Who Was In The Audience – S22, Wk03

Who Was In The Audience

– Season 22, Week 03

Ben Aaron:   The Husband of Ginger Zee and co-Host of the Comedy Talk series, Crazy Talk, was back once more in DWTS’ live audience to cheer on his Wife as she performed a Contemporary Routine dedicated to their life together!

Members of R5 - Riker Lynch, Rocky Lynch, and Ellington Ratliff:   Season 20’s First Runner Up, DWTS’ beloved, Riker, was in the Ballroom once more and seated ring-side to enjoy the night’s festivities, along with two of his R5 Band mates, younger Brother Rocky and Best Friend, Ratliff!

Lisa Mesloh:  The Wife of Television Personality and Season 01’s First Runner Up, John O’Hurley, Lisa could be spotted in DWTS’ live audience, appropriately tearing up over Doug & Karina’s emotional Waltz.

Louis Van Amstel:  (He was with All Access’ Host, Dominic Bowden.)  A former Pro and last Season’s Dancing Partner for Dixieland’s Celebrity Chef, Paula Deen.

Amy Purdy:   A (still INCREDBLE) former Competitor for DWTS’ amazing 18^th Season, Amy Placed an impressive and (extremely) well-deserved 2^nd, along with her then Pro partner, 6-time Mirror Ball Champion, Derek Hough!

Charlotte Rae:  “Mrs. Garrett” to most, this former Facts of Life Actress was there to show support for her still adorable, dancing “Tootie”, Kim Fields!

Von Miller (“Sr.”):   The father of Super Bowl L Champion and MVP, Von Miller, Jr., who, according to Von’s Pre- Dance Rehearsal Package was against Von’s pursuits within the Game of Football, was present in DWTS’ live audience to cheer on his Sports Star son in his emoting Contemporary with Pro, Witney Carson! 

NeNe Leakes:  A Season 18 Contestant, NeNe Placed 7^th with her Professional partner, Tony Dovolani, and was present on this night to root for her former partner AND for her Real Housewives of Atlanta co-Star, Kim Fields.

Zendaya Coleman:  Season 16’s Second Runner Up could be seen in the Show’s Red Room chatting it up with her former Professional partner, Valentin Chmerkovskiy!

In addition, during DWTS’ live, Wk03 Broadcast, it was announced that Zendaya would be returning next week as well (Wk04) in the exciting role of “Guest Judge” for Season 22’s previously announced Disney Night!

Cheryl Burke:  A former DWTS Pro from Seasons 02-19, Cheryl was back in the Glitter Dome once more, seated within its audience and enjoying the night’s festivities!

Carson McAllister:  Husband to DWTS Professional, Season 19’s Mirror Ball Champion, Witney Carson.

Chuck Liddel:  A former UFC light Heavy-weight Champion, Chuck is also a former Competitor on DWTS, Placing 11^th with his Pro partner, Anna Trebunskaya, for Season 09!

Urijah Faber:  A UFC Bantam-weight Fighter, Urijah was present in the Ballroom once more to cheer on Season 22’s high-scoring Paige VanZant!

Members of Boyz II Men – Shawn Stockman and Nathan Morris:   The famed Boyz II Men Singers were there to support their friend and fellow Band Mate, Wanya Morris, as he danced his Patriotic Waltz to the Boyz II Men rendition of the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”, sung at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games!  

Who Was In The Audience – S21, Wk08

Who Was In The Audience –

Season 21, Week 08

Members of R5 – Riker, Ryland, and Rocky Lynch:  Season 20 Great and First Runner-up, Riker was present once again in the show’s live audience,  along with two of his younger brothers, Ryland and Rocky, to cheer on his former partner, Allison Holker, and her new Celebrity student, Andy Grammer!

Riker Lynch

Riker and Rocky share a popular, pop-rock band together, R5, with the third and final younger brother, Ross Lynch, their younger sister, Rydel, and long-time family friend, Ellington Ratliff. 

Terri and Robert Irwin: The loving duo could be seen smiling from the Ballroom’s jam-packed “sidelines” following DWTS Darling Bindi Irwin’s Fantastic Foxtrot!

Terri Irwin

Robert Irwin

Victor Espinoza:  The record setting, Triple Crown-winning Thoroughbred Jockey and former Season 21 contestant (with Professional partner, Karina Smirnoff) sat comfortably ring-side to enjoy the show!

Victor Espinoza

Sabrina Bryan:  Formerly of Disney’s popular film series and Girl Group, The Cheetah Girls (2003-2008) Sabrina competed in DWTS Seasons 08 and 15 (All Star Season).

Sabrina Bryan

Despite being a brilliantly-talented Ballroom natural, a judges’ favorite, and being paired with 2 different Professional partners, Mark Ballas (S08) and Louis Van Amstel (S15), Sabrina was tragically Eliminated both times from the show in Week 06 of the Competition.

Both Eliminations were met with shock, tears, and a standing ovation from each Season’s live audience, judges and Cast.

Following her first, Season 08 Elimination, Sabrina’s remaining fellow Celebrity counterparts, and their Pros, all sported her signature Cheetah Paw Print Tattoo to show their continued shock and affection for the missing Dancing Great.

Furthermore, in what can only be described as a cruel twist from the show’s voting block, Sabrina was Eliminated for the Second time, during Season 15, on the very same day as she had been Eliminated during Season 08.

Who Was In The Audience – S21, Wk07

Who Was In The Audience –

Season 21, Week 07

Danica McKellar:  The well known Actress from the hit television show, The Wonder Years (1988-1993), Author, and Mathematical whiz could be spotted in DWTS’ live audience cheering on her former dance partner, Valentin Chmerkovskiy.
Danica competed with Val in Season 18 and was able to leave the show a 5^th Place Semifinalist.

Ming-Na Wen:  Perhaps best known for her role as Agent Melinda May on ABC’s popular television series, Marvel’s Agents of Shield (2013-Present), and as the voice of Mulan, from Disney’s animated classic, Mulan (1998).  
Ming-Na has reprised her role as the beloved voice of Mulan quite a few times over the years including the 1998 TV film, Reflections on Ice:  Michelle Skates to the Music of Disney’s ‘Mulan’, the 1998 video game, Mulan Story Studio,  the 2002 TV series, House of Mouse, the 2004 film Mulan II, the 2005 video short, The World of Mulan, the 2005 video game, Kingdom Hearts II, the 2007 video game, Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+, and the 2014 TV series, Sofia the First.

Terri and Robert Irwin:  The mother and baby brother of Season 21 Sweetheart, Bindi Irwin, Terri and “Bob” could be seen cheering from the live audience’s front row.

Brigitte Nielsen:  This well known Actress and Ex-wife to Sylvester Stallone (Yes, you read that correctly.) is perhaps best known for her role as Ludmilla Vobet Drago in the highly-popular 1985 film, Rocky IV.


And finally, last but certainly far from least, we havvvve (Are you ready for this, dwtslovers?)

Members of R5 – Ross, Rydel, and RIKER Lynch: That’s right, DWTS’ beloved Season 20 contestant and First Runner-up, Riker Lynch, was present with his younger brother and sister to cheer on his former partner, Allison Holker.

A Focus On The Finalists (Part 02) – Noah & Sharna

A Focus on the DWTS Finalists of Season 20

NOTE:  This is a "Part 02"

Click HERE to see the "Part 01" post.

Ah, me!  Another DWTS Season has come and gone … and what a season!

It was an incredibly exciting and close Finals race for Dancing with the Stars’ 10^th Anniversary Season; and, unlike some Finals from the past, that Mirror Ball Trophy really was anybody’s game!

That is why, despite the fact that Rumer Willis and Valentin Chmerkovskiy have already been crowned the Mirror Ball Champions of Season 20 (Yaaay!!  I love me some “Valenrue”!), I thought it only fair to submit this follow-up feature:  Focus on the Finalists!

DWTS Season 20 Finalists
L-R: Rumer & Val, Riker & Alison, and Noah & Sharna 

Following an amazing Wk 01 Cha-cha-ing debut, it was immediately obvious to us all that this was merely the beginning of a “beautiful friendship” and a most memorable partnership for Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess.

Noah Galloway and Sharna Burgess
" ... the beginning of a beautiful friendship. "

A heroic and moving story, combined with a good-hearted “No Excuses” attitude and an incredible ability for (often extremely-difficult) lifts, helped Noah to initially stand out from his celebrity counterparts; but, Noah quickly added to all these an undeniable talent for the art of Ballroom Dancing!

Noah & Sharna's Week 04 Contemporary -
Noah was Amazing!

Absolutely stunning!!

In Wk 02, Noah’s cowboy-themed Samba had us all cheering “Yee-haw!”;  and, the sweet surprise visit of a long-time-absent girlfriend had us all grinning like total saps;

A happy and a beautiful moment  in the Ballroom 
as Jamie Boyd returns earlier than expected 
and surprises boyfriend, Noah Galloway!

Aaawwww!  <sniff>  Beautiful!
You go, Jamie!

but, it was his Wk 03 Argentine Tango that left us thinking, “Wow, this Season 20 couple really has what it takes …”!

Noah & Sharna - Latin Night

Noah & Sharna wowed us all with their
exceptional Week 03 Argentine Tango!

A slew of impressive dances soon followed suit, including an emotional and patriotic Wk 04 Contemporary, a flowing and romantic Wk 06 Rumba 

Noah & Sharna's Rumba
 was soft, flowing, and beautiful!
DWTS S20,Wk06 - Spring Break Night

(Granted, not quite as romantic as his soon-to-follow proposal to that same devoted girlfriend, Jamie Boyd, during Wk 09’s Semifinals, 

" ...This song, 'The Time of my life', you give that to me ... "
were the words of Noah Galloway as he began his
proposal to girlfriend, Jamie Boyd.
< sniff > ... Okay, now I really am gonna cry!

Not a dry eye in the Ballroom as
Noah and Jamie shared True Love's Kiss! 

but still, a solid second!), a beautiful Wk 09 Viennese Waltz, and a powerful Wk 09 Paso Doble!

Sergeant Noah Galloway totally killed
( hacked in pieces, burned the pieces,
stomped on the ashes) this Paso Doble!!

But, I cannot (and will not) mention Noah’s wonderful Ballroom prowess without next making mention of the one who made it all possible for him, Sharna Burgess:

Noah & Sharna - The Cha Cha
DWTS Season 20, Week 01

Since joining the professional cast of Dancing with the Stars in Season 16, Sharna’s dancing and choreography have always been a treasured part of the show; but, this season, she revealed to us yet another layer of choreographing brilliance when she took her creative genius to all-new, innovative heights and presented to us some truly amazing and unforgettable performances, thereby cementing herself as one of the show’s all-time best!!

Noah & Sharna - The Argentine Tango

Noah & Sharna's Waltz
This dance was Amazing!  Sharna, what brilliant choreography!

Leaving in their wake a marked impression on the “Glitter Dome” and often not a dry eye in the house, Noah & Sharna wound up dancing their way right to the Finals; and, were subsequently rewarded with 3^rd Place!

Noah & Sharna's Freestyle

Season 20, Week 10 - DWTS Finals, Day 1

Absolutely Amazing!!

Quite literally a DWTS Pair like no other, Noah & Sharna are sure to go down in Dancing with the Stars History as one of the show’s most memorable and endearing couples!

Noah & Sharna
Season 20, Week 07 - Eras Night

A Focus On The Finalists (Part 01) – Riker & Allison

A Focus on the DWTS Finalists of Season 20

NOTE:  This is a "Part 01"

Click HERE to see the "Part 02" post.

Ah, me!  Another DWTS Season has come and gone … and what a season!

It was an incredibly exciting and close Finals race for Dancing with the Stars’ 10^th Anniversary Season; and, unlike some Finals from the past, that Mirror Ball Trophy really was anybody’s game!

That is why, despite the fact that Rumer Willis  and Valentin Chmerkovskiy have already been crowned the Mirror Ball Champions of Season 20 (Yaaay!!  I love me some “Valenrue”!), I thought it only fair to submit this follow-up feature:  Focus on the Finalists!

DWTS Season 20 Finalists
L-R: Rumer & Val, Riker & Alison, and Noah & Sharna 

An explosive pair right from the start, Riker Lynch  and Allison Holker were (unquestionably) the “dynamite” couple of DWTS, Season 20!

Go, Riker! Go, Riker!
Season 20, Week 01

Every time that Riker & Allison stepped out onto the dance floor, you knew that you were in for a Ballroom treat like no other Season 20 couple could offer … Well, at least not in that characteristically Fast & Furious Fashion!

To be perfectly (albeit brutally) honest, I didn’t think that I much cared for Riker & Allison at the beginning; and, following their Wk01 Jive, I had immediately categorized them as “middle of the pack” contenders … Well!  I’m very happy, indeed, to say that I could not have been more wrong!!

Riker & Allison dancing their Surprisingly Stunning,
If-you-didn't-like-this-couple-before-they-totally-just-won-you-over,
 Fantastic Foxtrot! S20, Wk02

By only Wk02, Riker came out to gracefully explain to us, by means of a beautifully-danced, elegant Foxtrot, that this cousin of the Houghs possessed what is truly an amazing amount of dancing and musical depth … and it only got better from there!

Riker Lynch gets some serious Air Time
during his Week 03 Salsa!

Week by week, and dance by incredible dance, Riker continued to blow us all out of the water (sometimes seemingly literally, as was the case when he donned his now-famous Captain Jack Sparrow costume and performed his terribly-violent and splendidly-executed Wk 05 Paso Doble!) 

" ... and really bad eggs ... "

with his terrific showmanship, his insanely-great, technical know-how, AND his naturally-fun, super-nice, and downright loveable personality!

In fact, it wasn’t too far along into the competition before I found myself wondering if just maybe this adored R5 singer and bass player had not chosen the wrong career path!

Riker & Allison's Samba was
Fantastically-Fun, Exceptionally-Entertaining,
Furiously-Fast, & Positively-Perfect!  <whew!>

But I don’t really know that all of this dancing greatness might have been possible for Riker, were it not for the Particularly-Perfect Pairing with his Professional Partner, Allison Holker.

Riker & Allison playing the cutest nerds ever
in their S20,Wk06 Team Dance.

After what began as a bit of a rocky start during her professional Dancing with the Stars debut (Season 19),  Allison managed to turn it all completely around and carve out a niche for herself as being one of the best! … And well-deservedly so!! 

Riker & Allison Danced an amazing Quickstep!
Season 20, Week 07 - Eras Night

Allison was on absolute Fire all season long with her stupendous choreography, and what are - obviously - some seriously-mad teaching skills!

A dramatic pause in Riker & Allison's Viennese Waltz
Season 20 Week 08 - America's Choice Night

In the end, this dancing duo happened to fall just short of winning that Golden Mirror Ball Trophy; but, it matters not one jot for the team of Riker & Allison who will, no doubt, always be remembered as one of DWTS’ greatest couples!

Riker & Allison Puttin' On The Ritz
for their glamorous Freestyle!
DWTS Season 20 Week 10 - The Finals, Day 1

Here are just a few more of  Riker & Allison's best moments on Dancing With The Stars, Season 20.

Riker & Allison in their Trio Dance with Brittany
Season 20, Week 08 - America's Choice Night
You guys totally killed it!

Riker & Allison perform a Contemporary Dance

 during DWTS, S20, Wk09. 

Contemporary is always 50-50 for me ...
Sometimes it's really good; but, sometimes 
it's just used as an excuse to be art-sy. 
Well, in Riker & Allison's case ...
it was used as an excuse to kick some serious @$$!

Riker & Allison dance The Argentine Tango,

with Julianne Hough - S20, Wk09 - Judges' Pick Round.

I loved everything about this dance!
The setting, the music, (of course) the dancing, all of it!
It really was one the best Argentine Tangos
I've ever seen on the show!