"DWTS" Week 8: Dance-Off Week

November 2, 2015

We’re already eight weeks into “DWTS,” and the competition never ceases to surprise us. Case in point: last night’s emotionally-charged, immunity-granting, baby-gender revealing episode. Each star dedicated their dance to an important person or icon in their life. But when it came down to the judging, there was a twist! The highest scoring couple received immunity and three extra points toward their score during the next elimination, while the other six couples competed in three dance-offs voted on by the judges and viewers at home. The winning pair from each of those received two extra points to add to their score. Whew! That’s a lot. On to the highlights!

Sharna Burgess and Nick Carter upped the stakes last night. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

Nick Carter dedicated his dance to his wife, Lauren, who is 16 weeks pregnant with their first child. The emotional routine with pro Sharna Burgess brought out Carter’s sensitive side—enough to bring judge Carrie Ann Iba to tears. They didn’t stop there, though, because not only was the couple granted immunity thanks to their performance, but Carter found out during the show that he and his wife would be welcoming a baby boy!

Keep smiling Bindi! (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)

America’s falling in love with Bindi Irwin (it goes without saying our love for Derek Hough is #forever), and this week was no exception. She chose Grace Kelly as her icon, and turned in a wonderful performance—something we’ve come to expect from her each and every week. Julianne Hough commented a bit on her posture, but admitted that she was looking for literally anything to critique her on so that it would motivate her to keep being amazing and growing as a dancer.

Andy Grammar and pro partner, Allison Holker, won their dance-off and two extra points against Alek Skarlatos and Lindsay Arnold, but in the end, they won’t do Grammar any good—he was eliminated last night, but exited in true “DWTS” fashion: with a handspring AND a worm. #Winning.