Title: Dancing With the Stars: Latin Night Heats Up the Ballroom
Subtitle: COVID-19 Strikes Again as Artem Chigvintsev Tests Positive; New Pairings and Surprising Performances Mark Dramatic Latin Night
Just when fans thought the worst of the pandemic had ended for Dancing With the Stars, another blow hit the show. Professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has tested positive for COVID-19, leaving his Bachelorette partner Charity Lawson to team up with newcomer Ezra Sosa. This abrupt change in partnerships did not deter Lawson, who showcased her talent on Latin Night.
Unlike previous seasons, this group of contestants consists of straight-up amateurs, lacking prior dance experience or social media fame. It was a refreshing change for the audience, as the performances felt genuinely raw and unsophisticated.
Real estate mogul Mauricio Umansky, paired with Emma Slater, struggled to recover from a rocky premiere night. Amid personal issues at home, Umansky’s salsa routine faltered halfway through, resulting in a score of 12 out of 30. However, judge Bruno Tonioli encouraged Umansky to brush off the setback and start fresh in the next performance.
Reality TV star Harry Jowsey, known for “Too Hot to Handle,” showcased his efforts in learning the salsa. Although he struggled to execute the dance moves perfectly, the judges appreciated his dedication. Jowsey received a score of 15 out of 30, recognizing his perseverance on the dance floor.
Actor Barry Williams, celebrating his 69th birthday, brought flair and energy to his cha-cha routine with partner Peta Murgatroyd. While Williams had a few missteps, he charmed the judges with his confidence and showmanship. Williams earned a score of 15 out of 30, offering room for improvement.
NFL All-Star Adrian Peterson embraced the challenge of the samba, dancing in vibrant pink pants. Although the performance lacked refinement, the judges acknowledged his progress and praised Peterson’s freed up movements. Peterson received a score of 15 out of 30.
Actress Jamie Lynn Spears aimed to channel Penelope Cruz’s sensuality during her cha-cha routine. Despite a slight drop in energy during the middle of the performance, Spears presented improvement from the previous week’s routine. She earned a score of 16 out of 30 from the judges.
Actress Mira Sorvino showcased her samba skills, impressing the judges with her body control and potential. While Sorvino exhibited moments of anxiety, she received words of encouragement from the judges to tap into her fiery side. She scored 18 out of 30 for her performance.
Supermodel Tyson Beckford bounced back from a disappointing performance, displaying significant improvement during his salsa routine with partner Jenna Johnson. Beckford’s dedication to his craft paid off, leading to positive feedback from the judges and a score of 18 out of 30.
Actress Alyson Hannigan embraced the challenge of performing a “sexy” tango, displaying passion and showcasing her anger through her movements. Although her execution had room for refinement, the judges praised Hannigan for her empowered performance. She received a score of 19 out of 30.
Reality star Ariana Madix aimed to achieve a better score this week, impressing the judges with her samba. The performance showcased her natural performer instincts, earning her praise for her sexy moves. Madix secured a score of 20 out of 30.
Social media star and Latin music artist Lele Pons capitalized on Latin night, utilizing her Venezuelan background to enhance her samba routine. Pons started the show with a bang, receiving high appreciation from the judges for her flare and energy. She scored 21 out of 30 for her performance.
The Bachelorette star Charity Lawson, now partnered with Ezra Sosa due to Chigvintsev’s COVID-19 diagnosis, executed her cha-cha routine with elegance and precision. Though occasionally appearing stiff, Lawson impressed the judges with her performance and confidence, landing her a score of 21 out of 30.
Actress Xochitl Gomez rocked the dance floor with her salsa routine in Converses, capturing the attention of the judges. Gomez’s performance exuded style, sophistication, and storytelling, earning her a score of 24 out of 30.
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz closed the night with a captivating rumba performance. Mraz’s suave moves and charming stage presence earned him a standing ovation from the audience, as well as high praise from the judges. He scored 24 out of 30 for his memorable routine.
In a tense elimination, NFL All-Star Adrian Peterson & partner Britt Stewart and actress Jamie Lynn Spears & partner Alan Bersten found themselves in the bottom two. Spears was ultimately sent home, bidding farewell to her DWTS journey.
As Latin Night concluded, anticipation builds for next week’s Motown Night, promising more electrifying performances from the remaining contestants.