On Sunday, pro Mark Ballas suffered a back injury during rehearsals with UFC fighter Paige VanZant. He was noticeably missing from her performance as a troupe member took his place at the last minute. Ballas’s absence didn’t stop VanZant from tying for first place on the leaderboard for the second week in a row.
During an interview with host Erin Andrews, he said that he is having a few more tests done on Tuesday after the show and will listen to doctors to decide when he can return. That leaves things up in the air for next week. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Ballas’s stand-in learned their next dance and a last-minute decision could determine whether Ballas laces up his dancing shoes for the Most Memorable Year week in the competition.
On a lighter note, Latin Night leveled the playing field for many of the couples. After the first elimination, which bid farewell to journalist Geraldo Rivera, there is still one star falling behind the rest of the pack and a distinct group of leaders. But it’s still anyone’s game as far as the rest of the stars are concerned.
Jodie Sweetin and Keo Motsepe: 21
With the pressure already getting to her in rehearsals, Sweetin hoped her Samba wouldn’t fall short — and it didn’t! Head judge Len Goodman said it was a better routine than week one, but noted that the leg work could have been stronger. Bruno Tonioli was equally thrilled with the performance, though he and Carrie Ann Inaba both commented on how Sweetin tenses up at times during her dance. “You were way in the zone, way more relaxed [than last week],” Inaba cheered.
Marla Maples and Tony Dovolani: 20
After delivering a strong start in week one, Maples turned on the heat for her Argentine tango. If she had performed this style later in the competition, Maples would probably not be as stiff in the legs. Tonioli said she has to “kickass” in the Argentine tango and asked her not to hold back. Inaba appreciated the “elegant” take on this dance style, but she would like to see more angles. Goodman thought it was “clean and polished” but also thought it was “lacking a little bit” of the seduction the Argentine tango is known for.
Geraldo Rivera and Edyta Sliwinska: 13 Eliminated
Rivera had a rocky start last week, but channeled the Donald for his Salsa routine hoping some of the Republican frontrunner’s gusto would rub off on his performance. It may have been a mild improvement from week one, but not one to land him closer to the top of the leaderboard. Tonioli called the routine “impressive for all the wrong reasons” while Inaba quipped, “you did not make dance great again.” Goodman went the diplomatic route and didn’t harp on the bad, but rather praised Rivera for coming on the show with no dance experience.
Paige VanZant and Mark Ballas: 24
As Ballas suffered a back injury during rehearsals, a troupe member joined VanZant for the Salsa. But that didn’t stop the UFC fighter from delivering a high energy dance that left the audience cheering. Goodman declared this the “best dance so far on season 22.” Tonioli marveled at VanZant’s ability to move, but cautioned her not to rush the music. Inaba called VanZant a “powerful” dancer and said she “destroyed that number.”
Antonio Brown and Sharna Burgess: 19
Brown’s silly and larger-than-life personality took on a challenge with the intimate Rumba, which is always a challenge for stars who tackle it early in the season. Goodman said that the routine “lacked a little bit of finesse” but recognized that “there is a dancer inside of you.” Inaba appreciated the chemistry between the two, but cracked down on the lift since the Rumba doesn’t have any lifts.
Kim Fields and Sasha Farber: 19
With some surprise encouragement from Gloria Estefan, Fields attacked her Salsa routine with enthusiasm. But the routine wasn’t as smooth in execution as some of the others tonight. Inaba noticed that she lost track at one point in the dance, but praised the natural performer inside her. Goodman also noticed the mistake, but said she shows “great promise and potential,” while Tonioli would like to see her cover the mistake better in future dances.
Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd: 20
When compared with Brown’s Rumba, DiMarco really nailed the fluidity of the moves. His performance was lyrical and simply beautiful to watch. The judges were very split on their feedback. Inaba and Goodman singled out the lift in the beginning of the dance. Goodman thought the performance was “too hectic” for a slow Latin dance, while Inaba thought it was stunning.
Mischa Barton and Artem Chivgintsev: 15
After getting some critical feedback last week, Barton’s spirits were noticeably down in the rehearsal footage. And while her Cha cha may show some improvement on her week one number, it could have been better. Tonioli praised the amount of Cha cha material in the routine, but said it didn’t fit the music. Inaba noticed that Barton was off beat and Goodman noted that she let her nerves get the better of her.
Von Miller and Witney Carson: 20
How does Carson get back at Miller for calling her a Barbie drill sergeant in last week’s rehearsal tape? By charging him $100 for every infraction, from tardiness to flatulence! Rehearsal antics aside, Inaba said Miller’s Cha cha had some great moments, but she thought he was dancing too small for his frame. Goodman offered some advice about Latin dances in general, and Tonioli thought the Cha cha “got lost in translation” and wants to see future dances not drowned out by Miller’s personality.
Wanya Morris and Lindsey Arnold: 24
Morris and Arnold were looking to cement their status at the top of the leaderboard with their Salsa, and with their second number they did just that! Goodman was admittedly “full of praise” for the high-energy number. Tonioli declared, “that is how you Salsa!” Inaba continued the lovefest and called Morris “the king of the ballroom.”
Doug Flutie and Karina Sminoff: 20
The NFL legend needed a comeback after last week’s low score. Flutie made a strong impression with a fierce Paso doble that had him chasing Smirnoff around the dance floor for all the right reasons. Tonioli called the dance “masculine” while simultaneously offering some feedback on his hip placement. Inaba said it was a “very simple and basic routine” but added that he “worked it.” Goodman thought it had attack, purpose and was better than last week.
Ginger Zee and Val Chmerkovskiy: 21
Zee and Chmerkovksiy ended the night with a Samba the delivered the swag, but didn’t quite live up to their leaderboard-topping performance last week. All of the judges noticed some small footfalls in the middle of the routine, but all praised Zee for not letting that show in her performance. “You bring the feel-good factor,” Tonioli said.