“Dancing with the Stars” season 32 is getting closer to the end. We’re in week nine of the competition with only six competitors left out of the 14 we started with. So what will happen when those remaining celebrities perform to songs by one of the world’s biggest stars in “A Celebration of Taylor Swift“? Scroll down for our live blog with all the minute-by-minute developments and commentary as the night progresses.
Last week “Brady Bunch” actor Barry Williams was the eighth celebrity eliminated from the competition, leaving six to compete for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: actress Xochitl Gomez, actress Alyson Hannigan, “Too Hot to Handle” star Harry Jowsey, “The Bachelorette” alum Charity Lawson, “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix and singer-songwriter Jason Mraz.
This celebration continues a career-peak year for Taylor Swift. She has had three number-one albums: “Midnights,” “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and “1989 (Taylor’s Version),” the last of which resulted in the biggest album sales week of her entire career. She also swept the MTV Video Music Awards with nine trophies including Video of the Year (“Anti-Hero”), dominated the Billboard Music Awards with 10 prizes including Top Artist, and earned six Grammy nominations including Album of the Year (“Midnights’). And her “Eras Tour” has been one of the most successful concert tours of all time, producing the highest grossing concert movie of all time.
As for the celebrities facing off, Xochitl is coming off the season’s first perfect score for an individual dance: her “Whitney Houston Night” tango got 10s across the board. Ariana is proving herself to be a formidable challenger for the Mirror Ball Trophy as she nearly received a perfect score of her own. And Alyson continued her upward trajectory. But Jason and Charity struggled somewhat, and Harry can’t seem to get out of the bottom of the judges’ leaderboard. Will they be able to redeem themselves tonight? Follow along below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).
Jeffrey Kare, 8:03pm — Very imaginative opening
Daniel Montgomery, 8:03pm — And probably my favorite Swift song, “Love Story”
DM, 8:04pm — Drat, Alyson going first.
JK, 8:05pm — Let’s hope her luck ends up being similar to Harry’s from last week.
Alyson Hannigan and Sasha Farber (Cha Cha, “You Belong with Me”)
DM, 8:06pm — “This is what I’ve been waiting for the entire season,” says Alyson about a Swift-themed night. She knocked out that quickstep a couple of weeks ago, so I’m hoping cha cha is just as successful for her.
DM, 8:09pm — Solid dance from Alyson, not her best, but solid. Awkward song for that dance style though.
JK, 8:10pm — Pretty good work this week.
JUDGES — Derek Hough thinks her charisma is great, but her timing was off in some moments. Guest judge Mandy Moore thought she was fearless, and she has come far in the competition. Bruno Tonioli thinks she was obviously inspired by Swift, but she was so into it she was racing through it. Carrie Ann Inaba loves watching her confidence, but she needs more actual choreography.
DM, 8:12pm — Those are worrying critiques. Might not get better than 7s.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (7), Mandy (8), Bruno (7) = 29 out of 40
JK, 8:14pm — Might even get eliminated by the end of the night (which I don’t wanna speak into existence).
JK, 8:14pm — At least she got an 8 from Mandy.
DM, 8:14pm — Aly, you in danger girl.
Ariana Madix and Pasha Pashkov (Rumba, “Cruel Summer”)
DM, 8:17pm — Rumba should be no problem for her. She got an almost perfect score last week. Only Carrie Ann gave her a 9, and Ariana wants to get that 10. But Ariana’s back is sore and swollen. Yikes. After Aly almost broke her toes on that cha cha, I hope these stars get through without seriously hurting themselves.
DM, 8:21pm — Really smooth and sensual dance. Smooth as butter. Loved it. I was worried ab bout that song with this dance style, but the arrangement worked for rumba.
JK, 8:22pm — Stunningly elegant!
JUDGES — Mandy thought she commanded the stage, and she matched the melodic quality of the song. Bruno thought her body was singing. It was a classic and elegant rumba, restrained and thus even more beautiful. Carrie Ann thought she showcased technique, and it was powerful. Derek thinks she embodies the character and tone of each dance. It was a proper rumba with all the choreographic features.
DM, 8:23pm — Could be a 10s dance.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Mandy (9), Bruno (10) = 37 out of 40
DM, 8:25pm — Surprised by the 9s. Maybe if it were later in the night it would have gotten more enthusiastic marks.
JK, 8:26pm — Perhaps.
Jason Mraz and Daniella Karagach (Argentine Tango, “Don’t Blame Me”)
DM, 8:28pm — Jason is scared. He’s been sliding down the leaderboard this season, and an Argentine tango is one of the best opportunities he could get. This style is a showstopper is executed well. Jason has what it takes to win. He just needs to put it together when it counts.
DM, 8:32pm — Not the most pristine Argentine tango I’ve ever seen, but MUCH better than last week! Great comeback! I’m guessing 9s.
JK, 8:33pm — Absolute return to form for Jason.
JUDGES — Bruno thought it was a technical tour de force. Carrie Ann thought it was amazing, he was the music and it was powerful. Derek thought it had everything and it showed confidence. “Jason Mraz is back!” Mandy thought it was grounded and epic.
DM, 8:33pm — Hmmm, maybe actual 10s.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann (10), Derek (10), Mandy (10), Bruno (10) = 40 out of 40
DM, 8:38pm — Interesting, I didn’t see that coming, but I’m so happy for him, it was a really excellent performance.
Harry Jowsey and Rylee Arnold (Rumba, “August”)
DM, 8:39pm — Okay, Harry, get the job done. Alyson got mostly 7s for her dance, if Harry is anywhere near that, he’d better earn it. Lookin’ at you, judges!
DM, 8:42pm — There were a couple of bright spots there. I thought their spins were surprisingly good, but yeah, still mostly a tree trunk.
JK, 8:43pm — As always, I enjoy watching Rylee…and that’s that.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann saw a lot of content, more than he’s ever done, she’s proud of him, but he’s got more work to do. Derek think he’s got a blank space face sometimes, but tonight he looked comfortable and confident. Mandy appreciates that what Rylee gave him he did well. Bruno thought it was a strong attempt, he could see the romance, and he provided a strong frame for his partner.
DM, 8:45pm — If I see an 8 paddle, I’m gonna flip a table.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (7), Mandy (8), Bruno (7) = 30 out of 40
DM, 8:46pm — Absolute nonsense. Not when Aly gets mostly 7s. Nowhere near worthy of 8s. I said what I said.
JK, 8:47pm — Amen. Looks like you’re gonna have to flip two tables.
Charity Lawson and Artem Chigvintsev (Argentine Tango, “Look What You Made Me Do”)
DM, 8:49pm — Charity needs a comeback moment like Jason had. And she’s going to need to bring the intensity on a song like this with a dance style like this. C’mon, Charity!
DM, 8:53pm — Her lines were incredible. Her lifts were pristine. Not sure how the judges will compare it to Jason’s, though.
JK, 8:54pm — Excellent!
JUDGES — Derek thinks she has the best legs in the competition. Mandy thought it was great, but needs more of an attack like a snake’s bite. Bruno thought every line and shape had pin-point accuracy. Carrie Ann thinks her lines are unmatched in the competition, but sometimes her face goes a little blank.
DM, 8:55pm — I think Carrie Ann is right. She wasn’t always confidently in character the way Jason was.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (10), Mandy (9), Bruno (10) = 38 out of 40
DM, 8:56pm — A mix of 9s and 10s felt right because I would have given it a 9.5 LOL
Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy (Quickstep, “Paper Rings”)
DM, 9:00pm — I don’t know what to say about Xochitl besides that she’ll probably kick ass as usual. But she has a tough act to follow this time after Jason’s routine.
DM, 9:04pm — Not much to say besides another excellent Xochitl performance. Not quite as showstopping as last week’s tango, but it was still dynamite.
JK, 9:05pm — Phenomenally done! Fantastic!
DM, 9:05pm — I also thought Val gave her really clever choreography.
JUDGES — Mandy thought they were poetry in motion. Bruno thought it had a wonderful sense of celebration and ease of movement, light, beautiful, and extremely enjoyable. Carrie Ann thinks she’s the most animated and enthusiastic performer on the show. But there were a few moments where she lost focus. Derek thinks she brings every dance to life, but she needs to maintain body contact on ballroom dances.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Mandy (10), Bruno (10) = 38 out of 40
RELAY DANCES
Ariana Madix vs. Xochitl Gomez (Viennese Waltz, “Lover”)
DM, 9:15pm — Both teams did the Viennese waltz in week five of the competition. This is going to be a tough call. I think Xochitl has the advantage, but Ariana has been putting pressure on her in recent weeks.
DM, 9:24pm — I’d give that one to Xochitl. Both beautiful dances, but Xochitl’s was a little sharper with more emotion and fire.
JK, 9:25pm — Agreed. Although both were equally incredible!
JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought Xochitl’s technique was on point, while Ariana’s was more traditional. Derek loves the traditional Ariana waltz, but Xochitl’s was also “sensational.” Mandy thinks it’s an even matchup. Ariana came out “guns a-blazing,” and Xochitl was competitive when she stepped in. Bruno thinks they challenge each other and make each other better.
WINNER: Xochitl Gomez
Harry Jowsey vs. Alyson Hannigan (Jive, “Shake It Off”)
DM, 9:28pm — A rematch after last week’s dance-off. I’d say Alyson has the clear advantage — because she should — but after the scores from their individual dances, I don’t know.
DM, 9:32pm — This is a new style for both celebrities, but Aly is a better dancer, full-stop.
JK, 9:35pm — Or if Alyson wins, but gets eliminated by the end of the night.
DM, 9:35pm — Harry’s was better than expected with more choreography than usual, but Alyson was still better.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann was impressed by Harry’s side by side. Derek loved the competitive atmosphere bringing out the best of them. Mandy could feel for them because it’s a fast song, but they did a good job, and Alyson commanded attention.
JK, 9:38pm — One of Harry’s better performances. Although Alyson really brought it.
WINNER: Alyson Hannigan
DM, 9:39pm — As God intended LOL
Jason Mraz vs. Charity Lawson (Cha Cha, “Lavender Haze”)
DM, 9:44pm — A really even match, I think. Whoever wins will be at the top of the judges’ leaderboard, and whoever loses will be third on the leaderboard, so who wins is super important here depending on how their fan bases have been turning out for them.
DM, 9:48pm — Wow, that was a great relay. I liked Jason’s a little better because he really captured the character of the dance, but it could go either way.
JK, 9:49pm — It’s hard for me to decide who did better because both did amazing.
JUDGES — Derek is impressed by the technique of both dancers. Mandy thought it was clean and well executed, but Jason had a little extra sauce. Bruno thought Charity killed every moon, while Jason had perfect foot-leg-body technique. Carrie Ann thought this was the most competitive relay. Charity was sharp and clean, but Jason had swagger.
WINNER: Jason Mraz
JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD
1. Jason Mraz — 40 + 3 = 43
2. Xochitl Gomez — 38 + 3 = 41
3. Charity Lawson — 38
4. Ariana Madix — 37
5. Alyson Hannigan — 29 + 3 = 32
6. Harry Jowsey — 30
RESULTS
DM, 9:54pm — Interesting to see Charity in third and Ariana in fourth. Their fan bases really need to show up because both Harry and Alyson have supporters.
DM, 9:58pm — Alfonso Ribeiro says there were more votes tonight than any other night this season. Safe celebrities are … Ariana Madix (whew!), Xochitl Gomez (duh) and Jason Mraz (not surprised at all).
DM, 10:00pm — Eliminated from the competition is Harry Jowsey!
DM, 10:00pm — Holy crap, Harry’s done!
DM, 10:01pm — And you know what, I can feel good about him again. He tried really hard and showed some improvements here and there along the way. He went farther than he should have, and he was never at the level of his opponents, but good effort!
JK, 10:02pm — He really did the best he possibly could, but he still overstayed his welcome.
DM, 10:02pm — Agreed, and now we can focus more on the dancing.
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