'Dancing with the Stars': Unexpected ending on emotion-filled 'Dedication Night' stuns ballroom
LOS ANGELES -- The "Dancing with the Stars" theme for week 6 is the always popular, fan favorite "Dedication Night."
Each celebrity dedicates their performances to people and places that have made a lasting impact on their lives. It's a tissue-filled episode, with emotions running high.
Former pro and two-time mirror ball champ Kym Johnson joined Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli at the judge's table.
A familiar face was missing from the ballroom: dancing pro Val Chmerkovskiy, who was suspended for one week after posting "an inappropriate remark" on social media after week 5's "Super Bowl Night." Chmerkovskiy released an apology. But for this week, Alan Bersten filled in and danced with Jenna Dewan.
Here's a rundown of the night's scores, from highest to lowest:
Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov: Contemporary to "Breathe Me" by Sia, dedicated to Amber's sister, Brooke.
Kym was blown away by the raw emotion, vulnerability and athleticism of the routine. Bruno called it an emotional tour de force and absolutely brilliant. Carrie Ann thanked them for using the platform to send an important message to the world. Derek said Amber didn't just show us the steps of the dance, they made us feel something really powerful.
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 9, 38 out of 40
Jenna Dewan and Alan Bersten (sub): Viennese Waltz to "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers, dedicated to Jenna's mom, Nancy.
Bruno loves it when she's lyrical, great hold and on the dot with timing. Carrie Ann said the routine was the ultimate breakthrough. Derek called it gentle, graceful, gorgeous and told Jenna she's a class act. Kym thinks Jenna has exceeded everyone's expectations this season.
Scores: 10, 9, 9, 9, 37 out of 40
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach: Contemporary to "Bloodline" by Mon Rovia, dedicated to Ezra's mom, Bahar.
Kym praised the emotional and physical connection the two have together on the dance floor. And mom joining in was icing on the cake. Bruno called the routine inspiring and life-affirming and told Ezra he is a lesson to us all. Carrie Ann thanked his mom for her impact on him as a man and how he's been able to share it with others. Derek thanked mom for sharing her son with us. Ezra called it the honor of his lifetime to get to dance with his mother.
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 9, 37 out of 40
Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson: Foxtrot to "Stop This Train" by John Mayer, dedicated to Harry's wife, Shelby.
Carrie Ann thought the storytelling was beautiful and complimented Jenna for her choreography. Derek said this routine is what "DWTS" is all about: love and joy. He made a difficult dance look easy and effortless. Kym praised Harry for not showing his hip-hop skills and doing a proper foxtrot. Bruno called it smooth, fluid and light.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9, 36 out of 40
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: Contemporary to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" by Frankie Valli, dedicated to Heath Ledger.
The routine ended with Julia's castmates from "Ten Things I Hate About You" joining her in the ballroom to honor Heath.
Bruno called it a wonderful tribute to an outstanding talent, from an equally talented performer. Carrie Ann said watching Julia dance makes her want to open her heart, and thought the dance was an amazing tribute. Derek thought the dance was a perfect combination of joy, fun and emotion and what a treat to be able to share with her co-stars. Kym called the routine a gorgeous dedication to her fellow Aussie, Heath.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9, 36 out of 40
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas: Paso Doble to "I'm Shipping Up to Boston" By Dropkick Murphys, dedicated to Ireland.
Carrie Ann joked this was the very first Irish Paso Doble in history! But she also praised the attack Maura had for the very physical dance. Derek loved every minute of it, the power and commitment was in the ballroom. Kym felt the love of Ireland in every move.
Scores: 8, 9, 9, 9, 35 out of 40
Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik: Viennese Waltz to "(You Don't Know) How Glad I Am" by Nancy Wilson, dedicated to James Avery.
Her "TV brother" and "DWTS" host Alfonso Ribiero joined in for the dance. Bruno told her she was glowing, and she looked like she was floating. Carrie Ann said she's honored to see this reunion and thought it was an old Hollywood film come to life. Derek told Tatyana she is one of the most improved this season and the dance was lovely.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8, 32 out of 40
Tyler Cameron and Sharna Burgess: Contemporary to "Supermarket Flowers" by Ed Sheeran, dedicated to mothers everywhere.
Forget the dance, the big news was that Tyler and his fiancée are having a baby, and they did the gender reveal... live. It's a girl!
Kym thought the dance was a beautiful tribute to his mom. Bruno said it was a celebration of new life. Carrie Ann likes how he has opened up his expression and his heart. Derek was brought to tears by the dance and the news of a baby girl on the way for Tyler and his fiancée.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8, 32 out of 40
Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: Quickstep to "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole, dedicated to Jackson's mom, Laura.
Derek said it was a great quickstep and he's heading in the right direction but reminded him to watch his frame. Kym called him the ultimate showman but agreed he needs to be mindful of his frame. Bruno said Jackson was charming, theatrical and expressive. Carrie Ann has enjoyed watching his confidence expand over these first few weeks.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8, 32 out of 40
Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: Viennese Waltz to "Piano Man" by Billy Joe, dedicated to Connor's dad, Pete.
Derek told Connor he's come a very long way from week one and he should be very proud of his journey. Kym thought he traveled around the floor beautifully but watch his space between Rylee. Bruno likes that Connor listens and applies advice from the judges. Carrie Ann knows how hard he's working and appreciates the effort and called him most improved this week.
Scores: 8, 8, 8, 8, 32 out of 40
The big surprise ending: no one is sent home! It was too much of a special evening to have an elimination. That does mean that next week we'll see a double elimination.
