Week 8 of “Dancing With the Stars” kicked off with an exciting performance by guest host Billy Porter. The theme of the night was Whitney Houston, and the celebrities danced to iconic songs from the late singer’s repertoire.
Reality TV star Harry Jowsey, known for his appearance on “Too Hot to Handle,” took the stage with his partner Rylee Arnold for a Viennese waltz to Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Despite his initial doubts, Jowsey impressed the judges and earned a score of 28 out of 40.
Actor Barry Williams from “The Brady Bunch” performed a rumba with partner Peta Murgatroyd, earning a score of 32 out of 40. Actress Alyson Hannigan’s emotional connection to Houston’s music shone through in her contemporary dance, earning her a score of 33 out of 40.
Singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, reality star Charity Lawson, and actress Ariana Madix also delivered strong performances, with Madix earning an impressive score of 39 out of 40 for her Paso doble.
The frontrunner of the evening, actress Xochitl Gomez, wowed the judges with a flawless tango, earning a perfect score of 40. This performance secured her spot as a top contender in the competition.
The dance-off saw fierce competition between the contestants, with Hannigan, Lawson, and Williams facing off in different dance styles. Ultimately, Williams was the one to bid farewell, leaving the competition on a bittersweet note.
The evening concluded with the announcement that the following week’s theme would be Taylor Swift night, signaling another exciting round of performances for the remaining contestants.