Dancing with the Stars Season 24, Week SIX – Who’s Dancing What…and When?
It’s “boy bands vs. girl bands” Week and a Team Competition. Here’s what we know so far….
ETA: All songs & dances updated. Had to raise my eyebrows at more than one of these – really? “I Want You Back” as an Argentine tango??? Well, if anyone can make it work, it’s Lindsay. “Free Your Mind” is one of the most grossly overused songs this show has ever heard, behind “Hey! Pachuco” – hope Artem can make Nancy stand out against memories of Mel B & Sabrina dancing to the same song. Will be interesting to see how Bonner fares with a Backstreet Boys song, considering that Nick Carter is guest judging. Looking at some of the songs chosen, I kinda wonder if this list maybe started as an R&B week, and then got retooled into boy bands vs. girl groups after the fact… -Court-
ETA2: Julianne is definitely NOT judging DWTS tonight as she just posted an instastory showing her with serious bed head on their tour bus.
ETA3: Bonner, Nancy and Nick got the not great spots tonight, but it matters less with each week that goes by. All the women got the pimp spot as well…as expected.
Simone and Sasha – Samba (song: “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child)
Dancing 1st
Phone 1-800-868-3412
Bonner and Sharna – Rumba (song: “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys)
Dancing 2nd
Phone 1-800-868-3401
Nancy and Artem – Paso doble (song: “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue)
Dancing 3rd
Phone 1-800-868-3408
Nick and Peta – Jive (song: “Fun, Fun, Fun” by the Beach Boys)
Dancing 4th
Phone 1-800-868-3409
Normani and Val – Salsa (song: “When I Grow Up” by The Pussycat Dolls)
Dancing 5th
Phone 1-800-868-3410
David and Lindsay – Argentine tango (song: “I Want You Back” by NSYNC)
Dancing 6th
Phone 1-800-868-3404
Rashad and Emma – Tango (song: “Reach Out I’ll Be There” by Four Tops)
Dancing 7th
Phone 1-800-868-3411
Heather and Maks – Rumba (song: “Waterfalls” by TLC)
Dancing Last
Phone 1-800-868-3406
TEAM BOY BANDS (song: medley of “Dancing Machine” by the Jackson 5, “(You Got It) The Right Stuff” by New Kids on the Block, and “Best Song Ever” by One Direction)
Dancing 1st
Rashad & Emma
David & Lindsay
Nick & Peta
Bonner & Sharna
TEAM GIRL GROUPS (song: medley of “My Boyfriend’s Back” by The Chiffons, “No Scrubs” by TLC, and “B.O.S.S.” by Fifth Harmony)
Dancing Last
Normani & Val
Simone & Sasha
Heather & Maks
Nancy & Artem
Team Songs, a POLL, and more fun info HERE.
Bonner and Sharna have a rumba according to the latter’s instagram. I’m a bit bummed about it. Not a fan of rumba’s in general and I think his injury might really limit him in a dance that most male celebs seem to struggle with to begin with.
I have no doubt Rashad and Emma will pull off a great tango. And I’m looking forward to see Nick jive. He’s so playful. I think it will suit him.
How do we know Rashad has a Tango? For all we know, it could be Jazz.
I think Rashad and Emma will slay a Tango. Sounds like this could be a great week for them.
Bonner and Sharna’s rumba I’m worried about, he might have some hip action but he’ll probably be restricted in the fluidity area. But I agree with #Evangelina , Rumba’s are generally hard for most male celebs.
I’m actually looking forward to a jive from Nick, if he can nail the sharp kicks it’ll suit his personality.
Well Bia, because I’m not entirely uneducated in dance, and can recognize tango figures when I see them. But hey, if you don’t believe me – go find your info elsewhere.
By the way, your name is becoming increasingly appropos.
Now that I’ve seen Rashad’s Instagram Story with Emma listening to the song and counting the beats, it does look like they have Tango. I’m more used to Reach Out I’ll Be There being used as a Cha Cha song since it makes me think of Jay and Aliona’s first dance on Strictly, but I think it could work better for a Tango.
Glad we got your seal of approval, Bia. *eye roll*
@Sandy, he was given a lot of notes for the Foxtrot, so yeah he needs to do better on the ballroom dances. His footwork and dance position were a bit wonky. A redemption Tango will do nicely.
The Rumba will be a struggle for Bonner in terms of technique, there’s no question but he may do well in performance. Since they’ve toned down the “in your face” sex of the first few weeks, this could be quite good.
@Casanova – The notes he was given were bullsh*t, for the most part. Won’t matter if he does better or not – whether he does well or not rests entirely on what the narrative is supposed to be.
@Courtney you think? Yeah maybe, but I still think he could do better on his footwork. No question his demeanor and command out there gives him huge style points. Getting something dramatic will be right in his wheelhouse.
@Courtney – Do you think the narrative is changing week to week?
@Casanova – The song was crap. I don’t know how anyone could dance to that.
I really hope Nancy gets an Argentine Tango or Rumba this week. It will be a challenge for Nancy to emote the sensuality of these dances. But if she knocks one of these dances outta park, it will solidify her as a contender in a major way and exactly what she needs right now, going ahead.
@Sandy – I think I mentioned it in my power rankings, but I’m starting to think Rashad may be getting the Nyle treatment: praised one week, dragged the next, in order to give the impression of an exciting, ever-changing season. But I am starting to think that TPTB have kinda given up on Heather, and probably aren’t going to go to great lengths to keep her afloat; and I think they’re starting to realize that David & Rashad are forces to be reckoned with, and that Normani may need some help if they’re going to get her into the finale.
@Casanova – I think people are buying into everything the judges said as truth, and given that all of the judges had a strange apologetic tone from the first word, I’m not so sure the judges even believed what they were saying. Sure, Shad’s feet could use work – but beyond that, I’m not sure they could have asked for a whole lot more from him in a dance like that. His frame actually looked pretty damn good to me, and Carrie Ann’s whole bit about “not connecting” was not rooted in anything other than Carrie Ann needing to justify giving him a 7.
I think this might actually be a good dance for Bonner. It’s slow and it requires a lot of chemistry with your partner!! I think it suits to all his strengths!! I also now for a fact tha EMMA is stocked to have a Tango in her Access Hollywood interview she said “she was really excited to have a high intensity dance either the past so to play or the tango and confirmed later on that it was one of those two. In her Insta story it seemed like she was in tango frame so I’m almost 100% sure they’re doing a Tango!!!
@Courtney – Thanks! I did read it in the Power Rankings this week. Thank you for them!
Upon finding out that there is a 5H song in this weeks Team Dance just makes me wonder if this is the start of a weekly agenda to push them hard.
@Courtney you’re definitely right about Carrie Ann, I didn’t see that live but if she said anything about lack of connecting that is utter bs, if anyone that guy has amazing chemistry with his partner, he can dance to the audience as well, he’s a natural performer.
@Robbie I want that for Nancy as well. We know she can do lyrical, we know she can do a kick ass latin, now time for some passion. And seriously, I think she’ll deliver. People were shocked she could Samba and shake her bon bon, and Artem’s AT’s are crafted really well. I prefer a mature woman doing Argentine Tango over the younger ones, there’s something to be said about lived experience.
Frickin theme weeks! “I’ll Be There” for a dramatic dance such as Tango?! Seriously DWTS?
I too am really looking forward to Nancy’s Paso, Rumba and Tango as well. In league with her talent and personality, being the eldest chick in the comp, she brings a certain depth and appeal that the other three do/can yet not.
I’m really hoping that “God must have spent a little more time on you” is used this week
Also I’m kinda hoping for “step by step” by the new kids on the block (prob not being used but a guy can dream right lol), “mmmbop” for a jive, and (it’s not exactly a real group but again I can dream right lol) “that thing you do” by the wonders.
@vin “mmmbop” as a jive really doesn’t work. For a samba yes and as a stretch a quickstep
According the the DWTS instagram story, Simone and Sasha have Samba!
Simone is doing a samba via Dancong with the stars snapchat
Dancong ? I meant dancing
There better be a Backstreet Boys song. Give me a V. Waltz to “I’ll Never Break Your Heart”, a Paso Doble to “The Call”, or a Rumba to “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely”.
I don’t know if this has been previously addressed. If it has been addressed, I apologize for not knowing where to find it. First, I would like to know how each “star” gets his/her dance style each week and second how do they get their song? Any insight you can provide would be most helpful. And finally a BIG thanks to all of the folks that make this site possible, moderators and contributing readers alike.
There better be a backstreet boys, spice girls and destiny’s child songs.
@Amanda on her last fb live, sharna seemed really keen on doing a backstreet boys song (for obvious reasons). I think “Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely” would make a good rumba too! I’m hoping that’s what they got songwise (skeptical as I am about Bonner’s ability to do rumba).
Normani obviously will dance 5H, making present in the team dance AND her individual dance. *sigh*
I don’t expect them to go British, but I reaaaally want someone to dance to some Little Mix. That’s def my fave girl group!
Since when do we take the judges word on anything?? They have their own agendas, the producers agendas and they are watching it live without the ability to rewind before commenting.
Vin, I would “fangirl” so hard if DWTS used songs from Hanson or The Wonders!
According to the DancingABC snapchat, Simone & Sasha have a samba
I think Simone and Sasha may have a salsa … Pure guess only based on a step I saw on the IG live
I’m gonna be seeing Julianne in MOVE next Friday and I’m gonna POINT BLANK ask her who her favorite couple is during the Q&A portion of their Meet n Greet. Hell, I might even ask her in the dressing room during the champagne toast 😉 AND I’ll tell her that I REALLY LOVE Rashad! Because he’s NOT a dancer, unlike Heather and Normani! LOL 😀
@KellyK – You go girl!! Let Julianne know what some of the dedicated fans of the show really are thinking.
Have a great time at the show! And fill us in on all of the details, please.
Looking around the twitter world, David and Lindsay have Argentine Tango according to her blog.
And unconfirmed but Normani and Val doing Salsa.
KellyK, LOL! Let us know what she says; she’ll probably dance around the question (pun intended! ?)!
I wondered if this week’s theme would be like a catch-all for usage of songs that Disney already owns the rights to. Now that Beach Boys and Four Tops have been announced, the puzzle pieces are falling into place!
Stoked to see that Emma and Rashad have “I’ll Be There.” Nothing beats a beat made by Holland–Dozier–Holland. I have a feeling I’ll be watching this one on repeat on YouTube.
Damn. I think “Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely” would’ve been a better rumba than “I Want It That Way.”
Shocked that Normani isn’t dancing to 5H but pleasantly surprised!
Scratching my head at a lot of these song choices though. Seems like some of them (like Waterfalls) are really weird for their styles.
Think I’m looking forward to Simone and Sasha’s the best. Love Survivor! Though again, I’m having trouble picturing it as a samba.
Waterfalls does indeed sound like a bit of an odd one for a rumba, but I really love the song.
Simone’s sounds like it could be good!
Oh my goodness. This looks like it’s going to be a hot mess. Though I already think Lindsay is a very good choreographer, my opinion of her choreography skills will go up significantly if she manages to choreograph something resembling an Argentine tango to I Want You Back. She seemed already annoyed by her and David’s scores last week, I’m sure her spirits were really lifted when she heard what her assigned style and song were *sarcasm*
On the same vein, this seems tailor-made for the judges to selectively employ “You didn’t do enough of the assigned style” only to certain couples with no regard whatsoever to the fact that half of these songs don’t really fit the style.
@Evangelina – Technically Normani is dancing to one of her 5H songs this week. It’s just in the girls band group dance though. Shocking huh?
Kinda surprised that with the use of The Beach Boys they didn’t try and use a Bee Gees song. Especially since the 40th anniversary of Saturday night is coming up. Would have been great to see David or Rashad dance to one of their songs, but I will say I’m not too disappointed by the song list outside of that.
Lindsay will forever reign as best choreographer if she can turn that song into an AT like how she did last season with Calvin. Because her and David really got screwed with AT and getting that song.
Those really are some awful song choices. The only ones who got it good are Heather, Rashad and Bonner, perhaps Simone.
Yeah I Want You Back” as an Argentine tango will be a challenge but if it turns out half as well as the one Lindsay did for Hotel California I’ll be happy.
You already know that Rashad is Derek’s favorite, Kelly – but I’d be curious to hear what he says also. He is about a million times more forthcoming in person than he ever is when a camera is around. A lot of his PC goes missing. 🙂
I think Lindsay will be fine, but it won’t be easy, however, Hotel California was probably one of Calvin’s best dances last season. Who knew?
I have to eyeroll a bit a getting Free Your Mind, because it was Mel B’s signature dance and costume! on this show. But, I’m not mad at it, it is a great tune for a Paso Doble. We will see if Nan can be intense, given how she skated her technical program in Lillehammer, I think the girl has some fire. And she’s been well served by Artem, and Paso is arguably his personal best dance. I think she needs the drama to stay in this.
“When I grow up” isn’t that great for Salsa, it would have been a kick ass Tango. But yeah…the comparison to Nicole Scherzinger?
Oh wow, I don’t know what to make of the Rumbas. Songs are pretty, TLC will be a bit more tricky, but Heather and Maks should really do well on it.
Bonner has an uphill battle, hope his fans love him.
Rashad’s Tango will be fabulous. It’s too bad traditional music isn’t so trendy this year. Can you imagine that handsome devil dancing to authentic tango?
Nick has a fun dance and good jive music at the same time. He’s one of the lucky ones.
Simone’s song is okay, if they were going to bring back Destiny’s Child music, Bootylicious was probably one of the best Samba’s ever, by Stacy and Tony. Better song for dancing, but probably a little racy for a young girl.
Best *female** choreographer, yes. I think she’s already there. The problem with most/all of the female pros on this show is that we know all of them (except Emma, afaik) have used ghosts/assistants regularly in the past. So…how much is really Lindsay? Not being catty…just stating what we know to be true.
I pray Emma is able to choreograph a head turn to “Just look over your shoulder.”
I’m glad that Nancy’s doing a more passionate/powerful dance like paso doble, but I’m annoyed that the team dance has a 5H song. For once, TPTB, could you not pimp Valmani to high heavens? If they were looking for another girl group, what about The Supremes? Or the Spice Girls?
And yeah, I think TPTB have given up on Heather and are just going to let the chips fall where they may.
On the song choices:
I’m not sure any of these are ideal song choices. Half of them don’t even really fit the dances, and only a couple are even decent. David, in particular, got hosed, and Simone’s isn’t much better.
Looks like the pushing down of Simone is continuing, and they’re trying to find an excuse to low-ball David. I worry a little bit about Nancy getting a pretty overused song; it could give the judges an excuse to low-ball her by saying her dance isn’t “memorable” enough. Artem’s been doing pretty damn good with the choreography this season though, so I’m cautiously optimistic.
If Lindsay can do an Argentine tango to Hotel California, I’m sure she will be just as brilliant this week.
Wondered if they’d give the Chmerkovskiy a dance that doesn’t require too much stress on the leg, and sure enough…
I’m glad Emma is happy with the dance this week. I haven’t listened to the song yet, hope they finally got a good one. What they did to them last week was shameful. I think Carrie Ann probably had that 7 ready to go thinking/hoping he’d mess up. They’re definitely trying to deflate his enthusiasm, but doesn’t appear to be working. He’s teaching them a thing or two.
interesting re-using of some of these songs. I am glad they used songs by Destiny’s Child and TLC but I wish they used Spice Girls as well. They were probably one of the most popular girl groups within my generation over TLC and even Destiny’s Child.
Oh gosh…I could just see CAI praising Simone and Sasha for an unconventional samba and being shocked at how well David and Lindsey’s song/dance worked.
Len might hate Normani and Val’s salsa…good for her redemption dance later on.
I think Bonner will excel at the rumba; he may not be so fluid, but will be more expressive since its a slower dance.
Will TLC come in to perform for Mak’s BIG return…again? Hope not.
Gut feeling Nancy is leaving…and it’ll be a redemption dance for Nancy and Artem showing her strength, a dangerous side, dare I say sexier Nancy lol…don’t care if Nancy leaves, but I would like to see more Artem.
Just listened to all the songs for Team Girl Groups. Hope they don’t do the whole Betty Crocker home-maker, white laced apron, ironing while dancing schtick and evolve into sexy independent vixens by the end to B.O.S.S. Please defy all expectations and go beyond.
The Supremes or Spice Girls is to classy for Normani and Val. I’m glad they aren’t dancing to any of their music.
It could be the end for Maks and Heather. I have a feeling they will struggle with the passion of the rhumba.
@EmnEm, Uh…why would Nancy need a redemption dance? She’s done pretty consistently well up till this point. And unless there’s a shocking elimination, Nancy’s quite safe for some time, according to PH’s By the Numbers post and Courtney’s Power Rankings. Yeah, PH hasn’t always been right, but if I remember correctly, she’s usually been close (at least for this season), like it’s her second choice that goes home instead of her first.
@Roy I think this is the redemption dance not only for Heather, but for Maks who can’t choreograph his way out of a paper bag, but he can do Rumba. If she goes it is because of week 5’s fiasco. She’s already on the edge being a pro and then Maks goes and does some slop for his ego and not much else. It was so poorly received that those who wanted to see her specialty were very unhappy, so I’m not sure if she got the votes to sustain her viability. Gleeks may have tossed some to the other young dancers last week. I think it’s inevitable she will be put in the bottom 2 for the drama, but I also think Bonner might go since he’s had a rough run and the show has also given him Rumba. Just a hunch, but since the show knows who is going home they just love to compare and contrast whenever possible. Of course this could all be bs just to make me think one way and they axe Nancy instead.
@Roy I’m a Gleek, but not a fan of Brittany S. Pearce or Heather Morris. Didn’t like her character or acting and for me, Heather’s “personality” in interviews was very odd. After some big controversies with her fans, Heather wasn’t interviewed at all late in the run. She even outright refused to talk to reporters around the big 100 episode hoopla and party.
I enjoyed seeing Heather dance because it was the one time when she seemed happy and good at that gig. But the other thing she was good at was showing desire. My all time favorite performance of hers is “Me Against the Music.” Let’s see if Maks can tap into some of that heat for a rumba.
This may have been flogged to death, so I apologize in advance, but hell I can’t wait to see Rashad and Emma’s Tango. That music is just so perfect for it. The marching, the attitude, the staccato, the head snaps.. Ballroom Tango done well, and it’s only fleeting on this show, is absolutely bad ass. I just love that he’s got an R and B tune to just put Rashad into something right in the pocket, like when Hines got Earth Wind and Fire for a Samba. All I can say for Rashad is footwork footwork footwork, Len will nail him if there’s no heel leads.
Listened to Rashad’s song — finally, a good one.
Colleen, as a “Gleek,” do you root for Heather even if not a real fan? It does seem like an “all in” club so she could last a while based on that and the fact that the judges are told to fall out of their chairs every time she dances. Would love to see Maks’ contract ?
@Rose1.
I’m not rooting for Heather. So far, I’m not even that impressed with her performances on DWTS! I put that down to her teacher/choreographers because obviously, she has training, flexibility, musicality and even some acting experience. And unlike some contestants, Heather doesn’t lack confidence or get stuck in her head. Yet they are failing to tap into her true abilities!
Pre-season, I expected to root for Simone and Sasha, both of whom I liked prior. With a side of secretly wanting to watch some stellar dancing from Heather Morris. But now, I’m really. really wanting a Simone/Rashad/Nancy finals with any of them winning the coveted MBT! But I’m also very worried that Normani and Val the Egotistical and/or David/Lindsay will bump one or more of my faves from a finals slot. Personally, I’m absolutely convinced that producer manipulation got Ginger/Val and Jana/Gleb into the finals over teams that myself and the public seemed more enamored up until then.
Really @Collen Yeah I heard about that. I was a big old gleek fangurl but I stop watching after Corys death. Too many new characters and it had lost its touch. I used to live for Britanna. They were hawwwt. They had so much chemistry and oozed sexiness chile. Greeks will know lol. But now on the show she ain’t got like that no more. She lost her spark. Maybe she needs to a lady partner to feel the connection. Who knows?
Agreed I didn’t want Heather to win but thought if nothing else we would see some good dancing particularly in JAZZ and I looked forward to getting to know more about her. but so far it has been MEH. They will blame it on Alan though HIS was the only dance I actually enjoyed watching. And as far as knowing more about her I don’t know any more now than I did in March. It will be interesting to see her with the others and dealing with the other pros but they have wasted her talents.
@Lynn, by redemption dance I meant redeeming herself or regaining a different side to her from her similar a bit too one-note dances where she conveys a happy, fairylike, rainbows and sunshine little girl performance…not from her scores or ranking as of now. Courtney did explain how the ice skating world similar to gymnastics tends to do that.
Also, the numbers post wasn’t up yet until after I commented…and I could be entirely wrong, but it’s just a gut feeling and a shock the show may want for eliminations. And yes, PH and the mods are usually right with who’s eliminated…but then again it’s just my opinion.
#66 Narice – Why do you feel that Heather/Glee fans will place any blame on Alan? I’d need the mods to verify this, but from my recollection the only dance that he had major input on in regards to choreography was her ChaCha. If anyone is disappointed about her lackluster jazz, that was all her partner Max’s doing as Tom even stated I think prior to the dance that jazz was specifically choreographed by him. If anything, I think Alan gave Heather more chemistry in connection in a partnership than Max ever can/will.
@EmnEm, fair enough. I’m also glad to see a different side to her. And sorry, I didn’t realize the numbers post went up after you commented. My bad.
Idk, I just think there’s more cannon fodder until we get to the point when Nancy’s in danger, unless she’s getting drastically fewer votes than we think she’s getting. It’s possible though.
@Jackie – I don’t think the average viewer actually pays close enough attention to what is said on the show, so my assumption would be that most viewers would probably assume that if Alan was dancing with Heather = Alan also choreographed Heather, and thus he might get blamed.
I was never a fan of Brittany, Heather’s character on Glee. (To be fair, I never like “dumb” characters.) And certainly, the Glee fandom is drastically smaller than it was in it’s heyday. But for curiosity, I took a peek around early on. The reaction to Maks made me chuckle. No love what so ever for him. They found him conceited, boorish, obnoxious and the kindest thought he was joking but thought it fell flat.
In S17, when Amber Riley was a contestant, there were huge voting campaigns, even including those who hated Derek but said hold your nose and vote for Amber, a plus sized WoC. The few people that I saw campaigning for votes for Heather seem to have already lost interest. They just post her performances after the fact. And something that might amuse PURE’s mods, Lea Michele mentioned Heather being on DWTS in a recent interview. She said that she hasn’t caught (seen?) Heather yet but it doesn’t seem fair to have her as a contestant!
@Colleen – The shade…the shade of it all 😛 I got the feeling that the ladies on that show (and hell, some of the guys too) didn’t exactly get along – seemed a tad cutthroat, with everyone vying for more screen time, more solos, better storylines, etc. I’m not surprised that Lea wasn’t exactly complementary of Heather doing DWTS. I also got the impression that Naya Rivera & Dianna Agron weren’t exactly bff with everyone on set, either…
Courtney, my impression is that the so called FANS of the show were more upset about screentime, storylines and songs than the actors – for the most part. Lea Michele was cast as the leading lady on that show from day 1. Matt Morrison’s role diminished post S1 but Lea’s never did. Personally, I never heard a bad word or saw a disparaging glance between Dianna Agron and any of her colleagues. It is true though that Lea and Dianna were roommates in S1 and after Lea got her own place, they didn’t seem as much like girlfriends as they did in S1/ the 1st tour. But Lea has been BFF’s with several girls over the years. Dianna, then a boutique owner, Naya Rivera, a personal trainer, Becca Tobin, Emma Roberts…. However, Jon Groff and Lea are truly BFF’s and have been since they starred in Spring Awakening.
In her book, Naya owns up to her ambition (but not specifically to what happened on Glee.) I expect non-disclosure forms were signed. Diva and worse names have dogged Lea Michele from way before Glee with stories to back it up so there’s probably some truth there. And Naya says she and Lea were too alike. I would have liked Naya to compete on DWTS. Her career needs a reset, she has some skills but not the training of Heather and Naya would work it. She should NEVER be paired with a Chmerkovskiy though. Someone might end up arrested for murder!
@Court – I am/was a Glee fan and the main drama seemed to be between Lea and Naya. Given that Heather is still pretty close with Naya maybe Lea is projecting her disdain for Naya onto her. I don’t know exactly how Dianna was viewed by the rest of the cast but I do get the sense that some people were very divisive while a few were pretty much universally beloved. Amber fell into the latter category, and still gets a ton of love and support from the rest of the cast to this day for things like her role in the West End. From what I remember, the cast and even the fandom-who tended to be divided based on their favorite character/couple-was pretty much all-in for her win and it was one of the few things everyone could agree on. Not sure what things are like with Heather; she had and still has quite a few fans of the show in her corner but she seems like a pretty quiet person in general so I don’t know how well-liked she is by the cast.
I feel if there is a shocker elimination it will be Simone or Rashad . Heather has been predicted to get eliminated early sense week one so to me that wouldn’t be a shocker she hated by too many people . I don’t see them sticking with the original top 3 . I Simone or Rashad will be eliminated week 9 with Nancy or David taking the third spot .
Nothing against Heather…I enjoy her dances. But, for me she is too basic. Its like “insert talented female dancer here” and boom there’s Heather. She is too robotic (don’t mean in her dance skills). IMO, she needs to show a more vulnerable side. Open up, show your personality, fears, etc. After becoming a mother, did you fear you were never going to dance again? Or are you just living and enjoying life and need a paycheck and wanna get back in the spotlight?
I think Rashad will outlast Nancy and Normani….although I would LOVE for Normani to be a ‘shocking elimination’ just so the Harmonizers will STFU! They have GOT to be the MOST annoying STANs of any fan group of ANY previous DWTS contestant! Sorry but their behavior has totally turned me off from ‘Mani.
Although being paired with Val hasn’t helped her cause in my opinion. She’s being greatly disserviced by a Pro who just phones it in every season (since Zendaya in S16–STILL think neither one of them are over that loss…lol) and never really gives us anything truly memorable in choreography no matter what kind of ringer partner they throw at him! THAT is why Derek Hough has won the MBT 6 times and has had many Emmy noms plus 2 WINS!! He uses his celeb’s talents to the best of their ability, isn’t afraid to ‘break the rules’ in order to create a memorable dance, and comes up with AMAZING routines.
You’ll NEVER see anything like a Knight Rider Bhangra from a C-bro.
For me, I am on pins and needles every week because I don’t know if the vote for Nancy is soft, or if skating fans are quietly supporting her. Certainly they aren’t as loud as Normani fans, so I guess we will find out. I agree that Rashad is killing it, this show every year the fans pine for a strong male dancer. Last year it was James with a very small base, this time I think it’s Rashad who will wind up top 3 and maybe take the whole enchilada. Simone is also fresh off an Olympic win in a marquee event. There’s no way she doesn’t have a legion of fans.
I hate shock eliminations because it’s often a fave of mine that goes, I have really strong technical ability but they haven’t worked the fanbase. However, I won’t really shed a tear if it’s Heather. I wish the show wouldn’t cast her, but it is what it is.
@ Cassanova, Enchiladas for Rashad, YES!!
Also love Simone/Sasha, but feel they are being hosed/negatively portrayed a lot. Don’t know if the general public picks up on it.
@Carol: For me, I would prefer either Rashad or Nancy to me she is the most technically proficient amateur dancer this season, or Rashad, the one who has the “it” factor in natural movement. If I compare Rashad to the Football players who won, I would rank them Rashad, Emmitt, Hines and Donald in that order. But Simone’s fanbase will have a lot to say about it.
Lol, Lea didni’t say anything about Heather on being unfair being on DWTS, she just said was that she has already won and that she loves her.
And a lot of the cast have shown support for Heather; Harry Shum Jr, Amber Riley, Kevin McHale, Alex Newell, Chris Colfer… So yup
And those big controversies with Heather and problems with interviews… I exactly haven’t heard about them yet, I am curious to hear about them
Anyway I’m not rooting either for Heather to win, I love her, I think she’s doing fine, but the dances could be better and yes, she’s already a dancer so..
Has anyone seen the red room Facebook live? Sasha was explaining how they are going to have a song that is actually by one of the artists in the team and Lindsay popped out from the back and straight up called him out on how unfair that was and Emma also named how all the girls in the girl group team have dance experience whilst the boys have none. I was laughing because its practically what we all think here^^ and it was funny to see how emma and Lindsay acknowledged how unfair that is
I also saw on instagram a peek at the camera blocking for Nancy and Artem’s Paso and thank goodness it’s gone in a totally different direction from when Mel B did it 10 years ago. Kudos to Artem for changing it up.
Nah, I don’t think they are being hosed purposely, that is how simone feels about sasha. She pretty much admitted on Access Hollywood Interview that sasha can be something else, so I don’t think the producers are playing around with her, that is what she gives. I think sasha’s problem is that this is the first time he has got someone of simone’s caliber and he may get to crazy excited which can be a turnoff to someone like simone who do exactly seem to have lively personality like her teammate Laurie did last season on and off dancefloor.
I disagree with Valerie. To me it is crystal clear what they’re pulling, but I’m not sure it will work. I think the over-the-top social media presence of Normani and to a lesser extent, Heather, is driving the producers this season, along with the blatant pimping of the Cs. I noticed even Tom is getting into the action. So far I’ve seen no indication whatsoever that big brother has made an impact on ratings though.
Very much looking forward to seeing Rashad’s tango and how Artem revamped the paso performed by Mel B. Have to say, based on the snippets of both team dances they appear to be a hot mess, a la 50 shades of gray.
Jackie # 68
So why would they blame Alan? Because people assume Alan took over EVERYTHING for Maks regardless of the fact that it was stated that Alan was only DANCING with her (except the week Maks had surgery.) So yeah, if Heather goes people may say if Maks didn’t get hurt and she would not have had to dance with Alan who is younger and less experienced dancer. While switching partners may have been a challenge, (even for Heather), I think if she goes home early it will be more due to the fact Maks (so far) has not given Heather any decent choreography. In addition Maks has not asked for Heather’s input in her areas of expertise like he did with Meryl Davis the year he won. A fact Carrie Ann was correct to point out when judging last week.
Oh and if all that isn’t enough because TPTB would sooner blame Alan then admit that Maks and Heather did not live up to their expectations.
In the interest of full disclose, Valerie’s previous comments indicate she’s a big Normani fan, doesn’t think Normani’s getting pimped, and also had the bright idea that Rashad should dress in drag to join the girls’ team so they can win. In other words – she’s trying to bait people by taking the heat off Normani & Val by shifting it onto a manufactured “tension” between Simone & Sasha. She’s trying to give them the Marilu treatment, but she’s being really transparent about it.
@Rose1 – “Hot mess a la 50 shades of grey”? Explain.
I agree about the team dances on both ends looking a hot mess. Which it should be no excuse at all for the ladies to look hotmess with all that talent on one team. The women have a chance to pullout one of the most if not the most iconic team dances of all seasons but your only as good your choreographers.
@ Suzy with post number 50: Emma and Rashad will be dancing to the different Four Tops song with that same title. Oh, Motown and their somewhat interchangeable factory parts…
Your suggestion is great though and makes me long for more Motown-themed nights!
I disagree Valerie. If you have seen any interview with Simone and Sasha you would know that’s not how she feels. She actually says he is the perfect partner and has a ton of patience with her.
Courtney, I only saw a few seconds of each on IG, but basically looked like the chair routines. Perhaps those were just quick teasers.
#Valerie I doubt very much if the Girls bump and grind will be Iconic, the only girl bands who do Iconic dances are the ones that borrow heavily from Bob Fosse, Michael Jackson or Tina Turner, because they were the trailblazers. Girl bands, not so much.
It looks like Normani is dancing with the set of a construction site. Wondering if it’s actually Work From Home?
Normani has been dancing since age 3 & competitively since age 9. So as far as I’m concerned she’s a Pro a la Heather. So now I really don’t want her in the finals.
Derek completely changed his teaching methods with Marilu given her superior memory. I think her issue though was stage fright come show days. Derek said she would always nail it at practice and during dress rehearsal but come Showtime something would happen in her head…she was too inside her head.
When Val and Maks can win a mirror ball without somebody who isn’t already a well trained dancer ot fresh off an Olympic gold-medal then I’ll think they are good at what they do. Until then no. Who has Val’s oldest partner been? Sheri Sheppard, Who took private dance lessons with Val at their New York City studio before she competed on her season of dancing with the stars. Own your bias Valerie.
@KellyK – And to add to that. Val will never grow as a choreographer/teacher without being challenged along the way. He will always be the same ole’ same ole’ pro.
Does everything with Normani have to relate to her group? Jeez….a construction set to mirror the group’s last successful music video. The team dance already has a Fifth Harmony song and now her set for the individual dance is similar to the “Work From Home” music video. Is there some sort of contract going on?? 5H stuff every week??
While I don’t think Heather Morris should be a contestant on DWTS, as even at least 2 of her Glee colleagues have said, I was looking forward to some memorable dances from her and the other very experienced dancer, Normani. As far as I’m concerned, Normani’s background and skill set is nearly identical to Nicole Scherzinger. So why aren’t ANY of her routines up to that standard? Oh yeah, because of her PARTNER! Same with Heather. This woman can dance. Heather has taught others to dance. She might even have some choreographic experience. Yet, her routines, even the tango, have all been disappointing and not memorable. I wouldn’t complain about this though if we hadn’t heard YEARS of whining from the Chmerkovskiy’s and their friends about other contestants like Nicole, Riker and Paige.
Running order for tonight per George P. twitter
Simone, Bonner, Nancy, Nick, Normani, David, Rashad, Heather. Then, team dances. Boys up 1st.
Of course, Anything showcasing Normani and 5H will close out the show. Pathetic!
Normani and 5H have been getting some serious promotion of their music. DWTS is really helping them out.
@Priscila
I’d give Normani and Val a pass on a routine evoking a 5th Harmony video. I do think that it’s fair for any team to try and promote themselves and garner votes. Like David & Lindsay’s baseball quickstep or Paige & Mark’s MMA paso. (Let’s see if this routine is as memorable.) But I do object to the producers using a 5th Harmony song in the Team Dance. They could/have should have given Normani one of her own songs for her individual routine and used the Pussycat Dolls or another girl group song for the medley instead.
How is Normani and her team dancing to maybe 20 seconds of her bands song any worse than Nick Carter doing two FULL routines to BSB?
Nick Carter didn’t have his other group members on stage singing their song while he danced and her song during a freakin team dance ffs. Normani still takes the cake for me on that one. It’s so blatantly bias.
Not sure if I should Be surprised that yet again normani and Val are diving into the fifth harmony goodie bag again but at this point it’s just a little redundant on the shows part. If only they would have done this kind of treatment to the others from bands in the past and people would be crying bloody murder.
Hit submit too early. It’s like they haven’t had someone from a group before on the show lol. I’m at a loss here I really am. This show is definately surprising this season that’s for sure. I would have expected them to be moving heaven and earth for Simone (like they did for Laurie) or really trying to make Heather happen (seems like they gave up in that regard).
@Matt I don’t mean to misrepresent anybody else’s opinion, but my own personal objection is to using a Fifth Harmony song in the team dance. To me, each person in the group should be equally showcased, and using a song that is sung by one of the people in the group inherently showcases that member more than the others. I don’t care if Normani and Val want to use Fifth Harmony songs for their own dances, I just don’t want to see it in the team dances. This is the same reason I didn’t care about Nick and Sharna using Backstreet Boys music: both times it was in their own dance and not a dance with other contestants.
Did Nicole Sherzinger actually have as much training in dance as Normani claims in this recent Billboard interview? While Nicole was a ringer…she is in no way as big of a ringer as Heather Morris and now come to find out Normani, who, while also a singer like Nicole, sounds like she’s got a much bigger dance background than Nicole had. And I don’t recall Nicole ever dancing to a Pussycat Doll song. Nicole left the group before she competed on DWTS. Normani’s group is getting a HUGE boost from having her compete on the show.
This pimpage of Normani (and with Val as her partner) is getting RIDICULOUS!
Well, Matt, since we complained rather strenuously about Nick when he was dancing to BSB – at least some of us did, especially since the choreo wasn’t all that great the second time in particular – I guess it’s not. :::rolls eyes:::
Normani said she danced competitively – that puts her at a level above Nicole. That said, Heather and Normani both should be having dances at a higher standard.
No, Kelly, clearly not.
I’m thinking that, after this season, Nicole isn’t even in the top 10 of ringers who have been on this show.
Normani is definitely a trained dancer. She even taught younger kids at a dance studio back in Houston. It’s a joke that her extensive background in dance is being hush hush by the judges. Both Normani and Heather should be judged harsher yet the judges are super easy on Val though.
#98 @Sandy. I wonder if the promotion is part of Normani’s deal with the DWTS production team.
I am also wondering (but not enough to research), whether the production team has a deal with one or more of the record companies to promote music. SONY Music Entertainment is pretty big (lots of labels) and I believe (based on a quick google search and a little digging) that 5th Harmony, Back Street Boys, Destiny’s Child and ‘NSYNC were produced by labels that fall under the SONY umbrella.