

Episode three of season 18 of Dancing With The Stars was a heart-wrenching night as the stars dedicated their dances to the most memorable year of their life. Co-hosts Erin Andrews and Tom Bergeron led the night of tear-jerking performances. See who is at the top of the leaderboard and who was sent home right here.
James Maslow kicked off the night by dancing the jive with rumored girlfriend Peta Murgatroyd. James danced to a song from 2007, when he overcame bullying from his weight and eventually landed the role in Big Time Rush. Head judge Len Goodman said “was that an earthquake, an aftershock or did you just rock this place? Your best dance, no question!” Bruno Tonioli said: “This jive was superb. You’re a contender.” Carrie Ann Inaba said he continues to surprise her. They got a score of 36 out of 40!
Billy Dee Williams couldn’t dance with partner Emma Slater and had to withdraw the competition because of back problems. The 77-year-old actor gave a valiant effort!
Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes danced the rumba with Tony Dovolani. They danced to the Whitney Houston song she walked down the aisle to to pay homage to her marriage. Guest judge Robin Roberts said: “You are the life of the party. You have this enormous personality but we saw a different side of you tonight.” Bruno called her “naughty NeNe!” Carrie Ann said it was a beautiful dance. Len said he enjoyed watching the tasteful, not raunchy, dance. They got a 31 out of 40.
Singer Cody Simpson danced jazz with pro Witney Carson to his own song “Surfboard.” He danced for the year 2010, when his entire family moved from Australia to Los Angeles in order to help Cody pursue his dream. “So refreshing, so right here, so right now,” Bruno said. “That was so great, fantastic,” Carrie Ann raved. Len said it was “tight, together and well done.” Robin said, “I love your style!” They got a 35!
Danica McKellar danced contemporary with Val Chmerkovskiy to represent the year 2010, when her grandmother passed away and her son was born. “I’m sure your grandmother is smiling down on you. That was the most beautiful, delicate, sincere performance. It was wonderful,” Carrie Ann said. Len said it was smooth like butter on a hot muffin! Robin said: “You are a wonder and a sheer delight. Magnificent to watch.” Bruno said it was enchanting and spellbinding. They got a 36!
With Billy Dee Williams out of the competition, the stars had a bit less pressure on them.
Drew Carey and Cheryl Burke danced the waltz. They danced for the year 2005, when Drew’s son Connor was born, which sparked Drew’s massive weight loss. Len said he thought it was “charming” but “muddled.” Robin called him a “pleasant, beautiful, marvelous surprise.” Carrie Ann said the fact that he was so invested to the dance hurt him because his face seemed tense. They got a 30 out of 40.
Olympic ice dancer Meryl Davis danced the foxtrot with Maks Chmerkovskiy. Meryl’s dance represented the 17 year journey to the Olympic gold medal she won with partner Charlie White in 2014. “Irresistibly romantic. It was like watching a love story. Technically, what you put in was incredible,” Bruno said. “I burst into tears in the middle of that routine because it was just so beautiful. You are out of this world extraordinary. Maks is so inspired by you,” Carrie Ann raved. They got three perfect 10’s, and a total score of 39! The first 10 of the season!
Amy Purdy, the Olympic snowboarder with two prosthetic legs, danced contemporary with Derek Hough. She danced for 1999, the year when she lost both her legs to meningitis. They danced a beautiful performance to “Only Human.” “There won’t be a dry eye in the country tonight. Borderline miraculous,” Bruno said. Carrie Ann said Amy was so inspiring, especially while exposing her legs and feet for the first time. “I hope you know what you are doing for people. Anyone who is facing a challenge, you let them know they can begin again,” Robin said. They got a 36!
Charlie White danced the jive with pro Sharna Burgess. He picked the year 2010, where he won the silver medal in the Olympics. It gave him a monumental drive to go back and win the gold in 2014! “That was fantastic, but you were ahead of the music twice!” Carrie Ann picked. Len said it was happy hour! “Marvelous,” raved Robin. “Work it because you can. It was cheerful, delightful, uplifting,” Bruno said, continuing “tonight was one of the most extraordinary nights in all 18 seasons.” They got a 36!
Candace Cameron Bure danced the jive with Mark Ballas for the year 1995 as a Full House tribute. “I loved the energy. I thought it was sharp and clean. It was a proper ballroom jive,” Len said. Robin said it was wonderful to watch. “When you let loose, it’s so much fun. Great job!” Carrie Ann said. They got a 32.
Remember that the celebs are switching partners NEXT WEEK — vote on who should end up together! Luckily, after the one week switch, the partners go back to the original parings!
Was Amy’s dance the most emotional dance ever, HollywoodLifers?
— Dory Larrabee-Zayas