RHAP: We Know Dancing With The Stars

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 8 Recap

Also available on YouTube.

Horror takes center stage on Dancing with the Stars season 35, episode 8, as Matt Liguori welcomes Brandon Donlon for an action-packed recap. With a double elimination on the horizon and guest judge Shirley Ballas in the ballroom, the stakes reach new heights and the judges’ paddles swing harder than ever. From emotional highs to tense critiques, the discussion spotlights standout moments, shocking turns, and the ever-shifting leaderboard.

The conversation dives deep into this week’s horror movie theme, where each couple embraces spooky choreography and creative risk. Shirley Ballas sets a rigorous tone with her scoring and feedback, stirring anxiety among the dancers. Her 4-paddle makes an early and memorable appearance. The judging panel’s dynamic and the impact of guest judges become central, as the group debates the merits of strict critique versus more supportive commentary. Key performances are highlighted, including Harry and Jenna achieving a season’s first perfect score, Connor Wood’s breakout contemporary (and viral social buzz), and Jenna Dewan's partnership switch back to Val, sparking conversation about chemistry and technique. As eliminations loom, the hosts examine fan bases, scoring trends, and the unpredictability of near-finale placements.

Shirley Ballas’ guest judging style, strict scoring, and its effect on the contestants’ morale and performances

Analysis of Harry and Jenna’s contemporary dance and the pod’s debate on whether it deserved a perfect score

Connor Wood’s dramatic improvement and the choreography choices that played to his strengths

Reflections on partnerships disrupted by absence and illness, especially Jenna Dewan’s dynamic with Val vs. Alan

Discussion of social media’s role in voting, fan base power, and how memorable performances can sway public opinion

With themes of growth, unpredictability, and contestant pressure at the forefront, the episode asks: Can underdogs continue to upset the leaderboard as eliminations get tougher? Who benefits or suffers most from intense guest critiques as the finale nears?

Catch the full episode for lively analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and sharp insights on how the competition’s horror week shakes up the season’s standings.

0:00 Double Elimination Rocks Ballroom6:08 Shirley Ballas Brings Tough Love17:41 Julia Stiles Gets a Four27:09 Harry and Jenna’s Perfect Score34:14 Connor’s Viral Moment with Jennifer43:01 Tatyana Narrowly Avoids Elimination54:44 Jackson Eliminated on Joker Night1:02:23 Tyler Cameron’s Emotional Sendoff1:13:23 Amber and Pasha Stand Out1:23:23 Broadway Disney Night Announced

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 7 Recap Dedication Night

Also available on YouTube.

Dedication Night comes to Dancing with the Stars Season 35, and Sasha Joseph and Matt Liguori return to break it all down on RHAP. This episode mixes heartfelt stories with real behind-the-scenes drama, from family tributes on the dance floor to an unprecedented pro suspension, making for an emotional and eventful night.

Sasha and Matt take listeners through the standout performances, the context behind key scores, and the week's headline drama involving Val’s online comments and suspension. Their discussion digs deep into how real-life relationships and production decisions impact not only the dances but also the wider DWTS community. Alongside emotional routines, they spotlight disagreements over judging, guest appearances, and the tension between celebrating contestants’ stories and keeping the ballroom competitive. From surprise gender reveals to subtle shade on the judging panel, the duo covers a jam-packed and revealing episode.

Highlights from their conversation include:

The fallout from Val’s online “Fresh Prince” comment, his resulting suspension, and Alan stepping in as partner for Jenna, from social media missteps to ramifications on the dance floor.

The emotional power of Amber, Pasha, and her sister Brooke’s contemporary dance, and how storytelling through movement can hit home for viewers and judges alike.

Behind the dedication routines: creative choices, judging quirks, and how family members (and even kids) join the performances this week.

Insight into the score inflation for dedication night, debates over the appropriateness of 10s and 8s, and the impact on contestants’ chances going forward.

Guest judges like Kym Johnson and forthcoming Shirley Ballas bring a different energy and critique style, with anticipation building for the next elimination.

With double elimination looming and Shirley Ballas about to take a seat at the judges’ table, can the remaining stars keep pace with rising expectations and off-set distractions? Dive into all the emotions, strategy, and spectacle from DWTS Dedication Night.

Catch the full breakdown for stories behind the scores, honest takes on the week’s controversies, and all the action leading into horror movie week.

00:00 Dedication Night Begins, No Elimination06:30 Val Suspended After Online Drama12:14 Guest Judge Kym Johnson Returns16:23 Shirley Ballas Announcement Shocks Panel23:01 Ezra and Daniella's Stunning Contemporary29:00 Fresh Prince Tribute Brings Tears35:15 Maura Dedicates Dance to Ireland41:07 Jackson's Progress With His Mom45:28 Amber and Pasha's Vulnerable Story54:07 Jenna Dances With Alan, Not Val01:01:03 Harry's Family Joins the Stage01:06:32 Connor Dances for His Dad01:12:03 Tyler's Baby Announcement, Emotional Dance01:17:05 Julia and Ezra Honor Heath Ledger01:22:29 Horror Movie Night and Predictions

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 4 Recap

Also available on YouTube.

Dancing with the Stars Season 35 heats up on Super Bowl Night as Sasha Joseph brings in Chappell, who shares his real-life halftime show experience, to break down every dance, score, and dramatic elimination. As the ballroom embraces Super Bowl themes, stars take on routines inspired by iconic halftime performances, all under the watchful eyes of special guest judge Joe Buck. With hosting shake-ups and the show’s own celebrity connections to football and pop culture, this week’s episode brings both energy and debate to the dance floor.

Sasha and Chappell dig into each performance, from Maura and Mark’s technically sharp tango set to Rihanna’s “Only Girl in the World” to the viral nostalgia of Julia and Ezra channeling “Save the Last Dance.” They debate the fairness of the judging, especially as multiple celebs receive the same score despite major differences in ability and entertainment value. The discussion also samples several stand-out production choices, including Gatorade-sponsored openings and questionable costume decisions, that shape contestants’ ability to stand out. Beyond the dances, they call out social media drama, like Brandon Donlon’s run-in with Jimmy Kimmel and how fan support shapes each star’s journey. The surprising elimination of Guillermo turns the spotlight onto Tyler and raises questions about who truly deserves to stay.

Key topics include:

Joe Buck’s presence as guest judge and his laid-back, vibes-only approach to scoring contestants

The controversial elimination of Guillermo, with passionate debate over whether Tyler should have exited instead

Performance critiques: Amber’s standout samba, Maura and Mark’s technical proficiency, and the chemistry (or lack thereof) between certain pairs

Frequent scoring inconsistencies, with men often receiving higher marks for less difficult routines

Choreography, song choices (including a lack of Beyoncé), and creative risks debated for their success and impact

How will the continued voting trends and production choices affect the contestants' chances as the season moves forward? Does the judging need a shake-up to bring more consistency and credibility? Dive into the full episode for sharp insights, lively debate, and a true fan’s perspective on all the Dance Floor drama.

0:00 Super Bowl Week: Chappell Joins5:12 Guillermo Eliminated, Fans React13:17 Beyoncé Snubbed, Song Choices Debated18:39 Maura’s Tango Impresses Judges24:02 Jackson’s Salsa Earns Mixed Reviews32:08 Amber Delivers Standout Samba37:25 Tyler’s Jazz Leaves Panel Cold45:06 Connor Struggles With Samba51:04 Julia Recreates “Save the Last Dance”58:24 Tatyana Frustrated by Song Choice1:07:20 Guillermo’s Final Salsa Performance1:12:26 Jenna’s Paso Doble Wows Panel1:19:14 Harry’s Samba Draws Critique1:26:54 Ezra and Daniella Dominate Night1:34:53 Elimination Twist and Finale Predictions

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 4 Recap

Also available on YouTube.

It's Mariah Carey night on Dancing with the Stars Season 35, and Matt Liguoi and Sasha Joseph are breaking down all the performances, the judging controversies, and the heartbreaking elimination that's leaving the fandom with a lot of feelings. Episode 5 marked a milestone, the first 9 paddles of the season finally appeared, but the night also ended with one of the most-discussed eliminations of the year: Ciara Miller and Brandon Armstrong saying goodbye despite a season of crowd-pleasing performances. Matt and Sasha dig into what went wrong with the voting and why some fans feel the show's fanbase dynamics are working against certain contestants no matter how well they dance.

Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach delivered another standout rumba, Jenna Johnson had her best night of the season, and Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas broke the season's 9 barrier with a waltz to "If It's Over." Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov closed the show with one of the most talked-about finishing poses of the year. But not every moment landed: Carrie Ann Inaba's judging drew fire from both hosts, Val Chmerkovskiy's hairstyle sparked social media controversy, and Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold gave the show its most eyebrow-raising package segment of the season. Matt also drops a hot take about Sharna Burgess's hair, the duo digs into the Jackson Olson-Guillermo TikTok drama, and Sasha's complicated feelings about Guillermo Rodriguez make for one of the funniest exchanges of the year.

Ezra Frech and Daniella earn 8s across the board. Both hosts feel 9s were warranted

Maura Higgins and Mark Ballas score the first 9 of Season 35; Matt and Sasha debate whether it was truly a 9

Amber Glenn and Pasha close the show to high praise, but Carrie Ann's 7 draws serious pushback from Sasha

Ciara Miller's elimination over Tyler Cameron sparks a bigger conversation about Black women on DWTS and voting dynamics

Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa charm in the middle of the pack; Jackson Olson struggles with his performance face

With Super Bowl night on the horizon and Matt away, Sasha and Chappell will break it all down next week. Catch Matt when he returns the following episode.

Timestamps:0:00:00 – Intro / Ciara elimination reaction0:07:00 – Black women on DWTS and voting dynamics0:14:00 – Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson tango (Amber Riley in the ballroom)0:21:00 – Jenna's best night / Val's haircut controversy0:34:00 – Tyler Cameron and Sharna / Julianne-Val weirdness0:45:00 – Maura and Mark score the first 9 of Season 350:50:31 – Guillermo Rodriguez and Witney Carson: "Obsessed" samba0:57:07 – Jackson Olson and Emma Slater: birthday week1:01:37 – Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik1:06:27 – Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold: the grinding package1:12:50 – Julia Stiles and Ezra Sosa: Viennese waltz1:16:33 – Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov close the show1:22:07 – Elimination breakdown1:25:20 – Next week: Super Bowl night with Chappell

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Dancing with the Stars Season 35 Ep 4 Recap

Also available on YouTube.

Return to the ballroom with the latest round of Dancing with the Stars Season 35, Episode 4, as Matt Liguori and Sasha Joseph break down Yacht Rock Night. Sentiments run high from the get-go, with heated reactions to Britt Stewart’s unexpected early exit, her fifth within seven seasons. As the co-hosts sort through surprise eliminations, mixed theme choices, and clashing fan bases, this episode dives deep into the strategies, production decisions, and personalities shaping the season.

The conversation focused on the emotional reactions around elimination night, particularly regarding Britt’s recurring early exits and the broader implications for the show’s pro dancers. Judges’ scoring inconsistencies, the puzzling selection of Yacht Rock as a theme, and fan engagement online become central topics. The discussion explored the efforts of contestants attempting to merge their personal talents, like Amber Glenn’s blend of ballroom and figure skating or Ciara’s transformation into her iconic onscreen persona. Several points were raised, including the role of social media in voting, the pressures faced by pros who juggle DWTS with outside commitments, and the evolving landscape of themed nights.

Strong debate over Britt Stewart’s repeated early eliminations and its impact on pro participation

Close look at mismatched themes, from a confusing Yacht Rock Night to anticipation (and anxiety) for upcoming Mariah Carey and potential NFL-themed episodes

Observations about scoring disparities, with attention to how some dances receive higher ratings despite visible missteps

The spotlight on certain celebrities’ journeys, from Amber Glenn’s standout performances to the unique pairing-based fan dynamics

Behind-the-scenes talk on how travel, outside gigs, and social media presence factor into rehearsals and performance quality

Can future themes deliver on energy and music, or will song choices keep throwing off dancers and fans alike? Will the pros get more say in their celebrity partners—or do recurring elimination patterns signal deeper issues in casting and production?

Catch the full episode to follow the drama, dance breakdowns, and real-time fan reactions as Dancing with the Stars navigates a pivotal stage of the competition.

00:00 Yacht Rock Night Kicks Off06:48 Britt Stewart’s Early Elimination Outrage13:30 Yacht Rock Theme Critique19:31 Sexiest Pro Nominees Revealed25:39 Amber Glenn Tops Leaderboard35:11 Guillermo’s Surprising Fan Power41:47 Tatyana’s Breakthrough Performance46:07 Glee Cast Supports Harry Shum51:21 Taylor Hanson’s Painful Exit58:00 Maura and Mark’s Dynamic Chemistry01:03:31 Ciara Miller Finds Confidence01:08:41 Jackson Olsen’s Stalled Progress01:12:03 Connor Wood’s Questionable High Scores01:16:24 Jenna Dewan’s Samba Overdrive01:21:05 Tyler Cameron Struggles Despite Sharna01:26:04 Ezra’s Foxtrot Stuns Judges01:31:24 Britt’s Exit Sparks Frustration

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