For the first night of the finals on Nov. 21, each couple will perform two dances, and at the end of the night, one couple will be eliminated.
The band Train will also perform live!
First up, Calvin Johnson Jr. & Lindsay Arnold did their redemption dance, a Viennese Waltz to “I Am Your Man” by Ryan Shaw. Head judge Len Goodman is back and said Calvin is “without a doubt the most improved dancer in the competition.” Julianne Hough said his frame, posture and footwork was so much better than the first time. Bruno Tonioli said he was very watchable. Carrie Ann Inaba said she was going to knock off a point for a lift since she saw Lindsay’s foot come off the ground. Then, his son surprised him! Tears already. They got a 35 out of 40!
DWTS Season 23 Finale — Pics From The Last Week Of Competition
Next, Jana Kramer & Gleb Savchenko got a chance at redemption on their week two Tango, when Jana was injured. This week, Gleb has the flu but danced anyway, and it was good…but could have been better. I wanted to love it! Julianne said she didn’t feel the spark she was hoping for. Bruno said he felt the spark and that Jana is “hotter than hell.” He loved their determination and passion. Carrie Ann said she matched Gleb’s intensity. They got a 35 out of 40.
Then, Laurie Hernandez & Valentin Chmerkovskiy did their redemption Paso Doblé to “Wicked Ones” by Dorothy. Bruno said that tonight, her shapes were perfect. Carrie Ann said she is the most determined soul she has ever met. Len said “there was nothing in that dance I didn’t like.” Julianne said she saw their chemistry. They got a 38 out of 40!
Next, Train performed their new song “Play That Song.”
James Hinchcliffe and Sharna Burgess did a redemption Foxtrot to “It Had to Be You” by Harry Connick Jr. They got some special coaching from season five champion Hélio Castroneves! Unfortunately, there was a slight trip over Sharna’s skirt! Carrie Ann said he is sexy because he glides like he is ice skating. Len said it was fantastic. Julianne said from day one, he has been the whole package. Bruno said it was top quality and he was totally engrossed from beginning to end. They got a 37!
For the second round, each couple had to perform a very important freestyle.
First, Jana and Gleb’s freestyle was to “Unstoppable” by Sia. It was super powerful and emotional but Gleb messed up a step in the middle. Len loved the concept and said it was a beautiful performance. Julianne said she could see the disappointment on Jana’s face but said she should be happy with the performance. Bruno said it was an emotional rollercoaster and that she was fearless in the dance. Carrie Ann said she has so much respect for Jana and called the dance stunning. They got a 36 out of 40, for a total score of 71. Gleb was so sad he messed up during the dance, he was almost crying!
Calvin and Lindsay performed their freestyle to a “Please Mr. Postman”/”I Want You Back” medley by The Marvelettes/Jackson 5. Julianne absolutely “loved it.” Bruno said “after this, straight to Broadway!” Carrie Ann said the world needs more of Calvin! They got a perfect 40, so they got a total score of 75!
Laurie & Val danced freestyle to “Brand New” by Ben Rector. It captured her child-like enthusiasm with a playground theme. Bruno said it had so much energy you could send a rocket to the moon. Carrie Ann said she was crying tears of joy! Len said it was fantastic and he loved it. They got a perfect 40 for a total of 78!
James and Sharna’s freestyle was to “Beethoven’s 5 Secrets” by The Piano Guys. Carrie Ann was crying: “In 23 seasons, I have never, ever seen a more intelligent, artistic, passionate, creative and well danced freestyle. You are the miracle man of season 23!” Len said it was lovely and poignant. Julianne said it was one of the best freestyles she’s ever seen. Bruno said it was visual poetry. They got a perfect 40, for a total score of 77.
Unfortunately, in the end, Jana and Gleb were eliminated.
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