PureDWTS Season 23, Week 8 – Who’s Dancing What…And When?
Ye old Halloween week returns 😛 But they’re switching it up a bit this time, replacing the team dances with the face-offs, per James in this clip from my local news. If it follows the pattern of season 21 (the last time they did it), we can pretty much guess how it’s gonna shake it out – and it should be very, very interesting to see just who earns that coveted instant immunity from next week’s elim. My gut instinct is that they’re gonna give it to Jana, to ensure she makes it to the semifinals – because I’m not sure that’s she actually getting the votes to get there herself, and their scoring/critiques of her the past few weeks seem to indicate they want her in the finale.
ETA: Lindsay revealed she & Calvin’s song in an interview, and said they’d be dressed as skeletons.
ETA2: The rest of the songs and dances have been filled in via Disney ABC. – Vogue
ETA3: And George Pennachio comes through with the dance order for round one – shown below. Gee, now that the running order doesn’t matter as much, Laurie makes her second appearance early in the show…but James is still in the pimp spot with Jana not far behind. My, the fortunes have changed for a few couples this season. I suspect the writing on the wall isn’t what it once was…~Heidi
Terra and Sasha – Cha Cha – “Day – O” by Harry Belafonte
Dancing 1st
1-800-868-3412
Laurie and Val – – Viennese Waltz – “Pure Imagination” by Jane Monheit
Dancing 2nd
1-800-868-3407
Marilu and Derek – Argentine tango – “Sweet Dreams” by Emily Browning
Dancing 3rd
1-800-868-3408
Calvin and Lindsay – Quickstep – “Dr. Bones” by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies
Dancing 4th
1-800-868-3403
Ryan and Cheryl – Argentine tango – “Howlin’ For You” by The Black Keys
Dancing 5th
1-800-868-3411
Jana and Gleb – Jazz – “Little Shop of Horrors” by Alan Menken
Dancing 6th
1-800-868-3406
James and Sharna – Viennese Waltz – “You Don’t Own Me” by Grace ft. G-Easy from Suicide Squad
Dancing 7th
1-800-868-3405
Face-Off Challenge:
*Highest score from individual dance round earns immunity from week 8’s elimination (and 5 additional points added to their score) and does not have to dance-off.
*Of the remaining 6 couples, the couple with the highest score from the individual round will pick an opponent to face-off against – that opponent will pick the dance style (either cha cha, salsa, or jive).
*Winner of each face-off will get 3 points added to their score; loser will receive no points.
Hmmmm. Should be interesting….
Sounds like what they concocted to get Chelsea Kane into the finals. I do think this is more about promoting Gleb than it is about Jana. Just hoping it isn’t at the expense of Calvin not making it to the finals. I also think Marilu will be eliminated this week. I know Derek loves the show and wonder if he should have left it all on the dance floor when he won with Bindi. I feel Marilu has been underscored this season and she has done really well for a 64 year old!
I’ll be interested to see how this shakes out. I fully expect it to be given to Jana. Looking back though, with the exception of Janel, I winners I remember (Amber, Nastia, Nick, Kellie) weren’t people I thought were really in danger of going home at the time. Unless someone else kills it, anyone other than Laurie, James, and Calvin getting immunity will make me wonder.
If someone gets contemporary or jazz this week I will roll my eyes, though.
I’m guessing they may be pulling for Gleb,didn’t he and his family just relocate so he could do the show. So maybe he will be the next pro. Who knows,jmo?
I mean I kinda hope the immunity doesn’t go to Jana in the sense that that they should give it to someone who earns the scores not so someone can be safe but, it’s all about what the producers want so idk what the circumstances are gonna be but I hope they are good
Aside from that I hope this week couples do amazing and I have a feeling that Marilu or Ryan go home and I’m leaning towards Ryan to get booted out
Oh btw I have no hate on Jana I love her and make her to make the finals but not like this
I’ve been waiting for Marilu and James to do a jazz or contemporary considering they are the only ones who haven’t done one so far. However, I love Derek’s Argentine Tangos so I’m really looking forward to that. Hope they have a great song.
I don’t know. I am not that fond of Jana and Gleb.I find them interesting, but honestly I do not think she is good enough to make the final. I will vote Calvin before I vote Jana. I would HATE to see Calvin eliminated on behalf of Jana’s constant complaining, and 80% work ethic.
I hope Sharna and James get the WALTZ or the Viennese Waltz for 2 reasons. 1. I think Sharna needs to take it easy and that dance is pretty slow, and calmly paced.
2. I so badly want them to do a HOT/STEAMY argentine Tango and Halloween tends to be the week were chemistry goes to die. So I want them to save that one where it can out do Jana and Gleb’s.
I also think Marilu has had a great run, but its time to go. ALSO I am SO proud of Sasha this season. I feel like they really have been good to him this season, and it is good to see him enjoying the season.
It will be weird not having group dances this Halloween. I liked it better when they had 3 teams in the finals. It made for a better show, and more personal team moments. I think my favorite final done was the season of Janel, Sadie, and Alfonso. It was sentimental, while still being entertainment.
I don’t know. I am not that fond of Jana and Gleb.I find them interesting, but honestly I do not think she is good enough to make the final. I will vote Calvin before I vote Jana. I would HATE to see Calvin eliminated on behalf of Jana’s constant complaining, and 80% work ethic.
I hope Sharna and James get the WALTZ or the Viennese Waltz for 2 reasons. 1. I think Sharna needs to take it easy and that dance is pretty slow, and calmly paced.
2. I so badly want them to do a HOT/STEAMY argentine Tango and Halloween tends to be the week were chemistry goes to die. So I want them to save that one where it can out do Jana and Gleb’s.
I also think Marilu has had a great run, but its time to go. ALSO I am SO proud of Sasha this season. I feel like they really have been good to him this season, and it is good to see him enjoying the season.
It will be weird not having group dances this Halloween. I liked it better when they had 3 teams in the finals. It made for a better show, and more personal team moments. I think my favorite final done was the season of Janel, Sadie, and Alfonso. It was sentimental, while still being entertainment.
Oh dear. I just read where Sharna says she sprained the inside MCL ligament on the same knee she’s had ACL reconstructive surgery on previously. She seems to be ok with it because it’s a sprain & not a tear but, that’s scary! Not sure why she would choose Jenna to be her stand in for rehearsals this week instead of Emma. If something were to happen this close to the semi-finals, the viewers know & love Emma and her bubbly personality & maturity is much better suited for James than the first-time pro who was voted off first & most viewers don’t know. Fingers crossed Sharna stays healthy. Especially for James’ sake.
Yes! So excited that Ryan and Cheryl finally got an Argentine Tango. I hope they do better than their rumba, which was totally lack luster for me. I have to disagree with some that it may be Marilu’s last week. I have a feeling this may be Ryan and Cheryl’s last week. I think Maureen had a solid base of fans voting in, judges scores couldn’t have solely carried her to week 7. So, maybe Maureen’s voters decided to vote in for Marilu getting her through this week.
I do agree that TPTB def. want Jana and Gleb in the finals. I would think TPTB would want Ryan and Cheryl in the semi finals at least to talk about his journey for DWTS cred and how it helped him overcome his depression and state of sadness after the Rio debacle, similar to his magazine article. But, I think he did some damage control and a facelift from week 1…FOR SURE…but would still love Cheryl in the finale (not based on last week’s rumba AT ALL though (still frustrated by it)).
If I remember correctly, Nastia won immunity in S20 then got screwed over by TPTB and didn’t even make the finals. Non-winner Janel was immune in S18 but she got contemporary that week (yawn) aka TPTB basically gave it to her. Jana already did contemporary so I’ll be waiting to see if she gets jazz this week. Or maybe they’ll try to manufacture a Laurie comeback and give her contemporary.
And Jenna’s being the stand-in. I still think Emma would have been more suited for the job, even Witney probably would have been a better fit. Jenna’s still going to be virtually unknown, and Emma’s got a much larger fanbase plus has still stayed ‘on’ the show despite being voted off. As the DWTS All Access co host, etc. after Jenna was eliminated in week 2, she hasn’t really been standing out at all. Then again, Emma’s allegiances have already been decided, and if she was a stabd in, she would probably be expected to root for James and Sharna, and she’s kind of obligated to root for Terra and Sasha. Emma’s bubbly personality probably would have fit James more than Jenna.
Regarding Jenna as a stand-in for Sharna, for whatever reason the Fam sticks together like glue – Peta and Sharna only ever pick someone else if they can’t pick each other or Jenna, no matter if someone else might be better suited for the celeb.
I had to kinda chuckle at James’ IG story with Jenna – it was as if the moment Jenna realized the camera was on, she was ON and MUGGING HARD. And James’ facial expressions are kinda interesting to watch.
I don’t mind James dancing with Jenna in rehearsal, but I will through a brick through the window if she actually performs with him on the show Monday night.
That’s throw, not through.
Tbh..i don’t care for Jenna,and yes Emma would have been a better fit. But anyways….all I know is it’s getting down to the stretch and they all better bring it!?
@Jojo, 80% work ethic and complaining where? She works as hard as anyone else on there juggling tour, traveling, and dancing at the same time. Maureen complained and whined every week, Just saying.
Of course Calvin, James and Laurie are pretty much a lock for the finals, but there is one more spot. I don’t think Marilu or Ryan will make it there. I want Marilu to make it, but at this point it’d be a miracle if she did.
Ugh…I wish they’d quit trying to make Jana and Gleb happen. They annoy me.
That said, Marilu is a much better dancer yet I think her being such a fangirl of the show has been a detriment to her along with her photographic memory. I don’t know…something’s holding her back…I don’t know if this week’s dance wasn’t as polished because Derek started rehearsals for Hairspray this week and I remember him saying in last weeks blog that they pretty much missed a whole day of rehearsal time. I’ll be very sad if she leaves next week…when Ryan is a far worse dancer than Marilu.
Agreed that Emma would have been better as a stand in for James becuase Jenna is (and sorry any Jenna fans I might offend) Fake and mugs for the camera like it’s her only goal. Just very annoying. Also i actually watched malefocent last week and my sister has some of the songs so I listened to them and I think the only two that sound remotely interesting are “maleficent flies” and “once upon a dream” and most of them sounded more waltzish than intense so I’m curious to see to which song they get stuck with. This is going to probably be the odd song choice of the week.
Hit submit too early: I’m crossing my fingers that we get a waltz from Laurie this season and Halloween week would be cool if they get something from a Tim burton movie.
ugh why Jenna from all the female pros? Emma, Allison & Witney would have been better. They’re not camera hogs like Jenna plus the viewers like them more but whatever, I guess Sharna gotta keep it in the fam.. shame.
Having Jenna step in for Sharna may actually help in a weird way… I know it’s obv. Because of Sharna’s knee, but its a good storyline to be memorable for voters and not get mixed up in the shuffle. My gut is telling me Ryan and Cheryl will be flying away on their brooms next week. ?
Also, maybe Sasha and Terra have some type of dance to Alice in Wonderland or the mad hatters tea party and Terra is the rabbit and Sasha is the Mad hAtter… Idk just a guess … But please no Adams Family this year! ?
What is this episode’s theme? Halloween night?
@ Chris. You are correct. BTW, I didn’t realize that they only do Disney night in the Spring, since it’s sort of another costume-heavy night and would be the Spring equivalent of Halloween.
Ugghh I have a bed feeling that James might end up in the bottom two next week and/or going home if Jenna does end up being James’s partner on Monday night. The cannon fodder is gone, if Marilu does get eliminated this week and Jana wins immunity… I see a Terra/James bottom 2 in week 9. I hope I’m wrong, and maybe they’ll be kind to James and he’ll get immunity over Jana.
@Mike. Thanks!
Has it been announced who is wearing what costume?
I hate Face-Off challenges. Am I the only one? If not, could we maybe have some kind of poll taken here that could subtly communicate our feelings about that to TPTB?
It just seems so unfair to have something as potentially game-changing as “immunity” be based on dances which are judged by different levels of severity.
And forcing the couples — who LIKE each other — to compete one-on-one always feels ugly to me. It detracts from the “good feels” of the show.
Couldn’t they find some other way to add drama value?
no just the dance style for Marilu,Ryan and Calvin
@Nick I think it’s highly unlikely that James will be eliminated and not make it to the finals, even if Sharna is too badly injured to dance with him during one of the shows. I get the impression that he is killing it in the votes department, and I highly doubt people who have grown to love him would stop voting for him just because Jenna is dancing with him that week.
I would love it if Calvin and Lindsay did their quickstep to “I Put A Spell on You” from Hocus Pocus. challenging song for that style but Lindsay excels at these challenges.
@Nick, James is going nowhere.
James is in the finale no matter what, how he places in the finals will depend on how he does in these few weeks and his freestyle. I’m just worried that Jenna will jeopardize his placing in the finals. While Jenna won’t make him go home anytime before the finale, she could certainly influence his placings in the finale. Emma would probably be able to do a better job.
@EmnEm I was thinking the EXACT same thing. What an awesome song
According to Lindsay on wetpaint she and Calvin are dancing to Bindi’s Quickstep song from the Finals “Dr. Bones” and are going to be dressed as skeletons…
@EmnEm I’ve never heard of the Hocus Pocus version of “I Put a Spell on You”, but I agree that it’s an awesome song. I’d love to see a couple do a VW to that on Halloween.
@E.Had, it would be fun! But alas Geri has some exclusive info…sounds cool as well!
DWTS IG is insinuating something werewolfy for Ryan and Cheryl…wonder what song it is? Also, dwts IG story shows cheryl teaching ryan what seems to Tango steps but it could be AT steps also since they are kinda simar or maybe for the Danceoff??
As soon as I hear people say “so and so is going to be in the finale no matter what” I start to worry that that couple could actually be in trouble.
I hope we all voted enough to save Derek & Marilu I have a hard time believing that they go home Derek has never finished lower than 6th ( 1x ) and 5th ( 1x ) Since then no lower than 4th It would be a mistake for TPTB to eliminate them Viewers will be lost People tune in just to watch Derek and or Mark ( Probably why they brought him back knowing Mark wasn’t participating ) I know I will not be watching without Derek #seasonsover TPTB will probably get them right to the finals b4 going home ( 4th )
I agree with @Heidi. IMO Calvin and Laurie are killing it in the votes they have never been in jeopardy.Being the last to be called safe is not the same thing. James has been in jeopardy, and I doubt it was fake since Tom never uttered the “not necessarily bottom” phrase of the three teams standing there. It was before the public knew about his accident, and even though he got a very high score he was under the red light. Sure there will be those who vote for his courage, but others have already committed themselves to their winner and hitched their vote to their wagon. I don’t blame Laurie fans for sticking with her, or Calvin fans who think he’s been underscored. All true. But now the comparison of Calvin with James on the scores in the last week. I didn’t know you could actually excuse poor jive technique with a toe problem and get a high score anyway. But this will give Calvin’s fans the strongest reason yet to keep voting for him. So I think it is doubtful James has pulled Calvin fans away, in fact they have been buoyed up by how the show is treating Calvin. The sad truth is James’ natural fanbase has been cut off from voting. A few diehards might vote around the system, but the average fan won’t. They will give up when they can’t get through on the phone.
James is really the surprise of the season in that he has been killing authentic Ballroom and Latin, making me happy that ballroom and latin finally get their credit again, it’s almost like the glory days of DWTS when contestants actually worked on latin and ballroom technique. Even when James had a social dance last week, he still had to learn a ballroom dance from scratch, Viennese Waltz. A smart move since the rest of the team had already done Viennese Waltz as an individual dance earlier so only needed polish and syncronization. Imagine if the team dance was a Quickstep? Anyway, if James gets help with immunity into the finals I’m not mad at it. But, I doubt he will get it, like the rest of the season he has not been given any shortcuts.
I think that if Marilu made it past elimination (which I really hope!!!) it’s because of Derek’s fans, Maureen’s fans and possibly some pity votes because she fell in the Team dance.
I loved Derek’s Red Riding Hood Halloween Paso for Ricki and also Bethany’s Halloween Paso and he just recently did a very well received Halloween Argentine Tango with Bindi. Marilu has been wanting to do the Argentine Tango since she joined the show so I’m really hopeful. I think it will work in their favor that they get to do a themed Argentine Tango instead of a steamy AT.
@Casanova, Actually, Calvin was in the bottom 2 with Amber when Amber left. So, yes, he’s been in jeopardy.
When Amber left Tom said “not necessarily the bottom two” he did not say that when James was there.
I When Amber left Tom said “not necessarily the bottom two” he did not say that when James was there.
I hope Marilu is sent home on Monday. I was thrilled to see Maureen go. Maureen should have gone the week Vanilla Ice was sent home. Her crying was too much for me. Same goes for Terra. Quit with the “I don’t want to be seen as disabled ” and people won’t see you that way. I can tolerate Ryan. At least he’s not annoying. I’ve never heard Jana complain. I must have missed something. Calvin has been the one screwed over all season. Consistently underscored. James is my pick for the winner. I’ve believed from the start it would be Laurie. It very well could be her. I’m rooting for James.
I agree with the poster that said ‘No Adams Family’! I can’t stand that song.
I wish Jana and Gleb would do a non sex themed dance. Every week its sex sex sex. Can she not do refined classy Viennese waltz or fun spunky jive? Can she not play a character? I get they have chemistry but show me something different.
I love Derek, but this is not his year. Marilu is fine, but I won’t be shocked if she goes home next. He’s doing his best but she just can’t compete with the athleticism of Calvin or the charm of James, or the spunkyness of Laurie.
I wish Val would challenge Laurie. I can’t help but compare her to Shawn and the difference in skill is tremendous. I love her and think she has a fun personality, but the show has yet to show that. I feel like I know nothing about her. Everyone else’s packages show personality and joking around, or emotional outbursts. But not hers.
Ryan seems to be trying his best and he and Cheryl work well together, but he’s just not there technically like everyone else. He also doesn’t come off as the sharpest tool in the shed. And he’s also not very funny. Whitney comes off the same way but at least she’s funny, maybe not intentionally but still.
I like Tara and Sasha. I don’t think she’s going to win but I really like her. She does well. She has a positive vibe going on. She’s funny and jokes around. And she shows some moments of vulnerability. I could see her being top 4 with James, Calvin and Laurie.
I feel like people are way more willing to cut young Ryan some slack because he’s hot (and frequently showing off his abs while Cheryl does most of the dancing)than Marilu who’s doing her best to do loads of content & keep up with competitors 28-48 years younger than her. I also think Maureen’s achievements were way more noteworthy than Ryan’s.
why would Sharna want to place Emma in an awkward position by picking her over Jenny. Emma is openly campaigning for Sasha and Terra. I am sure Jenny is qualified as she has done this for Derek when he had AMY hurt.
What interests me is how the top seeds pick their opponents. Do they go for the best dancer or the weakest.
You’d think if you were trying to argue in favor of Jenna assisting Sharna with James, you’d at least have the courtesy to get her name right…
And you’re kinda missing the point, Stoli. I think most are just rather annoyed with her tendency be a bit of a camera hog and a scene-stealer than anything else.
@courtney…u spoke nothing but the TRUTH about Jenna.?
@venessa…i didn’t think that samba was sexy at all. Plus u gotta put blame on Gleb,he is the choreographer. If gleb is a pro next year,which it seems that way,then he REALLY needs to step it up…btw..i like gleb..but…..
the press release for next week is out. It’s so obvious that Jana will have immunity .She have Jazz and she can basically do anything in her routine unlike the others who have AT ,cha cha or viennese waltz.
Where do you watch James’ IG story? I’d like to see it, but cannot find it.
Hiya! I’ve been reading this blog for a long time and decided it was finally time to stop being a lurking creep lol. I’m so excited for this week! I was sooo wishing for James and Sharna to get Suicide Squad since I’m being Harley Quinn for HalloweeN! They are going to rock that, that movie is the hottest thing for Halloween this year. I have a question though, does anyone know if Sharna is going to dance Monday? Thanks for the info, you girls rock!
Wow, way to telegraph who you want to give immunity to, TPTB.
And Jana got immunity, she got a jazz while everyone else got proper ballroom/Latin dances. If they couldn’t make the pimping any more obvious.
@marintx, in order to see James IG story, you need the Instagram app on your phone, and follow him on your IG. I dont know if there is another way.
Just like I feared- Jana gets Jazz. That’s bs.
Well, it would be boring as a viewer to see Laurie get the immunity… Everyone knows she’s safe so it would be a waste to have hw dance off for manipulation purposes for TPTB. However, there could be a tie and maybe they use cumulative? I can’t aee Laurie getting lower than 10,10,9 on an easy dance for her IMO. (But then again she so good at moving fast… A slower dance like this might get her all 9s).
So, either Jana or James will probs get it. I think James and Jana will win her Danceoff against Calvin.
Just a note about the Instagram stories, though, marintx – the one I was referring to that Jenna was in is already gone. The IG stories only remain up for 24 hours.
Also, the winner gets 5 points added? That could be a formula to send someone not just through this week, but next week as well. I’m not feeling great about this.
The winner gets 5 points bonus with immunity!? That is a HUGE boost and will be very interesting to see who gets it. On paper it looks like they’re propping Jana for immunity. Gleb hasn’t been the strongest this season but I think he can create a nice Jazz piece for Jana.
Running order will factor in a lot though. So if James does a near perfect VWaltz but dances first, there’s no way he will get immunity. Calvin will have a great shot at that immunity though, its a winning combo of QS and Lindsays choreo! A lot of producer agenda influence will be present this week.
So, the only person not assigned a dance with NO rules is Jana; l’ll be shocked if she doesn’t get immunity. This kind of reminds me of Janel and Val where she conveniently got immunity when the likelihood of her getting sent home was fairly high! TPTB are certainly doing what they can to push Jana into at least the semifinals.
And boy some of these music choices, really? Calvin gets the same song as Bindi and Derek? A question, I know we often repeat songs, but have we ever repeated one less than a year later? And since when is Day-O a Halloween type song? I do like the song for Marilu; hopefully Derek can choreograph an awesome dance and Marilu can nail it, so of she does go home, it will be on a high note.
@Lurra – Ehhh…we’re kinda to the point in the season where running order doesn’t matter much anymore. By the time the couples start doing 2 dances a night, the running order carries a lot less weight. I wouldn’t put a ton of stock in it.
Of the remaining couples, the only ones who have already done all three styles for the dance-off are Laurie & Val. Marilu & Derek, Ryan & Cheryl, and Calvin & Lindsay have done two each, Terra & Sasha will have done two by next week (since her individual dance is cha-cha), and James & Sharna and Jana & Gleb have each only done one of the three face-off dances.
So on paper – not only does Jana seem to stand the best chance of getting immunity, with an individual dance with few rules, but she probably has the most to gain from NOT having to dance-off, since she has never done 2 of the 3 dances…and is just “sooooo busy” with her touring schedule…
O.K. can anyone verify what James said – that they have to learn 4 dances (3 on Monday – yikes!).
Also, for those commenting that Jana/Jazz is shoo in. I don’t think you know Jazz – it’s mostly solo and you can’t cover up in closed position – if you dance Jazz poorly your technique will be naked to the audience. I think it’s more difficult than a couples dance.
Funny business aside, I’m super excited that we’re getting a Little Shop of Horrors number! Though I do wish Marilu and Derek got to do that one.
I sure hope Sharna gets to dance Monday especially since I know she loves Harley Quinn. I do think Jenna suits that role well too and I get why she was chosen for the job even though I would have selected someone else to be Sharna’s alternate.
I did Willy Wonka in high school so I’m excited for that dance as well. I’m not familiar with the other songs except “Dr. Bones” from Bindi’s season.
#Leigh I think “Day-O” became a Halloween song when it became part of the hilarious dining room table dance in “Beetlejuice”.
I have to say, though, that the inclusion of “Dr. Bones” this season will make me sad. Love the song, but it will sort of sprinkle salt on the wound of missing Bindi dancing with Derek.
🙁
Well,It’s pretty obvious they are throwing that immunity straight to Jana…
@Hezekiah – If you had actually read the post, you would see we verified what James said. And really – why would we need to verify it? Do you think he’d lie?
And as for the jazz – I don’t think YOU know this show. Jazz is basically the “anything goes” dance that generally gets critiqued really leniently because the judges don’t know it well and generally don’t care.
I can see it now.Terra getting screwed because I CANNOT imagine how that song with be used for a cha cha? Jana being raved over with a comeback week -_- and the return of the Golden Olympian Laurie with a sweet calm dance and how they haven’t seen this side of Laurie yet and blah blah blah…The only couple I can see not doing too well is Terra which is weird because in the beginning she was SO AMAZING to the judges and suddenly she gets overlooked for Jana after her dirty AT.I even see Ryan doing a good AT because Cheryl can make anyone look good doing an AT.I don’t even have to mention a Derek AT,THAT’S obviously going to be really good.The last thing I want to say is I hope either James or Calvin can squeeze in that immunity because if they have to dance off with each other I will be so depressed.I can’t lose either one yet.Not while Ryan,Jana,Marilu and Terra are still in.BTW Let’s get some Tim Burton in next Halloween night! No need to reuse(Day-O doesn’t count).
I hope that Calvin’s 6’5″ frame can pull off this Quickstep. It’s gonna be tough to top Bindi’s Quickstep with the same song.
I wouldn’t mind Jana getting immunity, but it’s not a surefire thing. If she intends to get a perfect score, then she better match the same charisma that Laurie had in her Jazz routine. And if either Laurie or James also get a perfect score, then she’ll lose the immunity unfortunately.
@Amanda, I agree. Regardless, Laurie, Calvin and James are a lock for the final anyways – I HIGHLY doubt they are going anywhere but there so whether they win immunity or not, they’ll get the votes to keep them safe anyways, but that being said if they get immunity I won’t be surprised cause they are the three strongest dancers. I would like to see Jana get immunity but you never know…
I can’t see James’ instagram stories since I don’t have instagram but I can predict Jenna’s behavior since she has a stock of about 4 faces she does. There’s the Gomer Pyle/Taylor Swift open-mouthed guffaw surprise smile face, then there’s the stick her tongue out & giggle trying to show she’s cute face, can’t forget the all important eye-hump the camera with parted lips trying to be smoldering & sexy face and last but not least, the look directly into the camera and start air kissing hoping some boy, any boy, is watching & gets turned on by it.
I laughed when I saw Terra & Sasha get “Day – O” by harry Belafonte. I love it! I also can’t wait to see Lindsay & Calvin as skeletons and what she comes up with as well as James & Sharna.
It would be so cool if Marilu gets immunity but I highly doubt it even though it’s the favourite dance that Derek likes to choreograph and he never gets bad score for it. I agree that Jana will likely get immunity.
Jana gets the only non-ballroom dance, as well as one with no rules. Uh huh.
I’m excited to see the dancing skeletons QS. It sounds fun and fizzy. Calvin has such wonderful posture that it’ll be a real pleasure to see him use it in his frame.
Man I hope Sharna can dance with Hinch Monday night. Pleeeeease! ?
@courtney…im curious,why do u think tptb are pushing for Jana in the finals? I’m just curious and would like your input on it.Is it for Gleb,maybe? And what are your thoughts on Gleb overall. This blog rocks?
Glad there is no Adams Family song, but most of the songs don’t seem Halloween at all! Makes no sense.
@Misty, I think TPTB actually excelled in the fact that they didn’t overdo CIrque night and may have realized that balance is key. Maybe they are bringing out the characters and costumes more for Halloween week…rather than having every dance be a villian, evil, spooky, frightnight, halloween number…then that just ends up in a hot mess lol
All pretty awesome song choices except for Laurie and Val, which I’m probably one of the few that hate it though, in my opinion. Jana has jazz….ugh.
RE: the music. I can see a clear Halloween connection for all but the Willy Wonka song that Laurie has been given, and since that is about “Imagination”, I can see how it might be made Halloween-ish with the right kind of costuming.
The song that Marilu and Derek have is a very haunting edition of “Sweet Dreams”. It was used in a horror movie. Same is true of James and Sharna’s song… an old song re-made to go with the dark “Suicide Squad” movie. “Howlin’ for You” obviously lends itself to werewolf stuff; “Day-O” was used in the ghostly “Beetlejuice” movie, and the other two, “Dr. Bones” and “Little Shop of Horrors” seem like naturals for Halloween.
So, content-wise, I actually think they did rather well with this song list. I haven’t paid much attention to their dance pairings with that music, though. The “Little Shop of Horrors” one does not suggest “jazz” to me, though.
Agree with Vin, after listening to all the songs…they are a solid group chosen.
As per Cheryl’s snapchat there is an opening pro number…hoping its a fun song like “Witch Doctor” …loved the Monster Mash opening dance.
….ooh eeh ooh ah ah ting tang walla walla bing bang LOL
@vin I also dislike that Imation and I agree with @Psychee22 that the song is not very Halloween like. Laurie is one of my top celebs and I am already disappointed in that song. I fear the number will be boring.
Meant to write Imagination song, the Wily Wonka one
What if Marilu brings an amazing AT..she could be saved and catapult into the semis. James who I am not convinced has anything in the bag, especially a core fanbase, could get immunity, but Juliannes best male dancer comment has already got people murmering he is being pimped so immunity could ultimately go against him. Pretty much anyone but Ryan I think has the opportunity to grab immunity, but yeah it is probably already pre-ordained for Jana and Gleb
Gee…Immunity forJana, that’s a given. BLATANT FAVORITISM THERE! I’m disgusted with this!
I think the immunity objective may be to keep Ryan from getting to the semi-finals. He’s fun and likable, but still dancing at Week 2 or 3 level. Could be they’re trying to save Jana since they put her in jeopardy twice, whether real or not is anyone’s guess. We also know James was bottom two one week, but before the touching story about his near death experience. I do think Tera, Calvin and Laurie are home free with viewer support and that they’re trying to save one of the other two, which I don’t disagree with. Jana and James are interchangeable for me dance wise although personally I prefer Jana by a mile. What I really hope is for Marilu to squeeze by Ryan this week. If she could let go she woukd be as good as any of the rest of them IMO.
5 Additional points in the scores that’s gonna count in next week!! Pretty much a cushion for next week as well! HATE THIS!
OK, I am going to ask a serious question and I hope nobody attacks me but.. why all the negativity towards Jana, and the automatic assumption she’s going to get immunity? Yes she’s the only one who has a “no rules” dances, but we have seen Jazz get low scores before..
I have always been the minority the whole season with liking her but I don’t see what she’s done to make people have a negative reaction towards her? Am I missing something?
That being said, I am one who doesn’t mind if she gets immunity, only because like I said in another post up above, if Laurie, James or Calvin get it no matter what they’re gonna be safe anyways by votes, and I highly doubt Marilu or Ryan are going to get it so I don’t see what’s wrong with it? and hey if Laurie, James, and Calvin get immunity I would be happy for them.. no matter what they are a lock for the finals anyways.
And I’m afraid Calvin is already out of the immunity game with a hard, impossible to perfect dance style like Quickstep and the concept of dancing skeletons which sounds weird on paper.
Lindsay had her best Quickstep with Carlos imo and the best part about it was the fun element. I doubt Lindsay and Calvin would go for the cheerful route on Halloween night :/
The Quickstep is such a fast dance, though, so it’s pretty breezy/cheerful by its nature. Maybe they’ll go for a Merrie Melodies Dancing Skeletons vibe?
I really don’t get this challenge. First, it can be argued that the immunity and addition of 5 points leads itself to a lot of manipulation from TPTB.
Second, the couples that actually face off usually just repeat a dance they have done before to different music because there is realistically no time to prepare 4 new dances. This really is my least favorite challenge/theme. It just seems like a waste o time that could be spent in new well prepared and rehearsed dances.
Well Tina, I feel like I keep repeating this for those playing the part of the concern troll and “innocently” asking “Why is everyone hating on Jana??? I don’t understand!!!” and I feel like people should do their due diligence and maybe read around the site a bit more before asking kinda entitled questions like this, but here it goes once again:
I find something about Jana very, very disingenuous and have since day 1.
I find Jana whiny, and she has a tendency to play the victim to gain sympathy.
She and Gleb have played the “sexy” card wayyyy too much (and no, it’s not 100% Gleb making this call).
She’s not a great dancer.
A source I trust has told me her behavior towards the crew is VERY different than what we see on tv.
Are we clear now? And no, this is not an invitation for you (or anyone else) to argue with me about what I think or feel. This is not “Convince Court that she must love Jana” day. MOVE ON.
I really don’t think Jana has much of a personality, a lot of pathetic drama between Gleb and Len, the dancing is so/so and the show is doing what they can to keep her relevant but to me she’s not resonating at all. I hardly remember her, oh yeah. I liked her Foxtrot.
Other than that, meh. If this girl gets immunity so be it, but it has been telegraphed pretty far in advance. I think the more entertaining portion of the show will be the dance offs without her.
And so I’ve been thinking about these dance offs and if Jana is the annointed one, then I took the approach of celebrities not facing each other again in a dance off, so no Ryan vs James, or Calvin vs Terra, or Laurie vs Marilu. Given that I have never seen the dance offs of anyone doing a dance for the very first time I guessed at the match ups based on the idea that the celebrities would have seen and tried these dances before. So here’s what I think would be fun:
Marilu vs Ryan – Salsa – Only Laurie has had a true Salsa before with Ryan, and while I think it would be okay, many might want to power vote for Ryan if they think he’s being hosed. So I put Marilu here, she has had an uneven season so far but that Chalsa was one of her better dances. It would take only a few tweeks and a fun lift from her Charleston to mix up that Salsa. Ryan’s Salsa was …Neon! but it was his best dance. Winner: Marilu, but i never underestimate Cheryl.
James vs Terra – Cha Cha – This is an unknown since Terra will have just done a Cha Cha as her individual dance. She did such a great job on Samba that this should be very strong for her. James re-created his Cha Cha on Ellen and it went well. Winner: a toss up, it will definitely depend on who is sharpest on the evening.
Calvin vs Laurie – Jive – Everyone will want to see this one. Shades of Zendaya vs Jacoby Jones in a Jive dance off, many thought Jacoby had the chops but Zendaya’s technique won out.I think a similar situation could happen here, Calvin will light up the room but Laurie is a bright light herself and her technique is a tad cleaner.
Not trying to hate on Jana, but since she is a topic of conversation I have to say I agree with Courtney. She does seem to play the victim card a bit too much but I mean it is helping her get further …publicity for DWTS as well. I do like Gleb… I think Jana is temporarily tainting my image of him. I was hoping she would be a “shock” elimination after getting her perfect 40 which I did not understand at all.
Danceoff guess:
James and Sharna win immunity
Jana and Gleb vs. Laurie and Val
Marilu and Derek vs. Calvin and Lindsay
Ryan and Cheryl vs. Terra and Sasha
Glad I made not the only one. T feeling that song. Even as a kid, that song would be my go to the kitchen to get a snack break or I wouldn’t just fast forward through it….well that and “don’t cry Charlie” or whatever it is. Love the movie but it would be just that much better if those weren’t in it lol.
Not feeling*
@EmnEm, victim card with what? I havent’ seen anything of the sort. Imo, we all have our favorites but I was just saying that I didn’t know why there was so much negativity against her. It’s as if she sabotaged another contestant or something. O_O
Tina, what did I say about giving people a hard time about their feelings for Jana? Emnem is allowed not to like her, you’re allowed to like her, neither of you has to justify it to one another. MOVE ALONG.
@Courtney..lmao…..the shade…..oh and I love the “tea” u spilled about behind the scenes. Tbh….i actually believe it. I do like Jana,but agree 100% something is seriously fake about her. Something is off………..but thanks Courtney
I’m here to rescue my fellow Angel. ((((Court)))) Seriously, I’m a fan to whoever Gleb and his partner is (most of you know how I feel on him. 🙂 ). But, I agree….she has a way of playing the victim card too much. I know she’s been through a lot with her husband, but, it’s getting old. Also, her using dancing to get even with her husband just keeps the fire burning and makes me think she loves drama. I also think she’s too bossy and rude with Gleb. If she wants to make it to the end, she needs to step it up, move on, and listen to Gleb. I feel sorry for him as he can only do so much and they need to concentrate on dancing.
I think Gleb is one of those pros that I will like with some celebs more than others. After watching his rumba w/ Adelina, I think he would have been a good choice for Laurie, but I can see how that wouldn’t happen.
Sorry, to change the subject, I can’t wait until the dancing by the numbers is out.
Agreed Vogue. After jana got perfect 10 she seem or her edit got bigheaded. Different from week 1 jana with no expectation. The pressure must be getting to her but nobody want to watch bossy jana to gleb
@voguerista…i agree with u they do need to concentrate more on dancing and ECT. And if Gleb becomes a pro,then great…but maybe it depends on the partner to have to step it up,cause Jana needs to push a little harder…we almost at the end.
@metrojj…i agree with u as well…that perfect score,got them shook,now u know the expectations and pressure is high. I may like them both,but I don’t want to hear all that bossiness toward your partner and whining,just get in the studio and do what is asked! Endofstory!
I still find it hard to believe that so far, they’ve only given out two perfect scores. In every other season, it feels like as soon as the first perfect score is dropped, there’s going to be at least one every single week. However, this season, the judges are being a lot thriftier with their scores. Couple are still receiving straight-8s and 7s, by this point, 8 is usually the lowest denominator.
@alison…i know….lol
So… i’ve mainly just been creeping to see if there was any news on whether or not Sharna is gonna dance Monday.
Also, even though I’m not a fan of Jenna… ever think Sharna may not of had much choice but to choose her?? Emma, understandably is for her fiance Sasha so it would be cruel to make her then switch. Britt S or it may be B Cherry and Hayley are also on TeamXL this week as they’re part of their dance. Witney seems to be travelling and from her story today it seems she’s back home in Utah. Allison is the only one who I’m unsure about where/what she is doing since being eliminated. I mean… that really only left Jenna to fill in. Perspective man… it’s not because of the whole “fam” thing. If you really think about it you gotta see it’s more of who is and who isn’t available to help out for the week. And it seems like Jenna had the most flexible schedule to do so.
Jesus, I’m tired of the whining by a couple newbies. Okay Tina…three words for you re: Jana
Low Key bitch.
You said it, Metrojj! I got really turned off when she acted bossy and like she knew more than Gleb for what to do.
I get that sense from jana’s edit too Vogue.
I”m with Heidi. Jana is a Low Key Bitch! Don’t like her. Ohh, you were abused. Join the club. Oh your husband that you CHOSE to procreate with, is also bad. Again..take a number. I’m tired of the whining. Yet. Marilu has very sore feet..injured feet and NARY A WORD is mentioned on SM. I didn’t even KNOW who Jana Kramer was until she was announced as a contestant on this season of DWTS….kinda like Amy Purdy. Didn’t know who SHE was either until she was announced as Derek’s S18 partner. I consider myself up to date on pop culture. I read People mag weekly…I’m active on SM accts….but Jana Kramer never hit my radar…jus sayin.
@kellyK…lol…your commentary gives me life. ?
Honestly, at this point it seems between Jana and Terra for the fourth spot in the finale. At one point, I thought Marilu had a great shot for the fourth spot, but after that unimpressive Charleston, I doubt it. I would much rather have Terra in the finale instead of Jana.Terra’s had to overcome so much more in this competition than Jana did. Sasha’s also been giving much more impressive choreography than Gleb.
@alison.i agree,I like terra,but mainly I like Sasha,he seems to really be enjoying himself,and I like that. So yes,I wouldn’t mind terra ?
I think 3 of the 4 finalists are James, Laurie and Calvin who all deserve to be there. As for the other spot, I am pulling for Terra. She does a good job and I admire her effort. Marilu would be good too.
I hope Jana goes home this week.
They may be pimping Jana, but Im not convinced yet. On the ABC homepage for DWTS only Calvin and James and the team dances are on the highlight reel. On their FB, again James, Calvin, along with Laurie. I guess we’ll we’ll get a better picture Monday. I do think they are purposely ignoring Marilou and Derek, and also Ryan although not quite as much.
As for not knowing who contestants are, I had no idea who Donald Driver, Kellie Pickler, Meryl Davis (prior to the Olympics), Nyles DiMarco and many more were prior to their stint on DWTS, and I still see a lot of comments by viewers referring to James as the race car driver. I’m not sure it means all that much.
Interesting comments about Jana. I started off liking her (though it’s mainly because of Gleb) but have found her irritating as the season has gone on. She’s been strangely quiet about DWTS on her social media this week, but prior to that , my impression was she getting on Gleb’s nerves with her cutesy SC or IG stories during rehearsal breaks.
But the most interesting thing which is consistent with comments here, has been her response to fans on one of the DWTS IG posts from Monday. She took to directly responding to comments and was then called cocky and whiny. To which she replied (to different people) how she wasn’t trying to be cocky and isn’t whining… but samba was hard for her! I think she is over it and immunity will be wasted on them because if she has that sucky attitude, they’ll get no votes and be gone the next week anyway.
I really hope it’s Terra for the 4th in the finals. I wonder if some of those voting for Maureen will switch to her – they have some similarities, like how they’ve been open about feeling vulnerable and out of their comfort zone on the dance floor, but they give it their all.
Also I hope Bindi, who’s been in the US for the last couple of weeks, makes it to the show, hopefully this week, or at least before Derek and Marilu are eliminated. I know Marilu really wants to meet her. It will be weird hearing their quickstep song so soon, but I’m sure Lindsay will come up with something equally as brilliant and memorable. I think they’re using canes though, so fingers crossed there isn’t a prop mishap like with Wanya and the bandana last season.
@kikki……completely agree with u. She did stop posting there for a bit,and actually Gleb as well. I think they are just about over THIS.and being in the bottom 2 constantly.
I hate all this immunity crap. It is a horrible idea and 5 points is way too much. Essentially if you fail your DO you are in jeopardy no matter what. No I am not sold on Jana. When she was announced I looked her up and just rolled my eyes as she was pretty and I knew they would play the “Hot” card. That Argentine Tango was rubbish. Her feet were ugly. Her legs in the lifts were rubbish. Gleb gave her not much content at all. She has Jazz and you all know my opinions on Jazz.
Five points is ridiculous – makes me think they’re worried about their choice top 4.
Wonder why no one seems to eye rolling at James getting the pimp spot twice in a row. I can only imagine the commotion if it was Laurie getting it twice in a row.
Matt, go take a Xanax. I can see you’re still bitter about me calling Laurie out for having a bouncy frame last week.
Yes Matt. James also got Viennesse waltz for team dance and get it as an individual dance the next week. He’s been getting the better deal this couple of weeks.
@matt. I’m sure James going last is more of “will Sharna be dancing or will she not” suspense that they’ll make us sit through with teasers and annoying clips for the first 6 dances. Orrrr, maybe James is going last because Sharna and him keep performing the very BEST dances of the night, repeatedly!!!
Oh looky, the butthurt Laurie fan brigade has decended upon us to whine about how James has been getting the “better deal”. You sure you wanna go there? Cause I can lay out PLENTY of examples of how Laurie got the “better deal” for the bulk of the season…
*Not only has Laurie gotten the pimp spot twice (and during the first half of the season, when it actually matters), but she’s only danced in the first hour ONCE this season…and that was last week. But sure – let’s get hung up on James getting it two weeks in a row, when we’re already doing more than one dance per week and it matters quite a bit less who’s dancing last in the individual round.
*Laurie’s the only celeb that’s already done ALL THREE of the possible face-off dances: cha-cha, salsa, and jive. James has only done ONE – cha-cha. But oh my – god forbid James does Viennese waltz as the team dance last week (and that was a pretty loose description of Viennese waltz), and then get assigned it as his individual dance this week. Also, we’ll just conveniently forget the fact that he’s got the whole issue of dancing with another pro this week going against him, k? 😉
*Laurie has conveniently managed to avoid the two dances that will likely make her youthful inexperience stick out like a sore thumb – rumba and Argentine tango. James has already gotten rumba (the kiss of death for male celebs) thrown at him, and knocked it outta the park.
*I dare you to go time how long Erin/Tom/the judges talk to Laurie after her dances. I’m willing to bet it’s significantly more than any other celeb this season.
Why are you guys so bitter? Did you think your girl had it in the bag, and now that it’s looking like she might not, y’all gotta find something to blame it on? 😛
Regardless of the running order, James has the toughest job tonight. I have no doubt he will rise to the occasion. I can only hope Jenna was in rehearsals with them this week to ease the transition.
So the person with the highest score tonight gets immunity tonight and 5 extra points towards next week?? Sheesh, they really want to protect someone!!
IIRC, Jana (along with co-jeopardies Calvin and Maureen) was 1-3 in dance order for weeks 2-6, so I won’t begrudge her a latter spot tonight. I do wish they’d save immunity for other than Halloween though.
I’m hoping for Marilu to get immunity and Derek will choreo something spectacular so they have no choice to give them top scores! I’m voting for Marilu tonight if Ryan or Terra or Jana get voted off!