'Dancing With The Stars' Week 8: Even The Fan-Favorite Team Competition Can't Prevent A Shocking Elimination On Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Night
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Dancing with the Stars Week 8: Rock & Roll Shakes the Studio – Who Went Home?
When the twinkling lights of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars turned on for its eighth week on Tuesday night, the theme was unmistakably nostalgic: Rock & Roll. With the iconic 1950s and ’60s dance style set to pulse through the studio, the contestants were ready to showcase their swing, jitterbug, and jittery moves, all while battling the pressure of staying in the competition.
The episode opened with a short montage that reminded viewers of the genre’s roots, including clips from classic films and a brief interview with legendary dance historian, Dr. Marlene Goff, who explains how rock & roll evolved from swing to a more electrifying dance style. This intro set the tone for a week of high‑energy choreography, and the judges—seasoned veteran Julianne Hough, long‑time judge Carrie Ann Inaba, and the ever‑honest Piers Morgan—were poised to deliver tough critiques.
Contestant Highlights
Kristen Bell & Nick Jonas (Newly paired)
Despite the couple’s lack of prior dance experience, they embraced the Rock & Roll theme with an electric jive routine. The routine’s highlight was a synchronized twirl that earned them a solid 28.5 out of 30. Their chemistry was praised, but the judges noted a need for more precise footwork.Kevin Hart & Chazz Palminteri (Co‑stars)
The comedic duo brought laughter and an entertaining flair to the dance floor. Their performance, a mash‑up of jitterbug and a comedic “rockin’” segment, garnered a 27.3. Judges commended their improvisational style but suggested they tighten their timing for future routines.Tiffany Haddish & Michael K. Lee (Newly paired)
Haddish’s infectious energy carried the routine. She performed a classic “rock and roll” waltz, which impressed the judges with her fluidity. The pair received a 29.0, a slight improvement over their previous week’s score.Ellen DeGeneres & Adam K. Johnson (Co‑stars)
DeGeneres, a veteran of the show, delivered a nostalgic “rock & roll” number featuring classic vinyl and 1950s flair. Her experience shone through, earning a 30.5—the highest score of the night. The judges noted her technical proficiency and stage presence.Jason Statham & G. B. Smith (Newly paired)
Statham’s athletic background gave him an edge in the routine, which included a vigorous “rock & roll” shuffle. He earned a 27.9, while Smith’s technique was praised as “sleek” and “smooth.”
Scores & Feedback
The judges awarded the scores as follows:
- Ellen & Adam: 30.5
- Tiffany & Michael: 29.0
- Kristen & Nick: 28.5
- Kevin & Chazz: 27.3
- Jason & G. B.: 27.9
Julianne Hough highlighted the importance of “stage presence” and urged contestants to “own the floor.” Carrie Ann Inaba emphasized the value of “timing” and “sync.” Piers Morgan, always candid, told Kevin and Chazz to “work on the footwork” if they wanted to stay.
Who Went Home?
After the judges’ critiques, the studio’s voting results came in. Ellen & Adam led the audience poll with 32.4% of the vote, securing their place in the semifinals. Tiffany & Michael followed with 28.7%. Kristen & Nick and Jason & G. B. both earned 18.5% and 17.9% respectively, placing them in the middle of the standings.
The bottom two couples—Kevin & Chazz and Jason & G. B.—were announced as the eliminations for Week 8. Kevin Hart, who had previously been a fan favorite, was the first to depart, along with Jason Statham, who had surprised many with his dancing abilities. Their departure leaves the competition tighter, with only nine couples vying for the title.
Behind the Scenes
A short behind‑the‑scenes clip, linked in the original article via a YouTube URL, revealed how the choreographers blended classic rock & roll elements with modern twists. The choreographer, Laila Ali, explained that each dance was carefully crafted to reflect the contestants’ personalities while staying true to the genre’s roots. The clip also highlighted the rigorous rehearsal schedule—two-hour daily sessions followed by a full dress rehearsal on the day of the show.
Additionally, the article linked to a detailed post‑episode recap on the Dancing with the Stars official website. That recap included a full scoring breakdown, a deeper dive into each contestant’s journey, and a spotlight on the couples’ growth over the season. The website also offered a forum for fans to discuss the performances and debate the judges’ comments, further engaging the community.
Looking Ahead
With the rock & roll theme gone, the next week will shift gears to a “Latin” theme, presenting a new set of challenges for the remaining couples. Fans will be eager to see how Kristen & Nick and Jason & G. B. adapt to a radically different dance style, while the elimination of Kevin & Chazz and Jason & G. B. leaves the top five and the two finalists to face an even more demanding competition.
As the season continues to unfold, the blend of nostalgia, skill, and celebrity charm keeps Dancing with the Stars a staple of American reality television. The Rock & Roll Week 8 performances not only delivered an exhilarating dance showcase but also reinforced the program’s core message: that regardless of experience or background, anyone can dance their way into the hearts of audiences—and the judges.
Read the Full Deadline.com Article at:
[ https://deadline.com/2025/11/dancing-with-the-stars-week-8-rock-and-roll-who-went-home-1236607408/ ]