(SPOILER ALERT: This article reveals the team that was sent home on Monday, Oct. 17)
On Monday, the first night of Week 5’s two-part “Dancing With the Stars” event, social media personality Charli D’Amelio not only held onto the top slot on the leaderboard but also earned the first 10s of the season for her moving contemporary dance about her struggle with anxiety — with dance pro Mark Ballas as a very scary embodiment of that emotion.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba proclaimed the dance “perfection” and admitted that at one point Ballas — looking every inch like Russian villain Rasputin — scared her as he menacingly approached a vulnerable D’Amelio.
But the moment that opened the waterworks throughout the ballroom was Selma Blair’s surprise announcement that tonight would be her last dance. She, the judges and her fellow contestants choked up as she gracefully bowed out, saying that her doctor was concerned that it was too hard on her fragile body.
“I am going to be OK, but I don’t want there to be something serious,” said the actress, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018. “If I get hurt again, I’m afraid I won’t get back,” she said of her fear of being injured.
Judges gave the departing star four 10s, which choked-up Selma, who was already in tears from the abundance of love that she was showered with from the other stars, the dancers and everybody else on the soundstage. “It feels so good,” she said with a warm smile, adding that she was honored to have shared this time with her fellow dancers. As closing credits rolled, they lifted her up, cane and all, as the crowd cheered.
Wayne Brady was the second star to earn a 10 on Monday night, along with three 9s, for his “graceful, effortless” Foxtrot with partner Witney Carson.
Another touching moment was when “CODA” star Daniel Durant danced to “Both Sides Now,” the song Emilia Jones sang in the Oscar-winning movie. Even more moving, his ASL interpreter entered the dance with him and pro Britt Stewart, and they all signed in unison at the dance’s finale.
Leaderboard scores for Week 5, Night 1
Selma Blair and Sasha Farber – Waltz – 40/40** (Selma’s score did not count toward tonight’s competition as she was already going home)
Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas – Contemporary – 39/40
Wayne Brady and Witney Carson – Foxtrot – 37/40
Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy – Foxtrot -36/40
Joseph Baena and Daniella Karagach – Rumba -34/40
Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart – Contemporary – 34/40
Jordin Sparks and Brandon Armstrong – Salsa – 33/40
Vinny Guadagnino and Koko Iwasaki – Jazz – 32/40
Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater – Jazz – 32/40
Shangela and Gleb Savchenko – Foxtrot – 32/40
Jessie James Decker and Alan Bersten – Tango – 29/40
There were no other eliminations Monday night, but one couple will be kicked off on Tuesday as Week 5’s theme of “Star Stories” continues on its second night.
