"DWTS" Week 6 Recap: Nope, Derek Hough Didn't Propose on Live TV
Please hold for applause: We’re now roughly halfway through this season of “Dancing with the Stars,” mid-pandemic, without a single case of COVID-19. Apparently we can have some good things this year!
And last night’s episode of “DWTS” was particularly dance-tastic, complete with a special dance-pearance by judge Derek Hough. And while we were a little disappointed by certain aspects of his performance (please refer to this article’s headline), it was all kinds of amazing to see Derek back dancing in the ballroom. But in case you missed it (or you were too busy voting early—go you!), here are all the highlights from last night’s episode.
Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson: Jazz
This performance by Nev Schulman and Jenna Johnson made us feel *all* the nostalgia. Because honestly, we’re pretty sure every dancer in history has performed a jazz routine almost exactly like this one, set to this exact song. The cheesy smiles! The pas de bourrées on the diagonal! The Calypso leaps! BRB, just getting emotionally transported to our 2008 end-of-year dance recitals. Nev and Jenna’s jazz got two 9s and one 8 from the judges, for a total 26. And we got flashbacks to all of our worst recital costumes ever.
Jeannie Mai and Brandon Armstrong: Rumba
Whatever it is that Jeannie Mai is selling, we’re buying it. TBH, we were a little worried that Miss Mai would lose some of her signature sparkle this week, with a slowed-down rumba. But of course she proved us wrong, delivering a smooth, sultry rumba with all of the emotion we’re used to seeing from Jeannie (plus the perfect statement lip). Jeannie and partner Brandon Armstrong received two 8s and one 9 from the judges, for a total score of 25.
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev: Samba
We love that Kaitlyn Bristowe is a closet Belieber. We’re not “Sorry” to admit that we’re pretty huge fans of the Biebz, as well. (And yes, we’re well aware of how uncool that sounded.) Kaitlyn brought all of her Bieber fangirl energy to this samba, and totally lit up the ballroom alongside partner Artem Chigvintsev. The judges gave Kaitlyn and Artem three 9s, for a total 27, placing them at the top of the leaderboard.
But even with all of these incredible performances by our lovely stars, for us, the highlight of the evening had to be seeing judge Derek Hough dancing in the “DWTS” ballroom for the first time in three (!) years. And as an extra-special bonus, he was dancing alongside his girlfriend (and DS fave) Hayley Erbert. And before you ask, no, Derek did not propose to Hayley on live TV as we were all not-so-secretly hoping he would. As if we haven’t suffered enough this year.
And if that wasn’t enough disappointment for one evening, we faced the elimination of another couple last night. After the scores and votes were tallied, Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart ended up in jeopardy alongside Vernon Davis and Peta Murgatroyd. The judges voted to save Johnny and Britt, sending Vernon and Peta home.
If this week’s elimination hit home, buckle your seatbelts and get ready to vote, “DWTS” fans—because there’s rumors of a double elimination on the horizon…
