It was Dedicated Dance Week tonight and there was no elimination, but it was Katelyn who won immunity for next week’s Fright Night with their emotional performance tonight
Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins with Pro Dancer Leonardo Lini. (Image: Kyran O’Brien /kobpix)
Katelyn Cummins is immune from elimination for next week’s Dancing With The Stars show.
It was Dedicated Dance Week which means no one was going home tonight, but it was still all to play for with the chance of immunity from next week’s Fright Night up for grabs.
After an emotional show in which contestants paid tribute to people who have made an impact on their lives and dedicated a dance to them, Katelyn and pro partner Leonardo received the highest combined points from the judges and public votes to earn immunity from the first Dance-Off of the series next week.
Singer-songwriter Tolü Makay and Maciej Zięba opened the show as they danced a Foxtrot to ‘When We Were Young’ by Adele, for Tolü’s sister Timmy. She kicked off the theme in style and won a score of 32 from the judges.
Judge Brian Redmond said: “Overall, beautifully youthful.”
“It was beautiful, you were in frame the whole time,” said judge Oti Mabuse.
Olympic rower Philip Doyle dedicated his dance to his mother Una as he and his pro partner Daniela Roze danced a Samba to ‘Dancing Queen’ by Abba. The sweet performance didn’t impress the judges and they earned a score of 19.
Judge Arthur Gourounlian said: “Samba demands joy, freedom and heart and tonight Philip you danced like no one was watching.”
“I enjoyed it so much,” said judge Karen Byrne.
Eurovision Winner Niamh Kavanagh with Pro Dancer Stephen Vincent(Image: Kyran OBrien)
Fair City Actress Stephanie Kelly with Pro Dancer Ervin’s Merfeldas(Image: Kyran OBrien)
Fair City star Stephanie Kelly and her pro partner Ervinas Merfeldas danced a Paso Doble to Firestone (Glewil remix) by Kygo feat. Conrad, in honour of Stephanie’s son, Zach. It was a touching performance and judges were impressed with her improvement so far and gave her a score of 30.
“Everything for you came together,” said Oti.
Arthur said: “You brought the attitude, the confidence; one word for you: olé.”
Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins dedicated her dance to her parents as she and her pro partner Leonardo Lini danced a Contemporary Ballroom to ‘Never Enough’ by Kelly Clarkson. It was a very emotional dance for Katelyn and she walked away with a score of 35.
“I was so engrossed, that takes a really special moment for this room to go silent,” said Karen.
Brian said: “You have the ability to connect to people beyond most. You’re always more than enough.”
Nationwide presenter Anne Cassin and her pro partner Robert Rowiński danced an American Smooth to ‘Don’t Stop’ by Fleetwood Mac, in honour of Anne’s mother Nancy. The judges were a fan and Anne got a score of 25.
Oti said: “I think your mum is looking down with a big smile on her face.”
“You give something special and gentle,” said Arthur.
Ireland AM presenter Eric Roberts and pro dancer Arianna Favaro danced Tango to Coldplay’s ‘Clocks’, dedicated to Eric’s nephew Oisín. It was a beautiful tribute from Eric and Arianna and earned them a score 34.
Brian said: “You have gone up a level tonight.”
“That was the first time you’ve actually given me goosebumps,” said Oti.
The Apprentice UK star Jordan Dargan dedicated his dance to his mam Ruth. He and his pro partner Rebecca Scott performed an American Smooth to ‘The Voyage’ by Christy Moore. The touching performance got three whopping 10s alongside a nine, leaving them with a score of 39.
Arthur said: “It was diving into a beautiful, gorgeous ocean.”
“You are just the gift that keeps on giving,” said Karen.
Eurovision winner Niamh Kavanagh and her partner Stephen Vincent danced an American Smooth to ‘Daniel’ by Elton John, in memory of Niamh’s nephew Daniel. The beautiful dance touched a chord with the audience and the judges, and they walked away with a score of 30.
Brian said: “That was, for me, a masterclass in expression.”
Arthur said: “You made me proud beyond belief.”
The Traitors Ireland star Paudie Moloney and his pro partner Laura Nolan closed the show with a Jive to ‘Jailhouse Rock’ by Elvis Presley, for Paudie’s ten grandchildren. The fun number wasn’t a hit with judges and they earned a score of 11.
Karen said: “It did lack the bounce and retraction we need in the jive.”
“You are the king of entertainment, you are so much fun,” Oti said.
This special episode honoured former judge Julian Benson, who passed away in April last year. Viewers heard from former presenter Nicky Byrne and former Head Judge Lorraine Barry, as well as current presenter Jennifer Zamparelli and judges Brian Redmond, Karen Byrne, and Arthur Gourounlian, who shared memories of their dear friend and colleague. The professional dancers also honoured the man endearingly named ‘Captain Sparkle’ with an emotional performance to ‘Last Dance’ by Donna Summer.
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