Come and join us on this journey down the yellow brick road because it’s Wicked night on Dancing With the Stars this week. As we’ve seen before, they have brought another guest judge, the director of the film itself, Jon M Chu. Chu will be directing its forthcoming big-screen conclusion, Wicked: For Good. The dances were filled with songs from Wicked and the upcoming film as well. Although we didn’t say goodbye to anyone last week, the same cannot be said for this week, as we will be saying goodbye to another pair. Keep reading for more and to find out who was cut!
Scott Hoying and Rylee Arnold
First, we have Scott Hoying and his partner Rylee Arnold dancing contemporary to “The Wizard and I“. There was some hope after Hoying’s amazing jazz back in week three that he would show excellence in the contemporary style as well. Though it might be up to nerves or just a weak grasp of the choreography, Hoying was just okay. Chu said it was giving “yearning and dreaming,” and he wished the transitions were “cleaner.” Bruno Tonioli said he “loved the energy,” but said that Hoying “missed some of the passes.” Carrie Ann Inaba said it was “an amazing way to start the show” and that they need to “balance the piece more.” Derek Hough said it needs to be a little more “seamless,” but it was a “beautiful way to open the show.” They scored a 28 out of 40.
Alix Earle and Val Chmerkovskiy
Alix Earle danced jazz with her partner Val Chmerkovskiy to “What Is This Feeling“. We have seen from the previous weeks how Earle embodies the different dance characters much more convincingly than before. There is a dramatic difference between playing Glinda now versus playing Maleficent two weeks ago. Though, she could have leaned more into that loathing feeling that the song is supposed to have. Tonioli only said it was “delicious” and was “back to classical musical comedy.” Inaba said, “It wasn’t the most difficult, but it was your best dance.” Hough said it had a “great emphasis on storytelling.” Chu said, “It was so fun to see you.” They scored a 35 out of 40.
Robert Irwin and Witney Carson
Robert Irwin and his partner Witney Carson danced jazz to “Dancing Through Life“. This song is very carefree and all about being laid back. Though the dance that goes along with the song is not very laid back, it is difficult and includes props that Irwin seemed to take in stride. We truly think that he nailed the choreography and brought just the right amount of charisma to the routine, just like Fiyero would. Inaba said, “It was so ambitious,” and the “choreography was stunning.” Hough said, “You were meant to be on stage,” to Irwin. Chu said, “It was really fun to watch you at home, but to see you in person is even better.” Tonioli said it “really was a joyful theatrical treat.” They scored a 36 out of 40.
Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas
Whitney Leavitt and her partner Mark Ballas danced a quick quickstep to the ever-popular “Popular“. They truly brought the quick into quick step, and it was packed with content. Leavitt said it was the “little details that were tripping her up” in rehearsal. But it didn’t show in the final piece, so we think that really shows how much she’s picking up. Hough said that we are “discovering a star before our eyes.” Chu said it was “the perfect blend of technical prowess and justice, fun and art.” Tonioli said that it was “insanely good, and it was Glinda gone ballistic.” Inaba said it was “unhinged in all the right ways” and that Leavitt is “getting better with each performance.” They scored a 39 out of 40, which included the season’s first score of 10 given by the judges.
Dylan Efron and Daniella Karagach
Dylan Efron and his partner Daniella Karagach danced the Rumba to “I’m Not That Girl“. This song is about love, but thinking you’re just not the person that the other person should be able to love. As sultry as it was, the piece was not all around perfect, as their descent down the stairs didn’t quite flow. Though, Efron never loses control of those hips and keeps them fluid and sensual. Chu said, “You were so connected,” and “that is the kind of masculinity that we need.” Tonioli said it was “subtle, sensuous, and romantic,” but it “lost a little bit in the middle.” Inaba said, “The partnership makes this magic.” Hough said to Efron, “You’re growing and progressing,” and “you’re being strong in your movement.” They scored a 32 out of 40.
Andy Richter and Emma Slater
Andy Richter and his partner Emma Slater danced a joyful jazz to “One Short Day“. It is about when Glinda and Elphaba first get to the Emerald City. In all truth, this was probably Richter’s best routine. We saw him having fun with the theatrics, and his footwork seemed more confident. Tonioli said, “Even the great Oz couldn’t create a better illusion,” and that “you were on time.” Inaba said, “You’re living proof that the art form of dance is for everyone,” and that “you didn’t miss one step.” Hough said it was “so fantastic” and that it “brings joy to my heart.” Chu said, “I’ve loved watching you every week.” They scored a 27 out of 40.
Elaine Hendricks and Alan Bersten
Elaine Hendricks and her partner Alan Bersten defied the odds with their contemporary dance to “Defying Gravity“. It was thrilling to see Hendrix getting her true Elphaba moment at the end, with her above Bersten with the illusion of her flying. But it being a mini solo for Bersten seemed like it wasted Hendrick’s potential. The routine was very emotional and full of challenging choreography, so we think that a different ending could have put it over the top. Inaba said there was “something special” and “I just burst into tears.” Hough said, “You are truly defying the odds,” and “You move with such grace and wisdom.” Chu said, “You are amazing.” Tonioli said, “You went into orbit tonight” and had “total commitment.” They scored a 36 out of 40.
Jen Affleck and Jan Ravnik
Jen Affleck and her partner Jan Ravnik danced the fox trot too, “As Long As You’re Mine“. There is supposed to be a tension you could cut with a knife between Elphaba and Fiyero that seemed to lack in this routine. Their routines have seemed to slip into forgettable most weeks, and we really hope to see them improve. Hough said, “I felt you were connected to that dance” and that the “frame was gorgeous.” Chu said, “I love your commitment to pushing yourself.” Tonioli said, “You’re getting there,” and that “it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.” Inaba said, “I like the direction you’re going in.” They scored a 32 out of 40.
Danielle Fishel and Pasha Paskov
Danielle Fishel and her partner, Pasha Pashkov, truly stole the show with their Argentine tango to “No Good Deed“. This song is when Elphaba helps Fiyero (that’s all we will be saying because there are spoilers if we say any more). They truly broke free from the repetition of their previous performances. Though, there seemed to be some tension that Fishel was holding in her top half. However, her footwork was amazing, as the flicks are nothing to joke about. Chu said, “I love seeing you there,” and that “I wish the intensity grew.” Tonioli said it was “full of passion and drama,” and it was a “pure, real Argentine tango.” Inaba said, “That was the breakthrough.” Hough said, “Those are professional moves,” and “don’t mistake posture for constriction.” They scored a 36 out of 40.
Jordan Chiles and Ezra Sosa
Our final dance was Jordan Chiles and her partner Ezra Sosa dancing the Rumba to “For Good” which is the concluding song of the whole saga, and truly shows the friendship between the two characters of Elphaba and Glinda. There was beautiful fluidity and clearly a passion from Chiles. It didn’t feel as though it was sensual or romantic but rather platonic between the two. Tonioli said it was “wickedly good” and “drop-dead gorgeous.” Inaba said, “Tonight has been such an amazing night,” and that “it was perfection.” Hough said that “the routine was so stunning” and “you have all the motion, but I want to see the emotion.” Chu said, “I saw your eyes, and you want to win this thing.” They scored a 39 out of 40.
Elimination
Finally, we get to the elimination, and sadly, it was Hoying and Arnold who got the boot. It is sad to see them go, especially with these two that give off such playful sibling energy, but the fans and judges have spoken. Hoying did say, “It’s been everything,” “Rylee’s my favorite person ever,” and “it’s Wicked night, it’s a perfect way to go.” And it’s time to get spooky because Halloween will be the theme for the next week. We can’t wait to see what the dances will entail, so come back to read the recap!
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