Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson perform next, dancing a contemporary routine to “O” by Coldplay. Rippon chose his mother as his MVP.
Guest judge David Ross says the dance was beautiful, while Len Goodman praises the emotion and control. Bruno Tonioli calls them “two birds of paradise,” adding that it was a masterpiece. Carrie Ann Inaba acknowledges how challenging the dance was and thanks Rippon for his “pure perfection.” They score a 39.
Watch Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson’s Poignant Contemporary Routine
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 love Adam so freaking much #Dwts
— All things Dwts (@BestOfDwts) May 15, 2018
Adam Rippon is the national treasure we don’t deserve #dwts
— Nic (@breathofair7) May 15, 2018
Well, Adam has made me cry with his skating & now with his dancing. #DWTS
— Lynn ✨ (@DrLynnAzra) May 15, 2018
#DWTS Adam & Jenna absolutely beautiful
— GinaBean (@Fantiscious8) May 15, 2018
Exquisite Contemporary Adam and Jenna! WOW! 10! #DWTS
— Ann Marie Pincivero (@ampincivero) May 15, 2018
Adam & Jenna were simply sensational. #dwts
— Thomas Duffy (@auctionguy28) May 15, 2018
Jesus. Adam and Jenna’s contemporary is beyond anything we’ve ever witnessed on this show. #DWTS #DWTSAthletes
— Kadey, Muppet of a Woman (@kadeyobe10) May 15, 2018
Rippon is an Olympic figure skater. According to ABC, “Adam won the hearts of America and the world at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Known for his refreshing candor and wit, his rise to fame on the global stage has provided him with a platform to speak out in support of LGBTQ rights and the freedom to be oneself. His passion and charm have made him an inspiration to young and old alike, and he has quickly become a role model and icon to millions.” He was the first openly gay U.S. athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics.
“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