Monday night’s episode of Dancing with the Stars took a hard turn from the usual groove and elegance of the ballroom to a more intense, rock-inspired atmosphere. This time, the smooth cha-chas and waltzes were swapped out for edgy, head-banging performances in celebration of Hair Metal Night.
From electrifying guitar solos to leather jackets and heavy metal hairdos, the show traded grace for grit, channeling the raw energy of rock’n’roll in every performance. The night was filled with passionate paso dobles, fierce jives, and high-energy cha-chas, as contestants gave it their all to impress the judges and viewers at home.
Joining the judging panel this time was none other than KISS legend Gene Simmons, whose role as guest judge brought a different flavor to the critique process. Known for his iconic stage presence, Simmons offered his insights from the perspective of a rock star, rather than focusing solely on technical dance details.
His commentary, however, was more about evaluating the full energy and performance flair of the contestants rather than breaking down choreography or footwork. As one might expect from a rock icon, he praised the participants for their charisma and their ability to embody the rock’n’roll spirit on the dance floor.
Still, Simmons’ presence on the judging panel added a fun layer of unpredictability to the competition, even if his comments sometimes focused more on the aesthetic than the technical aspects of dancing.
After a strong start earlier in the season, Monday’s episode was pivotal for many contestants as they faced critiques from previous performances.
For some, the feedback from earlier episodes worked in their favor as they made significant improvements, while others struggled to keep up with the demands of the competition. The night ended with a double elimination, leaving everyone with heightened emotions as two beloved celebrities were sent home.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Atmosphere Sets the Stage for Intense Performances
The theme for this week’s competition was Hair Metal, a genre of music that dominated the ’80s with its loud, rebellious sound and flamboyant style. The contestants didn’t just have to dance; they had to embody the larger-than-life personas of the metal icons who defined this era of music.
From Poison to Quiet Riot, the soundtrack was a nostalgic tribute to the loudest decade of rock, and it was up to the stars to bring that energy onto the dance floor.
The show opened with a bang, setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. The audience was treated to a spectacle of leather, studs, wild hair, and plenty of headbanging, transforming the usual elegance of the ballroom into a heavy metal concert.
One of the first performances of the evening came from NFL star Danny Amendola, who has shown considerable growth since his debut on the show. He hit the floor with a fierce paso doble, fully embracing the rock theme with a massive mohawk and a leather jacket that would make any metalhead proud.
His performance was aggressive, bold, and in sync with the high-energy rock anthem that accompanied his dance. The judges, including Gene Simmons, were impressed with his intensity and commitment to the character of a rock star.
While Amendola has been working on refining his technique and facial expressions, Simmons offered feedback that focused more on the performance aspect. This allowed viewers to see the different layers of judging—one focusing on technique and precision, and the other on the ability to sell a performance.
It was clear that Amendola was taking the competition seriously, and the judges praised his improvement. His pro partner, Witney Carson, also helped upgrade the performance by keeping the energy high and the choreography sharp, even as Simmons’ feedback often veered toward commentary on her appearance rather than the dance itself.
While Danny Amendola showed improvement, other contestants truly embraced the opportunity to redeem themselves after disappointing performances during Soul Train Night. One such star was model Brooks Nader, who had struggled with her rumba in a previous episode.
Her rumba had been critiqued for lacking content, relying too much on chemistry and not enough on technique. However, this week, she returned to the floor with renewed focus and determination.
Paired with her pro partner, Gleb Savchenko, Nader performed a cha-cha to Poison’s “Nothing But A Good Time,” and the judges were blown away by the transformation. Her movements were crisp, her timing was on point, and her energy matched the upbeat rock anthem.
This was exactly the kind of redemption she needed to prove that she could handle more intricate choreography and deliver the kind of polished performance that the judges were looking for.
As the night continued, Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik also used this episode as an opportunity to bounce back from previous critiques. His struggles with technique and musicality had been noted in earlier performances, but on Monday night, he showed significant improvement.
Nedoroscik’s performance was sharper, more rhythmic, and showcased his athleticism in a new light. His ability to channel his inner matador in a fiery paso doble impressed the judges, and it was clear that he was starting to find his footing on the dance floor.
The athletes on this season of Dancing with the Stars have consistently been some of the most interesting competitors to watch, as their backgrounds in sports often give them an advantage in terms of discipline and strength, but dancing requires them to master rhythm, grace, and expression, all of which can be challenging for those who are used to the structure of athletic training.
Struggles and Emotional Moments: Not Every Star Shines Under the Spotlight
Although several contestants showed marked improvement, others had a more difficult time rising to the challenge of Hair Metal Night. Rugby player Ilona Maher found herself struggling with the timing of her jive to Quiet Riot’s “Cum On Feel the Noize.”
Despite her best efforts, Maher’s performance didn’t quite hit the mark, and her struggles with the fast-paced choreography were evident. After the dance, Maher was visibly emotional, feeling the pressure of the competition and the disappointment of not delivering the performance she had hoped for.
The audience, however, showed her plenty of love, offering encouragement and support even in the face of a less-than-perfect performance.
It was a reminder that Dancing with the Stars is not just about flawless technique; it’s also about the journey, and the fans have a deep appreciation for the effort and heart that the contestants put into every performance.
Reality star Phaedra Parks also faced challenges with her paso doble. While Parks excelled at bringing storytelling into her performances, she struggled with finesse in certain moves, which ultimately affected her score. The judges noted that while her performance was full of passion, it lacked the polish needed to secure a higher result.
This was especially disappointing for Parks, who had started the week strong with her first performance on Monday night. Still, her ability to connect with the audience and convey emotion through dance remained one of her greatest strengths, even if the technical execution wasn’t always perfect.
On the flip side, former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei emerged as one of the top performers of the evening. Building on the momentum from his previous episode, Graziadei delivered a show-stopping tango that had the judges raving.
Derek Hough, one of the most respected judges on the panel, went so far as to call it the best tango he had ever seen from a male contestant on the show. Graziadei’s ability to maintain a strong frame throughout the dance, while still keeping his movements fluid and connected to the rock star persona he was channeling, set him apart from the competition.
It was clear that Graziadei was a serious contender for the mirrorball trophy, and his performance on Hair Metal Night only solidified his position as one of the frontrunners in the competition.
Chandler Kinney and Jenn Tran also continued to impress the judges with their growth and versatility. While Kinney earned slightly lower scores than she had on Monday, she still landed in the second spot on the leaderboard, proving that she has the consistency and determination to go far in the competition.
Tran, on the other hand, saw her scores improve, with mostly 8s from the judges, placing her in the third spot on the leaderboard. Both contestants have shown that they can adapt to different dance styles and bring their own unique flair to each performance, making them strong contenders as the competition heats up.
Emotional Double Elimination: Saying Goodbye to Reginald VelJohnson and Eric Roberts
At the end of the night, the competition took an emotional turn with a double elimination that saw two beloved actors leave the show. Reginald VelJohnson, best known for his role in Family Matters, and Eric Roberts, the veteran actor, were the two contestants with the lowest combined scores and votes.
Both actors had been fan favorites, not just for their performances on the dance floor but for their positive attitudes and their willingness to take on the challenges of the competition despite physical limitations.
VelJohnson, in particular, had captured the hearts of viewers with his warm personality and his close relationship with his pro partner, Emma Slater. Their partnership had been a highlight of the season, and their departure was met with sadness from both the judges and the audience.
Roberts, too, had faced his own set of challenges throughout the competition, but his dedication to improving and his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone had earned him respect from his fellow contestants and the judges. Both actors may have been eliminated from the competition, but their presence on the show will be remembered fondly.
As the Competition Heats Up, the Stakes Get Higher
With only nine stars left in the competition, the stakes are higher than ever. Each remaining contestant knows that every performance counts and there is little room for error as the judges’ expectations continue to rise.
Joey Graziadei, Chandler Kinney, and Jenn Tran are emerging as the top contenders, but the competition is still wide open. Athletes like Danny Amendola and Stephen Nedoroscik are proving that they have what it takes to compete at a high level, while others like Brooks Nader are showing that redemption is possible after a rocky start.
Hair Metal Night was a turning point in the competition, setting the stage for even more intense performances in the coming weeks. With the mirrorball trophy within reach, each contestant will need to bring their A-game if they want to make it to the finale.
