Disney brought its magic to Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) in a special way last night. The show was full of energy, excitement, and childhood memories as the dancers performed routines inspired by classic Disney films.
From The Little Mermaid to Tarzan, the ballroom was transformed into a magical wonderland where dreams came true, and beloved characters came to life through dance.
It was a night where the stars became princesses, heroes, and even villains, creating an unforgettable evening for viewers. But, in the end, one contestant had to leave the competition, bringing a bittersweet close to a night filled with joy.
The dance performances were centered around iconic Disney characters, with both the celebrities and their professional partners dressed in full costume, wigs, and all. The audience cheered and smiled as they watched Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber deliver a swooning rumba to “Kiss the Girl” from The Little Mermaid.
The room filled with fun when Danny Amendola and Whitney Carson performed a jazz routine to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye,” paying tribute to the popular Deadpool and Wolverine characters.
The night was packed with vibrant energy as the couples embraced their roles, whether they were stepping into the shoes of Disney princesses or portraying classic villains. But as always, one dancer’s journey came to an end, reminding everyone of the fierce competition.
A Magical Start with Aladdin-Inspired Dance and Broadway Talent
The night began with a lively, Aladdin-themed opening number that set the tone for the rest of the show. The professional dancers took to the floor alongside the show’s hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough, both of whom joined the performance.
Broadway star Michael James Scott, known for playing Genie on stage, joined the cast dressed in full Genie attire, bringing extra excitement to the stage. Emmy Award-winning choreographer Mandy Moore was behind the stunning opening routine, and the ballroom erupted with applause as the dancers completed the energetic number.
The choreography was precise, colorful, and perfectly matched the Disney theme, creating a magical start to the show. As the opening number ended, the audience knew they were in for a night filled with surprises. There was a buzz in the air, and it felt like everyone was waiting to see what magical moments would happen next.
New Soundtrack Release from Moana 2
One of the evening’s biggest surprises came in the form of new music. Fans were treated to a sneak peek of a brand-new track from the upcoming Moana 2 soundtrack, a moment that delighted viewers.
The stars and their professional partners continued to dazzle as they took turns performing their Disney-inspired routines. Each couple worked hard to bring the spirit of Disney to the dance floor, but the competition remained fierce throughout the night.
The First Dances of the Night
The first pair to step onto the ballroom floor were Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold. They performed a lively Charleston to “A Star is Born” from Hercules. Their performance was fun and energetic, but it wasn’t as polished as their previous week’s routine.
Despite this, the judges were impressed enough to give them 8s across the board. Stephen and Rylee’s dance had all the elements of a fun Disney number, but it was clear they would need to work on their precision moving forward if they wanted to stay in the competition.
Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber’s classy rumba to “Kiss the Girl” earned praise from the judges, but like Stephen and Rylee, they received 8s. Their graceful and flowing routine perfectly captured the romantic nature of The Little Mermaid, but it was clear that the competition was stiff.
Phaedra Parks and Dwight Howard faced similar challenges with their performance. Their routine had moments of joy and excitement, but there were issues with timing and synchronization with their professional partners. Despite these issues, they too earned 8s, keeping them on the same level as many other contestants that night.
Ilona Maher Leads Team Goofs with Confidence
One of the highlights of the night came during the team dance portion of the competition. This season’s team dances featured two groups: Team Goofs and Team Roar. Ilona Maher led Team Goofs, and under her leadership, the group delivered a tight, synchronized performance that impressed both the judges and the audience.
Ilona, who was dressed as Louisa from Encanto, truly embraced her role, delivering a strong performance. Although the rugby player is known for her strength and power on the field, she used these qualities to her advantage on the dance floor, showing the judges and the audience that muscular women can be graceful, powerful, and inspiring.
Her performance, inspired by Louisa’s strength and determination, earned her a 9, her highest score of the season so far.
As the captain of Team Goofs, Ilona helped her group — which included Jenn Tran, Joey Graziadei, and Chandler Kinney — create a performance that was filled with many moving parts but still looked seamless and well-rehearsed. The group maintained their synchronization and confidence throughout their number, a sharp contrast to the performance of Team Roar.
Still from Dancing with the Stars (Credit: Disney)
Team Roar, which was led by Stephen Nedoroscik and featured Phaedra Parks, Danny Amendola, and Dwight Howard, struggled to stay in sync.
Their routine lacked the cohesion and precision of Team Goofs, making it clear that Team Goofs had the upper hand. Although both teams delivered fun performances, it was Team Goofs that came out on top, thanks to Ilona’s leadership and the group’s strong teamwork.
Chandler Kinney’s Redemption After Dedication Night
Chandler Kinney, one of the top performers of the night, had something to prove after a disappointing performance during Dedication Night. The judges had left her feeling discouraged after that week, but she came back with a renewed sense of determination.
Dressed in fangs and fur, Chandler reprised her role as Willa from Zombies 2 for her paso doble. Her performance was fierce, intense, and filled with passion, showing the judges that she had what it takes to stay in the competition.
The paso doble is a difficult dance that requires precise movements and strong emotion, but Chandler embraced the challenge. She moved with confidence, matching the intensity of the music and delivering one of the standout performances of the night. The judges were impressed by her ability to bounce back from the previous week and praised her for her dedication and hard work.
Chandler’s paso doble earned her high marks, and it was clear that she was a contender to watch moving forward. Her performance showed that she could handle the pressure of the competition and that she was determined to continue improving each week.
Danny Amendola’s Strong Jazz Performance
Danny Amendola, the former NFL player, also had a strong night, delivering one of the best performances of the evening. His jazz routine, set to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye,” was a fun and energetic tribute to the Deadpool and Wolverine characters. Danny, along with his partner Whitney Carson, showed that he wasn’t just a football player — he was a serious competitor in the dance competition.
Danny’s performance had sharp movements, perfect timing, and plenty of personality. The judges praised him for his ability to bring both strength and playfulness to the dance floor, making it one of the most entertaining performances of the night.
Although he didn’t earn a perfect score, Danny and Whitney received the second-highest score of the night, showing that they were continuing to build on the momentum from previous weeks.
The Super Bowl champion had already impressed the judges with his contemporary tribute to his late coach during Dedication Night, and his jazz performance proved that he wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. He was committed to improving each week and pushing himself to new heights in the competition.
Joey Graziadei’s Colorful Samba
Joey Graziadei and his partner Jenna Johnson took the audience on a colorful journey to the jungle with their vibrant samba. The couple’s performance was lively and fun, filled with bold moves and bright costumes. Joey’s natural charisma shone through as he embraced the playful energy of the dance.
Despite the fun and excitement of the performance, Joey and Jenna fell just short of their goal of earning a 10. Although the judges enjoyed the performance, they felt that it lacked the polish needed for a perfect score. They did, however, receive one 9 from Bruno Tonioli, showing that they were still strong contenders in the competition.
Joey and Jenna’s samba was a crowd-pleaser, but it was clear that they would need to work on refining their technique if they wanted to reach the top of the leaderboard in future weeks.
Phaedra Parks Embodies Cruella De Vil
Phaedra Parks, known for her bold personality on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, took on the role of a classic Disney villain for her routine.
She and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, performed a routine inspired by Cruella, with Phaedra fully embracing the villainous character. The performance was full of attitude and flair, with Phaedra showing off her theatrical side.
However, despite the fun of the routine, Phaedra struggled with the technical aspects of the dance. Her timing was off at several points, and she had trouble keeping up with the choreography during the team dance. These mistakes ultimately cost her, as she and Val were announced as the next couple to leave the competition.
Although it was a sad moment for Phaedra and her fans, it felt like the right decision. Her outspokenness and playful personality will be missed on the show, but the competition is only getting tougher, and there was little room for error.
With Phaedra’s departure, only seven contestants remain in the competition, and the stakes are higher than ever. The next episode will bring even more challenges as the dancers take on the spooky excitement of Halloween Night.
Each couple will perform a new routine, but they will also have to face off against another celebrity in head-to-head challenges for bonus points. This added pressure could make or break some of the remaining contestants as they fight for a place at the top of the leaderboard.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Halloween Night, hoping that one of the remaining couples will deliver the first perfect score of the season. With the competition heating up, every point counts, and the dancers will need to bring their A-game if they want to stay in the race.
Last night, Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) brought the magic of Disney to the ballroom, featuring performances inspired by classic films like The Little Mermaid and Tarzan. The show opened with an Aladdin-themed dance, starring hosts Alfonso Ribeiro and Julianne Hough alongside Broadway’s Michael James Scott as Genie.
The evening included memorable performances, such as Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber’s romantic rumba to “Kiss the Girl” and Danny Amendola’s energetic jazz routine to NSYNC’s “Bye, Bye, Bye.”
Still from Dancing with the Stars (Credit: Disney)
Highlights included Ilona Maher leading Team Goofs to a stunning performance, channeling her character from Encanto, while Phaedra Parks, portraying Cruella, was voted off after struggling with choreography. As the competition heats up, only seven contestants remain.
With Halloween Night approaching, the dancers face even more challenging routines and head-to-head face-offs for bonus points. The excitement continues as fans eagerly anticipate who will deliver the first perfect score of the season. DWTS airs on Tuesday nights on ABC and Disney+, with episodes available to stream on Hulu the next day.
Dancing With the Stars airs every Tuesday night on ABC and Disney+. For those who miss the live broadcast, episodes are available to stream on Hulu the next day.
9-1-1 is back for its eighth season, and it starts with a disaster that is more exciting than anything we have seen before. The season opens with a shocking event: 22 million killer bees accidentally get loose. Some people might have wondered what kind of chaos this would cause when the show first shared details about the opening disaster.
However, 9-1-1 does not disappoint. It thrills us and gives us chills with a disaster that culminates in a plane crash, leaving a passenger plane full of people flying without a pilot. It is clear that the first three episodes of Season 8 of 9-1-1 meet our expectations, and the show is off to a strong start.
After two weeks since the bee-related story concluded, the viewer numbers show how well the season has performed. The last episode of the bee storyline drew in a total of 10.42 million viewers. This number is 89% higher than the 5.52 million viewers recorded for same-day live viewing of the same episode.
This increase shows that more people tuned in as the excitement grew over the three episodes. The episode titled “Final Approach” also achieved a rating of 2.01 in the key demographic of viewers aged 18 to 49. This rating means there was a 294% increase compared to live-plus-same-day (L+SD) ratings.
These numbers mark the best multi-platform performance the show has had since the opening disaster in Season 7. While it may not be the biggest jump in the show’s history, it is still a welcome sign of progress. The show’s success points to a positive future, and fans hope that the excitement continues throughout the season.
What Comes Next After the Bee-Nado?
With the bee disaster now concluded, 9-1-1 shifts focus to episodic emergencies, starting with episode 4 titled “No Place Like Home.” Fans should not expect the upcoming emergencies to be any less intense. In fact, they promise to be even more dramatic.
Still from 9-1-1 (Credit: ABC)
Episode 4 already hints at catastrophic situations as our favorite first responders race to save lives. Without giving too much away, the episode features a supposedly tame animal that unexpectedly turns wild and attacks its owner.
Next, viewers can look forward to a Halloween-themed episode that will present some of the most bizarre emergencies ever seen on the show. This kind of storytelling keeps fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating the next surprising turn.
Cast and Characters
9-1-1 stars an impressive lineup of talented actors who bring the story to life. Oliver Stark plays Buck, a role that has grown significantly over the seasons. Ryan Guzman portrays Eddie Díaz, another character who faces personal challenges while responding to emergencies.
Peter Krause takes on the role of Bobby Nash, the team leader who guides the other first responders through high-pressure situations.
Angela Bassett plays Athena Grant, a police officer whose skills and instincts help her solve complex cases. Aisha Hinds portrays Henrietta Wilson, known as Hen, a paramedic who often takes charge in emergencies.
Kenneth Choi plays Howard Han, a firefighter who works alongside his team to save lives. Lastly, Jennifer Love Hewitt plays Maddie Buckley, who brings her unique perspective to the group.
The show also features recurring cast members, including Gavin McHugh as Christopher Díaz, Bryan Safi as Josh Russo, Declan Pratt as Denny Wilson, Tracie Thoms as Karen Wilson, and Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Tommy Kinnard. Each character has their own storylines and challenges, adding depth to the full narrative.
The Buzz Around the Bee-Nado Storyline
The bee storyline, often referred to as the “bee-nado,” captured the audience’s attention from the very start. The idea of a swarm of killer bees causing chaos is both thrilling and terrifying. Many viewers found themselves both intrigued and horrified as the storyline unfolded.
The three-episode arc started with the release of the bees, leading to various emergency situations. This storyline not only showcased the talents of the first responders but also highlighted the dangers they face daily. The combination of suspense, action, and unexpected twists kept viewers glued to their screens.
Critics and fans alike praised the creativity behind the bee-nado arc. It was refreshing to see such an unconventional disaster unfold. While many shows rely on traditional disasters like fires or earthquakes, 9-1-1 took a bold step by choosing a unique concept that still felt realistic.
Ratings and Audience Reaction
The ratings following the bee-nado storyline are impressive and demonstrate the show’s popularity. The 10.42 million total viewers for the final episode of the arc show that the audience is engaged and excited about the new season. The significant increase in ratings from same-day live viewing to multi-platform viewing indicates that many fans are eager to watch the show across various platforms.
The ratings also show a strong response to the show’s efforts to deliver high-stakes drama. Viewers are looking for engaging storylines and unexpected twists, and 9-1-1 has consistently delivered. The series’ ability to balance intense emergencies with personal character development helps maintain viewer interest.
Future Storylines and Themes
As Season 8 progresses, fans can look forward to more gripping emergencies. Each episode promises new challenges for the first responders, showcasing their bravery and resilience. The show’s creators have hinted at showing deeper themes related to personal struggles and the impact of these emergencies on the responders’ lives.
For instance, the upcoming Halloween-themed episode is expected to take a unique approach to emergencies, adding an element of humor alongside the intense situations. This blend of seriousness and levity is one of the hallmarks of 9-1-1, setting it apart from other shows in the genre.
The Show’s Legacy
Since its debut, 9-1-1 has established itself as a significant force in television. The show has garnered acclaim for its ability to address a variety of emergencies while emphasizing the human element of each situation. By showcasing the personal stories of first responders, the series offers a deeper understanding of the challenges they encounter in their line of work.
Still from 9-1-1 (Credit: ABC)
9-1-1 has also sparked discussions about the importance of emergency services and the impact of crises on communities. It has brought attention to the dedication and sacrifices made by first responders, showcasing their heroism in difficult circumstances.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for 9-1-1
With the opening disaster of Season 8 setting a high bar, the future looks bright for 9-1-1. As the series continues to show intense emergencies and character-driven stories, it remains a favorite among viewers. The combination of thrilling plots, strong performances, and meaningful themes keeps fans engaged and eager for more.
As new episodes air every Thursday at 8 pm on ABC, fans can expect the unexpected. With each twist and turn, 9-1-1 promises to keep us on the edge of our seats, reminding us of the bravery and strength of first responders. The show’s ability to balance drama and entertainment will likely lead to more successful seasons ahead.
