'DWTS' Recap: Boy Bands vs Girl Groups and the show's most shocking elimination to date

July 2024 · 7 minute read

The first ever Boy Bands vs Girl Groups Night on DWTS went down in the ballroom Monday evening. Though we were over the moon to see boy bander himself and season 21 runner-up Nick Carter fill in for Julianne to guest judge, we are completely devastated over the appalling results. Read our recap below and find out which couple went home during what may have been the most unexpected elimination since Sabrina Bryan and Mark Ballas’ departure back in 2007.

Simone and Sasha- Samba

Dancing to Destiny’s Child’s “Survivior,” Simone and Sasha performed a strong samba full of attitude. Len commended Simone’s control and said it was a terrific routine equipped with clever choreography. He believed the timing was suspect here and there, but all-in-all, was a great start to the show. Bruno expressed that Simone is no longer a child, but a woman. He appreciated the spunk Simone possessed. Carrie Ann agreed about the timing, but thought the dance was so sexy, calling Simone a powerful and appointed performer. Nick seconded Carrie Ann and loved how the song was a representation of who Simone is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKWSM8oXuA4

Carrie Ann- 9, Nick- 8, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 = 35/40

Bonner and Sharna- Rumba

With Nick on the judges’ panel, the pressure was on for Bonner to channel his inner Backstreet Boy. Bruno noted that the rumba is hard for men, as your body never stops. At times, he thought the performance was jagged, but loved the concept. Carrie Ann spotted dynamics she never saw from Bonner. She enjoyed that they were both in sync and thought it was a solid rumba. Sharna’s former partner Nick couldn’t be more proud of what he saw on the dance floor, applauding the pro for how hard she continuously works. His sole criticism for Bonner was to simply let go. Len wants to see more emotion. He said it wasn’t Bonner’s best dance, but it wasn’t his worst either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1lph0VEkyY

Carrie Ann- 8, Nick- 8, Len- 7, Bruno- 7 = 30/40

Nancy and Artem- Paso Doble 

The couple danced a paso doble to “Free Your Mind” to En Vogue. Carrie Ann noticed that Nancy lost control in the beginning, but applauded her for finding her way and thought she was spot on for the remainder of the dance. Nick thought Nancy completely commanded the floor. Len tells her not to doubt herself and just accept that she is an excellent dancer. Although, he thought she was a little tense in her movements, explaining that the paso doble needs to be a bit sharper. Bruno expressed his love for the routine, telling Nancy to remember to make sure she does not lose her shaping.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS48uvlzxCk

Carrie Ann- 9, Nick- 8, Len- 8, Bruno- 8 = 33/40

Nick and Peta- Jive

Although they performed an entertaining jive to “Fun, Fun, Fun” by The Beach Boys, Nick and Peta’s routine seemed to have lacked polish. Nick Carter enjoyed the routine, but advises that the Bachelor star work harder on his moves. Len wasn’t picking out the greatest vibration, as the dance didn’t necessarily do anything for him. Bruno appreciated the effort Nick put forward, but sided with Len. Carrie Ann can see Nick really coming out of his shell, but thought his energy on the ballroom floor did not translate into his feet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9qgGaWkGtU

Carrie Ann- 7, Nick- 7, Len- 7, Bruno = 28/40

Normani and Val- Salsa

Normani and Val danced a sexy salsa to “When I Grow Up” by Pussycat Dolls. Len thought the performance showcased what a great dancer Normani is; however, it did not showcase what a great salsa dancer she is. Bruno said she is in it to win it, nailing every move in the routine. Carrie Ann said although she is 20 years older than Normani, she aspires to be her when she grows up and complimented her “perfect” lines. Nick believes Normani has what it takes to win this entire competition, telling her to just stay the course and not look back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmdNo3QjKUM

Carrie Ann- 10, Nick- 10, Len- 8, Bruno- 10 = 38/40

David and Lindsay- Argentine Tango

The couple’s Argentine Tango to ‘NSync’s “I Want You Back” was rough around the edges, but had heart. Bruno said it started very well, but there were a few shaky parts, including David almost dropping his partner after a sloppy lift. Carrie Ann didn’t believe David seemed like himself, but appreciated that he went from a true Argentine tango and did not cut corners. Nick can tell that David is a fighter and thought it was his best work. Len understood the former baseball player’s frustration, but despite of all the stress lying on David’s shoulders, thought he came out and did a marvelous job.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2INM3WNxG4

Carrie Ann- 7, Nick- 8, Len- 7, Bruno- 7 = 29/40

Rashad and Emma- Tango

Attempting to earn back their top spot on the leaderboard, Rashad and Emma performed a tango to “Reach Out I’ll Be Tere’ by The Four Tops. Carrie Ann thought the beginning was absolute perfection and that Rashad danced with so much style and technique. Nick believed Rashad elevated himself to the elite. Len appreciated the hold and that he showed a proper tango. Rashad may have lost a bit of control due to his overexcitement, but came out and attacked the performance, giving it his all. Bruno loved the classic Motown and classic tango combination, applauding Rashad’s strength and drive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSLH97IpJ4o

Carrie Ann- 9, Nick- 10, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 = 37/40

Heather and Maks- Rumba

Yay, Maks! Heather is finally back in action with her original partner and feeling youthful as ever. Nick thought their rumba routine to TLC’s “Waterfalls” was the best of the night, calling Heather elegant and beautiful. Len saw lovely leg action and enjoyed the speed their routine possessed. Bruno thought it was just stunning, noting that Heather played like a star and danced like a true champion. Carrie Ann said it was by far her strongest dance yet, agreeing wholeheartedly with Bruno. Heather and Maks’ rumba earned them the first perfect score of season. Well deserved!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf2ID4DX2gU

Carrie Ann- 10, Nick- 10, Len- 10, Bruno- 10 = 40/40

Team Boy Band joined forces to deliver a shirtless, energized routine that had us on our feet. Len thought it was full of gimmicks and crowd pleasing moves, exactly what needed to be done in order to beat the girls. Bruno said it the most fabulous mess he has ever seen. Carrie Ann loved it. Nick believed they missed their calling and that there is a new boy band in town.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glll-Ls7KEQ

Carrie Ann- 8, Nick- 9, Len- 8, Bruno- 8 = 33/40

Team Girl Group fell short of domination. Because we know what they are fully capable of, we expected nothing less than heat. Bruno thought it kicked ass, loving that their routine showcased different styles through the decade. Carrie Ann was underwhelmed and didn’t believed it was their best dancing. Nick adored the performance, while Len found the guys’ routine more entertaining.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfpZzrwj1TY

Carrie Ann- 8, Nick- 9, Len- 8, Bruno- 9 = 34/40

At the end of the show, we came to find that Heather and Maks were the couple with the lowest amount of votes and leaving the competition. (Yes, our blood is still boiling as we type this.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMZMa_Vo_tg

By the looks of how Twitter reacted, it seems as if we are all mutually infuriated, displeased, and downright livid.

Heather deserved better!!!!! #DWTS pic.twitter.com/YNFOQZTd6x

— Cay (@caylamasters) April 25, 2017

That elimination tho… #dwts pic.twitter.com/imbbw7Yp3l

— Nicole Polizzi (@snooki) April 25, 2017

https://twitter.com/spobysgoofball/status/856690535708446721

https://twitter.com/denae_elena/status/856690291759353857

This is me. Right now. ? @DancingABC @MaksimC @HeatherMorrisTV #DWTS #TeamMaximumHeat pic.twitter.com/Nfrmf06uW8

— EeVon Tan (@eeviegirl) April 25, 2017

Waiting for Steve to come out and tell us it was a mistake ? #DWTS you really screwed up tonight. @HeatherMorrisTV @MaksimC deserved to stay pic.twitter.com/5XsN6FSVqi

— Jeanette (@netty613) April 25, 2017

Don’t forget to tweet us your thoughts, @CelebMix.

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