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A judge says goodbye – Deadline

November 15, 2022

It’s the night of the semi-finals Dancing with the stars! We have to wonder how many people watched with us in the 31st season. Disney+ has yet to release viewership numbers for the former ABC show, which isn’t an encouraging sign. And that’s too bad: DWTS under the direction of executive producer Conrad Green has regained its glory, inspiring participants like Selma Blair and Daniel Durant, to the refreshing way in which it has put the focus back on ballroom dance.

Case in point: Throughout the season, the judges gave us “master classes” on how to perform a perfect kind of ballroom dance. On Monday, for example, Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach performed a flawless Viennese waltz while Derek Hough and Len Goodman provided insightful commentary. That’s why we love this show so much! Thanks for the much-needed reminder, Mr. Green.

Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater. Slater doesn’t like his chances in the semi-finals; the last three times she played cha cha with her celebrity partner, she was eliminated. Tonight might be no different: the judges weren’t entirely convinced by his shirtless performance. (Will he dance only in his underwear if he reaches the final?) “It’s amazing how much you’ve improved,” Hough said. “It’s always so much fun watching you and you always make me insecure about my body.” Score: 32 out of 40

Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart. The CODA the actor feels like he’s in the cool club after last week’s strong scores. What could be better than the cool club, the guild of divine dancers? Because Durant’s Viennese waltz should qualify him for immediate membership. “You really are Prince Charming,” said Bruno Tonioli. “Everyone here fell in love with you. What you bring to the dance floor is absolutely fantastic. You were cruising the dance floor. Score: 35 out of 40

Shangela and Gleb Savchenko. Nobody seems to have more fun in this competition than Shangela, who never broke down during rehearsals or complained about her partner (who, to be fair, seems like a heck of a dude). Tonight, Shangela was dizzier than ever, dancing the Paso Doble to Lady Gaga’s “The Edge of Glory.” “It’s so easy to love you because everything you do,” Carrie Ann Inaba said. “You don’t dance fear. You are never afraid to fail and I love that so much. It makes your performance so exciting. Score: 36 out of 40

Wayne Brady and Witney Carson. Okay, that’s awkward; the Let’s make a deal admitted during rehearsal that he once looked fondly at another woman during her marriage. He didn’t act, but he got in trouble with his wife. To make a little story even shorter: they ended up divorcing. Phew. Anyway, that was his inspiration for his Paso doble. Sure? “Excellent first dance,” Hough said. “We have to be very particular. Your shoulders have rolled forward a bit. It seemed a little too angular to me. It’s the semi-finals. But overall it was still a strong dance. Oh, and Carson announced she’s expecting baby number two! Score: 36 out of 40

Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovsky. The Bachelorette opened up about her recent breakup with Erich Schwer and how she wants to channel her parents’ relationship — not her failed showmanship — into her Viennese waltz. It worked! “You really looked like you came out of a dream,” Tonioli said. “We saw a Viennese waltz earlier which was beautiful. It was just as beautiful in a different way. The way you used the rhythm changes…. beautiful darling!” Perfect score

Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas. The body of the favorite is finally breaking down. Well, maybe it only happens at his feet. In fact, we are talking about a toe: she has an ingrown nail! But that certainly didn’t get in the way of his Viennese waltz with his lively professional partner. It even made Inaba cry! “It was perfection upon perfection, so open and so powerful!” she says. “Mark, I know I pushed you guys, but you got him on that dance floor tonight. It was beyond spectacular. Perfect score

Next round!

Goodman started the second hour of DWTS by announcing sad news: this season will be his last! CJ wants to spend time with the grandkids, but the fancy clogs are sure to miss him. “I can’t thank you DWTS family enough,” said Goodman, who has been with the show since its inception in 2005. “It’s been such a wonderful experience for me. I’m looking forward to the finale of next week. I’m sure it’s going to be absolutely awesome.

Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater. The actor is really fucked up with poo; he kept forgetting the steps during rehearsals and he feels the weight of being the underdog this season. But the judges were content to throw him a bone after his graceful Viennese waltz. “What I liked was that there was a fair amount waiting,” Goodman said. “A little jerky at times, and he could have had more fluid movement. Dancing isn’t easy for you. But I’ve enjoyed seeing your progress throughout the season. Well done.” Score: 33 out of 40

Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart. Seriously, How did he do that? The actor’s samba wasn’t just on the beat, but…as Inaba said, “had swagger.” “Oh my God, the samba is the hardest dance on this show,” Hough said. “It has so much content. So fantastic, there was a moment when I was in awe of the technique. Score: 34 out of 40

Wayne Brady and Witney Carson. Brady chose “It’s a Man’s World” to perform the Viennese Waltz because it made him think of the important women in his life! It also made him all verklempt when talking to Alfonso Ribeiro. “Well, it’s a man’s world, I wish someone would tell my wife that,” Goodman said. “As always, a polished performance. As always, you really give your all. Score: 37 out of 40

Shangela and Gleb Savchenko. The drag queen got an adorable close-up before performing a silky (and acrobatic!) Viennese waltz to Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” “I like when you show your fragility,” Tonioli said. “Elegant, refined. You are classy and it shows. Score: 37 out of 40

Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas. The favorite does not understand how the Paso doble works. If Ballas is the matador, then isn’t she the bull? Nope! She is the Cape and Goodman is the bull, said Ballas! Awww, it’s not nice the night he stopped! Goodman probably wouldn’t care. On another stellar performance from the social media star. “Perfection is different for everyone,” said Inaba, who began her review with a hug for both D’Amlio and Ballas. “I believe your perfection is on another level, ma’am. It’s incredible.” Perfect score

Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovsky. The pro thinks his partner is super fun, but he’s a bit concerned about her ability to fight during the Paso doble. No more Gabby’s blunderer, he insists! Windey left the hijinks behind the scenes, but it would be nice if her face showed a little more emotion. The judges were nevertheless impressed. “It was a dramatic build up to the full end,” Tonioli said. “I was like a pressure cooker about to explode. Another great job, Val. That was genius!” Perfect score

Donovan and Slater were sent home immediately because they had the lowest vote count and the lowest judges’ scores on Monday.

Durant/Stewart and Shangela/Savchenko were left in the bottom two. Tonioli, Inaba and Hough saved Shangela and Savchenko, so Durant goes home. What a great race for the CODA actor!

Windey/Chmerkovskiy, D’Amelio/Ballas, Brady/Carson and Shangela/Savchenko head to the finals next week.