Dancing With The Stars Week 5: A Shocking Elimination Shakes the Most Memorable Performances

Dancing with the Stars Pays Tribute to Beloved Judge Len Goodman

Remembering Len Goodman and Honoring his Legacy

Beloved judge Len Goodman, who passed away from prostate cancer in April at the age of 78, was honored in Tuesday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars. While the theme of the week was Most Memorable Year, the episode was dedicated to paying tribute to Goodman’s contributions to the show. Past professional dancers and current favorites came together to waltz to the tune of “Moon River,” showcasing their talents and expressing their gratitude for having been both complimented and criticized by Goodman.

An Emotional Night of Performances

The episode featured a range of emotional performances, each one connected to a significant year in the lives of the celebrities and their partners. Reality TV star Harry Jowsey, known for his appearance on “Too Hot to Handle,” dedicated his performance to 2020, a year that brought both fame and uncertainty. While his dance lacked technical precision, his chemistry with partner Rylee Arnold made it an enjoyable and sexy performance.

Actress Alyson Hannigan showcased her love for her husband through a beautiful Viennese waltz. Her performance received high praise from judge Derek Hough, who noted the improvement in her frame and overall approach to the dance.

Actress Mira Sorvino’s memorable year was not her Oscar-winning year of 1996, but rather 2004, when she gave birth to her daughter. Sorvino and her daughter danced contemporary together, expressing the joy and connection they share. Judge Derek Hough applauded the joyful performance, acknowledging the deep emotional connection between mother and daughter.

Social media star and Latin music artist Lele Pons chose 2020 as her memorable year. This was the year she released a documentary series about mental health and got married. Pons and her partner Brandon Armstrong delivered a contemporary dance that showcased their progress each week. The performance was hailed as a moving tribute to her husband by judge Derek Hough.

A Tribute Fill with Dynamic Performances

Actor Barry Williams, known for his role in “The Brady Bunch,” picked 1966 as his memorable year. This was the year he joined the iconic show and was being groomed as a teen idol. His performance of the Paso doble to “Born to be Wild” thrilled the audience and judge Derek Hough noted the dynamic content of the dance, saying that Len Goodman would have loved it.

Real estate mogul Mauricio Umansky showcased 1996 as his year of change. Umansky highlighted his transition to the world of real estate through a contemporary dance that laid bare his emotions. The performance was praised by judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who recognized the authenticity of the dance.

Actress Ariana Madix, known for her appearance on “Vanderpump Rules,” dedicated her performance to 2023, a year filled with heartbreak and betrayal. Her non-traditional Viennese waltz showed her lingering anger and resilience. Judge Bruno Tonioli encouraged her to use adversity as a source of strength to achieve victory.

Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz’s memorable year was 1999 when he made the decision to pursue a career in music. His quickstep performance to “On the Road Again” impressed judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who commended the duo’s chemistry and superior performance.

The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson chose 2022 as her memorable year, explaining that it was the year she appeared on the dating show after leaving a toxic relationship. Her contemporary dance, including a daring fall from parallel bars, received high praise from judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who predicted that it would be one of the most memorable performances of the season.

Lastly, actress Xochitl Gomez celebrated her role as the first-ever Latina superhero in 2021. Her Viennese waltz, choreographed by partner Val Chmerkovskiy, was seen as regal and majestic by judge Bruno Tonioli.

A Shocking Elimination

Despite a night filled with outstanding performances, the votes were tight, leading to a surprising bottom three: Alyson Hannigan, Harry Jowsey, and Mira Sorvino. In the end, Sorvino, the Oscar winner, was sent home. The close competition shows the level of talent and dedication from all the contestants.

Editorial: Remembering Len Goodman’s Legacy

An Unforgettable Judge

Len Goodman’s presence on Dancing with the Stars will forever be remembered as one of a kind. His expertise, wit, and charming British accent made him a lovable and respected judge. Goodman had the unique ability to provide constructive criticism without crushing the spirits of the contestants, offering insightful feedback to help them improve. He treated the art of dance with the utmost respect and his absence is deeply felt in the current season.

The Power of Dance

Dancing with the Stars continues to showcase the power of dance in telling stories, expressing emotions, and connecting people. Each performance, from the heartfelt tributes to the powerful showcases of resilience, demonstrates the transformative nature of dance. The ability to communicate through movement and music is truly remarkable, and the show serves as a testament to the universal language of dance.

Continuing the Legacy

While Len Goodman’s absence is deeply felt, the show must go on. It is now up to the remaining judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough, to carry on Goodman’s legacy by providing insightful critiques and maintaining the high standards he set for judging the performances. Their expertise and knowledge will be instrumental in guiding the contestants and ensuring that dance continues to be celebrated in its truest form.

Advice for the Contestants

Embrace the Journey

To the contestants on Dancing with the Stars, the journey is just as important as the end result. Each performance is an opportunity to grow, express, and connect with the audience. Embrace the challenges, learn from the feedback, and continue to push the boundaries of what you believe is possible. Remember that dancing is not just about technical precision but also about telling a story and evoking emotions.

Trust in Your Partner

The bond between a celebrity and their professional partner is crucial to the success of each performance. Trust in your partner’s expertise and guidance, and allow them to push you out of your comfort zone. The chemistry between a celebrity and their partner can elevate the performance and create magical moments on the dance floor.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Journey

While the competition is intense, it is important to have fun and enjoy the journey. Dancing is a celebration of movement, music, and emotion. Embrace the joy and passion of dance, and let it shine through in every step and every performance. The audience can sense when the dancers are truly enjoying themselves, and that connection can make a lasting impact.

In conclusion, Dancing with the Stars continues to captivate audiences with its heartfelt tributes, dynamic performances, and the celebration of the power of dance. The legacy of Len Goodman lives on through the dedication and passion of the contestants, judges, and professional dancers. As the competition intensifies, the remaining contestants must continue to push themselves and embrace the transformative power of dance.