It’s down to the final 4.
“Dancing with the Stars” eliminated one powerful ballroom couple on Monday night, leaving just four teams continuing the quest for the Season 18 mirrorball.
(Spoiler Alert: This story contains the results of Monday’s “DWTS.”)
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Ice dancing gold medalist Charlie White and his “DWTS” partner Sharna Burgess were eliminated after two impressive hours of semifinals competition, leaving Amy Purdy and Derek Hough, Candace Cameron Bure and Mark Ballas, James Maslow and Peta Murgatroyd and Charlie’s ice dancing partner, Meryl Davis, and her pro, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, to compete in the finals next week.
“I think all of these people are so deserving,” Charlie said, when show co-host Erin Andrews asked for his reaction to his elimination. “From start to finish it’s been an amazing journey and the friendship and love that we all share for each other has been amazing. And now I can 100 percent be a cheerleader. Team Meryl.”
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Charlie and Sharna’s exit followed a big night that saw each couple perform two routines as part of American Icons night.
Taking advice from skating icon (and former “DWTS” champ) Kristi Yamaguchi, Meryl and Maks performed two perfectly scored routines during the evening, including a jive to “Hound Dog,” which came after a rehearsal package where Maks appeared to let the stress get the better of him. He tossed his microphone pack after it became dislodged while they were rehearsing, but despite seeing that clip before the pair performed, their routine was flawless. At the end of it, Maks even shared his joy with the judges.
“Maks, did you just kiss me? That has never happened in all the seasons, ever,” Carrie Ann Inaba said. “Meryl, what is going on here? You’ve turned Maks into something warm and fuzzy.”
Bruno Tonioli, guest judge director/choreographer Kenny Oretga and Len Goodman all got a little Maks love too when the pro shook a few hands and gave out a few more kisses.
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Later in the night, the happy pair of Meryl and Maks impressed again with an elegant waltz, and took home another perfect score (for a total of 80 points for the night). They landed at the top of the leaderboard.
Coming in second on Monday evening were Amy Purdy and Derek Hough, who got a little inspiration – and a big promise — from Amy’s icon, Oprah Winfrey. Oprah called the pair during rehearsal and promised to take them out for dinner “when” they win (Oprah didn’t say “if” they win).
Their first number – a quickstep to “You Can’t Hurry Love,” which Amy performed in carbon fiber running legs — left the judges close to speechless.
“My jaw was dropping on the desk,” Bruno said. “Everything was just incredible.”
“It took my breath away, again,” Carrie Ann said, as Amy and Derek earned 39 out of 40 points.
Their second number was even more impressive, featuring some of Derek’s best choreography on the show. The two used a table for part of their jazz routine, and guest judge Kenny remarked on the beauty of the number, which earned them another 39 points for a total of 78.
“Derek, you redefined choreography for this generation,” he said, later adding of their number, “it was extraordinary.”
James and Peta earned 76 points throughout the evening (the same as exiting couple Charlie and Sharna), while Candace and Mark earned 72 points.
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The “Dancing with the Stars” finals begin next Monday and continue on Tuesday on ABC.
— Jolie Lash
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