Los Angeles – The latest episode of Dancing with the Stars aired a “Super Bowl Night” theme, giving the eleven competing couples a chance to showcase routines set to memorable halftime hits. Each pair performed a dance style that matched the energy of the chosen song, and the judges offered detailed feedback.
Top‑scoring performances
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy earned a perfect 36 out of 40 for their Paso Doble to Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Judge Joe Buck admitted he was unfamiliar with the Paso Doble but called Dewan “amazing,” while Bruno Tonioli described the routine as “incandescent” and Carrie Ann Inaba likened it to a touchdown. Derek Hough added that the performance was worthy of a Super Bowl champion.
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach matched that score with a salsa to Nelly’s “Hot in Herre.” Carrie Ann called the dance a “master class” in salsa interpretation, and Derek praised Frech’s stage command. Bruno noted the routine was “smoldering,” and Buck said there was a bright light shining from Ezra.
Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov followed with a samba to J Balvin’s “Mi Gente,” receiving 34 points. Inaba highlighted the “Super Bowl energy” they brought, and Derek called the pair confident and fierce from the start. Buck asked his wife if he could say the dance was “hot,” and Bruno said Glenn knows how to start a party.
Other notable dances
Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas performed a tango to Rihanna’s “Only Girl (In the World),” earning 33 points. Buck praised Higgins’ frame and noted his Irish pride, while Tonioli called the routine “extremely stylish” and “supremely elegant.” Derek suggested they add more attack and fire in future performances.
Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson delivered a samba to USHER’s “Yeah!” with a similar 33‑point total. Bruno wanted more traditional samba elements, and Inaba agreed, while Derek praised the technique. Buck said Shum Jr. did “awesome work.”
Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa’s jazz to a Jennifer Lopez remix also earned 33 points. Tonioli dubbed Stiles “Julia from the Block” and praised her groove, while Inaba admired her confidence and grit. Derek offered a hug and said the performance did not disappoint, and Buck suggested she could share the stage with J‑Lo.
Elimination
After the judges’ scores were combined with viewer votes, longtime fan favorite Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson were the couple to leave the competition. Their salsa to Bad Bunny’s “Titi Me Pregunto” received 22 points, the lowest of the night, and despite enthusiastic comments from the judges, the audience vote tipped the balance.
Rodriguez’s routine was described by Derek as “completely entertaining” and by Buck as “fun,” while Tonioli noted the choreography was clever. Inaba praised Carson’s perseverance, calling her a testament to a woman who can do it all.
Looking ahead
The show will return next week with a “Dedication Night,” promising more emotional performances and another chance for the remaining couples to impress both judges and viewers.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
