Chris Mazdzer and Witney Carson dance next, performing the Viennese waltz to “Next To Me” by Imagine Dragons.
Carrie Ann Inaba expresses that she is really impressed by Mazdzer’s grace and elegance. Guest judge Rashad Jennings describes it as “absolutely amazing,” while Len Goodman shares that he liked the dance. However, he advises him to pay attention to his sway and footwork. Bruno Tonioli refers to him as a “waltzing heartthrob” and compliments his lines and fluidity. They receive a score of 33.
Watch Chris Mazdzer and Witney Carson’s Touching Viennese Waltz
The competition is heating up in the ballroom as the eight remaining couples hit the dance floor tonight. On Monday, the athletes will dance a quickstep, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, cha cha, salsa or paso doble in round one, in addition to performing a team dance in round two. Season 24 Mirrorball champion Rashad Jennings serves as a guest judge tonight. Two couples will be eliminated at the end of the episode. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Lindsay Arnold are currently at the bottom of the leaderboard with 17 points. At the top of the leaderboard are Josh Norman and Sharna Burgess and Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson, who earned 24 points for their dances during last week’s premiere.
Dancing with the Stars Social Media Reactions
Chris is a great dancer #DWTS
— Allison the disney diva (@Daviesallison1A) May 8, 2018
This is a beautiful dance Chris and Witney are dancing to. Feels like heaven!!! #DWTS
— Paul Bacon (@PaulBacon30) May 8, 2018
THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING GO CHRIS!!!! #DWTS
— Katie Newswanger (@NewswangerKatie) May 8, 2018
I love a nice Viennese Waltz! That was great! Well done Chris and Witney! #DWTS
— Evaine 🇨🇦 (@MetEvaine) May 8, 2018
Who doesn’t love the Viennese Waltz?!? And that was beautiful. Chris was memorizing! So good #DWTS
— Maggie (@rosefox13) May 8, 2018
That dance from Chris and Whitney gave me the chills. #DWTS pic.twitter.com/fmxCE9KvTs
— Stefanie (@Stefmara) May 8, 2018
Mazdzer is an Olympic luger. According to ABC, “Chris made history becoming the first-ever American athlete to win a medal in the Men’s Single Luge event” at this year’s Winter Olympics. He “is continuing his training and intends to compete for Team USA one last time in 2022, in what will be his fourth Olympic Games.”
“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 current contestants include Olympic figure skaters Adam Rippon and Mirai Nagasu, NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Notre Dame basketball player Arike Ogunbowale. The remaining athletes competing this season include Chris Mazdzer, Jennie Finch, Josh Norman and Tonya Harding.
The all-athlete edition of “Dancing with the Stars” airs every Monday night at 8 p.m. on ABC.
What did you think of their performance tonight? Sound off in the comments section below!
Photo credit: ABC