Jennie Finch and Keo Motsepe perform next, dancing the Viennese waltz to “The Rest of Our Life” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Finch chose her husband Casey as her MVP.
Len Goodman likes that the dance was elegant, but wanted to see more fluidity. Bruno Tonioli appreciates Finch’s trust in Motsepe, while Carrie Ann Inaba says she loves her joy and growth. Guest judge David Ross praises her growth and the journey she had had on the show. They score a 29.
Watch Jennie Finch and Keo Motsepe’s Romantic Viennese Waltz
Welcome to the semi-finals! On Monday, the six remaining athletes will dance a foxtrot, quickstep, rumba, Viennese waltz or contemporary routine inspired by their personal MVP. In round two, the couples will compete against each other in a dance-off. The winners of each dance-off round will receive extra points for the evening. Season 24 finalist David Ross serves as a guest judge tonight. The first-ever triple elimination will take place at the end of the episode. Jennie Finch and Keo Motsepe and Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess are currently at the bottom of the leaderboard with 63 points. At the top of the leaderboard are Mirai Nagasu and Alan Bersten and Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson, who earned 74 points total for their dances last week.
Dancing with the Stars Social Media Reactions
I’m gonna say it. THAT was Jennie’s best performance ever. #DWTS #DWTSAthletes
— Kadey, Muppet of a Woman (@kadeyobe10) May 15, 2018
Beautiful dance by Jennie and Keo. #dwts
— Travis Glover (@1975jetsfan4) May 15, 2018
Jennie and Keo’s dance is romantic. Very romantic. #DWTS
— Paul Bacon (@PaulBacon30) May 15, 2018
This is when I hate the short season because someone like Jennie would've benfitted greatly from a regular season with a growth arc. #Dwts #dwtsathletes
— DWTSTalk (@DWTSTalk) May 15, 2018
Aw, sweet dance from Jennie and Keo! You could tell she was much more comfortable with the dance this week. #DWTS
— M (@elysiondream) May 15, 2018
Keo is a good teacher, bc Jennie has really improved over the past few weeks. Elegant & touching routine. #DWTS
— Tea (@IcedTea17) May 15, 2018
Finch is an Olympic softball pitcher. According to ABC, Finch “started pitching at age eight, with her father as her personal coach. In 2004 in Athens, her ASA team dominated their competitors and won the gold. Sports Illustrated hailed them as the greatest team of all time. Jennie created a signature line with Mizuno and pioneered the use of pink in women’s softball equipment. Pink and black became her signature.”
“Dancing with the Stars: Athletes” is hosted by Tom Bergeron and sports broadcaster Erin Andrews. The judging panel is composed of ballroom experts Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Their scores, along with America’s votes, determine who gets to stay and who is sent home as couples vie for the coveted Mirrorball trophy during the special, four-week season.
The remaining athletes include Olympic figure skaters Adam Rippon and Mirai Nagasu, luger Chris Mazdzer, softball pitcher Jennie Finch, NFL star Josh Norman and former figure skater Tonya Harding.
The finale of this season’s all-athlete edition of “Dancing with the Stars” airs next Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
What did you think of their performance tonight? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: ABC