Finalists for 'Dancing with the Stars' revealed: Dance-by-dance semi-finals recap

ByCari Skillman KGO logo
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Finalists for 'Dancing with the Stars' revealed: Dance-by-dance semi-finals recap
A perfect score doesn't necessarily mean a place in the finals for 'Dancing with the Stars.'

And then there were three! After nine grueling weeks of competition, season 22 of "Dancing with the Stars" has found its finalists.

But many dances were performed before we learned who the top trio would be. This week, each couple performed a dance they'd never done before and they were joined by another professional for the "trio dance."

Here's a recap of the round, from highest score to lowest:

- Wanya Morris -

Trio: 30 out of 30

Charleston: 30 out of 30

TOTAL: 60 out of 60

Wanya came into this week very deflated after last week's low score. Lindsay Arnold wants him to get his confidence back and asked Witney Carson to come help with the task. The trio performed a strong pasodoble and Wanya proved he's back. Carrie Ann Inaba jumped down from the judges table to give him a big hug and said "welcome back" to the top of the leader board. Head judge Len Goodman even gave a standing ovation! The individual dance did not disappoint. The couple did a fast and fun Charleston, and the judges were bowled over. Bruno Tonioli called it full of zest and razz-ma-tazz. Len thanked Wanya for bringing joy into the ballroom.

- Paige VanZant -

Trio: 30 out of 30

Argentine Tango: 29 out of 30

TOTAL: 59 out of 60

Alan Bersten, the pro who subbed in for Mark Ballas when he was injured, rejoined this talented duo for a sexy, saucy samba. All three judges were blown away. Len called the samba a showstopper. Bruno said Paige's confidence, beauty and skill led her to being the star attraction of the routine. Carrie Ann thinks Paige and Mark are unstoppable. For Paige's individual dance, she and Mark did the Argentine tango and it was probably the sexiest routine we've seen this season. Len was happy the music stopped because things were so hot, he wasn't sure where things were headed!

- Nyle DiMarco -

Trio: 27 out of 30

Argentine Tango: 30 out of 30

TOTAL: 57 out of 60

Peta Murgatroyd invites Jenna Johnson to join Nyle in the fast moving jive. The character sees Nyle as a bit of a player and he loves having both women at this side. Carrie Ann credited the trio for their teamwork on what she called the hardest dance to do. Bruno liked the mix of flirtatiousness with innocent charm and Len said, while things got a bit hectic sometimes, there was a great blend of fun and energy. Nyle redeemed himself with a perfect Argentine tango. And if he's not challenged enough, he decided that for part of the routine he should be blindfolded! Len called him amazing. Bruno stated he was mesmerizing. And Carrie Ann said Nyle inspires her to the core.

- Ginger Zee -

Trio: 27 out of 30

Quickstep: 29 out of 30

TOTAL: 56 out of 60

Ginger gets to pull out her tough face again for a fierce pasodoble, with the addition of Artem. Bruno said he was petrified of the mega drama they brought to the ballroom. Carrie Ann told Ginger she's enjoyed watching her grown into her own. And Len like the action and attack, even if it did get a bit "stormy." She came back stronger than ever with the quickstep, earning 10s from Len and Bruno.

- Antonio Brown -

Trio: 27 out of 30

Contemporary: 28 out of 30

TOTAL: 55 out of 60

The judges (rightly so) told Antonio he's come the farthest in this competition for Season 22. Sharna Burgess asked Hayley Erbert to join them for a fiery Angentine tango. Bruno thought AB had the confidence of a lion tamer and was in command of the dance. Carrie Ann loved the intensity they showed in the routine. The couple commanded the stage during their contemporary routine. Carrie Ann and Len both thought these were the best lifts they've ever seen and Bruno called it AB's best performance yet.

SPOILER ALERT:

All five couples deserve to be in the finals. It's a shame they have decided to do a double elimination! Hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews were a bit choked up at the thought of losing two great couples.

They let us know that the three people in the finale will be Ginger Zee, Nyle DiMarco and Paige VanZant.

Wanya Morris and Antonio Brown were completely gracious in their exits.

Next week: The two-night grand finale!