It’s the final countdown! Part one of Dancing With the Stars‘ epic two-night Season 21 finale went down on Monday, Nov. 23, and it was basically the most emotional thing ever. The sequins, the sashays, the tears — everything happened and all of it was excellent.
Remaining celebrity dancers Alek Skarlatos, Nick Carter, Bindi Irwin, and Carlos PenaVega busted some serious moves in the race for the Mirrorball Trophy, but ultimately just three of them moved on. Get the lowdown on their performances and find out who was sent home.
The Judges’ Choice
Carlos and Witney Carson: Welcome to the dreaded Foxtrot, a smoking hot number (seriously, there was actual smoke) that Carlos and Witney slayed. The couple’s chemistry floored the judges, with Carrie Ann Inaba saying it was their “most dynamic and exciting performance.” Is it any wonder they got a perfect score?
Alek and Lindsay Arnold: Alek and Lindsay shook it like a Polaroid picture with the rumba! Despite their sibling-like bond, these two had great chemistry, earning a 27 out of 30. In the words of Matthew David McConaughey, alright, alright, alright!
Nick and Sharna Burgess: Nick and Sharna ranked lowest last week, which means they had nowhere to go but up. The dynamic duo’s jive earned a perfect score, causing Julianne Hough to say, “You performed the crap out of that.” Amen.
Bindi and Derek Hough: So much cuteness, so little time. Bindi and Derek danced the quickstep, a super-complicated routine that they mastered despite Derek being sick. In fact, they also earned a perfect score. Is anyone sensing a theme?
The Freestyle
Carlos and Witney: Not only did these two dance a mixture of hip-hop and salsa, they invited former contestants (hi, Paula Deen) to get in on the action. The results? Total and utter flawlessness. (Oh, and a score of 30.)
Alek and Lindsay: This hot couple was ranked last in the Judges’ Pick, but they climbed back in the most literal way possible with an army-themed obstacle course. Complete with wall climbing, stunts, and stellar dance moves, it’s no wonder they got 30 out of 30.
Nick and Sharna: Don’t worry, the two danced to “Larger Than Life” by The Backstreet Boys. In other words, all your dreams just became a reality, and yes, they got a perfect score. How could they not?
Bindi and Derek: Grab a tissue, because this was the most moving performance of the night. Bindi honored her late father, Steve Irwin, in a stripped-down performance, causing everyone to sob hysterically. “Sometimes during rehearsals it feels like there’s three people in the room,” she said. “Derek put that feeling into this freestyle.” It goes without saying that they got top marks from the judges.
Who Went Home?
Say goodbye to Carlos PenaVega and Witney Carson. Despite a total score of 60, they didn’t get the viewer votes needed to move on in the competition. Which brings us to the night’s final rankings:
Alek Skarlatos and Lindsay Arnold: 57
Nick Carter and Sharna Burgess: 60
Bindi Irwin and Derek Hough: 60
Tell Us: Who do you think will win Dancing With the Stars?
Dancing With the Stars’ Season 21 finale airs Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
