Dancing With the Stars originally planned "Double Elimination Night" for this evening's episode—and, as the title clearly spells out, that meant that two couples would be eliminated from the competition. However, the show's producers were forced to scrap those plans due to the departure of Jeannie Mai, the cohost of the syndicated daytime talk show The Real, who announced Monday morning that she had recently received the unfortunate diagnosis of epiglottis—a potentially life-threatening condition that required immediate surgery. So, instead, only one couple would be sent home at the end of Season 29's eighth episode.
In a somewhat surprising move, Chrishell Stause, star of the Netflix reality show Selling Sunset, and her pro dancer partner, Gleb Savchenko, were eliminated. In the end, the choice came between her and Disney Channel star Skai Jackson (the latter of whom is paired with pro Alan Bersten). Tonight was the first time both of the stars were in the final two, but Skai advanced after judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli both voted her safe before Derek Hough had a chance to vote. (He revealed afterward that he would have chosen to save Skai as well.)
Mai's absence was noted throughout the broadcast, and a somber tone was often palpable. Her overall health weighed heavily on the entire cast, judges and even a teary-eyed Tyra Banks, following an emotional video that Mai recorded from the hospital. The 41-year-old was also a favorite among fans, due to her positive attitude, and how she frequently shared funny and sweet video messages from her Vietnamese mother.
But the show must go on, and Tyra must have a grand entrance. Tonight, she strutted out in a bright, fluffy dress to the sounds of "Treasure" by Bruno Mars. Catfish host Nev Schulman also had another big night with his partner, pro Jenna Johnson. After the duo scored a perfect 30 last week, they tied for the highest score tonight, too, with a 27. Also scoring a 27 was Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir, who continues to improve, and his pro partner Britt Stewart.
Other highlights of the night included Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean and pro Cheryl Burke performing a rumba to "Way Down We Go" by KALEO, and The Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe and partner Artem Chigvintsev dancing jive to "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen.
Rapper Nelly and pro Daniella Karagach turned in a poor performance with a rumba to "Nobody Knows" by The Tony Rich Project. They received three 7s, for a total of 21. That was the lowest score of the night, and thus they seemed a lock to be facing elimination, yet they were immediately called "safe" at the end.
The second portion of the night featured the Relay Dance, in which one judge scores groups of couples doing the same dance. Inaba judged Nev, Chrishell and Nelly doing a cha-cha, during which Nev stood out once again and received the highest 3 points available.
Hough judged a Viennese waltz done with Johnny (wearing an outfit that made him look like Pee-Wee Herman) and Justina, and Tonioli judged a samba with AJ,
Kaitlyn and Skai. Of those, Johnny, AJ, and Kaitlyn all scored 3s.
Next week, viewers can look forward to "Icons Night," which will be inspired by legendary music stars.
Dancing With the Stars airs Mondays (8 p.m. ET) on ABC.
