This week’s episode of “Dancing with the Stars” transformed the ballroom into a magical wonderland as the remaining eight couples took to the stage for Disney Night. From high-energy group numbers to emotional individual performances, the night was filled with Disney-inspired enchantment.
Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong kicked things off with a powerful Paso Doble to “We Own the Night” from the “ZOMBIES 2” movie. Kinney, who had been harsh on herself after last week’s performance, channeled her frustration into a passionate and captivating routine that earned the duo a score of 27/30. Unexpectedly, Kinney and Brandon received immunity for the upcoming episode, providing them with an advantage in the competition.
Next up, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten delivered a dynamic jazz routine to the song “Surface Pressure” from the hit Disney film “Encanto.” Praised for her relatable and confident presence, Maher embodied the character of Luisa with her impressive strength and athleticism, earning a score of 25/30.
Former NFL player Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella Karagach aimed to redeem themselves after a shaky performance last week. Their tango to “When Can I See You Again” from “Wreck-It Ralph” was filled with energy and joy, earning them a score of 24/30 from the judges.
Phaedra Parks of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and her partner Val Chmerkovskiy channeled their inner villains, performing a jazz routine to “Cruella de Vil” from “101 Dalmatians.” Despite some frustrations in rehearsals, Parks delivered a delightfully devilish performance that impressed the judges and earned a score of 24/30.
Jenn Tran from “The Bachelorette” and her partner Sasha Farber brought the romance to the ballroom with their rumba to “Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Mermaid.” The couple’s chemistry and Tran’s growing confidence shone through, earning them a score of 24/30.
Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik and his partner Rylee Arnold kicked off the night with an energetic Charleston to “A Star Is Born” from “Hercules.” Nedoroscik, who had embraced his “hero” persona, impressed the judges with his athleticism, though his timing issues held him back, resulting in a score of 24/30.
Joey Graziadei of “The Bachelor” and Jenna Johnson brought the jungle to life with their samba in “Trashin’ the Camp” from “Tarzan.” Graziadei, who had always dreamed of playing a shirtless Tarzan, embraced the role wholeheartedly, earning a score of 25/30 from the judges.
Lastly, former NFL player Danny Amendola and his partner Witney Carson delivered a captivating jazz routine to “Bye Bye Bye” from the fictional “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie. Their high-energy performance, complete with gravity-defying lifts and fight choreography, earned them a score of 27/30, tying them for the top spot on the leaderboard.
In the team dance round, Team Roar, consisting of Dwight, Danny, Stephen, and Phaedra, took on “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” from “The Lion King,” earning a score of 24/30. Meanwhile, Team Goofs, featuring Ilona, Chandler, Jenn, and Joey, wowed the judges with their performance of “Eye to Eye” from “A Goofy Movie,” receiving a score of 27/30.
At the end of the night, it was revealed that Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy would be the couple sent home, much to the disappointment of their fellow contestants and the audience. Val expressed his gratitude to Phaedra for their amazing season. “And like I said, dance for me is a way to be of service to others, and I was able to be of service to Phaedra.”
As the competition intensifies, the remaining couples must elevate their performance in the ballroom to guarantee their place in the highly sought-after finale. With Disney Night behind them, the dancers will undoubtedly be looking forward to the next challenge, eager to showcase their skills and fight for the mirror ball trophy.