3 couples tie for the lead in 'Dancing with the Stars' week 2, another star is sent home
FAIRFAX DISTRICT, LOS ANGELES -- The couples danced their way through the nerve-racking first round on "Dancing with the Stars," and now the competition is heating up in week two. The 14 remaining couples returned to the ballroom floor, hoping to impress the judges and viewers as their individual journeys continue to mirrorball greatness.
As for the theme of week two, the partners performed to "viral hits" from artists including Rihanna, Flo Rida, Gracie Abrams, Karol G, Billie Eilish, and Earth, Wind & Fire. All of the songs have gone viral with social media trends on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
To keep the show on schedule this week, the third judge to speak after each dance had to sum up their thoughts in just one word.
At the end of the night, three couples tied at the top of the judges' leaderboard, and one couple was sent home.
'DWTS' Season 35 week 2 'Viral Hits Night' recap and scores
Jenna Dewan
The first dance of the night was a jive to "Animal" by KATSEYE from star of ABC's "The Rookie" and the dance film "Step Up" alum Jenna Dewan and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. Judge Bruno Tonioli called the dance a "sculpture" and told Jenna she was a "fast and furious sexy beast." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she saw improvement from last week, saying she saw Jenna utilizing her partnership with Val. Judge Derek Hough's one-word review was "fast, furious, fantastic," not quite one word.
Score: 7,7,7 - 21 out of 30
Ciara Miller
"Summer House" star and host Ciara Miller and her partner, Brandon Armstrong, danced a tango to "No Broke Boys" by Disco Lines & Tinashe. Carrie Ann said she was proud of Ciara, saying she attacked every move. She warned the rest of the competition to watch out. Derek said he felt like Ciara was much more consistent than week 1, but noted that she was still out of frame at times. Bruno's not-so-one-word review? "Beautiful, my darling."
Score: 6,6,6 - 18 out of 30
Tyler Cameron
Bachelor Nation star Tyler Cameron and his partner, Sharna Burgess, took the floor with a sensual salsa to "Girls" by The Kid LAROI. Derek said Tyler lifted Sharna like "He-Man's" sword, but said the dance felt more like a cabaret than a salsa. Bruno agreed with Derek's critique, but seemed to still enjoy the performance. Carrie Ann's quick thoughts were "Agreed, but impressive." Tyler's overall score was one point lower than week 1.
Score: 6,5,5 - 16 out of 30
Julia Stiles
Actress Julia Stiles and pro Ezra Sosa performed a tango to "The Door" by Teddy Swims. Bruno said he loved the persona Julia put into the dance and said he could tell she was out of her comfort zone, but noted that she had a few stumbles. Carrie Ann complimented Julia's posture and said she can tell she's going for it. Derek's "one-word" review was "good performance." Julia's overall score was down from week 1, and she noted that "each performance is a new performance."
Score: 5,6,5 - 16 out of 30
Jackson Olson
Savannah Bananas star Jackson Olson and pro Emma Slater performed a foxtrot to "That's So True" by Gracie Abrams. Carrie Ann said she saw a big improvement from last week and said Jackson's partnership with Emma is working. Derek said he was impressed by Jackson's frame and said he is on the right path. Bruno said his one word is what we all feel -- "charmed."
Score: 6,6,6 - 18 out of 30
Giada De Laurentiis
Celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis and her partner, Alan Bersten, danced a salsa to "Bella Ciao" by Becky G. Derek said he loved the character moments in the dance but said there were missteps in the salsa part of the routine. Bruno said Giada gave them "salsa with no spice," and said she has to let go when she performs. Carrie Ann's one-word review was "shaky." Overall, Giada's score was three points lower than last week, and she said, "It's disappointing."
Score: 4,4,4 - 12 out of 30
Connor Wood
Comedian and social media influencer Connor Wood and his partner, Rylee Arnold, performed a tango to "12 to 12" by Sombr. Bruno said he really likes Connor and Rylee as a pair, but noted that there were a lot of mistakes this week. Still, he said, "the good bits were excellent." Carrie Ann said Connor's mistakes were a shame, but said the dance was so good before the missteps. Derek's "one-word" review was "grandma maime," a reference to Connor's first viral social media video. Connor's overall score was down one point from week 1.
Score: 5,5,5 - 15 out of 30
Ezra Frech
Paralympian Ezra French and his partner, Daniella Karagach, performed a cha-cha to "Low" by Flo Rida. Carrie Ann told Ezra, "You can move," and said he brings the audience in, demanding them to watch. Derek said he was blown away and said he is in awe of Ezra. Bruno's one word? "Fabulous!"
Score: 7,7,7 - 21 out of 30
Tatyana Ali
"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" alum Tatyana Ali and her partner, Jan Ravnik, danced an emotional foxtrot to "What Was I Made For?" by Billie Eilish. Derek said he hopes Tatyana is proud of herself and called the performance "breathtaking." Bruno said Tatyana had great lines and beautiful storytelling. Carrie Ann's one-word review was "touching."
Score: 6,6,6 - 18 out of 30
Amber Glenn
Olympic figure skater Amber Glenn and her partner, Pasha Pashkov, performed a tango to "All the Things She Said" by Harrison, which found viral fame after being featured in "Heated Rivalry." Bruno said it was the "best tango of the night. Period." He was particularly impressed by Pasha's choreography. Carrie Ann said the dance was "phenomenal" and said the partnership is working. Instead of a one-word review, Derek did a handshake with Amber and gave her a salute.
Score: 7,7,7 - 21 out of 30
Guillermo Rodriguez
"Jimmy Kimmel Live!" star Guillermo Rodriguez and his partner, Witney Carson, danced a paso doble to "Where Have You Been" by Rihanna. The entire ballroom was on their feet after the performance. Carrie Ann applauded Guillermo for approaching the dance with intensity. Derek called him "Guillermo the matador" and said he felt the intensity, commitment and focus in the dance. Bruno's one-word review was "Olé!"
Score: 4,4,4 - 12 out of 30
Taylor Hanson
Musician Taylor Hanson and his partner, Britt Stewart, danced a cha-cha to "Cake By the Ocean" by DNCE. Derek told Taylor he needs to focus on his arms, shoulders and fingers, but said he sees him going far in the competition. Bruno told Taylor he needs to finish every single step, but said he likes the way he's working. Carrie Ann's one-word review was "frenetic." Taylor's overall score was one point lower than last week.
Score: 5,5,5 - 15 out of 30
Harry Shum Jr.
"Grey's Anatomy" star Harry Shum Jr. and his partner, Jenna Johnson, performed a Viennese waltz to "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Bruno told Harry he liked the emotion in the routine and noted how difficult Viennese waltz dances are. Carrie Ann said the performance was out of balance. She said sometimes Harry really lets go, and other times he becomes more timid. The audience booed her feedback. Derek's one-word review was "beautiful." Harry's overall score was three points lower than week 1.
Score: 6,6,6 - 18 out of 30
Maura Higgins
For the final dance of the night, "Love Island" and "The Traitors" alum Maura Higgins and her partner, Mark Ballas, danced a cha-cha to "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire. Carrie Ann reminded Maura not to put too much pressure on herself and applauded her for taking her technique so seriously. Derek said Maura was elegant, but her cha-cha was too back-weighted. Bruno's "one-word" review was "bravo you!" Maura's total score was two points lower than week 1.
Score: 6,6,7 - 19 out of 30
Who was sent home?
In the end, celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis could not cook up enough votes to stay another week, and she and her partner Alan Bersten were sent home.
"I tried my best, and it wasn't 'best' enough, but I did try my best," Giada told host Julianne Hough.
What's next?
Going into week three, it's a three-way tie for the top of the pack. Amber and Pasha, Ezra and Daniella, and Jenna and Val all tied with 21 out of 30 points. At the bottom of the pack are Guillermo and Witney with 12 out of 30 points.
Next week, it's "Yacht Rock Night" for the 13 remaining couples.
Tune in to "Dancing with the Stars" season 35 on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. Episodes stream the next day on Hulu.
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