Last night on Dancing with the Stars, emotions ran high as one celebrity contestant’s journey came to an end, leaving both fans and pros reeling. For those who missed the live broadcast or are eager to delve deeper into the backstage buzz, we’re breaking down Dancing With Stars Who Went Home Last Night and the reactions that followed. From backstage admissions to surprising saves, here’s a closer look at the dramatic events of the evening.
Tavis Smiley’s Early Exit and Backstage Reflections
Tavis Smiley’s departure from Dancing with the Stars wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it was still a significant moment in the competition. Smiley himself revealed backstage that he had actually hoped to join the show earlier in the year. “I wanted to do the show in the spring, and I don’t know why they didn’t,” he admitted. He acknowledged the intense demands of the show, especially when combined with his already packed schedule. “I said to myself, ‘Self, I don’t know how we’re going to pull this off on a book tour!'” He expressed particular sympathy for his partner, Sharna Burgess, who had to navigate his demanding travel schedule alongside the rigorous dance rehearsals. “I feel the worst for Sharna because she was dragged around with me to different cities all week. I’m used to it because I’ve written 17 books, and Sharna’s used to the dancing schedule, but the problem is, both of these schedules are insane. They collided like two planets.”
Image: Tavis Smiley and Sharna Burgess perform on Dancing with the Stars, showcasing their partnership before their elimination.
Allison Holker and Jonathan Bennett: A Surprising Save
While Tavis Smiley seemed prepared for his elimination, the same could not be said for Allison Holker. The professional dancer shared her genuine surprise that she and her celebrity partner, Jonathan Bennett, were declared safe. “I definitely thought there could be improvements on the cha-cha technique,” Holker confessed, suggesting she felt their performance wasn’t flawless. She also hinted at a possible disconnect between the judges’ critiques and Jonathan’s experience level. “I think the judges were very hard because Jonathan is not a trained dancer. Maybe they didn’t like the choreography as much, but I wish they would have commented more on Jonathan.” This candid reaction from Holker underscores the unpredictable nature of Dancing with the Stars eliminations.
Image: Allison Holker and Jonathan Bennett react with surprise and relief upon hearing they are safe from elimination on Dancing with the Stars.
Adding to the challenges faced by Jonathan Bennett and Allison Holker was an unexpected wardrobe issue. It was pointed out that Jonathan’s outfit blended in with the background, potentially hindering the judges’ ability to fully assess his movements. Jonathan himself acknowledged this feedback, saying, “You’re like the fifth person to say that. People said that they couldn’t see where my body movements were.” This highlights the many factors, sometimes beyond just dance technique, that can influence a couple’s journey on the show.
Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy: A Near Miss and Val’s Vulnerability
The evening began on a high note for Janel Parrish and Val Chmerkovskiy, as their performance earned them the encore dance thanks to fan votes on Twitter. However, the night took a turn when Val experienced a nerve-wracking moment during their live performance – a near repeat of a rehearsal mishap involving judge Julianne Hough. Viewers may have seen Julianne’s fall during rehearsals, but what wasn’t shown was the profound impact it had on Val. “Obviously I’m very down on myself,” Val admitted, revealing his emotional response to the almost-fall. “I’m very frustrated. We did that trick a million times, and then one time we put a little too much energy into it, she fell. That was very traumatizing for me.” Val explained how the rehearsal incident affected his mindset during the live show. “There’s a moment in that [sequence] that you have to let go because there’s that trust, but after that little mishap in rehearsal, I just couldn’t let go. I was very nervous all the time.” Despite the tension, Val prioritized safety above all else. “The trick didn’t go as planned, but at least I didn’t drop her. That’s my priority. That everybody’s safe. I didn’t want to be the reason that let our team down.” Val’s vulnerability and concern for Janel’s well-being resonated deeply, reminding viewers of the intense pressure and emotional investment the pros experience on Dancing with the Stars.
Image: Val Chmerkovskiy and Janel Parrish in a passionate dance pose during their performance on Dancing with the Stars.
Farewell For Now, But the Dance Continues
Last night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars was a rollercoaster of emotions, from Tavis Smiley’s reflective elimination to Allison Holker’s surprise and Val Chmerkovskiy’s near mishap. While we said goodbye to one partnership, the remaining contestants continue to strive for the Mirrorball trophy, promising more drama and dazzling performances in the weeks to come. Stay tuned to ten-dance.com for all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and recaps of Dancing with the Stars.
