Kicking off the dance-off round are Jennie Finch/Keo Motsepe and Tonya Harding/Sasha Farber. They are dancing the cha cha to “Dance” by DNCE. The couples were mentored this week by season 20 competitor and Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin.
Len Goodman says they both gave it their all, while Bruno Tonioli praises the feel of the dances. He says, however, there were some timing issues. Carrie Ann Inaba likes the energy and intensity. Guest judge David Ross says it was a great start to the round. The judges pick Harding and Farber as the winners, while Finch and Motsepe win America’s vote at 60 percent. Ultimately, Harding and Farber get the extra points.
Watch Jennie Finch & Keo Motsepe and Tonya Harding & Sasha Farber’s Cha Cha Dance-Off
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
Jennie > Tonya. Times 1 million. #DWTS
— Ann Marie Pincivero (@ampincivero) May 15, 2018
I think Jennie and Keo did better than Tonya and Sasha. #DWTS
— Erica (@lilsushigirl) May 15, 2018
#DWTS Tonya Vs Jennie
Jennie looked awkward and Tonya did okay but could have danced a little better and have more energy but overall
Winner: Tonya— Thomas Steven 🍉 (@Thomasstevens00) May 15, 2018
Both @JennieFinch and #TonyaHarding had their weakness, but they both let loose and had fun! Jennie really improved from last week, and Tonya followed Sasha well! #BallroomBattles #DWTS #DWTS26 #DWTSAthletes #SemiFinals
— DWTS Interact (@DWTSInteract) May 15, 2018
We know America prefer Jennie over Tonya… good #DWTS
— marjory contreras ♡ (@x_marjory_x) May 15, 2018
“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