Dancing With the Stars”: Hair Metal Night Recap

The ballroom was filled with electrifying performances as “Dancing With the Stars” unveiled Hair Metal Night, a themed episode where contestants danced to iconic rock anthems. This marked the finale of the week’s performances after Monday’s Soul Train Night. After the dance-offs, the combined scores of the evenings shaped the fate of the contestants.

Guest judge Gene Simmons of KISS fame joined regular judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli, and Derek Hough. “I want to see everyone embrace their inner rock god and release the kraken,” Simmons quipped as the night commenced.

Chandler Kinney and her partner Brandon Armstrong delivered a notable Jive to Twisted Sister‘s “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” receiving high praise from Simmons who commented, “Chandler, you fogged up my glasses.” However, Carrie Ann Inaba urged Kinney to further enhance her sharpness in movement, highlighting that the show aims for growth alongside performance excellence.

Brooks Nader, performing a Cha Cha with Gleb Savchenko to Poison‘s “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” earned acclaim for her focused energy. Despite emotional struggles in rehearsals, Nader impressed the judges, with Tonioli noting her significant improvement and describing her as “a good dancer as well as terribly hot.” Simmons attempted to award the couple the season’s first ten, but scoring rules prevented it. Nevertheless, Nader expressed satisfaction with her personal best score.

Jenn and Sasha‘s Paso Doble to “The Final Countdown” by Europe scored 31/40, while Ilona and Alan danced the Jive to Quiet Riot‘s “Cum On Feel the Noize,” achieving a score of 26/40 after overcoming a challenging rehearsal.

However, not all contestants could continue their journey. Combined scores from both nights resulted in the elimination of Reginald VelJohnson and Emma Slater, as well as Eric Roberts and Britt Stewart. “I have never had a better working experience,” Roberts reflected on his time in the competition.

“Dancing With the Stars” continues to captivate audiences, with hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro guiding viewers through each thrilling night. The next episodes promise more compelling performances as the show’s contestants vie for the coveted mirrorball trophy.

Dancing With the Stars airs on ABC and Disney+ Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming available on Disney+.