The six remaining pairs danced routines inspired by Broadway musicals and danced in a team of two for the team-up challenge on Monday night, November 7.
- Nov 8, 2016
AceShowbiz - The six remaining couples of "Dancing with the Stars" season 23 returned on Monday night, November 7 for what's called "Showstoppers Night". Each pair would dance a routine inspired by Broadway musicals. Later, they would be paired in a team of two for team-up dances. Tony-winning actress Idina Menzel served as a guest judge.
Marilu Henner and Derek Hough danced first, performing a "Jersey Boys"-inspired samba with the help of Mark Ballas. Derek was frustrated during rehearsals because she kept forgetting steps. After the live performance, the judges said it looked like Marilu was enjoying herself and it was fun to watch. Marilu earned 36 out of 40 points.
Calvin Johnson and Lindsay Arnold took the stage next, dancing a waltz to a song from the musical "Cats". Julianne Hough called it one of Calvin's best dances, while Bruno Tonioli praised him for the way he handled Lindsay especially with their big height difference. Carrie Ann Inaba agreed with Bruno, but felt like Calvin wasn't connected to the music. The former NFL star earned 37 points.
James Hinchcliffe danced a jazz routine from "The Wiz" musical with Jenna Johnson as Sharna Burgess is still sidelined due to her injury. There was a tiny flaw at the beginning, but he showed wonderful skills for the rest of the routine. Julianne said James should be on Broadway and Idina would love to share the stage with him anytime. The judges gave him 36 points.
Up next were Terra Jole and Sasha Farber, who danced a "Sweet Charity"-inspired charleston. Sasha had to adapt some of the dance moves because of her size. The judges praised her for giving her best despite her limitations. Terra got 38 points.
Jana Kramer and Gleb Savchenko danced a waltz to a song from "Waitress". Jana felt connection to the song and she emoted through the moves. "That was beautiful storytelling," Julianne gushed. Jana earned 40, the first perfect score of the night.
Laurie Hernandez and Valentin Chmerkovskiy followed it up with another great routine. They danced an Argentine tango to a song from the hit Broadway show "Chicago". Laurie showed strengths, precision and flexibility, but Idina thought that the Olympic gymnast didn't show the sexy side of the routine. Still, the judges gave her a perfect score of 40.
Next, it was time for the team-up challenge. Calvin & Lindsay teamed up with James & Jenna to dance a paso doble to "Last Man Standing". Bruno said "it was mayhem and carnage," but in a good way. Idina said she "didn't see anything but how hot they both were." The judges scored the dance 37.
Terra & Sasha teamed up with Marilu & Derek for a jazz number. It was so much fun. Bruno described it as "cooky, whacky, an endless supply of booze." Carrie Ann and Idina said they hit the marks. Terra and Marilu got additional 36 points added to their scores.
Laurie & Val and Jana & Gleb danced a contemporary number. Idina was left "speechless" because of the beautiful routine, and Julianne loved that it was emotional and raw. The judges all gave 10 points for a total score of 40 for the team-up dance.
After the dances, the results of last week's dances were announced. Marilu & Derek and Jana & Gleb were in jeopardy according to America's votes and the judges' scores from last week, but in the end the pair who were sent packing are Marilu and Derek.
