“Step by step,” Dancing With the Stars delivered a dazzling tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston, turning the ballroom into a showcase of her timeless music. The remaining seven couples lit up the stage with dances inspired by Houston’s incredible discography, spanning decades of chart-topping hits. Adding to the star power, Billy Porter, the acclaimed performer who playfully calls himself the “male Whitney Houston,” graced the judging panel and opened the night with a vibrant rendition of “How Will I Know.” This episode was a true testament to Whitney’s enduring impact on music and dance, and a thrilling ride for viewers and dancers alike.
Harry Jowsey and his partner were the first to take on the challenge, performing a Viennese waltz to the emotional ballad “I Have Nothing” from The Bodyguard. While the judges acknowledged the grace in his movements, they also pushed for more intensity. Derek Hough pointed out, “For such a big guy, you dance kind of small sometimes,” and Billy Porter encouraged him to amplify the passion, saying, “The seduction was at a 5, I need it to be at a 10.” The performance earned them a score of 28 out of 40, leaving room for improvement as the competition intensifies.
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Despite a sprained ankle, Xochitl Gomez, alongside partner Val Chmerkovskiy, delivered a breathtaking tango to the upbeat anthem “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).” Her performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning rave reviews from the judging panel. Bruno Tonioli exclaimed it was “dancing at its best,” while Carrie Ann Inaba declared it “flawless.” Xochitl’s dedication and artistry culminated in the first perfect score of the season, a well-deserved 40 out of 40, solidifying her position as a frontrunner in the competition.
Ariana Madix continued the high energy with a powerful paso doble, set to the electrifying track, earning her the title “Queen of the Night.” The judges and audience were captivated by her fiery performance, which showcased both strength and grace. Speechless after receiving a near-perfect score of 39 out of 40, Ariana demonstrated her consistent growth and ability to command the ballroom floor.
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The evening then transitioned into the exciting “dance-off” round, pitting couples head-to-head for bonus points. Harry and Rylee faced off against Alyson and Sasha in a rumba challenge. Billy Porter’s advice to Harry was direct: “take on more challenging steps and to not ‘behave like a tree trunk’,” highlighting the need for more dynamic movement. Ultimately, Alyson and Sasha emerged victorious, securing three additional points. Next, Barry & Peta and Jason & Daniella battled it out in a salsa showdown. Barry’s showmanship, which included tearing off his shirt, resonated with the crowd and judges, earning him the win. The final dance-off saw Xochitl & Val and Charity & Artem in a cha-cha duel. While both couples were strong, the judges felt Charity displayed more intensity, awarding her the bonus points.
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Despite his spirited salsa dance-off victory, Barry Williams’ journey on Dancing With the Stars came to an end. His elimination was met with audible shock and boos from the audience, underscoring his popularity. Reflecting on his experience, Barry shared, “This has been the most wonderful experience of my life. Everyone here has made this a complete delight, and I knew I won after the first night,” expressing gratitude and positivity despite his departure.
Here’s the final leaderboard following the “dance-off” bonus points:
- Xochitl & Val – Tango, 40 out of 40
- Ariana & Pasha – Paso doble, 39 out of 40
- Charity & Artem – Viennese waltz, 39 out of 40
- Alyson & Sasha – Contemporary, 36 out of 40
- Barry & Peta – Rumba, 35 out of 40
- Jason & Daniella – Samba, 33 out of 40
- Harry & Rylee – Viennese waltz, 28 out of 40
Looking ahead, Dancing With the Stars is set to embrace the music of another icon. Get ready to “Shake It Off” and live your “Wildest Dreams” as next week will be dedicated to the music of Taylor Swift. The ballroom will transform into a Swiftie celebration as each couple performs dances inspired by her chart-topping hits.
Dancing With the Stars continues to air Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and Disney+, and streams the next day on Hulu, promising more unforgettable performances and fierce competition.
