Hold on to your hats, folks, because in a shocking twist, NO ONE was eliminated on 'Dancing With The Stars' Season 34, Episode 5! That's right, all ten couples are moving on after a night filled with heartfelt dedications. Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster, because it was 'Dedication Night,' where each dance was a tribute to someone special in the contestants' lives. This episode is traditionally a tearjerker, and this year was no exception. When the honorees joined in on the dance? Forget about it – waterworks central!
Speaking of emotional goodbyes, Hilaria Baldwin and Gleb Savchenko were sent packing last week, despite a respectable score of 23 out of 30 for their 'Star Wars' inspired quickstep. The judges loved it, but the voters had other plans. Sometimes, even a galaxy far, far away isn't far enough to escape elimination!
Now, let's dive into the performances of the ten remaining couples, judged by the usual panel plus the fabulous Kym Johnson. Don't forget to share your own critiques in the comments below – we want to hear what you think!
SAFE: Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
(Image of Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik)
- Dance Style: Viennese waltz (to "Rescue" by Lauren Daigle)
The opening dip was absolutely stunning. However, some of the transitions, particularly that pose with Jen's mom, Maria, felt a little rushed. But here's where it gets controversial... Carrie Ann was right: this was the most emotionally connected we've seen Jen all season. Did the rushed moments take away from the overall performance, or did the emotional connection make up for it?
- Judges' Scores: 29 out of 40
SAFE: Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
(Image of Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa)
- Dance Style: Viennese waltz (to "Daughters" by John Mayer)
Major kudos to Jordan's dad, Timothy, for being such an integral part of the performance! He was fantastic! Jordan continues to improve every week, and this routine cleverly used her dad to highlight her strengths. The choreography was beautiful and elegant, and Ezra's simple yet poignant movements at the beginning were particularly captivating. All around, a truly beautiful performance. And this is the part most people miss... the connection between Jordan and her father elevated the dance beyond just technique.
- Judges' Score: 32 out of 40
SAFE: Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
(Image of Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy)
- Dance Style: Contemporary (to "Sparks" by Coldplay)
A stunning performance from Alix, who looked like a natural on the dance floor. If there was one minor critique, it's that her facial expressions sometimes didn't quite match the emotion of the dance. But who was watching her face with that gorgeous extension and depth of feeling in her moves? Exactly! This performance really showcased her potential.
- Judges' Score: 35 out of 40
SAFE: Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
(Image of Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach)
- Dance Style: Contemporary (to "Rewrite the Stars" by Zac Efron and Zendaya)
Can Dylan's adorable little sister, Olivia, be a permanent fixture on the show? Dylan was more focused and engaged than we've seen before, displaying a grace and strength (that lift was insane!) with Daniella that perfectly complemented the tenderness and care he showed towards his little sister. It was a heartwarming and technically impressive performance.
- Judges' Score: 36 out of 40
SAFE: Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov
(Image of Danielle Fishel and Pasha Pashkov)
- Dance Style: Jive (to "Boy Meets World" by Twenty Cent Crush feat. Phil Rosenthal)
How cool was it to see William Daniels, aka Mr. Feeny from "Boy Meets World," as both the honoree and a special guest in the dance? While the jive itself was just okay, the nostalgia factor – including the theme song and costumes – made it a fun watch. Sometimes, a trip down memory lane is just what we need!
- Judges' Score: 29 out of 40
SAFE: Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten
(Image of Elaine Hendrix and Alan Bersten)
- Dance Style: Foxtrot (to "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole)
I could have watched this routine – which included Elaine's bestie, "Abbott Elementary" star Lisa Ann Walter – all night long! It was smooth, fun, funny, and sweet, and it held together much better than I expected. Side note: Not that I'm judging based on costumes, but Elaine + that slinky metallic number = YES, MA'AM!
- Judges' Score: 30 out of 40
SAFE: Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
(Image of Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold)
- Dance Style: Foxtrot (to "Parallel" by Scott Hoying)
Not gonna lie: For the first few moments, I was worried Scott was going to try to sing AND dance the entire time! Phew! I thought this was really beautiful and was surprised by the judges' comments about his lines and posture. Is it just because Scott is so tall? Anyway, he and his husband, Mark, were ridiculously cute, and they're going to be dads! The joy was palpable.
- Judges' Scores: 30 out of 40
SAFE: Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
(Image of Robert Irwin and Witney Carson)
- Dance Style: Contemporary (to "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins)
From the moment Robert started crying in the setup package, I knew this number in honor of his mom, Terri, was going to wreck me. And it did! His bowed head in the opening pose, those perfectly in-sync side-by-side movements – it felt like an episode of "So You Think You Can Dance" from the very first notes of the "Tarzan" cover (which is an incredibly high compliment, by the way).
- Judges' Score: 35 out of 40
SAFE: Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
(Image of Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas)
- Dance Style: Contemporary (to "Heal" by Jamal Roberts)
No shade to Whitney's husband, Conner... but I'm totally going to blame him for this being a rare stumble for her. Not even a wind machine could have saved this one, which felt very piecemeal instead of the slick, semi-pro vibe Whitney's been giving off all season. My favorite part was when it was just Whitney and Mark on the floor, and sadly, that part was very short. I know, I know: WHY DO I HATE LOVE? The judges, as you can see below, didn't agree. Do you think the judges were too lenient, or did Whitney's performance deserve a higher score?
- Judges' Score: 33 out of 40
SAFE: Andy Richter and Emma Slater
(Image of Andy Richter and Emma Slater)
- Dance Style: Salsa (to "Jump in the Line" by Harry Belafonte)
This number was already pretty strong before Richter's daughter, Cornelia – to whom he dedicated his performance – showed up. And after she sashayed onto the dance floor, well, the kid's cuteness just superseded everything. Seriously, though, I was so proud of how strong and centered Andy was in the opening moves of this one! We love progress!
- Judges' Score: 24 out of 40
So, there you have it – a night of dedications, emotions, and some seriously impressive dancing! What were your favorite performances? Do you agree with the judges' scores? And most importantly, who are you rooting for to take home the Mirrorball Trophy? Let us know in the comments below!
