The thirteenth week of Dancing With the Stars centered on a nostalgic "Yacht Rock" theme, bringing 1970s and 1980s soft-rock classics to the ballroom floor. While several contestants earned high praise from the judges, the evening concluded with the unexpected elimination of pop singer Taylor Hanson and his partner, Britt Stewart.
Harry Shum Jr. Earns a Perfect 24-Point Score with Hall & Oates
Harry Shum Jr. delivered one of the most technically impressive performances of the night, securing a total of 24 out of 30 points. Performing a Jive to the Hall & Oates hit "You Make My Dreams (Come True)," Shum Jr. received perfect 8s from judges Derek Hough , Bruno Tonioli, and Carrie Ann Inaba. according to the report, Hough encouraged the pair to keep their energy levels rising,while Tonioli specifically lauded the "crisp footwork" displayed throughout the routine.
Taylor Hanson’s Doobie Brothers Foxtrot Ends in a Shocking Exit
The most significant development of the evening was the sudden departure of Taylor Hanson and his dance partner, Britt Stewart. The pair performed a Foxtrot set to "What a Fool Believes" by The Doobie Brothers, a routine that the judges praised for its lyrical movement. However, the panel suggested that Hanson needed to add more strength to his dance expression to truly command the floor.
Despite the lyrical quality of the dance, the duo was eliminated, a move that reportedly left both fans and fellow competitors stunned. The report notes that while other couples survived the night, the exit of the pop star duo served as the primary dramatic climax of the episode.
Maura Higgins and Ezra Frech Lead the Yacht Rock Charge
The Yacht Rock theme provided a diverse musical backdrop that allowed several other contestants to showcase different dance styles. Maura Higgins executed a Quickstep to George Benson's "Turn Your Love Around," which judge Bruno Tonioli described as the "epitome of classic dance," comparing her elegance to a "modern Audrey Hepburn." Similarly, Ezra Frech and partner Daniella Karagach earned 21 out of 30 points for their Foxtrot to "Just the Two of Us" by Grover Washington Jr.. The report notes that the smooth jazz rhythm created a striking contrast for the pair, highlighted by a well-timed lift.
Other performers also leaned heavily into the era's aesthetic to satisfy the judges. Amber Glenn and partner Pasha Pashkov performed a Foxtrot to Toto's "Hold the Line," receiving praise from Derek Hough for matching the music's 180-beat tempo.. Meanwhile, Jenna Dewan tackled a Samba to Toto's "Africa," a performance that earned "sizzling" compliments from Tonioli, though Carrie Ann Inaba suggested the dancer work on relaxing her intensity.
The Mystery of the Next Week's Unannounced Challenge
While the episode provided high-energy performances, several details regarding the competition's progression remain unclear.. The source mentions an "official 8 dance explanation" and a "next reveal," but these points are presented with significant ambiguity. It remains unknown what specific theme or format will be introduced in the upcoming week, as the report concludes with a vague promise to "keep dealing news." Additionally, the source does not clarify how the voting or elimination process will shift as the number of remainning couples decreases, nor does it provide specifics on the "highly-anticipated duet" mentioned in passing.
Comments 0