sing!! Go and watch her IG video with Andy at the hospital, so sweet!
I feel bad for Alexa and Marks partnership because she’s come off such a great week with Derek, I hope Mark isn’t feeling down about that.
Power rankings are up: https://www.puredwts.com/2015/10/13/puredwts-season-21-week-5-power-rankings/
Hmmm…I dunno. I could be way off base (probably am, in this case) but my DWTS gut is telling me that Nick ain’t all that in the votes department. Not with the general audience anyway. I just feel like he’s not making a huge impact outside of his original fanbase. Which means that his fanbase would have to vote enough to carry him to the MBT. Yeah, it’s big, but is it bigger than the general audience who I feel are voting Bindi/Alek/Tamar/Hayes?? I think Nick is in that group as well, but I don’t think he’s at the top two.
I don’t think they made Nick look that bad. Like I always said about Maks – if you don’t give it to them, they can’t use it. If they keep replaying it, then he’s getting the Nastia treatment. If this is a one-off, then no, he’s not getting the Nastia treatment. I don’t know why he continues to get a good spot in the running order – that is a bit of a mystery. He does have a big fanbase though – to keep them tuned in you put him last, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to win and is getting tons of votes.
Allison could use other choreographers to help her, right? She would just have to pay them herself? I wonder why she isn’t doing that. She’s not a trained ballroom dancer, after all. Last night made her look really bad – Hayes did poorly, and Andy did great.
I remember last season some of the other pros said (and they seemed impressed by this) that allison does the choreo all by herself and doesn’t want someone to do it for her
My favorites of the night were:
Carlos and Lindsey (About time)
Andy and Sharna (Andy where have you been?)
Bindi and Val (I like this partnership much better)
Alek and Emma (So cute)
Would it have killed Maks to give Carlos a 10 after saying his dance was awesome.
The rest were so-so.
Dwts producers need to lose Maks as a judge. He was so biased when it came to Val and Tamar. He is the same person he was when he competed. Maks has not learned anything. I believe that the only reason he gave Derek a ten, is so that he would not be accused of being jealous of him. Maks is very jealous of Derek. He really needs to grow up. I also believe that he was auditioning for a permanent judges’s position. The show doesn’t need a fourth judge anyway. Not going to happen, no matter how fake he acts on national tv. Maks would always show favoritism toward his brother, girlfriend, best friend and ex-fiancé. He can’t help it, it’s who he is.
FWIW, I’m in the main demographic for the show, I was not “into” his group, or any boy band group, actually. I don’t know their songs, and that “special” BSB dance last week honestly didn’t thrill me. I’m not seeing anything extra special in Nick, and I haven’t even been impressed with Sharna’s choreography with him, and that’s never been the case. I’m just not “clicking” with them as a pair, at all.
Bindi/Alek/Hayes? Yes, and I can’t completely explain why, maybe they just seem more “real” and “genuine?” I don’t know.
I’m not connecting with Tamar. I LOVE the packages, and I love that she’s not simply giving Val everything he wants, but challenging him. However, once the music starts… And this was very evident to me this week… A blank look just seemed to drop over her face, and she didn’t seem to “get into” the dance until more than half way through. If I could see the same Tamar during the dance, as I’m seeing in the packages, I’d be all for her.
@Princessheidi at #177. But I do think all of Nick’s fans will be voting for Nick and maybe some other viewers, as the rest of the votes will be split between several people. So if I look at it that way he might be getting the votes. I agree with Mermaid28 #169, I think they might be knocking him down, so they can lift him back up next week. But I guess we have to wait and see if that is the case 🙂
Now on the show, for the most part I liked the switch up. For me it shows what a great teacher Derek is, he was able to get Alexa out of her head. And they killed that Tango!
I agree with the judges about Bindi being a ray of Sunshine, how could you not see it. Did I hear Maks saying something about her personality might be fake? I am a Nick fan but as much as I like him, and I like Witney, I am glas he is back with Sharna again.
One last thing I think Mark was funny. I missed that funny side this season so far.
Sorry in advance for my english
But, Leandra, you make the assumption that Nick’s fanbase is a larger influence than the general audience. Not only do you have NO way of knowing that, you have no way of knowing if all of those fans haven’t been more intrigued by Alek or Bindi or Tamar…or hell, even Paula. I personally am STILL of the the belief that you don’t win this show without winning the general audience. The closest comparison is Joey Fatone – he got beat by Apolo Ohno and Julianne in his first season – a couple that people were showmancing and were just the darlings of DWTS. In the all star season he was the second one eliminated. And I liked Joey WAY more than I like Nick.
There is no way of knowing how Nick is doing, my gut says not as well as expected. We’ll have to wait and see.