It's the semifinals and even the producers know that Tommy will be the wild card that can throw a wrench into the other contestants' chances. We welcomed all five finalists as they all danced a little bit. The contestants all have two dances set to the same song, but to two different versions - one regular "plugged" version, the second a stripped down "unplugged" version. This challenge makes a return from its original debut back in Season 17.
Round One: "Plugged" Dances
Sadie & Mark
Song: “Problem” by Arianna Grande
Dance: Quickstep
Mark was completely nervous when he saw that Sadie forgot the choreography right at the end of her last song. She wanted to be perfect and it caused her to mess up. During rehearsals, Sadie needed extra time because her confidence was shot from last week. Sadie started to freak out as the week progressed. Sadie got into hold immediately as the couple danced. Mark's cheeky shoulder motions and use of dance floor was nice. There was a lot of time spent just circling around, but Mark adhered to the rules of the Quickstep as they only broke hold for the last few bars of the routine.
Len knew how quick the routine was and loved every bit of the routine. Julianne called Sadie a breath of fresh air. Bruno called her natural and fresh; he appreciated Mark's choreography. Carrie Ann loved Sadie's body contact and attention to detail.
Score: 37 (9,10,9,9)
Tommy & Peta
Song: “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell
Dance: Jazz
Tommy was convinced that he was gone last week. Peta was shocked how strong his fan base actually was. This week, Tommy was ready to go, motivated by his fans. The jazz routine seemed a little easy from the beginning considering the basic side-by-side choreography and the use of tango-style choreography. Tommy clearly forgot his choreography and got to sit down for a lot of the routine. Peta did all she could dancing around Tommy but even the average viewer knew he wasn't going to be the technically strongest.
Julianne thought the routine was wild; she was entertained. Bruno enjoyed every minute. Carrie Ann has respect for both Tommy and Peta. Len couldn't have done what Tommy has done throughout this show.
Score: 28 (7,7,7,7)
Bethany & Derek
Song: “I Want You Back” by the Jackson Five
Dance: Samba
During rehearsals, Derek was at a creative block. He paced around and, even during the costume consultations, there were no thoughts going through his head. He tried to talk to Mark and he wasn't sure. Bethany stepped up and tried to help him out. Bethany started the dance sitting next to Sasha as Derek bumped him out. I liked the setup but I didn't understand Derek's vest/suspenders combination. There was a lot of samba content and I appreciated the back and forth between the couple. Sasha added a bit more to the end and ended up kissing Derek.
Bruno knew there was a risk from changing the Brazilian undertone. Carrie Ann thought it was a solid samba, but she was a little underwhelmed. Len compared the routine to cotton candy; it was a little sticky at points. Julianne knew the semi-finals put pressure on everyone, but Bethany should get out of her head.
Score: 36 (9,9,9,9)
Janel & Val
Song: “Blame” by Calvin Harris
Dance: Paso Doble
Maks popped in to give some advice to his brother. Val had a heart to heart with Janel about his experience on his show going by so quickly. With time running out, Janel wanted to win both for herself and for Val. The couple began on the main stage and danced in a triangular shape. I liked the shapes that were made with Janel's skirt. As the couple got onto the dance floor, the couple had a fast paced routine where there were moments where I thought Janel was being dragged along too much. The routine felt so short because of the intensity and time spent on the main stage.
Carrie Ann wanted so much more because of how dynamic the routine was. Len thought there was just enough of everything to satisfy him. Julianne saw unity between the two of them. Bruno found the routine powerful.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Alfonso & Witney
Song: “Love Runs Out” by One Republic
Dance: Argentine Tango
Witney wanted to make sure the couple didn't do lunges because of Alfonso's body. As they practiced the Argentine Tango, Alfonso started to feel pain because of his back. He had to listen to the doctors' suggestions and take more rest. The couple got into hold and you could clearly see how Alfonso didn't really put as much bend into his side of the routine. Witney did the smart thing and tried to dance around Alfonso but when you're used to seeing Alfonso put much more effort into a routine, this one lacked oomph.
Len knew that Alfonso could dance; he emphasized pain is temporary. Julianne saw the fight in his routine. Bruno called Alfonso an artist. Carrie Ann loved that he had really good posture.
Score: 36 (9,9,9,9)
[new page='Dancing with the Stars' Season 19 Recap: Week Ten Performances (Plugged/Unplugged Night), Page 2]
Round 2: Unplugged
Sadie & Mark
Dance: Argentine Tango
We learned more about Sadie's beginnings being brought up in a large family with her religious values. When Duck Dynasty began, Sadie's life changed. The family was nervous about her being on DWTS, but they immediately were proud of her. If anything, this experience has allowed her to be more independent. The couple began dancing with a guitar between the two of them. I liked the leg work in the beginning. I was surprised that the guitar was still an integral part of the routine but it allowed the two to have really good leg choreography. I appreciated the lift as well because of the shape the couple had.
Len knew that the Quickstep to Argentine Tango was a large stretch. Julianne loved the guitar innovation and it allowed her to stay true to herself. Bruno saw a grown up nature and Mark pushed her to do well. Carrie Ann appreciated that she captured the depth of the music.
Score: 37 (9,9,10,9)
Tommy & Peta
Dance: Rumba
Tommy explained that the power of laughter gave people joy. He started off in Canada in a family with no plumbing or heat. He became an orphan and an entertainer at the same time. He eventually created Cheech & Chong. In a short period of time, the group became successful. The struggles have shown his growth. The couple began the routine with a very nutcracker style theme. I actually thought it was a smart way to keep Peta's posture straight. Tommy's movements had a strong intent and were surprisingly accurate.
Julianne felt the magical nature of the routine. Bruno commended Peta for the honesty of the choreography. Carrie Ann was in tears of watching the master with his muse. Len knew that Tommy wasn't the judges' favorite, but he's America's favorite.
Score: 34 (9,8,9,8)
Bethany & Derek
Dance: Contemporary
Bethany grew up in California, was home schooled for a few years, and she got bullied at a young age. Her family saw her life being sucked out; her parents were frustrated because they couldn't help. YouTube changed Bethany's life and it showed growth and maturity. The couple used a picture frame as analogy of Bethany. I thought that the routine was sweet and a cute use of the prop. There was levity in the dance and I loved that there was a lot of meaning through the movements.
Bruno called it a modern masterpiece. Carrie Ann loved the stripped down connection. Len called it a Picasso of a dance. Julianne loved that she was breaking through.
Score: 40 (10,10,10,10)
Janel & Val
Dance: Argentine Tango
Janel grew up in Hawaii and always wanted to be in the spotlight. She auditioned for Les Miserables. Janel struggled because she couldn't find a lot of work once they moved to California. She booked the role on Pretty Little Liars and her family has been proud of her successes. Time for Three set the tone of the song and I felt like the beginning took a little long to get into the music. Janel had strong placement when she was moving. The lifts were awkward because of minor dress issues; Janel looked confident either way.
Carrie Ann loved how dynamic Janel is; the lift transitions looked ungraceful. Len loved the mood. Julianne appreciated the dance. Bruno loved the expression and the lifts.
Score: 38 (9,9,10,10)
Alfonso & Witney
Dance: Contemporary
Alfonso was brought up in Harlem and always wanted to act. He looked into tap and dance. He was in Silver Spoons and his career moved on from there. He acknowledged how much Fresh Prince was an impact on him but he puts 100 percent in everything he does. I appreciated this dance much more than his first because Alfonso felt grounded. Some of the choreography to me felt a little cliché, but I liked that Witney was creating a lot of depth with her bending and him standing upright. The lifts were smartly done.
Len loved the drama and passion of the dance. Julianne appreciated how much he let go. Bruno thought the chemistry was sizzling. Carrie Ann thought that was finals worthy.
Score: 39 (10,9,10,10)
The contestants were up under the elimination lights and the couples that were safe were Alfonso & Witney, Janel & Val, and Bethany & Derek. The final two were Sadie and Tommy. The two hugged before the reveal but it was Tommy & Peta that were eliminated.
Week 10 Total Scores
Janel - 78
Bethany - 76
Alfonso - 75
Sadie - 74
Tommy - 62 - Eliminated