Monday night brought back one of the most popular theme nights on “Dancing with the Stars,” “Disney Night.” The remaining 10 celebs performed routines inspired by Walt Disney classics like “Snow White” and “The Little Mermaid,” not to mention the potential future classic “Coco,” which opens in November. This event brought a welcome burst of fun and entertainment after an emotionally wrought “Most Memorable Year Night” last week, during which the contestants opened up about some of their greatest challenges, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Scroll down for our complete, minute-by-minute recap of “Disney Night.”
“Most Memorable Year” was also noteworthy for bringing us the first 10s of the season. Broadway star Jordan Fisher earned perfect scores from Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli for his contemporary routine dedicated to his grandparents, who adopted him in 2005. But Len Goodman, typically the most difficult to please judge, just gave Fisher a 9, so he just missed out on a perfect 30 out of 30. Tonight Fisher performed a foxtrot to “You’re Welcome” from “Moana.”
Despite Fisher’s high score last week, the frontrunner for the Mirror Ball Trophy going into “Disney Night” was still violinist Lindsey Stirling, though it’s neck-and-neck between the two favorites. Stirling was one of the highest-scorers for “Most Memorable Year” and she followed that up this week with a foxtrot to “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio.” That was the same dance style Fisher performed, so the judges got a real chance to compare them head-to-head.
So how did the contestants do? Find out below in our live blog, featuring commentary by me as well as Gold Derby contributors Jeffrey Kare and Cordell Martin. All times listed are Eastern.
Daniel Montgomery, 7:55pm –It’s almost showtime! Anyone else hoping for a perfect score tonight?
Jeffrey Kare, 7:58pm — I’m excited for “Disney Night”!
DM, 8:01pm — Opening number starting with romance to “It’s a Small World” and then switching up to pure energy and entertainment.
Victoria Arlen and Val Chmerkovskiy – Jazz – “Steamboat Willie” from “Steamboat Willie”
DM, 8:05pm — Kinda like we’re starting in chronological order with Victoria dancing to one of Disney’s earliest classics, “Steamboat Willie.”
DM, 8:06pm — “It’s still a shock to my legs, but they’re doing it,” says Victoria about training for a jazz routine. “There’s a magic to dreaming big, and I’m all about that.”
JUDGES — Len Goodman said, “It was just like a Disney movie, full of joy, sparkle, entertainment … I thought it was fabulous.” Bruno Tonioli added, “Jam-packed with fun and games. What I liked was the blend of styles … It was effortless and beautiful.” Carrie Ann Inaba concluded, “You were absolutely in perfect sync the whole way through … You brought it to life.”
Cordell Martin, 8:10pm — Solid performance.
JK, 8:10pm — Wow, Victoria & Val’s routine could almost work as a vaudeville act!
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Len (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30
CM, 8:11pm — Great start to the show.
DM, 8:12pm — Hmmm, I liked it, but those scores felt a little high to me. Doesn’t leave much room for the rest of the contestants for the rest of the night if it turns out to be an especially good night.
Vanessa Lachey and Maks Chmerkovskiy – Waltz – “Un Jour Mon Prince Viendra” from “Snow White”
DM, 8:17pm — From Disney’s seminal hit “Steamboat Willie” to Disney’s first animated feature “Snow White.” And now we know what Maks looks like as seven dwarfs.
JUDGES — Bruno said, “Even grumpy here would be happy with this one. It was a simply beautiful waltz … When you go out of fast spins, try to keep your balance.” Carrie Ann added, “I loved that you went for a little more of an unconventional waltz … It felt like there were moments when you stopped yourself mid-movement.” Len concluded, “I’m not grumpy! More bashful than grumpy … I liked the choreography, the amount of proper waltz … Quiet, understated, and beautiful.
JK, 8:22pm — That was romantically breathtaking!
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30
DM, 8:24pm — I would agree with those scores: it was a lovely routine, but a little rough around the edges in places.
Lindsey Stirling and Mark Ballas – Foxtrot – “When You Wish Upon a Star” from “Pinocchio”
DM, 8:28pm — Continuing to move through the ages, we’re in the 1940s for “Pinocchio.”
JUDGES — Carrie Ann said, “This was classic, and it was stunning. It was such a transformation for you … Just beautiful, incredible dancing with one of the finest holds I’ve ever seen.” Len added, “That was delightful … I absolutely loved that.” Bruno concluded, “I felt like I was bathing in stardust … You captured timeless style and elegance, like Fred Astaire meets Disney.”
JK, 8:34pm — That was just perfection!
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Len (10), Bruno (9) = 28 out of 30
DM, 8:35pm — That was really gorgeous, so straightforward that there was nowhere for her to hide if there was a mistake, but there were none.
JK, 8:36pm — And how generous of Len to give them a 10.
DM, 8:36pm — Interesting that Len was the only judge to withhold a 10 from Jordan Fisher last week, but on this dance he was the only one to give a 10 to Lindsey.
CM, 8:39pm — She deserved all 10s.
JK, 8:40pm — I absolutely agree!
DM, 8:40pm — I thought she was underscored too. “One of the finest holds ever” — meh, just a 9 for you!
Nick Lachey and Peta Murgatroyd – Quickstep – “The Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book”
DM, 8:41pm — Moving ahead to the 1960s for “The Jungle Book.” “You feel like you’re running from a wild animal in the jungle,” says Nick about training for a fast-paced quickstep.
JUDGES — Len said, “You’ve got a droopy right arm that you’ve got to keep a little bit more solid … but you really came out and enjoyed yourself.” Bruno added, “I loved the sense of fun … You lost the step a couple of times, but don’t lose what you have achieved, which is the spirit of it … This is the right direction, you’re embracing the performance.” Carrie Ann concluded, “You’re letting loose, that’s what people love.”
JK, 8:47pm — Pretty clever routine from Nick and Peta this week.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Len (8), Bruno (7) = 22 out of 30
DM, 8:48pm — I thought it was pretty good, he was loose and had fun, and the steps weren’t too bad.
DM, 8:49pm — Len is really generous tonight, though — who’d have thought.
Drew Scott and Emma Slater – Viennese Waltz – “Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppet Movie”
DM, 8:54pm — Next up, the 1970s. Viennese waltz to “The Rainbow Connection.”
JUDGES — Bruno said, “I was expecting Gonzo, but got Prince Charming! … You’re getting more and more polished every week.” Carrie Ann added, “You two have become one of my favorite couples … The chemistry between you is absolutely pure.” Len concluded, “What I liked a lot was your footwork … You got a bit excited near the end.” And guest commenter Kermit the Frog said they were “amazing … I loved it.”
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Len (8), Bruno (8) = 25 out of 30 — Kermit gave it a 10, but that one doesn’t count.
CM, 9:00pm — Wow Drew.
JK, 9:01pm — Seemed like a nice appropriate dance to that song.
JK, 9:02pm — Wow, Drew and Emma almost got a bump from Kermit’s score.
DM, 9:03pm — I’m very impressed by that one. Drew is really growing on me this season, showing more improvement than just about anyone else.
CM, 9:03pm — I will admit, he was underscored.
DM, 9:04pm — I kinda agree, 8s were very conservative for a dance that strong, especially given how much he’s improved.
JK, 9:04pm — I’m sure both Drew and Emma wished Kermit’s score counted.
Sasha Pieterse and Gleb Savchenko – Rumba – “Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Mermaid”
DM, 9:07pm — The 1980s are next up with “The Little Mermaid.” “Rumba is a very sensual, romantic dance,” says Gleb, who wants Sasha to move more like a mermaid, though a rumba is better with feet than fins if you ask me.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann said, “It’s so nice to see you this way … I love the way your body interprets these dances.” Len added, “I’m not being glib, Gleb, but that was a well-crafted routine … It was lovely, well done!” Bruno concluded, “The shapes were very good … Lovely, lovely placement.”
JK, 9:11pm — Their dance seemed like a perfect match with “Kiss the Girl.”
SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (8), Bruno (8) = 24 out of 30.
JK, 9:12pm — She got all 8’s, is she safe?
CM, 9:13pm — I don’t think so.
DM, 9:14pm — I liked that dance, but it needed a little more oomph — that’s a technical dance term, of course. I agree that could put her at risk next week if she survives this week. She needs a dance that will really distinguish her from the rest.
DM, 9:16pm — It’s interesting this season: there are no terrible dancers left, and a lot of pretty good ones, so it’s especially competitive to try not to be eliminated since everyone is so evenly matched. There’s no buffer.
Terrell Owens and Cheryl Burke – Quickstep – “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from “The Lion King”
DM, 9:16pm — Time for a 1990s Disney classic, “The Lion King.”
JUDGES — Len said, “For a big guy you dance with speed and control … Well done.” Bruno added, “You definitely looked like the leader of the pride! … Even the footwork was much, much better than usual.” Carrie Ann concluded, “Something has completely shifted in you … There’s an enthusiasm and a connected ness to the storytelling … There was not one mistake.”
JK, 9:22pm — Solid performance from Terrell this week.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Len (8), Bruno (8) = 25 out of 30
DM, 9:23pm — I thought it was solid too, I wouldn’t have given that 9 personally — that was very generous — but it’s nice to see him continue to improve.
Frankie Muniz and Witney Carson – Argentine Tango – “Angelica” from “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
DM, 9:28pm — Looking forward to another Frankie Muniz routine. He’s proven he has the swagger for Jack Sparrow in “Pirates of the Caribbean” — fingers crossed! “This is going to be the biggest challenge so far,” says Frankie about the challenge of projecting sexiness.
JUDGES — Bruno said, “You’ve got your first blockbuster! I liked the smoldering, sensual intensity. The choreography was superb.” Carrie Ann added, “Frankie, you’ve got some pirate game going on! I did see one mistake, but it wasn’t you, Frankie, it was Whitney … You nailed it.” Len concluded, “That was a proper, swashbuckling routine … It was a magnificent effort.”
JK, 9:34pm — As a straight man, let me say that was sexy.
CM, 9:34pm — Great job! First perfect score?
DM, 9:34pm — I’m not sure it’s perfect, but I’d say 9s, I really enjoyed that, terrific job by Frankie.
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Len (9), Bruno (10) = 29 out of 30
JK, 9:36pm — Cordell was almost right!
DM, 9:36pm — Wow, I’m surprised Carrie Ann gave a 10 given Witney’s mistake.
Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold – Foxtrot – “You’re Welcome” from “Moana”
DM, 9:40pm — Okay, let’s see how Jordan Fisher’s foxtrot compares to Lindsey Stirling’s.
DM, 9:41pm — Jordan Fisher has spent his career in Disney, and he recorded his own version of this song. That couldn’t hurt.
JUDGES — Carrie Ann said, “You are unstoppable. Your talent is so undeniable … You delivered it so perfectly.” Len added, “What pleased me so much was all the foxtrot in hold … I’m normally not a big fan of that mucking about in the middle, but that part in hold was so good I can forgive anything.” Bruno concluded, “This is how you would dance foxtrot in the 21st century … You kept the technique absolutely perfect.”
JK, 9:46pm — That was excellent!
DM, 9:46pm — I have a feeling it’ll be 10s and one 9 from Len for the “mucking about.”
SCORES — Carrie Ann (10), Len (10), Bruno (10) = 30 out of 30
JK, 9:47pm — First perfect of the season!
CM, 9:47pm — Well deserved!
DM, 9:48pm — Complete deserved, though it makes me wonder why they were so stingy to Lindsey Stirling. Even Len gave her a 10.
CM, 9:49pm — I agree. The guys minus Nick are bringing it.
DM, 9:50pm — And even Nick wasn’t too bad.
JK, 9:50pm — So far, it’s been a good night for everyone.
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev – Jazz – “Remember Me” from Disney•Pixar’s upcoming animated feature, “Coco”
DM, 9:52pm — Tough act to follow for Nikki Bella, but she’s tapping into her own Mexican heritage for a song from the upcoming “Coco,” so I think she has the potential to really excel.
JUDGES — Len said, “That dance summed up the whole night, so joyous and full of fun … It was your best dance.” Bruno added, “It’s fiesta time … You were just blossoming tonight … Wonderful!” Carrie Ann concluded, “You introduced us to something so fantastic … The way you executed it was so pure.”
DM, 9:57pm — I hope Nikki gets 9s for that, I really thought it was excellent
SCORES — Carrie Ann (9), Len (9), Bruno (9) = 27 out of 30
ELIMINATION RESULTS
First couple in jeopardy: Sahsa and Gleb
Second couple in jeopardy: Frankie and Witney
The couple going home is … Sasha and Gleb
JK, 10:00pm — No surprise, but at least she did a good job tonight.
CM, 10:00pm — Next week bottom two: Nick and Vanessa
DM, 10:00pm — How much longer does Nick coast through on low scores? Is he this season’s Bonner Bolton?
CM, 10:00pm — Nick is leaving next week.
JK, 10:01pm — And thank goodness Frankie didn’t just become this season’s Heather Morris.
Complete Judges’ Leaderboard
1. Jordan Fisher — 30
2. Frankie Muniz — 29
3. Lindsey Stirling — 28
4. Victoria Arlen — 27
4. Nikki Bella — 27
6. Terrell Owens — 25
6. Drew Scott — 25
8. Vanessa Lachey — 24
8. Sasha Pieterse — 24 (ELIMINATED)
10. Nick Lachey — 22
Final Predictions Contest Results
Who was eliminated? Sasha Pieterse
Who got the judges’ HIGHEST score? Jordan Fisher (30 out of 30)
Who got the judges’ LOWEST score? Nick Lachey (22 out of 30)
How many 10s did the judges give out? 5 to 9 (6 to be exact)
Which judge gave the MOST overall points? Carrie Ann Inaba (88)
Which judge gave the FEWEST overall points? Bruno Tonioli (86)
Did Carrie Ann Inaba comment on an unauthorized lift? No
Be sure to make your predictions so that the contestants can see how they’re faring in our racetrack odds. You can keep changing your predictions until just before the next episode airs every Monday on ABC. You’ll compete to win a spot on our leaderboard and eternal bragging rights. See our contest rules and sound off with other fans in our reality TV forum. Read more Gold Derby entertainment news.
