Dancing with the StarsLive Recap: FromHerculestoDeadpool & Wolverine, 8 Dancers Bring Magic to Disney Night

Mar. 15, 2025

(L-R) Dwight Howard, Danielle Karagach, Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten.Photo:Disney/Eric McCandless (2)

Disney/Eric McCandless (2)

Tonight,Dancing with the Starsbecomes the happiest place on Earth!

Last week,BachelorJoey Graziadeiand former NFL playerDanny Amendolaended the night at the top of the leaderboard, whileDwight Howardfound himself at the bottom of the batch after dancing to an original song he wrote for his children.

Between the viewers' votes and the judges' scores,Brooks NaderandGleb Savchenko,Chandler Kinneyand Brandon Armstrong, Dwight and Daniella Karagach landed in the bottom three. Co-hostAlfonso RibeiroandJulianne Houghthen announced that Brooks and Gleb would be the ones going home.

Read on to find out how all eight contestants fared with their Disney numbers.

(Note: the most recent updates appear at the top, so scroll all the way down to start from the beginning of the show.)

The Results Are InOctober 22, 2024 10:06 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAfter the final dance of the night, America voted to keep their favorite couples in the running for the coveted mirrorball trophy.Alfonso and Julianne announced that the couples who were safe were: Chandler and Brandon, Ilona and Alan, Danny and Witney, Joey and Jenna and Dwight and Daniella.This left Jenn and Sasha, Phaedra and Val and Stephen and Rylee on the chopping block. After much suspense, America voted to send Phaedra and Val home.When asked if she had a message to Val, Phaedra said, “Val has been the best coach ever. I wanted to thank him for just being patient and just allowing me to explore dance.““I’m so so lucky to be partnered with Phaedra, and it’s an amazing season,” Val added. “And like I said, dance for me is a way to be of service to others, and I was able to be of service to Phaedra.”

The Results Are In

October 22, 2024 10:06 PM EDT

After the final dance of the night, America voted to keep their favorite couples in the running for the coveted mirrorball trophy.

Alfonso and Julianne announced that the couples who were safe were: Chandler and Brandon, Ilona and Alan, Danny and Witney, Joey and Jenna and Dwight and Daniella.

This left Jenn and Sasha, Phaedra and Val and Stephen and Rylee on the chopping block. After much suspense, America voted to send Phaedra and Val home.

When asked if she had a message to Val, Phaedra said, “Val has been the best coach ever. I wanted to thank him for just being patient and just allowing me to explore dance.”

“I’m so so lucky to be partnered with Phaedra, and it’s an amazing season,” Val added. “And like I said, dance for me is a way to be of service to others, and I was able to be of service to Phaedra.”

Team Goofs Isn’t Here to Play!October 22, 2024 09:59 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostTeam Goofs consisted of team captain Ilona, Joey, Chandler and Jenn. As the group gathered in the rehearsal studio, the celebrity contestants went around sharing their biggest strengths.Ilona joked that she was a “personality hire,” Joey said he was all smiles, Jenn sweetly added she liked to lighten the “mood” and Chandler quipped she was bringing her “gyrations” into the mix.As the team practiced their special tricks and lifts, Jenn reflected on how surreal it was to be performing onDWTSwith Joey.“Looking back last year being on Joey’sBachelorseason, I [did] not think that we’d both be dancing together right now,” she laughed. “Joey may not have given me a rose, but he’s giving me a lift at this point in the competition.“Eventually, it came time for Team Goofs to face the music. The team crushed their number to “121” fromA Goofy Movieand impressed both judges and audience members.“That was the best [dance] of the entire competition!” Derek raved before Bruno addressed the female dancers, “But I have to say girls, at times I couldn’t tell who the professional was. You were killing it.“Score: 27/30

Team Goofs Isn’t Here to Play!

October 22, 2024 09:59 PM EDT

Team Goofs consisted of team captain Ilona, Joey, Chandler and Jenn. As the group gathered in the rehearsal studio, the celebrity contestants went around sharing their biggest strengths.

Ilona joked that she was a “personality hire,” Joey said he was all smiles, Jenn sweetly added she liked to lighten the “mood” and Chandler quipped she was bringing her “gyrations” into the mix.

As the team practiced their special tricks and lifts, Jenn reflected on how surreal it was to be performing onDWTSwith Joey.

“Looking back last year being on Joey’sBachelorseason, I [did] not think that we’d both be dancing together right now,” she laughed. “Joey may not have given me a rose, but he’s giving me a lift at this point in the competition.”

Eventually, it came time for Team Goofs to face the music. The team crushed their number to “121” fromA Goofy Movieand impressed both judges and audience members.

“That was the best [dance] of the entire competition!” Derek raved before Bruno addressed the female dancers, “But I have to say girls, at times I couldn’t tell who the professional was. You were killing it.”

Score: 27/30

Team Roar Has Bite!October 22, 2024 09:59 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostIn the first group dance of the night, dance captain Dwight recruited Danny, Stephen and Phaedra to form Team Roar and organize a routine toThe Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.““I chose this team because we are strong, strong and legendary athletes,” Dwight explained before the group dove into rehearsals to prepare something special for the judges.With an elimination on the line, the group put in the work to make sure no one from their group would be leaving the competition.“It’s the first time all of us are gonna be without our partners,” Dwight said before Danny added, “We got strength, energy and power, and that’s what’s gonna give us the edge.“When it came time for their performance, the group impressed the judges and the audience with their poses and stunts.“It was like watching a pride of lions and lionesses competing for supremacy,” Bruno gushed. “You managed to produce some very lovely images. Now, group numbers, you have to be totally in sync all the time. It was great, but [you weren’t in sync] all the way through, but great fun.“Score: 24/30

Team Roar Has Bite!

In the first group dance of the night, dance captain Dwight recruited Danny, Stephen and Phaedra to form Team Roar and organize a routine toThe Lion King’s “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King.”

“I chose this team because we are strong, strong and legendary athletes,” Dwight explained before the group dove into rehearsals to prepare something special for the judges.

With an elimination on the line, the group put in the work to make sure no one from their group would be leaving the competition.

“It’s the first time all of us are gonna be without our partners,” Dwight said before Danny added, “We got strength, energy and power, and that’s what’s gonna give us the edge.”

When it came time for their performance, the group impressed the judges and the audience with their poses and stunts.

“It was like watching a pride of lions and lionesses competing for supremacy,” Bruno gushed. “You managed to produce some very lovely images. Now, group numbers, you have to be totally in sync all the time. It was great, but [you weren’t in sync] all the way through, but great fun.”

Score: 24/30

One Couple Gets ImmunityOctober 22, 2024 09:37 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostAfter the first round of dances, Alfonso and Julianne announced that one couple would be getting immunity based on their cumulative scores.“Chandler and Brandon, have the highest total of cumulative judges points across the season,” Alfonso explained. “So you have won immunity from next week’s dance off, plus you’ll start the week with three bonus points if you survive tonight’s elimination.The couple was all smiles as they reacted to the news. While Chandler shared her gratitude for the advantage, Brandon joked, “I feel like the pretty girl in high school for the first time, so I’m really excited.”

One Couple Gets Immunity

October 22, 2024 09:37 PM EDT

After the first round of dances, Alfonso and Julianne announced that one couple would be getting immunity based on their cumulative scores.

“Chandler and Brandon, have the highest total of cumulative judges points across the season,” Alfonso explained. “So you have won immunity from next week’s dance off, plus you’ll start the week with three bonus points if you survive tonight’s elimination.

The couple was all smiles as they reacted to the news. While Chandler shared her gratitude for the advantage, Brandon joked, “I feel like the pretty girl in high school for the first time, so I’m really excited.”

Ilona Will Never Break

October 22, 2024 09:32 PM EDT

Ilona and her partner Alan delighted the audience with their fun Jazz routine to Encanto’s “Surface Pressure.”

“I too, grew up as a bigger female,” she explained in rehearsal. “She is big and she’s broad and she’s so strong, but she feels so beautiful. She doesn’t ever try to shrink herself or make herself small for the world.”

Ilona added, “I love that people are seeing that in me as well. Now, we can decide how we feel about our bodies.”

The couple then took the stage, and left the audience awestruck when Ilona displayed her strength and athleticism through tough lifts and poses.

“You’re so relatable, but also you’re so captivating when you when when you dance, you really are,” Derek smiled as the judges gave their feedback.

Bruno, on the other hand, joked Ilona could “lift a rhino with a finger” while giving her props for her performance.

Score: 25/30

Dwight Is Back In Action!October 22, 2024 09:21 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostBefore performing their Tango toWreck It Ralph’s “When Can I See You Again,” Dwight and his partner Daniella reflected on last week’s performance and their current last place standing on the leaderboard.“I couldn’t catch my breath,” the former NBA player recalled before Daniella shared how “nerves” can affect his performance. “It doesn’t feel good to be at the bottom of the leaderboard. I think I got a little overwhelmed with my kids being the audience. I just wanted to make them proud.“Despite last week’s scores, Dwight and Daniella put their best foot forward and embodied fun and joy in their energetic performance.“I am pleased to say you did not wreck the tango,” Bruno told the couple. “You made it fun. And to be brief, I can really appreciate how much work you put into this. She gave you so many steps, the correct steps, and you have improved at every level.“Score: 24/30

Dwight Is Back In Action!

October 22, 2024 09:21 PM EDT

Before performing their Tango toWreck It Ralph’s “When Can I See You Again,” Dwight and his partner Daniella reflected on last week’s performance and their current last place standing on the leaderboard.

“I couldn’t catch my breath,” the former NBA player recalled before Daniella shared how “nerves” can affect his performance. “It doesn’t feel good to be at the bottom of the leaderboard. I think I got a little overwhelmed with my kids being the audience. I just wanted to make them proud.”

Despite last week’s scores, Dwight and Daniella put their best foot forward and embodied fun and joy in their energetic performance.

“I am pleased to say you did not wreck the tango,” Bruno told the couple. “You made it fun. And to be brief, I can really appreciate how much work you put into this. She gave you so many steps, the correct steps, and you have improved at every level.”

Danny Amendola Is a FighterOctober 22, 2024 09:08 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostDanny and his partner Witney embodied superhero frenemies with their Jazz routine toDeadpool & Wolverine’s “Bye Bye Bye.“The two flew across stage as they performed an elegant but high-stakes dance that paid homage to the movie’s chaotic fight sequence. After incorporating gravity-defying lifts and blowing kisses to the audience, Danny and Witney received rave reviews from judges.“I love the fact you incorporated really everything from the opening of the movie in a wonderful, wonderful way – it worked,” Bruno gushed. “It was strong. You were right on it. Great tribute to the excitement of Marvel.““I feel like people were kind of sleeping on you a little bit, Danny, at the beginning. And then after last week, they’re like, ‘Wait, what’s going on over here?'” Derek added, noting how the duo may have another “fantastic viral hit on our hands.“Score: 27/30

Danny Amendola Is a Fighter

October 22, 2024 09:08 PM EDT

Danny and his partner Witney embodied superhero frenemies with their Jazz routine toDeadpool & Wolverine’s “Bye Bye Bye.”

The two flew across stage as they performed an elegant but high-stakes dance that paid homage to the movie’s chaotic fight sequence. After incorporating gravity-defying lifts and blowing kisses to the audience, Danny and Witney received rave reviews from judges.

“I love the fact you incorporated really everything from the opening of the movie in a wonderful, wonderful way – it worked,” Bruno gushed. “It was strong. You were right on it. Great tribute to the excitement of Marvel.”

“I feel like people were kind of sleeping on you a little bit, Danny, at the beginning. And then after last week, they’re like, ‘Wait, what’s going on over here?'” Derek added, noting how the duo may have another “fantastic viral hit on our hands.”

Phaedra Parks Is E-Vil

October 22, 2024 08:57 PM EDT

The reality star and her partner Val dazzled the audience with their Jazz routine to “Cruella de Vil” from101 Dalmatians.

“Competition is very intense. Everyone is so good, and I don’t want to be the one to go home,” she confessed.

Despite getting frustrated with hitting certain moves, Phaedra pulled it together and showed off her “sassy” side as she moved across the dance floor.

“That dance was devilishly delightful. It really was,” Derek gushed. “The choreography was smart, the concept was complete. It felt like a Broadway show.”

Chandler Kinney Returns With a Vengance!October 22, 2024 08:49 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostChandler Kinney came back in a fierce way after receiving some tough feedback for last week’s performance.Alongside her partner Brandon Armstrong, the actress flew across the stage as the two wowed the audience with their Paso Doble to “We Own The Night” fromZOMBIES 2– Chandler’s breakout film.“I know it can be difficult sometimes to hear the things we say,” Carrie Ann told Chandler after their dance. “I totally understand that, what makes me happy is when I’m proven wrong.“She added, “That was a passionate, powerful performance, and I bet it felt amazing.“Score: 27/30

Chandler Kinney Returns With a Vengance!

October 22, 2024 08:49 PM EDT

Chandler Kinney came back in a fierce way after receiving some tough feedback for last week’s performance.

Alongside her partner Brandon Armstrong, the actress flew across the stage as the two wowed the audience with their Paso Doble to “We Own The Night” fromZOMBIES 2– Chandler’s breakout film.

“I know it can be difficult sometimes to hear the things we say,” Carrie Ann told Chandler after their dance. “I totally understand that, what makes me happy is when I’m proven wrong.”

She added, “That was a passionate, powerful performance, and I bet it felt amazing.”

Joey Fulfills a Childhood Dream

October 22, 2024 08:41 PM EDT

Joey and his partner Jenna received a standing ovation for their Samba to “Trashin’ The Camp” fromTarzan.

When it came time for his performance, Joey fully embodied the wild character as flew across the stage shirtless in a long brown wig. The audience rose to their feet after they successfully finished their dance and the judges had nothing but glowing reviews.

Bruno said Joey “tamed the savage” as he gave him props for mastering a difficult dance. Derek, on the other hand, admitted Joey was a “top contender” but added he could “work” on his arms.

Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber Feel SparksOctober 22, 2024 08:29 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostJenn and Sasha brought all of the feels with their Rumba toThe Little Mermaid’s “Kiss The Girl.“In preparation for their performance, Jenn and Sasha had their “first date” riding swan boats in Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, Calif. As the couple took in the sights, Jenn teased Sasha and asked if he was trying to “hold my hand.“The pro dancer told cameras that he wanted the dance to be “elegant, classy, beautiful – everything that she is” before telling Jenn, “You really do make this competition so much fun for me.“After their beautiful performance, the judges had glowing feedback for the duo.“Honestly, is it weird for me to say that I shipped this?” Derek joked, commenting on the couple’s chemistry. “Listen, that was beautiful. And Jenny, I really see you improving each and every week. The confidence is oozing out of your body when you’re moving.“Score: 24/30

Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber Feel Sparks

October 22, 2024 08:29 PM EDT

Jenn and Sasha brought all of the feels with their Rumba toThe Little Mermaid’s “Kiss The Girl.”

In preparation for their performance, Jenn and Sasha had their “first date” riding swan boats in Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, Calif. As the couple took in the sights, Jenn teased Sasha and asked if he was trying to “hold my hand.”

The pro dancer told cameras that he wanted the dance to be “elegant, classy, beautiful – everything that she is” before telling Jenn, “You really do make this competition so much fun for me.”

After their beautiful performance, the judges had glowing feedback for the duo.

“Honestly, is it weird for me to say that I shipped this?” Derek joked, commenting on the couple’s chemistry. “Listen, that was beautiful. And Jenny, I really see you improving each and every week. The confidence is oozing out of your body when you’re moving.”

Stephen Is a Star Reborn!October 22, 2024 08:16 PM EDTCopy The Link To This Blog PostStephen and Rylee were the first to perform their energetic Charleston routine to Hercules’ “A Star Is Born.“In rehearsals, the Olympian shared why he resonated with the demigod as he noted his excitement for the upcoming routine.“Hercules is a strong character. He’s a goofy guy, super strong, likes to flex,” he said before joking, “So I think that buying in this character is going to be easier for me, but I’m a little too pale, right?“After wowing the audience with kicks, twirls and dips, judge Carrie Ann Inaba showered the duo with praise and likened Stephen to a “hero” – despite noting his issues with timing.“When you took off your glasses, a star was absolutely born,” Derek Hough agreed. “I love the athleticism. I love your performances. It always brings so much joy, but let’s work on that timing in the future.“Score: 24/30

Stephen Is a Star Reborn!

October 22, 2024 08:16 PM EDT

Stephen and Rylee were the first to perform their energetic Charleston routine to Hercules' “A Star Is Born.”

In rehearsals, the Olympian shared why he resonated with the demigod as he noted his excitement for the upcoming routine.

“Hercules is a strong character. He’s a goofy guy, super strong, likes to flex,” he said before joking, “So I think that buying in this character is going to be easier for me, but I’m a little too pale, right?”

After wowing the audience with kicks, twirls and dips, judge Carrie Ann Inaba showered the duo with praise and likened Stephen to a “hero” – despite noting his issues with timing.

“When you took off your glasses, a star was absolutely born,” Derek Hough agreed. “I love the athleticism. I love your performances. It always brings so much joy, but let’s work on that timing in the future.”

The Pros Perform the Opening Number

October 22, 2024 08:04 PM EDT

TheDancing with the Starspros kicked off Disney Night with an epic group number to Aladdin’s “Friend Like Me.”

Stephen Nedoroscik Gets Tanned and Toned!

October 22, 2024 07:53 PM EDT

The 25-year-old gymnast got his first spray tan in preparation for Disney Night onDancing with the Stars, and his partner Rylee Arnold was there to film the entire thing.

Nedoroscik and Arnold will perform the Charleston to “A Star Is Born” fromHercules, meaning a sun-kissed appearance was necessary for the transformation.

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source: people.com