

It was an emotional night on the April 6 episode of Dancing With The Stars. The stars opened up and it paid off — two couples got perfect 10s! Read our recap — warning: spoilers below!
Derek Hough and Nastia Liukin were told they were safe and then danced first. Nastia picked 2008, when she won her Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. She danced to the same song, “Dark Eyes,” as she did for her winning performance! Wow, it was insane for week 4! It looked like two professionals. “That was a fantastic dance,” Len Goodman said, but added it didn’t have the character of the Argentine Tango. “You nailed it in 2008 and you nailed it tonight,” Julianne Hough raved. They got a 36, including the first 10 of the season from Bruno Tonioli!
Next up, Peta Murgatroyd and Michael Sam were told they were in jeopardy. Michael opened up about his father, who doesn’t accept his gay lifestyle. They danced the Rumba to “I’m Not My Father’s Son.” Another intense dance that left Michael in tears. “That was awesome, well done,” Julianne said. “You should be very proud of yourself. It takes guts to make a stand in the world,” Bruno said through tears, adding: “Your dancing tonight was the best you’ve ever done.” Carrie Ann Inaba called it breathtaking. They got a 30 out of 40.
Allison Holker and Riker Lynch honored 2014, when his band R5 took off. They danced an amazing Tango! “You have so much talent and so much youthful enthusiasm,” Bruno said. “I see the improvement and it’s fantastic to watch,” Carrie Ann said. Len said he was proud of him. They got a 34 but were told they were in jeopardy.
Kym Johnson and Robert Herjavic honored 2006, when Robert’s very supportive mom passed away of cancer. ALL OF THE TEARS. Even with a sad package, their Waltz was full of joy and smiles. Len said it was his best dance. “Your frame was incredible. It was there, it was strong,” Julianne raved. “You have the best technique and footwork of all the guys.” Bruno said it was absolutely wonderful. They got a 34, their highest score this season!
Chris Soules and Witney Carson danced for 2014, when Chris became The Bachelor and found his other perfect Whitney — his new fiance! “I have to judge purely on the dancing. That wasn’t that great,” Len said. Julianne said that Witney and Chris need more chemistry. Bruno said his performance was honest and genuine. They got a 27/40.
Artem Chigvintsey and Patti LaBelle danced to honor 1973, when her son was born. “You made me want to get out there and dance with you! So fun, I love you!” Julianne said. Carrie Ann just screamed. “It was a cappuccino of a dance. Light and fluffy. Fun and full of rhythm. Good job,” Len said. I know she is a legend but come on, the judging is so biased! They got a 30! Higher than Chris? Seriously?
Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy dedicated her 2014 dance to her sister and anyone who has been bullied. Rumer struggled growing up when everyone said she looked like her masculine father, rather than her beautiful mother. “That dance was a striking reflection of who you are: beautiful, powerful and unique,” Bruno said. Len said it was too contemporary. They got a 35, one point below Nastia and Derek.
Suzanne Somers and Tony Dovolani danced for 1977, when she landed the role in Three’s Company. “You showed depth, confidence, grace — well done,” Carrie Ann said. Len said he liked the dance. “It was fun and charming. Work on your upper body,” Julianne said. They got a 28/40.
Mark Ballas and Willow Shields danced for her most memorable year, which was 2011, when she got the part as Primrose in The Hunger Games. “I’ve never seen The Hunger Games. I thought it was about something to eat. Willow, that was fantastic,” Len said. Julianne said she keeps improving every week. “I am blown away by you, Willow,” Carrie Ann said. They got a 39/40, the highest score of the season!
Finally, Sharna Burgess and Noah Galloway danced a powerful tribute to his time in the Army. Noah’s most memorable year was 2005, when he was hit by a roadside bomb and lost an arm and a leg. “Today, something was different and it was so beautiful. You astonish us every single week,” Julianne said. “You want a super hero, there he is,” Bruno said. Carrie Ann compared his dance to a beautiful haiku — simple but profound. They got a 32!
Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Michael Sam and Peta.
Who had the best dance of the night, HollywoodLifers? Are you sad Michael was eliminated?
— Dory Larrabee-Zayas
Follow @DoryLarrabee