“Dancing with the Stars” had the biggest shock of the season so far on Monday night, when a strong team was sent home.
(Spoiler alert! This story contains the results of Monday’s “DWTS.”)
Despite impressive progress over the weeks, “Hunger Games” actress Willow Shields, and her partner, Mark Ballas, were eliminated from the competition. The news left the judges and other contestants stunned.
“It is what it is,” Mark said, speaking for the pair after receiving the disappointing news (Willow, 14, was understandably emotional over their elimination).
“I just want to, first of all, just say a big thank you to Willow for being the most incredible partner,” he continued. “I think she’s shown incredible improvement from Day 1, taking risks. She’s only 14, guys. She’s out there dancing, keeping up with everybody. Thank you again… it’s been a hell of a ride. I couldn’t be more proud.”
PHOTOS: ‘Hunger Games’ Darling Willow Shields
Next week, the competition continues, and Nastia Liukin heads into it at the top of the leaderboard. This week she danced with Sasha Farber after her partner, Derek Hough, injured himself when he accidentally kicked a light (he broke his toe) during a rehearsal. He then sprained an ankle while trying to get ice for his toe.
Although he was unable to compete, Derek choreographed Nastia and Sasha’s Era night routine (and even joined in during the subway ride theme).
“You killed that dance,” Julianne Hough told Nastia and Sasha, just before they took home the night’s top first round score – 38 out of 40 points.
Those points also earned them immunity for the evening, keeping them out of Round 2 – the dance off.
WATCH: ‘Dancing’ Stars Give Update Om Derek Hough’s Recovery
The remaining couples were left to compete, one pair against another pair in a dance off for a coveted two additional points.
Riker Lynch and Allison Holker took on Willow and Mark. Although the judges’ critiques made it seem like the round was close, they all voted Willow and Mark the victors of the salsa, and the pair ended the night (prior to their elimination) with 39 points.
Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess faced off with Robert Herjavec and Kym Johnson, and the judges were split on who would get the extra points for the cha cha. A tie-breaker was decided by Len’s vote and that round’s additional two points went to Noah and Sharna, whose total score on Monday was 38.
The third and final round saw Rumer Willis and Val Chmerkovskiy dance against Chris Soules and Witney Carson. No surprise there, Rumer and Val picked up the extra two points for their cha cha for a 37-point total.
On Tuesday, “Dancing with the Stars'” “10 Anniversary Special” will air from 8-9 PM ET/PT on ABC. The competition continues next Monday at 8/7c, and there will be a double elimination next week.
— Jolie Lash
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