Monday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars took a hard turn from the usual groove and elegance of the ballroom to a more intense, rock-inspired atmosphere. This time, the smooth cha-chas and waltzes were swapped out for edgy, head-banging performances in celebration of Hair Metal Night.
From electrifying guitar solos to leather jackets and heavy metal hairdos, the show traded grace for grit, channeling the raw energy of rock’n’roll in every performance. The night was filled with passionate paso dobles, fierce jives, and high-energy cha-chas, as contestants gave it their all to impress the judges and viewers at home.
Joining the judging panel this time was none other than KISS legend Gene Simmons, whose role as guest judge brought a different flavor to the critique process. Known for his iconic stage presence, Simmons offered his insights from the perspective of a rock star, rather than focusing solely on technical dance details.
His commentary, however, was more about evaluating the full energy and performance flair of the contestants rather than breaking down choreography or footwork. As one might expect from a rock icon, he praised the participants for their charisma and their ability to embody the rock’n’roll spirit on the dance floor.
After a strong start earlier in the season, Monday’s episode was pivotal for many contestants as they faced critiques from previous performances.
For some, the feedback from earlier episodes worked in their favor as they made significant improvements, while others struggled to keep up with the demands of the competition. The night ended with a double elimination, leaving everyone with heightened emotions as two beloved celebrities were sent home.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Atmosphere Sets the Stage for Intense Performances
The theme for this week’s competition was Hair Metal, a genre of music that dominated the ’80s with its loud, rebellious sound and flamboyant style. The contestants didn’t just have to dance; they had to embody the larger-than-life personas of the metal icons who defined this era of music.
From Poison to Quiet Riot, the soundtrack was a nostalgic tribute to the loudest decade of rock, and it was up to the stars to bring that energy onto the dance floor.
The show opened with a bang, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. The audience was treated to a spectacle of leather, studs, wild hair, and plenty of headbanging, transforming the usual elegance of the ballroom into a heavy metal concert.
One of the first performances of the evening came from NFL star Danny Amendola, who has shown considerable growth since his debut on the show. He hit the floor with a fierce paso doble, fully embracing the rock theme with a massive mohawk and a leather jacket that would make any metalhead proud.
His performance was aggressive, bold, and in sync with the high-energy rock anthem that accompanied his dance. The judges, including Gene Simmons, were impressed with his intensity and commitment to the character of a rock star.
While Amendola has been working on refining his technique and facial expressions, Simmons offered feedback that focused more on the performance aspect. This allowed viewers to see the different layers of judging—one focusing on technique and precision, and the other on the ability to sell a performance.
It was clear that Amendola was taking the competition seriously, and the judges praised his improvement. His pro partner, Witney Carson, also helped upgrade the performance by keeping the energy high and the choreography sharp, even as Simmons’ feedback often veered toward commentary on her appearance rather than the dance itself.
While Danny Amendola showed improvement, other contestants truly embraced the opportunity to redeem themselves after disappointing performances during Soul Train Night. One such star was model Brooks Nader, who had struggled with her rumba in a previous episode.
Her rumba had been critiqued for lacking content, relying too much on chemistry and not enough on technique. However, this week, she returned to the floor with renewed focus and determination.
Paired with her pro partner, Gleb Savchenko, Nader performed a cha-cha to Poison’s “Nothing But A Good Time,” and the judges were blown away by the transformation. Her movements were crisp, her timing was on point, and her energy matched the upbeat rock anthem.
This was exactly the kind of redemption she needed to prove that she could handle more intricate choreography and deliver the kind of polished performance that the judges were looking for.
As the night continued, Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik also used this episode as an opportunity to bounce back from previous critiques. His struggles with technique and musicality had been noted in earlier performances, but on Monday night, he showed significant improvement.
Nedoroscik’s performance was sharper, more rhythmic, and showcased his athleticism in a new light. His ability to channel his inner matador in a fiery paso doble impressed the judges, and it was clear that he was starting to find his footing on the dance floor.
The athletes on this season of Dancing with the Stars have consistently been some of the most interesting competitors to watch, as their backgrounds in sports often give them an advantage in terms of discipline and strength, but dancing requires them to master rhythm, grace, and expression, all of which can be challenging for those who are used to the structure of athletic training.
Struggles and Emotional Moments: Not Every Star Shines Under the Spotlight
Although several contestants showed marked improvement, others had a more difficult time rising to the challenge of Hair Metal Night. Rugby player Ilona Maher found herself struggling with the timing of her jive to Quiet Riot’s “Cum On Feel the Noize.”
Despite her best efforts, Maher’s performance didn’t quite hit the mark, and her struggles with the fast-paced choreography were evident. After the dance, Maher was visibly emotional, feeling the pressure of the competition and the disappointment of not delivering the performance she had hoped for.
The audience, however, showed her plenty of love, offering encouragement and support even in the face of a less-than-perfect performance.
It was a reminder that Dancing with the Stars is not just about flawless technique; it’s also about the journey, and the fans have a deep appreciation for the effort and heart that the contestants put into every performance.
Reality star Phaedra Parks also faced challenges with her paso doble. While Parks excelled at bringing storytelling into her performances, she struggled with finesse in certain moves, which ultimately affected her score. The judges noted that while her performance was full of passion, it lacked the polish needed to secure a higher result.
This was especially disappointing for Parks, who had started the week strong with her first performance on Monday night. Still, her ability to connect with the audience and convey emotion through dance remained one of her greatest strengths, even if the technical execution wasn’t always perfect.
Still from Dancing With the Stars (Credit: Disney+)
On the flip side, former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei emerged as one of the top performers of the evening. Building on the momentum from his previous episode, Graziadei delivered a show-stopping tango that had the judges raving.
Derek Hough, one of the most respected judges on the panel, went so far as to call it the best tango he had ever seen from a male contestant on the show. Graziadei’s ability to maintain a strong frame throughout the dance, while still keeping his movements fluid and connected to the rock star persona he was channeling, set him apart from the competition.
It was clear that Graziadei was a serious contender for the mirrorball trophy, and his performance on Hair Metal Night only solidified his position as one of the frontrunners in the competition.
Chandler Kinney and Jenn Tran also continued to impress the judges with their growth and versatility. While Kinney earned slightly lower scores than she had on Monday, she still landed in the second spot on the leaderboard, proving that she has the consistency and determination to go far in the competition.
Tran, on the other hand, saw her scores improve, with mostly 8s from the judges, placing her in the third spot on the leaderboard. Both contestants have shown that they can adapt to different dance styles and bring their own unique flair to each performance, making them strong contenders as the competition heats up.
Emotional Double Elimination: Saying Goodbye to Reginald VelJohnson and Eric Roberts
At the end of the night, the competition took an emotional turn with a double elimination that saw two beloved actors leave the show. Reginald VelJohnson, best known for his role in Family Matters, and Eric Roberts, the veteran actor, were the two contestants with the lowest combined scores and votes.
Both actors had been fan favorites, not just for their performances on the dance floor but for their positive attitudes and their willingness to take on the challenges of the competition despite physical limitations.
VelJohnson, in particular, had captured the hearts of viewers with his warm personality and his close relationship with his pro partner, Emma Slater. Their partnership had been a highlight of the season, and their departure was met with sadness from both the judges and the audience.
Roberts, too, had faced his own set of challenges throughout the competition, but his dedication to improving and his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone had earned him respect from his fellow contestants and the judges. Both actors may have been eliminated from the competition, but their presence on the show will be remembered fondly.
As the Competition Heats Up, the Stakes Get Higher
With only nine stars left in the competition, the stakes are higher than ever. Each remaining contestant knows that every performance counts and there is little room for error as the judges’ expectations continue to rise.
Still from Dancing With the Stars (Credit: Disney+)
Joey Graziadei, Chandler Kinney, and Jenn Tran are emerging as the top contenders, but the competition is still wide open. Athletes like Danny Amendola and Stephen Nedoroscik are proving that they have what it takes to compete at a high level, while others like Brooks Nader are showing that redemption is possible after a rocky start.
Hair Metal Night was a turning point in the competition, setting the stage for even more intense performances in the coming weeks. With the mirrorball trophy within reach, each contestant will need to bring their A-game if they want to make it to the finale.
In the latest episode of “Only Murders in the Building,” titled “Valley of the Dolls,” the show continues to deliver thrilling content after last week’s success.
While Episode 6, “Blow Up,” brought a lot of investigation and suspense, this episode leans more into the characters’ relationships, and their emotions, and adds a lighter comedic touch. It proves that even when the investigation slows down a bit, the charm and entertainment of the show remain intact.
Mabel, Oliver, and Charles Take Refuge at Doreen’s House
The episode begins right where we left off in the cliffhanger of Episode 6. After receiving threatening text messages, Mabel (played by Selena Gomez), Oliver (played by Martin Short), and Charles (played by Steve Martin) decide to get out of the Arconia building for their safety.
The trio chooses to hide out at Charles’s sister Doreen’s house, located on Long Island. This is where things get a bit wackier.
Doreen, played by the ever-hilarious Melissa McCarthy, welcomes them into her home. Right from the start, it’s clear that she has a quirky personality, and her house reflects that. She has an obsession with dolls, and not just any dolls – there are porcelain baby dolls, life-size mannequins, and more.
Oliver even notices that one of the mannequins eerily resembles Loretta (Meryl Streep), which adds to the unsettling vibe. This doll obsession is key to understanding Doreen’s character and reveals her deeper loneliness, as she lives alone after her children have grown up and her husband has left.
Tension Between Charles and Doreen
In addition to Doreen’s strange collection, we also get more insight into the relationship between Charles and his sister. It turns out that they aren’t very close. There’s a significant age gap between them, which is part of the reason.
As the episode progresses, we learn that Charles feels responsible for an accident Doreen had when she was a child. This guilt has haunted him over the years and has contributed to the emotional distance between them.
But despite this distance, Doreen misses her brother deeply. She reveals that he doesn’t visit her often, and she masks her loneliness with her doll collection. Throughout the episode, we witness the siblings working through their strained relationship, setting the stage for a heartwarming reconciliation by the end.
Unwanted Visitors
Just when Mabel, Oliver, and Charles think they’re safe at Doreen’s house and can finally focus on solving the case, the peace is disrupted. Early the next morning, Bev Melon (played by Molly Shannon) shows up at the house.
It turns out that Howard (Michael Cyril Creighton), the ever-gossiping Arconia resident, has been telling everyone where the trio is hiding. Bev arrives in a panic, asking Charles if the Brothers sisters are the killers.
She’s concerned because if they are, she’ll need to fire them from the show she’s working on. However, if there’s only a possibility without proof, she can still spin the situation and keep them on board.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
As if Bev’s sudden appearance wasn’t enough, the actors from the play also show up shortly after, angry that they were left behind with a potential murderer on the loose. Mabel tries to reassure them, telling them that the murderer isn’t after them.
However, Zach Galifianakis’s character dramatically lifts his shirt to reveal a bullet wound, proving otherwise. Despite her reservations, Mabel allows them to stay – but only under one condition: they must give up their phones to ensure the house remains as safe as possible.
Loretta’s Return
Loretta, played by Meryl Streep, is another unexpected visitor who shows up at Doreen’s house, adding even more chaos to the trio’s supposed “safe house.” Loretta’s arrival isn’t random, though. We learn that she’s come to confront Oliver after he broke up with her through a text message on the way to Doreen’s house.
Oliver had turned his phone off for safety reasons, so he missed all of Loretta’s responses. Unbeknownst to him, when Loretta received his breakup text, she jumped on the first flight she could get and headed straight to him.
But when she arrives, she finds Oliver in what appears to be a compromising position with Doreen. In reality, Oliver had just gotten caught in Doreen’s sweater while trying to stand up, but it leads to an awkward moment. Loretta, however, isn’t one to back down easily, and the two finally have a much-needed conversation.
Oliver and Loretta Talk Things Out
Throughout the season, we’ve watched Oliver agonize over his relationship with Loretta. In this episode, they finally sit down to clear the air. Loretta asks Oliver why he thought it was acceptable to break up with her over text, and he explains that he had previously called her and poured his heart out, only to receive an underwhelming “Ugh” in response.
But as it turns out, Loretta doesn’t remember this phone call. She asks Oliver what time the call happened, and when he says it was around lunchtime for her, she starts laughing.
For the scene she had been filming that day, both she and her stand-in were wrapped in gauze, and the production assistant must have mistakenly handed the phone to the stand-in. It’s a classic mix-up that adds a humorous touch to the episode.
The two laugh off the misunderstanding and seem to patch things up – at least for a while. But then Doreen steps in again. After drinking too much vodka, Doreen tries to seduce Oliver one more time. She even dons pigtails in her attempt, but Oliver remains loyal to Loretta.
This leads to a sweet conversation between Oliver and Loretta, where he admits that he had considered proposing to her during their time in Los Angeles. It’s a tender moment that deepens their relationship.
However, Oliver, being his usual self, takes things a step too far. He reveals that he created a fake account to get close to Loretta, which deeply upsets her.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
Loretta explains that she had developed a connection with “Ronnie,” the fake persona Oliver had used, and had even taken screenshots of their motivational conversations. This betrayal causes Loretta to step away for a moment to process her feelings.
Doreen and Loretta’s Hilarious Fight
Loretta isn’t the only one upset by Oliver’s actions. Doreen, feeling embarrassed after her failed seduction attempt, tries to apologize to Loretta. But the apology quickly escalates into a fight, with Doreen taking the first swing.
Loretta, having learned stage combat from her acting career, fights back, leading to a hilarious showdown between the two women. The scene becomes even more comical when Eva Longoria, playing herself, begins shouting stage directions at them from the sidelines.
Despite the chaos, the fight serves as a cathartic release for both Loretta and Doreen. By the end, Loretta and Oliver manage to work through their issues, and we get to see Oliver’s more vulnerable side.
He admits that it’s been over a decade since he’s been in a serious relationship, and he fears that Loretta won’t be able to handle his chaotic life. But instead of running away, Loretta surprises him by proposing. Of course, Oliver happily accepts.
Charles and Doreen Reconnect
It’s not just Oliver and Loretta who experience growth in this episode. Charles and Doreen also have a heartfelt moment of reconciliation. Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that Doreen’s doll obsession stems from her loneliness. Her children have grown up, her husband is out of the picture, and she’s been feeling isolated for a long time.
In a touching conversation, Doreen opens up to Charles about their difficult childhood. She reveals that their mother wasn’t always the best parent, often distant and emotionally unavailable. However, she vividly remembers one particular moment when their mother held her hand during Charles’s first play.
It was the first and only time their mother showed such affection, and it left a lasting impact on Doreen. She admits that she feels abandoned by Charles as well and wishes he would visit her more often.
Charles, feeling guilty for not being there for his sister, promises to make an effort to visit her more frequently. This scene provides a touching resolution to the tension between the siblings and adds depth to Charles’s character.
The Actors Solve the Mystery
While Mabel, Oliver, and Charles are dealing with their personal issues, the actors at the safe house are busy working on the case. The actors, feeling left out of the investigation, decide to take matters into their own hands. They create a “murder wall,” complete with all the clues they’ve gathered, and claim to have solved the mystery.
Their big revelation is that the case goes all the way back to Season 1. They point out that the trio never thoroughly investigated who poisoned Oliver’s dog, Winnie, because they assumed it was Jan (Amy Ryan), the killer from Season 1.
The actors also note that the text messages Mabel, Oliver, and Charles received in Episode 6 are similar to the notes from Season 1.
Still from Only Murders in the Building (Credit: Hulu)
Charles realizes that his friend Sazz had pieced all of this together before her death. She had left behind clues that pointed back to these same revelations, and Charles believes this is what she had been trying to tell him – that the trio has been targeted since the very beginning.
The True Killer is Revealed
While the trio is hiding out at Doreen’s, Howard is back at the bodega, continuing his own investigation. He’s trying to figure out who has been cashing the checks in Milton Dudenoff’s name. As he examines the signatures, he notices that they are all different, but the phone number listed on each check is the same.
Suspicious, Howard manages to get the surveillance footage from the bodega, and to his surprise, he sees five familiar faces: the Westies.
Howard calls the phone number on the checks, and Vince Fish (played by Richard Kind) answers, pretending to be Milton Dudenoff. This confirms Howard’s suspicions – the Westies have been cashing Dudenoff’s checks. Howard promptly hangs up, knowing that they’ve been found out.
