‘Dancing with the Stars’ recap: ‘Grammy Night’ ends with surprising elimination

LOS ANGELES — Seven remaining couples battled it out in the ballroom during “Grammy Night” on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Each pair performed routines inspired by iconic Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning artists, songs and unforgettable moments in music history.

In addition to dancing individual routines, couples faced off in a head-to-head “dance off,” performing in the same style at the same time. Winners from each dance-off received bonus points added to their judges’ totals.

“Grammy Night” on “Dancing with the Stars” comes a week ahead of the nominations announcement for the 69th Grammy Awards.

Here’s a rundown of the judge’s scores on the individual routines, from highest to lowest:

Harry Shum Jr. and partner Jenna Johnson performed a salsa to “Die with A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, nominated for the 2025 Grammy Award for song of the year and winner of best pop duo/group performance. Carrie Ann said yes there was style and showmanship but what she really saw was heart. Derek thinks Harry is magnetic and he felt joy from the dance. Bruno called it an extra spicy salsa and incredible.
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 29 out of 30

Jenna Dewan and partner Val Chmerkovskiy performed a jazz routine to “All for You” by Janet Jackson, winner of the 2002 Grammy Award for best dance recording. (P.S. Jenna danced in a couple of Janet’s early videos!) Carrie Ann said people would enroll in jazz classes because of Jenna, and that she expected greatness, and they delivered. Derek thought Jenna was “in the pocket” and danced sensationally and echoed Carrie Ann that Jenna was continuing to inspire dancers. Bruno told Jenna she outdanced Val! Then… the show surprised Jenna with a video message from Janet Jackson!
Scores: 10, 9, 9, 28 out of 30

Amber Glenn and partner Pasha Pashkov performed a paso doble to “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence, winner of the 2004 Grammy Award for best hard rock performance. Derek said the Paso had power, precision and purpose and he thought they filled the space beautifully. Bruno called the routine frighteningly good and the dance was everything a Paso doble should be. Carrie Ann said it was absolutely stunning and enjoyed seeing Amber’s strength and power.
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 28 out of 30

Tatyana Ali and partner Jan Ravnik performed a tango to “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas, nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award for best dance recording and winner of best short form music video. She’s friends with Will.I.Am and he FaceTimed with her during rehearsal and said he’d be watching. Derek told her she was a way of drawing the audience in and said it’s hard not to root for her. Bruno called it “Boom Boom WOW!” Carrie Ann called Tatyana a fighter who has the eye of the tiger in this competition. And… Will.I.Am surprised her by being in the ballroom.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 27 out of 30

Ezra Frech and partner Daniella Karagach performed an Argentine tango to “Crazy in Love (Remix)” by Beyoncé, winner of the 2004 Grammy Award for best R&B song.
Carrie Ann Inaba told Ezra this was the hardest dance he’s done so far, and he nailed it. Derek Hough felt their on stage intimacy and thought the routine was gorgeous and strong. Bruno Tonioli told the duo they were smoldering in the ballroom, and he liked how they built up the intensity and the drama.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 27 out of 30

Maura Higgins and partner Mark Ballas performed an Argentine tango to “Thong Song” by Sisqó, nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for best R&B song. Bruno said the dance was sensual but elegant and smooth and very, very good. Carrie Ann called Maura a graceful warrior, and said the dance was a work of art. Derek thought the dance was a work of art and some of the moves took his breath away.
Scores: 9 9 9 27 out of 30

Connor Wood and partner Rylee Arnold performed an Argentine tango to “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland, winner of the 2007 Grammy Award for best dance recording. Bruno told Connor, “Oh yes, you can lead!” and added the couple were making music this week. Carrie Ann saluted the pair and said very well done but told him to keep pushing. Derek thought the dance was strong and Connor was in control.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 27 out of 30

As far as the dance offs are concerned, Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson were the only couple not competing. The pair received immunity based on last week’s leaderboard scores, plus two bonus points so they sit at a total of 31.

For extra star power, Brandy, Monica, Maren Morris and Sheryl Crow all came to the ballroom to perform for each dance-off.

Here are the results from the “dance off” round, with the top team receiving two extra points:

Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov go up against Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach. The couples danced a rumba to “The Boy is Mine” by Brandy and Monica. Derek called it one of the most satisfying dance-off rounds he’s ever seen and said the quality of movement was sensational.
Judge’s decision: Amber & Pasha

Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy faced off against Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik. They each danced the cha cha to “The Middle” by Zedd, Maren Morris and Grey. Bruno thought each couple had a different interpretation, but both were so good and they gave it their all.
Judge’s decision: Jenna & Val

Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold competed against Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas. They also performed a cha cha to “All I Wanna Do” by Sheryl Crow. Carrie Ann thought both routines were so much fun and so different, but thought Maura and Mark stuck more to the technique.
Judge’s decision: Maura & Mark

So the final scoreboard of the night:

Harry & Jenna – 31
Amber & Pasha – 30
Jenna & Val – 30
Maura & Mark – 29
Connor & Rylee – 27
Ezra & Daniella – 27
Tatyana & Jan – 27

Live viewer votes from the night were combined with the judges’ scores to determine the night’s elimination. And in what can only be called a surprising turn for this season, Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy were sent home.

It’s the semifinals next week.