It was night of redemption for many as Dancing with the Stars honored the music of Motown.
Tuesday night’s episode kicked off with some high energy in the ballroom as the pros — and co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro — performed an opening number to “Dancing in the Streets.”
After the stars were introduced with their partners, Julianne and Alfonso revealed there was a special guest in the ballroom: NFL legend and Good Morning America co-anchor, Michael Strahan, who would be serving as a guest judge for the evening.
With excitement at a high, the Motown dances got off to a start.
Barry Williams and Peta Murgatroyd
Barry Williams reflected on his performance from last week, admitting to cameras that seeing his scores slip from the first week “was exactly [the] wrong direction” he wanted to move in. He added that there’s “no hiding [his] disappointment” because “it’s a setback.”
Despite that, Barry focused his attention on this week’s Motown routine, laughing about how he “never moved out” of the era. Meanwhile, pro Peta Murgatroyd said she was determined to have Barry “nail the strict moves of the tango.”
“Live TV is a pressure cooker and when you make mistakes, people see them,” Barry said. “So I’m gonna give my all and make that kid in me who loves Motown proud.”
After dancing their tango to “Get Ready,” judge Derek Hough praised their “strong” performance, adding that Barry is “winning over this audience.” He also urged The Brady Bunch star to “work on that frame.”
Michael called Barry a “matador” and credited the actor for taking “control” on the dance floor, while Bruno Tonioli commended him for making “no mistakes at all.”
Carrie Ann Inaba concluded the judges’ comments by celebrating Barry’s confidence and “sparkle.” “You have this twinkle, you’re like my golden Dancing with the Stars contestant,” she said.
Speaking to Julianne after his dance, Barry credited the influence of his late Brady Bunch costar Florence Henderson, who encouraged him to join the series, and said he was “feeling” Florence’s energy as he danced the tango.
Score: 25/40
Lele Pons and Brandon Armstrong
Lele Pons celebrated her high scores from last week, saying she wanted to “be better and evolve each week,” and those scores meant she “was improving.”
With a cha cha this week, Brandon Armstrong pushed the YouTuber to follow the “proper” and “refined” routine. He added, “The biggest challenge for Lele this week is not forgetting your technique.”
After dancing their cha cha to “Super Freak,” the duo were praised by the judges. Michael called their dance “sexy,” “strong,” “smooth” and said it had an “aggressiveness” to it.
Bruno noted how Lele’s “performance instinct is spot-on, but sometimes you lose control,” and Carrie Ann added, “You attack with everything you are, but you’re hyper-mobile.”
In Derek’s feedback, he admitted “it felt a little shaky, I could feel the nerves,” and suggested Lele work on refining her lower body techique.
Addressing their constructive feedback afterwards, Lele said the judges were completely on point. “100%, they’re right,” she said.
Score: 27/40
Mauricio Umansky and Emma Slater
The real estate agent faced a major setback last week with some missteps during his routine that landed him at the bottom of the scoreboard. “When I walked off that dance floor, I just felt distraught,” Mauricio told cameras. “I need to deliver this week.”
He also revealed that moments before he was set to take the dance floor, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 13 trailer came out, detailing some of his ongoing marital strife with wife Kyle Richards. The timing of the events caused him to draw a blank when it came to his routine.
“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a failure like that where I’ve blacked out,” he explained. “This week, I really need to redeem myself. I know I have it … so it’s really important to me.”
In rehearsals, pro Emma Slater pushed him to stay motivated and reminded him that “people saved you.” That pep talk, combined with his own determination, ultimately helped him prove himself on the dance floor Tuesday night.
Bruno praised his performance, celebrating that “Mauricio is back on track!” He also commended the real estate agent for keeping his frame and staying focused. Carrie Ann pointed out how Mauricio is “very smooth” and their dance was “filled with content.” She added, “It was suave as heck!”
Derek said it was “so much better than last week” and noted that while there was “a lot of work” to be done, it was a “massive improvement.” Michael added, “It’s so hard to overcome and get out of your own head, and you did it masterfully this week.”
Before receiving his scores, Mauricio said there’s so much going on in the world, and his life, but wanted to dedicate his dance to Israel after Hamas launched deadly attacks there over the weekend.
Score: 23/40
Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach
Jason Mraz was thrilled to tie at the top of the leaderboard after last week. “I am very proud,” he said of his progress so far.
The singer also said he was a huge fan of Motown and he knew the words of nearly every song, so this week held some extra excitement for him — even with a difficult jive routine. “I love this music, so no matter how tired I get, I’m gonna do this dance justice,” he vowed.
Despite his nerves, Jason had the audience and judges on their feet afterward. Carrie Ann called the routine “a testament to the power of dance.” She added, “That was brilliant, it was on fire!”
Derek raved about Jason’s “real-life emoji” face, which he said was “so animated” during the routines. “That was such a fantastic jive,” he said.
Michael commended the singer’s newfound love for dance, saying, “You’re looking like you’re having so much fun… That was fantastic.” And Bruno called Jason a “triple threat,” noting that “every intention was spot-on.”
After the positive praise, the duo became the first pair to earn the first 9’s of the season.
Score: 34/40
Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber
Alyson Hannigan called the moment she received a 7 last week “amazing.” This week, she had extra motivation dancing to “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — a song she said she loves and used to sing to her daughters.
“Having my girls here gave me such an extra boost, and I want to make them proud,” the American Pie actress told cameras, adding that they would be in the audience on Tuesday night.
After dancing the foxtrot, Derek commended Alyson for allowing her confidence to keep “growing every week.” But, he urged her to bring her shoulders down.
“Your energy made me happy,” Michael noted. “You continue to climb the mountain and I love it.”
Bruno said it “wasn’t all smooth sailing,” but praised her confidence overall, and Carrie Ann said she agreed with all of the feedback. “Your confidence is sticking, and you’re definitely on your way,” she said.
Despite facing an illness earlier in the day, Alyson said she was feeling better and happy to have been able to perform at all. “I’m just glad I got to be here tonight. It wasn’t looking this way this morning,” she said.
Score: 24/40
Tyson Beckford and Jenna Johnson
Tyson Beckford said “last week was friggin’ amazing” as he celebrated being able to “redeem” himself. This week, however, held even more importance as the two were dancing to a Stevie Wonder song. As it turns out, Tyson and Stevie were actually neighbors.
“We’re neighbors, he always used to invite me over for dinner,” he told Jenna, calling the singer “one of the nicest people I’ve met in my life.”
Focusing in on their foxtrot routine, pro Jenna Johnson urged the supermodel to work on his frame and refinement before hitting the dance floor.
Afterwards, Michael said he didn’t think it was “as smooth as you wanted it to be,” but still praised him for his efforts. Bruno urged Tyson to keep his butt from sticking out and Carrie Ann pointed out that he was “definitely shining, [and] you’re connecting with the audience.”
Derek concluded by saying how Tyson “needs to work on the frame, but you’re having fun… that youthful joy goes a long way.”
Speaking to Julianne after his dance, Tyson said: “I know I can do better. It’s just getting in that frame on the pace of the music, it isn’t easy… if I can just go up one or two points, I’ll be happy.”
Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev
With Artem Chigvintsev back as her partner, after he finally tested negative for COVID, Charity and Artem focused their efforts on this week’s dance and getting back to their place at the top of the leaderboard.
Charity was particularly excited for Motown week because it was “always playing” in her house growing up and her dad was a huge fan of the music. Charity’s dad ended up making a surprise appearance in rehearsals, where she showed him her routine to “My Girl” — something she said she hoped to possibly dance with him at her wedding to fiancé Dotun Olubeko.
After their routine, Bruno called it a “gold standard foxtrot” and said Charity “made it look easy.” Carrie Ann said she “took my breath away” and commended her for having “a little more pizzazz this week.”
Derek offered a tip for Charity to keep her arm in line to “open up that side,” but called the routine overall “gorgeous.” Michael also praised the dance as “fluid,” and said the former Bachelorette lead was “meant to dance.”
Score: 32/40
Mira Sorvino and Gleb Savchenko
Mira Sorvino reflected on her journey thus far, noting that the judges “are expecting a lot from me” and often telling her to “get it together” because they believe she “can dance.”
With the rumba as their dance for this week, pro Gleb Savchenko emphasized the importance of having a “sensual” routine, and hoped Mira could channel her actress roots to tell the story. “If she can connect to playing the character, the confidence will go through the roof,” he said.
Despite the steamy number, the judges still felt Mira had more to offer. Carrie Ann acknowledged how “hard it is to get out here when you’re nervous,” but felt Mira didn’t “sustain the character throughout.”
Derek pointed out that Mira’s “mechanics are there,” but suggested she improve her “energy.” He added, “I want you to allow us in. It’s all within you.”
On the other hand, Michael and Bruno praised the routine’s heat. Michael called the dance “sexy, seductive, satisfying, sensational,” and said, “You were great.” Bruno also raved about the sensuality, noting that Mira “teased” him.
Before getting her scores, Mira told Julianne, “I really enjoyed the dance tonight, for what it’s worth.”
Score: 26/40
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov
The Vanderpump Rules star star said she was so “proud” of herself after last week’s routine and was looking forward to this week’s dance — for one very personal reason.
“I grew up listening to Motown, that was my dad’s music,” she told Pasha in rehearsals. “My dad passed in 2013, and he never got to see me be on Vanderpump Rules. I think it would be a dream of his to see me performing on a stage of this magnitude.”
To cameras, Ariana said, “In some sense, I’d like to think that he can see me.” She added, “The quickstep is way harder than I thought it was gonna be and I’m trying to take Carrie Ann’s advice and really finish those movements cause tonight I’m doing this for my dad.”
After her dance, Derek confirmed Ariana’s “dad would be so proud.” He called their routine “effortless and stunning,” but urged her to “keep connected.”
Michael said he “loved the fact you used the entire floor,” and commended their partnership because it was clear Pasha trusted Ariana. “I enjoyed watching it so much that I wish you two were still dancing,” he added.
Bruno praised how “lively” the dance was. “It’s like the best champagne, it went down a treat!” he said.
Carrie Ann concluded the judges’ feedback by giving Ariana a hug and praising her for her “amazing” routine. She later gave Ariana a 9, along with Michael.
Score: 34/40
Adrian Peterson and Britt Stewart
The NFL player said he was “disappointed” for landing in the bottom two last week. “I don’t ever want to feel that feeling again,” Adrian told cameras.
With Motown week in front of him, Adrian said he was excited to dance the quickstep to Jackson 5 because his mother loved that music. “Those days are the best days,” he reminisced.
Pro Britt Stewart was also determined to keep Adrian from being flat-footed and took the athlete to the beach, where they participated in some footwork and ladder drills in the sand.
Following their dance, Michael kicked off the judges’ feedback, telling Adrian that he was impressed with how he’s translated his football athleticism into the ballroom. “I love watching you dance,” he said, quipping that he “hated” him on the football field.
“I hope you’ll be back,” Bruno said after praising his improvement. Carrie Ann also commended Adrian for “applying” the feedback he has received thus far.
Derek called the quickstep routine Adrian’s “best dance” and said he “projects so much joy when you’re dancing.”
Score: 22/40
Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold
The Too Hot To Handle star celebrated his improvement in week two, but vowed to “work really hard” this week. “Now I’m gonna save us by proving my dancing,” Harry told Rylee. “Be as tough as you need to be on me because I need it.”
Rylee said she didn’t necessarily want to “be a drill sergeant,” but knew it was necessary to get the results they were hoping for.
Following their foxtrot, Bruno praised how “charming” Harry was. “The care you took of your girl was wonderful to watch,” he said of his partnership with Rylee.
Carrie Ann said she was “impressed” by the routine, noting there was a “poetry to the way you’re moving.” She emphasized that he’ll have to “work on your musicality.”
Derek said he could feel Harry’s confidence increasing but pointed out some technical things that he missed, and Michael commended him for dancing with “a lot of elegance,” especially as a man who is 6'5".
“This has been such a challenging week and it’s been really hard, but to hear a compliment was just really lovely,” Harry later told Julianne of Carrie Ann’s feedback.
Score: 24/40
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy
The Marvel star was beyond thrilled with her 8’s last week and set her sights on this week’s Motown dance. “You have to glide and make it look so graceful but it’s really hard. I want to show that I can be refined this week,” Xochitl said.
After closing out the final dance of the night, Carrie Ann raved about the actress’ “incredibly dynamic” performance and said she was “impressed” with the body contact.
Derek said it was a “beautiful display of elegance and grace” and he “can’t help but smile” when he watches her.
Michael called her approach to dancing “refreshing” because she seems so “effortless,” and Bruno pointed out that “the quality of movement and musicality was fantastic.”
Score: 32/40
Results
Heading into voting, the top spots of the leaderboard were claimed by Ariana and Pasha and Jason and Daniella with a 34/40, while Tyson and Jenna sat at the bottom of the leaderboard with a 20/40.
Alfonso then revealed the first five couples who were safe: Ariana and Pasha, Mira and Gleb, Adrian and Britt, Barry and Peta, and Xochitl and Val. Julianne continued with the next safe couples, including Charity and Artem, Jason and Daniella, Lele and Brandon, and Mauricio and Emma.
This left Harry and Rylee, Alyson and Sasha, and Jenna and Tyson as the bottom three. It was then revealed that Tyson and Jenna were being sent home.
“It’s been good, I learned a lot of things that I can take into the real world and I had a good time,” he said after the elimination, before thanking Jenna for her guidance this season. “We put in some hard work but one slip and that was it for us.”
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+.
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