We are at the end of the road for Season 24 of Dancing with the Stars. The remaining three contenders performed their two final dances this Monday evening: one being a redemption chosen by the judges and the other a freestyle that showcases their time in the competition.
Although Normani is the clear front-runner to walk with the Mirrorball, David and Rashad are not going down with a fight and proved just that while competing for their final points. The scores and votes from last week’s semi-finals will be combined with this week’s, as well as Tuesday’s 24-hour fusion challenge, to determine the winner.
Now, let’s get down to business with our weekly recap.
David and Lindsay
Len called it a true Cinderella story, as no one saw David making it to the “ball.” Truth. The grumpier of the judges said there was not much improvement in David’s Viennese Waltz to “Let’s Hurt Tonight” by One Republic; however, it’s always a pleasure to watch him as he possesses so much enthusiasm. Julianne said he’s full of hard work and she witnessed improvement, adding he is the “fans’ man” and deserves his spot in the finale. Bruno thought he spun like a windmill in a hurricane and despite of the weather, he still performed the dance. Carrie Ann told David he beat all the odds and as she watches him, she becomes immediately drawn in. Occasionally, he gets out of step with his feet, but is willing to overlook that because she just loves him. Can’t argue with that, as David is insanely likable and if he somehow managed to win the competition, we wouldn’t even be mad.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glp83ZL8CUg
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Julianne- 9, Bruno-8 = 33/40
Normani and Val
The video package showed that Normani hurt her ankle during rehearsals earlier in the week, but there was no sign of an injury during her and Val’s redemption quickstep to “Check It Out” by Oh The Larceny, that’s for sure. Julianne said the duo has been one of the most consistent couples throughout the entire season. But, she was slightly thrown off by lack of body content, which was easy to pinpoint due to the 5H member’s costume. Bruno called the routine brilliant, Carrie Ann agreeing. She even commended Normani for continuously taking risks. Len emphasized on the idea that costumes are makeup and they cover a lot of mistakes. He sided with Julianne on the content remark, adding it was all “a little too fast” as well. A quickstep… too fast?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIe7i3ch48M
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 9, Julianne- 9, Bruno- 10 = 38/40
Rashad and Emma
Rashad mentioned in his package that he has never won anything, but he has certainly won our hearts this season and has a strong chance of winning that Mirrorball too. Bruno said the couple’s Viennese Waltz to The Weeknd and Ed Sheeran’s “Dark Times” was fine, polished and majestic. Rashad’s footwork is completely unrecognizable and he’s become a polished diamond. Carrie Ann was blown away, but what’s special about Rashad is how he creates magic – exactly what makes winners, winners. Len saw improvement in every level of his Viennese Waltz. Julianne stressed that when people reach this point in the competition, they have generally done all that they can do. But, that’s simply not the case with Rashad, who continues to impress each and every week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vK-wXg3tadc
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40
David and Lindsay
Who would have ever thought they would see the day David Ross earned a perfect score? He and Lindsay’s freestyle to “It Takes Two/Take Me Out to the Ballgame” couldn’t have been styled any more perfectly. Len said he has been waiting for David to knock it out of the park and the only thing missing here was a beer and a hot dog. Julianne quickly yelled at Len for stealing his line, adding that this show is about connection and David manages to give that to everyone. Bruno stressed that we were given our money’s worth with that performance, as the duo was completely in sync. Carrie Ann shared how everyone has their personal best and tonight, David reached his.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXj9KLXNe-M
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40
Normani and Val
Honestly, we were slightly underwhelmed by Normani’s freestyle to “What The World Needs Now Is Love.” Although we adored the concept and the idea that the world needs love more than ever, we know what the pop star is capable of and Val should have pushed her more, especially as it was their last dance before voting. Julianne thought it was breathtaking and that Normani’s passion and light has transcended throughout everyone. Bruno said it was like watching angels dancing, calling it divine. Carrie Ann gushed over how beautiful it has been seeing Normani unwrapping layer after layer, baring her soul. Len enjoyed the routine’s emotion and beauty.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8L1en6q5ss
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40
Rashad and Emma
This. Dance. Was. Everything. An overly-excited Bruno called it was sensational. Carrie Ann said Rashad was “naughty” *cringes* for holding out this entire time, as tonight has easily been his strongest. Len thought it was so good, he could even put up with the music (A mashup of “Let’s Go” from Drumline and Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk”) Yup – Grumpy was even smiling ear to ear. And of course, Julianne was a huge fan of the football free agent’s performance as well. “You have gone to strength to strength,” she told him. “That is a freestyle.” As there have been several freestyles performed on DWTS throughout the years, she knows for a fact this one specifically will go down in the books.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QDWbgJyUeEA
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Julianne- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40
Dancing with the Stars airs its spring finale tomorrow, May 23 at 8:30/7:30c on ABC.
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