Monday night’s episode of “Dancing With the Stars” was an emotional one for the celebrity contestants as they recalled their most memorable year ever. While some told stories about their most triumphant moments, others talked about the time when they struggled with bullying, emotional pain, and challenges that they managed to overcome. The judges and audience members were moved to tears at some of the performances, and one pair almost got a perfect score at the end of the night, while another had to leave the competition for good.
Derek Hough and Nastia Liukin
Dance: Argentine Tango
Score: 36 (out of 40)
Nastia picked 2008 as her most memorable year as she won her Olympic gold in gymnastics that time. Their tango to “Variations on Dark Eyes”—which is the same song she performed to at the Olympics—was praised by the judges, and Julianne Hough told her, “You nailed it in 2008, and you nailed it tonight.” The pair also got the first 10 of the season from Bruno Tonioli.
Michael Sam and Peta Murgatroyd
Dance: Rumba
Score: 30
2014 was a memorable year for Michael, but not for happy reasons: he came out to his father, who denounced him to the media. Their rumba to “I’m Not My Father’s Son” left Michael in tears. “You should be very proud of yourself. It takes guts to make a stand in the world,” an emotional Bruno said.
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker
Dance: Tango
Score: 34
Riker said that 2014 was memorable for him because that’s when his band, R5, really took off and got on the radio. “I see improvement and it’s fantastic to watch,” said Carrie Ann Inaba of their tango.
Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson
Dance: Waltz
Score:34
Robert said that 2006 was when his mother passed away of cancer. Though it was a sad year, their waltz was classy and happy, and a fitting tribute to his mother, who loved watching the show. Len Goodman said that it was his best dance. “You have the best technique and footwork of all the guys,” said Julianne.
Chris Soules and Witney Carson
Dance: Rumba
Score: 27
Chris picked 2014 as his most memorable year—when he got picked as the new “Bachelor” and found his fiancée, Whitney Bischoff. Though Bruno said that their performance was genuine and honest, Julianne pointed out that they need to have more chemistry.
Patti LaBelle and Artem Chigvintsev
Dance: Jazz
Score: 30
Patti danced to honor 1973, the year her son was born. Their jazz number was likened to a cup of cappuccino by Len, who said that it was “light and fluffy, fun and full of rhythm.” “That was out of control!” Carrie Ann said.
Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Waltz
Score: 35
Rumer talked about how growing up with famous parents had its benefits, but it also put her in the spotlight as tabloids made fun of her looks. She said that her dance to honor 2014 was for her sister, who went to rehab at the time, and for all those who were bullied for the way they looked. “You’re dancing for every girl,” said Julianne. Bruno said that the dance was a reflection of who Rumer is: “beautiful, powerful, and unique.”
Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani
Dance: Foxtrot
Score: 28
Suzanne said that her most memorable year was 1977, which was the year when she got a role in ‘Three’s Company’ and her life changed. They included a short skit of the sitcom in their foxtrot, and Julianne said that Suzanne was “totally in your element.”
Willow Shields and Mark Ballas
Dance: Contemporary
Score: 39
Willow said that 2011 was her most memorable year because that was when she was cast in ‘The Hunger Games’. Their contemporary dance got raves from the judges and earned them three perfect 10s. “It is great to see somebody so young doing so well,” said Bruno. “That was fantastic,” said Len.
Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Contemporary
Score: 32
Noah’s most memorable year was 2005, when, during his second deployment to Iraq, he didn’t see a trip wire on the road and it blew up. He woke up nine days later to discover that he lost an arm and a leg. He said that he got depressed, but eventually he accepted it and was able to move on. The judges were moved to tears, and Julianne said, “You astonish us every single week.” Bruno said, “You want a super hero, there he is.”
In the end, Michael Sam was eliminated. “Please give my partner a hand, she was amazing,” said Michael of Peta. “I had a great time, I had an awesome time experience.”
“Dancing With the Stars” airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Source : Christian Post