It’s the Semi-Finals on Dancing With the Stars, as last week’s shocking double elimination during Janet Jackson Night narrowed down the competition to the final six couples of Season 30.
Going into another double elimination, the remaining pairs had the chance to redeem themselves with the first Redemption Dances of the season, with each of the judges assigning a style of dance they believe each pair needed to work on. After an electrifying performance from the DWTS pros, the second round of competition saw each pair bring something meaningful to them to the ballroom floor, from celebrating lost loved ones to celebrating personal achievements.
Below, find out which two couples danced their last dance and watch the night’s performances to “I Don’t Want To Wait,” “Titanium,” “Gravity,” and more.
Cody Rigsby’s dance to “Danza Kuduro” by Don Omar & Lucenzo (Salsa)
Cody Rigsby and partner Cheryl Burke‘s first dance of the night was, as Carrie Ann put it, the “definition of redemption.” During their COVID-19 struggles earlier this season, their Week 2 salsa had to be judged based on a rehearsal tape as they were stuck in quarantine. Assigned the routine by Bruno, the pair rose to the occasion, as Bruno exclaimed, “The race to the finale starts with a bang!” Getting into the groove of the style with improved hip action, Len called Cody’s performance an “action-packed, full-on salsa.” Despite a few minor mistakes, the pair earned a solid 35 out of 40 points for their first performance of the night.
Melora Hardin’s dance to “I Don’t Want To Wait” by Paula Cole (Rumba)
After landing in the bottom two last week despite earning a perfect score, Melora Hardin and partner Artem Chigvintsev looked to redeem themselves with their redemption rumba assigned by Len. The head judge advised the actress to loosen up and work on her hips, ensuring that if they took his advice, “I think this rumba’s gonna be a wow,” and a “wow” dance it was. Along with a “mission accomplished” from Len, the judges loved the way they interpreted the dance, changing from romantic to sexy in the blink of an eye. While Derek loved Melora’s motion throughout the routine, Carrie Ann pointed out a slight lack of expression in her hands, as well as a moment when her foot came off the ground. With a lower score from Carrie ann, the two received a coveted 10 from Len, bringing their total score to 36 points.
Suni Lee’s dance to “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Bublé (Foxtrot)
Suni Lee was surprised that she and partner Sasha Farber were able to make it to the semi-finals, even after earning a perfect score last week. For their redemption dance, Carrie Ann assigned the pair the foxtrot, having last performed the style during Episode 3’s Britney Night. During rehearsals, Carrie Ann instructed that the gymnast take her newfound confidence and apply it to this week’s dance, as her lack of performance was what hurt their previous foxtrot. Bringing her high spirits into tonight’s routine, the judges loved watching another great performance from “Suni 2.0.” The dance was everything Carrie was looking for, though the other judges commented on some unintentional bounciness and messy footwork. The two ended the first round of competition with a score of 37 points out of 40.
JoJo Siwa’s dance to “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project (Argentine Tango)
This week, Len challenged JoJo Siwa and her partner Jenna Johnson to improve upon their Week 3 Argentine tango. Originally critiquing the routine for feeling more like a ballroom tango, Len wanted to see more elements of the style come through, which the pair was ready for in order to secure their spot in the finale. The pop sensation expressed how much she has loved her time on the show and how much it has changed herself and the way she sees the world, with Tyra adding that the show has changed how others see her. Len’s comments were brief but direct, simply stating the dance was “bloody brilliant.” Along with accolades from the other judges, the pair earned the first perfect score of the night with 40 points.
Iman Shumpert’s dance to “Telephone” by Martynas (Tango)
Called the “Michael Jordan of the ballroom,” judge Derek Hough helped Iman Shumpert and partner Daniella Karagach prepare for their redemption tango from Week 3. The major comments surrounding the pair’s previous performance revolved around his frame, with Derek encouraging him to use his size to his advantage. Iman certainly listened, as the pair turned in a vast improvement from their previous tango. Carrie Ann continued to applaud his magic in the ballroom, while Derek stated that he has come farther than any other NBA player throughout the series. However, Bruno and Len still noticed a few framework and squatting issues, but still brought home a high score of 37 points.
Amanda Kloots’ dance to “Titanium” by David Guetta ft. Sia (Tango)
One of three perfect scores last week, Amanda Kloots and partner Alan Bersten were taking it all the way back to their first dance of the season for their redemption tango from Len. Stating that “the sky’s the limit” if the two follow his advice to increase their body contact, the pair succeeded, improving upon every mistake from their first-ever routine. Derek called the talk show host the most consistent dancer of the season, with Bruno comparing the clean-cut and polished routine to “a gem.” Despite noticing a foot come off the ground, Carrie Ann expressed how she danced the routine “like a boss.” With an almost perfect score, the pair ended the first round with 39 points out of 40.
Melora Hardin’s Round 2 dance to “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons (Contemporary)
Going into the second round of the night, Melora and Artem felt the pressure of getting into the finals. Dancing a contemporary routine to the song “Thunder,” the song’s title was that of a children’s show she was as a kid, which helped connect her to one of her closes friends, Hunter. The show and her performance helped and inspired her friend during her younger years, so she was looking to bring her friend’s love and support into her last performance before the finale. The judges once again loved her joy and love of dance that shined through the routine, with Carrie Ann stating that she dances from her heart and soul. Earning a score of 36 points, the pair’s total for the night comes to 72 points.
Results
At the top of the leaderboard, JoJo and Jenna went through to the finale with Iman and Daniella and Cody and Cheryl. The latter two couples mark two special DWTS occasions, as Iman has become the first NBA player to go through to the finals, and this season marks Cheryl’s first time in the finale since Season 17. With three couples through, three couples were left at the bottom, with Melora and Artem being the first to go after having the lowest combined judges’ scores and viewer votes. In one of the most emotional decisions of the season, the judges were forced to select which couple would dance again between Amanda and Alan and Suni and Sasha. In a unanimous vote, Amanda and Alan earned the judges’ pick, meaning Suni and Sasha’s DWTS journey has come to an end. Who will take home the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy next week?