SOT: He Could Find Chemistry with a Piece of Paper (DWTS: The Next Pro 104)

Summary

The Danielle Fishel Shows

Episode Title: He Could Find Chemistry with a Piece of Paper (DWTS: The Next Pro 104)
Date: August 4, 2026
Host: Danielle Fishel
Special Guest: Val Chmerkovskiy

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Episode Overview

This episode of "The Danielle Fishel Shows" is a dedicated deep-dive recap of the latest episode of Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro (Episode 4). Danielle Fishel, joined by Val Chmerkovskiy, explores the show's theme of "Chemistry," discusses behind-the-scenes drama, and dissects the dance performances and eliminations, all with the signature warmth, humor, and candid banter fans love. The analysis covers partner selection drama, the challenges of ballroom “chemistry,” and highlights emotional and technical moments both on and off the floor.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Intensity & Reunion Vibes

• The episode starts with Danielle and Val recording in the intense Palm Springs heat, noting it’s “like Comic Con here, but with spray tans.”
• Val describes the rehearsal week as “exciting, hectic…feels like a reunion, you know, like a high school reunion of sorts” (02:54).
• The show brings back celebrities from various DWTS seasons, sparking plenty of backstage fan moments: “I got to meet Christy Yamaguchi… Johnny Weir… he's amazing.” (03:18).

2. Guest Judge Spotlight: Jenna Johnson

• Jenna Johnson (Val’s wife and DWTS pro) is the guest judge for the week.
• Val reflects on their unique partnership:

  “We work alongside each other and that's such a huge blessing… I’m a huge advocate for her as a professional.” (08:04)

• Jenna performs a technically difficult routine described as “spicy and extra” and “doesn’t even break a sweat” (09:09).

3. The Chemistry Theme: What Does It Mean?

• Jenna and Val discuss finding “chemistry” with any partner:
  • Jenna (reported by Val): “He could find chemistry with a piece of paper.” (10:48, 11:08)
  • Val: “I will have chemistry with anything that I'm creating something that I’m passionate about.” (11:19)
  • Chemistry isn’t about physical attraction:

    “It comes from camaraderie. You know, it comes from caring about this person a lot and caring about the thing that we're trying to accomplish together.” (13:23)

  • Danielle agrees, “I can also have chemistry with anything” (19:41).

4. Partner Pick Drama: Tension & Friendship

• The partner pick process is fraught with emotion. Notably:
  • Stephanie and Nina both want Alan; Alan chooses Nina, Stephanie is “forced” to pick Tristan, making him feel unwanted.
  • Tristan reacts with embarrassment and hurt; Danielle and Val discuss the complexity:

    Val: “Man, I gotta check him on his, like, selfishness… This is about a competition and a huge opportunity for her.” (23:10) Danielle: “To have placed so much of that burden on Stephanie was… unfair.” (24:37)

• Both agree competition requires making tough, sometimes unkind-seeming decisions, and real friendships will withstand the pressure:

  Val: “If your friendships are really good friendships, they're gonna survive the test of this competition.” (26:54)

5. Rehearsal Insights: Tension & Connection

• Couples who end up with partners by “default" can struggle:
  • Tristan admits he feels “petty” and ultimately clears the air with Stephanie.
  • Val: “At least there’s some self awareness… own your own moment of hurt without having to drag someone else into it.” (30:39)
• Discussion about the blurred lines between acting and dance chemistry, with Val admitting to “casual creative choices,” like ending dances with a kiss for dramatic effect (20:15).
• Adele is described as someone who finds chemistry with everyone, reflecting her “passion for dance” (17:44).

6. Emotional Challenges & Growth

• Dancers are pushed to their limits emotionally and technically:
  • Stephanie, under pressure, admits being on the show is a huge risk and talks about her family’s history with DWTS.
  • Val: “I feel for her because I think she's grown a lot through this competition…” (38:29)
• The significance of “bonding off the dance floor”—sometimes vital, sometimes too much.
  • Danielle: “Some of my favorite bonding moments... end up both just laying on the floor laughing so hard.” (34:04)
  • Val: Sometimes distance is good: “You want just the right amount of distance where when we get together…we’re excited to just do the dance thing.” (33:54)

7. Live Performance Highlights

• Dance Assignments:
  • Stephanie/Tristan and Adele/AJ: Rumba
  • Alan/Nina and Selena/Eric: Argentine Tango
• Notable Performances:
  • Selena & Eric’s Argentine Tango:
    • Called “the best dance of the night by far… best dance of the season” (55:39, 56:07)
    • Shirley: “In my 50 years of teaching, I have never seen something quite like it…the routine could be on DWTS tomorrow.” (57:09)
    • Val: “He looked like a pro… I shipped them… Those mega yachts.” (56:14, 56:53)
  • Adele & AJ’s Rumba:
    • Val: “Adele… she’s a Rolls Royce… just enjoy the ride.” (49:17)
    • Mark (judge): “The start was bumpy, but he loved their rumba content.” (50:02)
    • Chemistry praised but not as “shippable.”
  • Stephanie & Tristan’s Rumba:
    • Song: “Back to Friends” (cute producer touch, given the week’s drama) (58:56)
    • Val: “Very good. It surprised me… she looked great.” (59:09)
    • Ultimately, technical weaknesses and chemistry issues keep them in the bottom.

8. Judges’ & Hosts’ Analysis: Technique vs. Chemistry

• Judges repeatedly stress that technical skills alone don’t guarantee success—it’s about genuine, dynamic chemistry and performance presence.
  • Alan/Nina’s dance is technically strong, but lacks chemistry:

    “Didn't have any chemistry. No eye contact.” (41:14)

  • Alan breaking the “fourth wall” by winking at the camera during his routine is criticized:

    Val: “There are times to break the fourth wall. Not the time when your assignment is to create chemistry with your partner.” (65:26)

9. Elimination

• Bottom Two Couples:
  • Stephanie & Tristan
  • Alan & Nina
• Shirley chooses to eliminate Stephanie and Tristan, though both hosts agree Stephanie handled the experience with “humility and grace.”
  • Danielle: “Nothing she should look back on and feel embarrassed by.” (62:23)
  • Val: “She's gonna work for a long time… I want to work with Steph tomorrow if I have a gig.” (63:39)

10. Reflections on Loss: Sadness & Moving On

• Danielle and Val share what it feels like after leaving the show:
  • Danielle: “I was sad it was over… I couldn't believe that the next day I wasn't gonna have a call time.” (74:06)
  • Val: “That sadness wasn't just exclusively yours because you lost… You have now lived in this bubble… It’s okay to be sad.” (72:59)
• Tristan seemed “relieved,” while Stephanie was “devastated.” Both hosts reflect on how the competition can push dancers to face not just physical but emotional challenges.
  • Val: “Tristan… before he could be a pro…there is some emotional regulation that he needs…” (75:05)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Chemistry Philosophy:

  “Chemistry… isn’t physical attraction… it comes from camaraderie.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy (13:23)

• On Jenna Johnson:

  “You introduce her by her own damn self. And then, you know, fun fact, she’s also married to Val.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy (09:12)

• On Partner Drama:

  “If you really love something, you let it go… If you’re really friends with her, then you need to read the room.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy (23:10)

• Performance Review:

  “He looked like a pro on Dancing with the Stars… I shipped them… The ones parked up by Monte Carlo… those mega yachts.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy on Selena & Eric (56:14, 56:53)

• On Vulnerability Backstage:

  “I romanticize about sacrificing for my passion… I have the literal scars to say that I’ve given my all with no regret.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy (48:03)

• Stephanie’s Journey:

  “She’s grown a lot through this competition... Even having said that, she still shined.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy (38:29, 39:16)

• On Saying Goodbye:

  “You are sad because it’s over. You have now lived in this bubble of rhinestones and movement and physicality and expression..."
  – Val Chmerkovskiy (72:12)

• On Takeaways from the Show:

  “She might not win Next Pro, but I think everybody that watched the show will walk away loving her so much more… I want to work with that person.”
  – Val Chmerkovskiy on Stephanie (63:07)

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Timeline of Key Segments

• 02:16 – Introduction; Palm Springs & DWTS as “Comic Con with spray tans”
• 02:54–04:25 – Prepping for “Con,” celebrity reunions, impact of Natalie’s concussion
• 04:25–05:38 – Val shares story of taking injuries “for the show;” working through adversity
• 06:37–08:04 – Robert’s return, guest judge announcement (Jenna Johnson)
• 09:09–11:08 – Jenna’s “spicy” routine & finding chemistry: “He could find chemistry with a piece of paper”
• 13:22–16:12 – What is “chemistry”? Partner pick drama builds
• 17:44–19:24 – Adele’s ability to find chemistry; Danielle & Val reflect on acting’s parallels
• 22:19–24:57 – Partner selection fallout, Tristan and Stephanie tension
• 26:05–27:02 – Stakes raised: both dancers in lowest-rated couple will be eliminated
• 30:33–32:13 – Tristan admits pettiness; discussion about male lead, Adele “making AJ feel like the boss”
• 32:42–35:47 – On- and off-floor bonding, importance of trust and fun
• 38:29–39:22 – Stephanie’s emotional honesty and pressure of DWTS legacy
• 44:41–48:41 – Show night and the performance begins; Val on compartmentalizing pain and stress as a performer
• 49:44–51:58 – Review of Adele/AJ and Selena/Eric’s dances, product placement banter
• 55:39–57:35 – Selena & Eric’s Argentine Tango receives a standing ovation: “Best dance of the season”
• 58:54–62:23 – Stephanie & Tristan’s rumba, heartbreak over elimination
• 65:25–67:05 – Judges’ critiques: technical vs. emotional choices
• 69:00–75:05 – Final elimination, aftermath, and emotional impact of leaving the competition

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Episode Takeaways

• This episode puts a spotlight on the nuanced meaning of “chemistry” in both dance and life.
• Behind the glittering surface of DWTS, real emotions, heartbreak, and resilience take center stage.
• The best routines marry technical prowess with authentic, in-the-moment connection.
• Eliminations can feel devastating, not just for those leaving, but for everyone invested in the competition’s emotional journey.
• Ultimately, the relationships and personal growth often outlast the trophy—and the podcast underscores that with wit, honesty, and heart.

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Front Runner After This Week:
Val declares Eric is the new front runner, citing his technical ability, choreography, presentation, and “smoothness” (70:32).

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Memorable Closing Quote:

“You have now lived in this bubble of rhinestones and movement and physicality and expression… it’s okay to be sad [when it ends].”
— Val Chmerkovskiy (72:12)

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For listeners looking for dance geekery, heart, and reality TV insight, this episode is a must-listen and even more of a must-experience for fans of dance, competition, and the unpredictability of live TV.

Transcript

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[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Recording from the unbearable heat of Palm Springs for Dancing with the Stars.

[Sponsor Voice]

Gone.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It was 111 today, Val. Did you know that?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I did not know that, but when I was looking for you in the parking lot, I felt that it was

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

111 in the parking lot and it was 0 degrees in the ice rink of Acrisure Arena. Well, it's like Comic Con here, but with spray tans. We've decided there is not enough dancing on our plate so we are recapping the next pro. Val, talk to me about what the last week of prepping for Con has been like.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It's been exciting, hectic. It's been kind of feels like a reunion, you know, like a high school reunion of sorts. Obviously, we have celebrities coming back from different seasons, which is exciting, again, not just for us, but for other celebrities. You know, because you watch the show, you're a fan of certain people. Like you said, you got to meet Christy Yamaguchi.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Christy Yamaguchi. I was like, what? Johnny Weir? I'm friends with Johnny Weir. That's so cool.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Cool Johnny, man. He's. He's amazing. So, yeah. So, like, that's fun. First of all, this is the first time Dancing with the Stars is doing something like this, so that's fun. Again, there's excitement in the uncertainty of things, but it's shaping up to be a great show, a great weekend, and I'm. Yeah, I'm excited to kiss babies and take selfies.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes. Well, let's learn a little bit more about who might be joining you at the next Dancing with the Stars con. With episode four of the Next Pro, we have a very special guest judge.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Oh, yeah. Let's go.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

But before we get into our guest judge, we are reminded that Natalie went home last week. She had a medical elimination, and we have learned through interviews over the past few days, she suffered from a concussion and was not cleared to continue. Val, have you ever had a concussion from dancing? That's pretty serious.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah. I mean, no. Concussion is definitely serious. Obviously. There's so much new science out there about exactly how serious it can be. I. You know, personally, from my experience, I've been hit with elbows many, many times throughout my career, and one in particular, I got. We were doing blocking. So again, you. You know, the dress rehearsal, how close it is to the actual live show. This. We were going last. This was in. In the finale, and this was our freestyle, and Zendaya rocked me in the eye with her elbow during that run. And again, I mean, blood everywhere, gushing. Gushing all over the dance floor.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Oh, my gosh.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And I just. There wasn't enough turnaround for me to go to Cedars and get it stitched up. So they had, like, butterfly.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

The butterfly tape.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Whatever Tape. The. Yeah, butterfly tape. And. Yeah. And show must go on. I. I went out. I mean, again, it was the last episode of this epic season. We had a huge chance of winning, and I just knew how nervous she was for the day in general.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

So I just try to alleviate the. The pressure but yeah, I was. I mean, it was kind of cool. Again, for me, this is like, what a thing. And I told. I, you know, at the time, I told her, I was like, you know, one day I'll be able to say that these. And, you know, I got these stitches from these and there. I mean, look at that foreshadowing.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Look at her now. You know, I know. It's almost like you made her the stars. No. Okay. You don't want to take care of her.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Definitely not. But. But again, show must go on in the spirit of that phrase. Obviously, you know, we did continue. It was super random that I, you know, imagine going live and then I'm coming down before any context.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Coming down the stairs with her and I have this giant black eye. But again, it makes for a cool story. We ended up losing that season, which was heartbreaking. But all in all, it was yes. The. The answer is yes. I don't. I don't know if I was ever concussed, but I've certainly taken some elbows.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Okay, well, uh, we open with Robert's joyous return, followed by Shirley and Mark. Shirley admits she is impressed with their evolution, but Mark wants to see their grit and how they deal with setbacks and pressure. Tristan says he's gotten over some nerves. He said now that he felt like he's really been at the bottom, there's nowhere to go but up.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah, I remember you last. Last week. Okay, bye, Tristan.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I thought for sure I was like, okay. But no, he.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, he's still in it.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

He's still in. And he said on a techn. Which is in his head.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

You know, he's like, am I really supposed to be here so that, you know. But like, he said he feels like, okay, he's hit rock bottom.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No chip in a chair. Danielle, come on. All you need is a chance.

[Sponsor Voice]

That's it. That's right.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

And then out comes our guest judge. It is two time mirrorball champ, Emmy nominated choreographer, and truly one of the coolest women on the planet.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

She's very cool.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Val's better half, Jenna Johnson.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Totally. So cool. She's definitely the coolest.

[Sponsor Voice]

So cool.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah. No, she's not back there for sure telling me to say this.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

No, she's.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, she's super cool. I'm so proud. Yeah, I think I said it in our last episode is that, you know, we work alongside each other and that's such a huge blessing in our life we get to spend, you know, because our job takes so much of our time. The fact that we by default get to pursue what we love and at the same time have a relationship and, and at least see each other have some proximity to one another. Even the physical touch on set while waiting around is just, is very comforting. So on that end, very lucky. But on the flip side, I never get to really just celebrate her for her and, and, and not be tied somehow to her work. So it's just fun. It's fun to see her shining and, and I, I'm a huge advocate for her as a professional. And you know, I came onto the show as, as Max's little brother and took me some years to establish myself. And you know, obviously I am very proud to be her husband, as she is very proud to be my wife. But those titles have nothing to do with, you know, the level of pedigree that she has accomplished in this space. And when you introduce her, you introduce her.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

By her own damn self. And then, you know, fun fact, she's also married to Val. That's so fun, you know, so I, I think she's just excellent. And I'm very lucky that I get to share space with such a brilliant choreographer and professional.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes. And I was so lucky to share that space with her last season too. And on tour, she's just, she's remarkable. Well, Jenna performs a Robert coined spicy and extra extremely difficult dance to a cover of Leslie Gore's you Don't own me. She doesn't even break a sweat. It's.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I know it's crazy. It's crazy that she walked off like, because I've seen, you know, we've seen the other weeks and Brandon, respectfully. Well, Brandon and both Derek, but Brandon was just dripping.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

She didn't even seem out of breath. She was just like, hello. Just.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

She's just. Again, she's a incredible discipline.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Peak excellence.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Peak. Like, I mean, again, it's just a certain standard that she holds herself to, which is, Is hard to match. And I, you know, I, I've. I pride myself on that. But she, you know, she's on a different level.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Well, once finished, Robert notes that she was dancing with someone who wasn't. Our pal Val. He's too busy becoming a celebrity podcaster.

[Announcer]

Y.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

But that's the life of a dancer. You need to find chemistry and make it look real, no matter who it is, whether it is genuine or not. So this week's theme is chemistry.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Chemistry. I spoke to her, she said, oh, they didn't keep the line, but I guess she did an otf. And they asked her about what is it like to find chemistry with someone else? And, like, you know, let's just. Have you met my husband? She said he could find chemistry with a piece of paper. Yes. Like, okay, thanks.

[Sponsor Voice]

Thank you.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Thanks, Jen.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It is true for both of you guys that, like, both you could. You could have chemistry with a. With a paper towel, a rock. Both of you have that.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I will have chemistry with anything that I'm creating something that I'm passionate about, you know, so I'm passionate about playing basketball. When I go out and I play pickup bowl, I have a lot of chemistry with my teammates.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Oh, I saw it. We went to a Nets game together, and you played basketball in the Nets practice court. You played a little pickup game with Alan and Brandon. And you guys. I would. You would have thought someone told you, if you work hard enough at this, you might get drafted tonight because you were drenched in sweat and. And you were focused.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

How you do anything is how you'll do everything.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And so, you know, that's what breeds chemistry. It's like when you see someone that you're taking part of in whatever, whether it's podcasting, whatever, like, you see somebody be passionate about that and invest in that, and we share that common ground, then. Then you're gonna have chemistry. You're gonna, you know, you. You're bound to find something again. Back to what we were talking about. Because it's dance, because it's partner dance. You are the most. You become the most important thing in my life for those next two minutes, you know, and that's my approach to my partners when I'm dancing. And I know that Jen has the same approach, you know, that person then becomes my most sacred individual for the next two minutes. As long as we're in, you know, doing our dance. To me, that's the foundation of chemistry. It isn't physical attraction. It isn't. A lot of times chemistry gets hijacked with. With the sexual kind of.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Attachment to it, but it really isn't about that. Even obviously, you could have a physicality about the performance, the certain aesthetics that. That are more compatible. Whatever. The physical is in the eye of the beholder. That. That. That's. That part is. Is in your brain. My approach and where my chemistry is comes from. It comes from camaraderie.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, it comes from caring about this person a lot and caring about the thing that we're trying to accomplish together.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Announcer]

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[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

The judges have selected the rumba and the Argentine tango as the dance styles for this week. Both those dances demand passion and intimacy. So did you like the selections? Is that what you would have chosen?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

For what?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

For the dance styles.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Oh, yeah, totally. Totally Rumba. They. They. They lend themselves to that. Right. Intimacy is kind of woven into the fabric of those styles, and so they lend themselves to a little bit more of an intense chemistry.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Well, with that, we are thrown into rehearsal. Day one. Jenna, who is just so beautiful, comes walking in to meet the dancers to find out who is the most compatible with one another. They will be flipping through partners every time. She yells switch. And she calls it single speed dating the next pro edition, which was a really concise way of saying exactly what they were doing. Nina immediately gravitated to Alan, who she has danced with for years. And Adele speeds off to AJ who has become familiar to her. But then they switch. Stephanie switches to Allan and immediately knows that's going to be her pick, especially because she has no vibes with AJ Selena feels most comfortable with Eric, and Tristan feels the spark with Stephanie. Adele, on the other hand, is very lucky. She feels it with everyone. Adele, what a great quality to have.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Again, you know, it's one of those things, like, she's clearly very passionate about dance, and again, that passion is part of what makes those dances so great. And as someone that pursued this on. On an excellent level and trying to be the best in the world, which she came very close to being. Yeah. It's no surprise that she is able to find chemistry with anybody, because I think maybe she's just so immersed in the dance. I think that's another thing as well. Just reflecting on me, like, I get so immersed in the performance that, yeah, you become one with the dance and with the person you're. You're creating with. Otherwise, you won't be able to create it on. On a high level.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

So, yeah, I mean, I could see that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Well, there is definitely. When you have two pros together and you really are creating together. I can see because, like, I'm thinking about listening to you talk, and I'm thinking about my experience. There really isn't a whole lot of creating I get to do. I get to tell Pasha what I want, what story I want to tell, and then Pasha, as the choreographer and as the pro, creates the dance, and then I have to learn it. So it's, of course you know, I end up loving it, and I'm excited to learn it. And as we're going through it, I'm like, oh, I love this. But it doesn't feel like I ever really get to be like, I've had. I've had ownership of this move, even though I probably should have at the end. I'd like to go back and redo my season. You know, I want to do it again. Pasha, we got to do season 34.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I mean, listen, there's. There's. I mean, look, there's obviously acting that's part of the performance. Even though this is dance, there's a big part of that that's. That's acting. You're an actress. Have you ever. How does chemistry work with you?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I can also have chemistry with anything.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

There you go.

[Sponsor Voice]

Let's go.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I really can. I mean, there have been, like, you said, there have been times. And of course, as an actor, sometimes you are having to make out with someone totally. You know, Whereas I don't think in dance, you might want to sell that idea that maybe you're going to. But you don't usually end up making out with your dance partner on the ballroom floor.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No. What's interesting is I look back at seasons and for the art.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Mm.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I would quite often, like, if. If it. You know, if it was, like, some dramatic little love affair or even in a comedic way, like, I would plant a kiss at the end of a dance.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Like, just whatever. It's just what's supposed to happen at the end of this story? And now looking back, I'm just like, what. What was I thinking? What am I doing, Yo? But I. You know, I look back at a lot of decisions I made in my life like that. But, yeah, the cat with the. With the casualness with which I've invaded other people's space. I mean, again, consensually obvious, of course.

[Sponsor Voice]

Of course.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, it's just like, whoa. That's a creative choice that I've taken.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

On several occasions.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

So, yeah. So, again, I think there's an innocence to some of this choreography that. To the outside perspective has, like, you just looks different. Right. It's like when you're, you know, hearing a conversation from the side, you might not know. You understand the context of what's happening. And so, yeah, when I'm creating and the rapport that you build in the room, sometimes it's like, I think actors can relate. It's just like, yo, this is a scene. Let's get the scene done. And when the scene's over, you might look at each other like, I got to go to the bathroom real quick. You know, it's like. And there's almost the chemistry flips completely to, like, a real, real fun friendship.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Like, I think friendship needs to exist.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Because at least for me, I don't really do well with people I don't like or don't respect or don't want to be around. I'm not willing to go the distance for someone that isn't worth it. What I mean by that is someone that's taking this opportunity for granted or taking me for granted, whatever. So, no, I can't build chemistry with anybody. But if we're friends and we're on this journey together, like, let's. Let's do it. Let's play. Let's make things up.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. In the end, Jenna has the girls select who they want to dance with. And this is how it unfolds. Selena chooses Eric. Stephanie and Nina both choose Alan. Adele chooses AJ and no one chooses Tristan, who is embarrassed and realizes that he is the weakest link. And so with the traffic jam, Alan is tasked with choosing between the two, and he chooses Nina over Stephanie. And now Stephanie is forced to choose another partner. And she then chooses the undrafted Tristan, who she just danced with last week. And she felt like that gave her a disadvantage, so she's not thrilled. And he is not happy about being her second pick. So it is a real rough start.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah. I mean, again, just judging on the surface, I don't. I'm not in that house. What's. What's different about this show is they're spending a lot of time together, so perhaps they're building a friendship outside of the competition, which I'm sure they are, and I'm sure they did with Stephanie. So I could see how that may feel like betrayal, but also, man, what a. I mean, I gotta check him on his, like, selfishness. Like, bro, this is not about your friendship with her. This is about a competition and a huge opportunity for her. And, I don't know, like, you know that phrase of, like, if you really love something, you let it go. You know, I feel like, to some degree, like, if you're really friends with her, then you need to read the room and realize that maybe she'll have a better chance with somebody else.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Even if for no other reason other than the fact that why two weeks in a row would I want to show myself dancing with this with the same person I've already danced with, as opposed to something you haven't seen from

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

me, which is what we want to see. I want to see different things. I don't want to see the same thing. And you get a very limited amount of opportunity to showcase that. So I thought that that was a very selfish move. And, like, not. No, that's. I mean, again, I could understand how he felt.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But to have made it hurtful because what about the other girl? I mean.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It's not like the other girls ran to you. So I think at that moment in time, I felt like, in disappointment. Of course he should have felt that. I would have felt that. But to have placed so much of that burden on Stephanie was very. You know, I don't want to say selfish, but it was just unfair. Very unfair.

[Announcer]

And.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And we'll get into that more.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, Yeah. I would have. It would have been so interesting had. I think the. Is entirely projection. I don't know. But I think the only reason she didn't go to yet even another guy was out of the fact that she felt. She did feel bad. Because had she decided to say go with Eric, he would have had to choose now. Okay, now I've got two women I need to choose between. But I think she was like, I've already not chosen him once.

[Announcer]

Right.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I can't not choose him again.

[Sponsor Voice]

Right.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

And so she. She went to him. And yet I think she was so unselfish with that. I think she really, you know, well,

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

if you watch the show, like it goes on, it, like, it doesn't stop there. You know, they then get in the room and he's still guilting her, still giving her this like, I'm like, I know, bro. No, no, get to it. Get to work. By the way, you still gotta get in the competition.

[Announcer]

You gotta.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You gotta worry about you, not who she. Who she's picking.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Why are you spending all this time thinking about her decision? And you've gotta get in there. The dancers then blindly choose what style of dance they'll be doing and are given some time to connect. But not before Jenna breaks the news. This time, both dancers in the lowest rated couple are going to be eliminated, which is huge.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Which, once again, is why Stephanie wants to make the right choice. And again, I'll. I'll go to Alan. Choosing, you know, going with Nina, like, friendship, all of that is important. But you're here for a reason. All of you are here for a reason.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, someone's gonna win, you know, and

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

you gotta make choices that will give you the best chance to be successful in what you're doing right now.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And if your friendships are really good friendships, they're gonna, they're gonna survive the test of, of this competition.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yep.

[Announcer]

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[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

So Stephanie and Tristan and Adele and AJ get the Roomba and Nina and Alan and Selena and Eric get Argentine tango. We jump into couples rehearsals. There are two days until the performance. Tristan is giving Stephanie the cold shoulder. And have you ever been in a situation with a partner where one of you is giving the cold shoulder and you're.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yes. Yes.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

And you're trying to get. Get to work?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah. No, I mean, if I don't get Jen food after. After she gets back from this rehearsal, you know, I might get a.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

You're gonna get the cold shoulder, okay? I promise I'll get you out of here in time to get Jen.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

This is not a run. No, no, no.

[Announcer]

As.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

As you heard on that phone call, she's not gonna be here for a bit.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

She's not gonna be here for a bit. I know that's true.

[Sponsor Voice]

Okay.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

They decide to clear the air. And Tristan admits he's petty. He felt kind of dissed.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

This was good. This was good. At least there's some self awareness. And I, I, again, I don't. I'm not trying to say that you can't have feelings or can be disappointed. I just want you to own your own moment of hurt without having to, you know, it's like, what is that? People love company.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, Misery loves company, you know?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And it's like, no, you're coming with me. We're gonna. We're gonna feel hurt together. And it's like, no, that's.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

There's gotta be one of your incredible phrases from Misery Loves Company.

[Sponsor Voice]

Where's it.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

How does death get involved into one of those phrases?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

There's gotta be some Russian phrase for that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, the Russian phrase for something like that. So Tristan says he's gonna twist the knife a few more times until he gets over it, and then he focuses on getting over the hurdle. Eric and Celina, though, are figuring it out, integrating the themes of their song into the dance. And Selena is nervous. She does not want to be the reason Eric is eliminated.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Totally.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Nina and Alan's dance have decided to include elements of not only the Argentine tango, but also elements of rumba and assamba. AJ Is immediately confident with his routine, praising the passion. But Adele admits that he is a challenge to work with. She says a key to working with him is to make him feel like he's the boss and in the lead. But in reality, maybe she's just making him feel that way. Do you like to feel like the boss and in the lead as the man in the dance?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I mean, if I did, would I. How are you treating me here? I don't feel like the boss. I'm still showing up, giving my all. Anyway, listen, different rooms navigate differently. Obviously. Different partnerships navigate differently. I think he's met his match. You know, he's not gonna run over Adele.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Unfortunately. Like he did with Selena or, you know, he's just not gonna. He might, but might try. Yeah, but I just. I, I. I know Adele, and I. I know that I don't know her personally, but I know. And an Adele. I. I've seen that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

The archetype.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah. And so cool. Like, he can. Yeah, she'll, like, giggle and do whatever she's gonna do.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Anyway, that night, we have the couple's dates as if Chris Harrison is the host. As funny as it sounds, I know firsthand from Pasha, Bonding outside of the dance floor is vital to a good partnership.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It is and it isn't.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

What do you mean?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Well, sometimes you need a healthy professional distance. And I don't mean, like, obvious. You know, the obvious. Where your brain goes. You know, this is the chemistry episode.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But again, that aside, sometimes you. You wanna. Like I said, I don't want to know too much about you. You know what I mean? Like, I don't. I don't need to know that part. I just want to, like. I want to have the. Just the right amount of distance where when we get together and do this dance thing.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

We're excited to just do the dance thing.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And I'm not, like, still thinking about that other stupid thing you said at lunch, you know?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right, right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Like, keep the stupid things to the. To the studio and to the dance.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I will say, though, that, like, some of my favorite bonding moments with Pasha were in moments where we would just find one of us would say or do something that was so funny and where you get the giggles and you're. You end up both just laying on the floor laughing so hard. And I don't know, like, that some of that stuff then does happen in the moments where you're not focusing so much on learning the choreography, but where you go, I'm starving. We haven't eaten anything. Can we get chipotle real quick?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, totally.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

And so, you know, I at least also to see for their mental health, these pros. And now knowing from Ezra this past weekend that they didn't even have their phones to see them get out of the studio and get out of the house, like some fresh air, some doing something outside of being stressed about your getting eliminated at all times is. Is good for you. It's good for everyone, to be honest.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, and it's. And. And it's what makes the show so fun.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Is that it does introduce that element. We used to have dancing on Dancing with the Stars. We used to have our packages go outside of the studio and be more like, you know, adventurous and stuff we still do for, like, Disney episodes are now, like, one offs if it pertains to the dance somehow. But no, it's fun. And you're right. I mean, it is. You do build rapport. You do build chemistry. When you get to know each other a little bit more, you. You break. You know, you break that comfort barrier, if you will, and you guys are clicking and it's cool. But yeah, again, that could go both ways.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Yeah. So they go to a Ferris wheel together and talk about the importance of trust. Nina gets emotional. She just doesn't want to let Alan down. Selena and Eric go on a boat ride to drink orange and green juices. Eric emphasizes how much he believes in her and is ready for them to shine together.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Eric is smooth.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, he is smooth.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

He's very smooth.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Adele and AJ go to lunch, which feels like way less cool than a Ferris wheel or a boat. But they still exchange stories of their dance origins. And we learned that AJ's dad was a champion dancer too, and he pushed back his wedding by two months to be on this show.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Stephanie, which, again, what are you. Am I supposed to have empathy for that? Like, your poor fiance is just like, you're gonna do what? Where? With who you're gonna go on on dates with. Anyway, pursue your dream, bro. That's a good. That's a great companion, whoever she is.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Stephanie and Tristan go play bocce ball. Stephanie talks about her family's history with the show, including her wonderful brother Ezra, a current pro on the show. And she admits that she feels a lot of pressure in this competition. Good news, though. This time together has helped repair the issues between her and Tristan.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And. Yeah, it's good. It's good. She, you know, she said something at a, like, otf, which is, you know, their solo confessions. She said something like, it would be humiliating for me again. Like, I just I just really feel for Stephanie and on this, you know, through. Throughout this process, I just think that she really did take a huge chance. She's right. She, you know, she has been on the show before. This is kind of, you know, her taking. She could have just continued to kind of linger around the show, maybe have continued to do skeleton crew. She already has an in.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, but she put herself out there to do this, to do the next pro, and, and really try to go for it. So I just know how much this means to her. Obviously, it means a lot to everybody.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But I just, I know where she's coming from. It does take a lot of humility to. Is the same thing I've been saying about AJ not having, you know, she. She is having that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

She has it in spades.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

She has that in spades. If she had a. And, and here, I dare I say, if she had a little bit of AJ Just a tiny bit of that quality, maybe she would have been Done things differently.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And wouldn't have been so apologetic for not choosing the partner that she chose and then continue to be apologetic and then continue to try to meet this person, you know, so, like, you. You need to. I, I, I feel for her because I think she's. She's grown a lot through this competition, and I got to know her even more by watching the show, so I, I hope she's happy. But, yeah, I mean, she's. I, I, I take away the fact that she was very unlucky with a few things along the way, that if they were slightly different, maybe things would have been a little different for her. But even having said that, she still shined.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Like, oh, yeah. Once we get to the performance, we'll, you know, we'll talk about it. But. But she still killed it.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. She did. Well. With that out of the way, the couple start rehearsals. On day two, Jenna visits Adele and AJ who she knows is one of the best couples, but reminds them the chemistry between them cannot look fake. To prove it, she quickly gets up close and personal with AJ to show them how it's done. The queen at work. Also, AJ Accidentally grabs Adele's butt in the throes of a passionate move.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Right.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Jenna's response, she was like, whoa. Okay, maybe a little higher. Made me laugh.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

That's my butt.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

That's my butt. Oh, man.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But that's the room, you know, that's the process.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And if you're not from this world or you're. It's out of context.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

That feels crazy. But that's the room, and that's. That's the process. That same action outside of the room. Not the process. Completely inappropriate, but in the room. Like, this is your workshopping passion, if you will, in a safe space. Yeah, go for it. You know, I mean, the difference between a waist and a butt is just a half an inch. Depends on the butt.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I'm gonna put that on the shirt. Jenna then visits Selena and Eric and tells them that they need to find more natural human moments, which seems to immediately work in the horny department with Stephanie and Tristan. Jenna wants them to settle it down and use genuine emotion, especially with Stephanie getting emotional with all of the pressure. And during her visit with Alan and Nina, she can tell that there's a great friendship there. But there is a disconnect, especially still with Nina's timing, a constant note that appears to be in her head.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah, they. They had. They had a great dance. They didn't have any chemistry.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

No, I. I thought the same thing. I was like, well, it's a great dance, but I'm not sure there was a whole lot of even eye contact.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, no.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Because he doesn't. He's such a good person, Alan, and he's such a good friend that he let that, again, take the lead on his decision making. And. Cool. Great. You got to live with the results and with the. You know, with the choices that you make. So I didn't think that this was a good choice for him.

[Sponsor Voice]

Really?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Would you have you think he should have chosen Stephanie?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I. I mean, I think he would have looked so much better with Stephanie. Yeah, totally. Like, between those two, I think he should have went with Stephanie.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It's so interesting. I.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And it's like that little difference. Right. If he doesn't have the guilt of a friend.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

To choose to go with Nina. He chooses Stephanie, and then Stephanie doesn't have that moment, and then Stephanie. Well, again, it's like, we could. We could gag hypotheticals, but, Yeah. I think that that one decision impacted both of their seasons.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. It's so. It. It's so crazy, too, because then. So Stephanie made the choice for herself. I'm not gonna choose Tristan just because he's my friend. But then immediately, she was almost punished for that because then he. Then Alan did choose his friend.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Oh, I know.

[Sponsor Voice]

It's.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

So this was a rough week. Then back at the house, Alan is making Adele the Rolls Royce, her favorite food. And he admits the highlight of his entire career so far was his dance with her. And she would have been his first pick. But he is concerned for his partner, Nina. He knows that she's in her head about timing, and his future depends on it. Meanwhile, Tristan tells Celaena he isn't giving up. He is fighting to stay in the game. Is he? He still seemed dejected, you know, like. And I get it, he's had a few weeks where he has felt and has been kind of shown that he has been in the bottom, that maybe he's a weak link. And even Stephanie said that the reason she didn't automatically pick him, that they do have great chemistry, but that the week before, his emotional state was a lot to handle. And I do feel like we really. He lets how he is feeling in the moment really take over what's going on in the room. How hard is that to not. Like, you have something going on in your personal life or you have something. You're having a bad day. How hard is it to not let that just tank your dance? Not for you. Yeah, not for you.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

What do you mean? This is my escape. This is where I go to go. Go away from the things that I'm going through. You know, this is where. This is my safe space. But, yeah, no, I mean, again, that's me. To me, this is my sanctuary. And it's like flow state in which I kind of forget a lot of things. So, no, for me, that's not a challenge to me. This is therapy.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

And now we are at show night. Everyone gets show night ready. And Robert resets the stakes. First up is Adele and AJ with the rumba. They perform to Teddy Swims. You got another thing coming. Val, what'd you think of this one?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Well, I was gonna refer to another story. I mean, again, I don't want to overshare, but I. From my own experience, I mean, my wife and I experienced a miscarriage at an event that we were supposed to perform at. And while having the most excruciating moment of my life with. And seeing my wife having this, and I had to then still go downstairs and put on a show. And I. We made up an excuse that she hurt her neck during rehearsals. And now I'm dancing with Max. I was like, max, I'm not gonna tell you why, but you're gonna have to learn these steps, and we're gonna have to make something up. And I have to justify.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

All of these people that came to watch me dance. So again, I've. Am I proud of that? No, actually, there's a few times I showed up and did the right thing. That probably was not the Right thing to do. That was one of them. But for that, you know, 30 seconds or whatever, I mean, again, my mind was elsewhere.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But when the music went on, I. I got to at least enjoy myself for one minute of that song and then be out to. To the reality that was in my. My life.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

So, yeah, I mean, it's hard. I'm just trying to reflect on when it was really that. That serious. Not to say that any of the things that they're going through is that serious, but. But yeah, no, it's hard, but. But that's. That's when you gotta lock it. Lock it in, you know, and really focus on the bigger picture and, you know, kind of also count your blessings, move on, and just, you know, realize the opportunity that you have.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And maybe not necessarily prioritize little, you know, your little ego that got hurt.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Yeah. I remember you guys told me that story. Jenna told me that story when we were on tour. We were in a meet and greet and it's like. Because, I mean, I saw the things you guys. Not, of course, to the level you just mentioned, but like even just some of the physical things, you guys have to overcome something that seemed. That sounds kind of minor, but that was a big deal. The amount of beads that get stuck in yalls feet. Just little rhinestones all over the. And then it literally in the middle of a quick change, hopping around on one foot while someone digs through your. The sole of your foot with tweezers to get a rhinestone out of your foot. And then running back on stage and giving it your all and nobody in the audience being the wiser. It's like.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah, you take pride in that.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

This is. This is why you get paid the big bucks.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And. And, and you earn it. But those are the moments that you earn it. And again, I'm not here to advocate for complete self sacrifice for your work. No, but this is not our work. This is our passion.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And I am. I romanticize about sacrificing for my passion. I romanticize about especially physical sacrifice. I have a 5 inch titanium plate in my neck with 8 screws. I'm sad that my career, my profession took me there, but I'm proud that I have the literal scars to say that I've given my all with no regret. So. You know, Jen takes pride in those. And we. We all do. People that you were on tour with, we all take pride in showing up.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

So Adele and AJ with their rumba, what did you think of their dance?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It was good. It was great. Again, AJ's a great dancer. I don't think he's as great as he thinks he is, but he is, you know, he's good. Yeah, he's a great dancer. He's a good choreographer. I gave him his flowers last week. I think he took the episode last week for sure. Again, Adele, I mean, the essence of ballroom dance is, especially in the rumba, is to present your lady. And, you know, there's a lot to present there.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes. Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And, you know, she's a Rolls Royce that got a little autopilot on her too, so just enjoy the ride.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And so. Yeah. I mean, again, I thought that she's a rock star, and he did a great job to compliment it. I thought that him kissing his necklace, you know, I thought that was a little cheesy, but.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, different people have a different swagger.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, meters. So maybe he thought that that was

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

really cool, and in your opinion, it's just not.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

So maybe there's a few other people out there that thought that was cool too, but. But no, I. It was a great performance.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Shirley is awestruck. She did not see that coming. She calls Adele a superstar. She does tell AJ to dig a little deeper, though it may have been a little out of his comfort zone. Jenna loved seeing her notes in play, and Mark thought the start was bumpy, but he loved their rumba content.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah, it was a great routine. It was. It was a really great routine. They. They had passion. I wouldn't say they had, like, you know, do I. Did they look like. Did they look like they would have fun on a date together? No, they did not. Did I. You know when you ship them?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. He didn't ship. Okay.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I did not ship them.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

You didn't come up with their. With their name?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, I rowboated them to the nearest island.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Okay.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But I wasn't shipping them on a far, you know, journey.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Okay, I get it. Next up is Selena and Eric with their Argentine Tango. But first, we get a very natural product placement for Got2B hair product. I have to tell you that Got2B hairspray is the closest thing to glue. I mean, truly, it is the best. Nothing moves. I remember.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Well, doesn't it? Isn't it called glued?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It is called glued.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Is it, like, got to be glued?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It is. I remember talking to the hairdressers and makeup artists on Dancing with the Stars, who are Emmy award winning year after year after year, the best of the best. And I remember saying, like, how are we gonna get my hair into a bun. And they're like, oh, don't worry, we'll pin it. And I'm like, yeah, but that's gonna take. So I have to be upside down in this dance. Like, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it. And then they put that shellac that glue in your hair, and it's like you take it down and it just.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Oh, yeah.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It's incredible.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It's like a helmet.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

It is. It is like a helmet. And then Eric sprays it onto his head. I assume it was very candid. It's just natural the way it happened.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Look, there is a nervous tick that we have of spraying. It's to retie your shoelaces a million times.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Okay.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And then. And also to, you know. Yeah. Extra shine.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Extra shine.

[Sponsor Voice]

Okay.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Fan it down. Extra shine. Extra shot. Boom. Got to be glued.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Got to be glued.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It's a good product. And it's interesting that I'm the one that introduced got to be to the trailers because I've been using their product forever because I have curly hair that I used to slick back.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And that's why I grew out my hair. Because now in a bun, it's like, slick back. I don't have to use so much product.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

So much product. I liked last season when you had your hair all slicked back, but then it was. It was still down. It was just kind of poofy back here at the back of your neck. Yeah, it looked good.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Okay.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

You have to bring it back.

[Sponsor Voice]

Okay.

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[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

So what did you think of this dance?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

The best dance of the night by far.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Probably leaps and bounds.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I mean, I would. Yes. Adele and Alan. That was a really strong rumba. Obviously. Dedication to his mom passing and really strong heartfelt performance. You don't want to even compare the two just because they're in a different genre from each other emotionally. But this was the best dance of the season.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yep.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And to me, he looked like a pro on Dancing with the Stars.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I know.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And he, you know, took the lead again. I know that it took two to tango. No, that takes three sometimes, those Argentinianites. But they. They work together. But. But he took the lead choreographically. And he just. I mean, like, he was oozing. He got the gig for me.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. It was A. It was a really nice adjustment.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Just clean, perfect moments. Chemistry. Yeah, man. Interested? I shipped them.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. You ship them?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I ship them.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Not a rowboat. A full ship.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

No, no, we're getting the. The ones parked up by Monte Carlo.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Okay.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah, yeah. Those mega yachts.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Okay. The judges love this one. Giving the couple a standing ovation, Shirley announces she needs a fan after their performance and says that in her 50 years of teaching, she has never seen something quite like it. And she says the routine could be on Dancing with the Stars tomorrow.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Totally, totally. And it would get tense. Huge. Yeah. Rave. Yeah, yeah.

[Sponsor Voice]

People.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I just thought it was excellent.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

The look. Just everything. Everything stole the show. They did. That was. It was the best one.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Jenna can't believe this. Has been inside Eric the whole time. And now she wants to dance with him. And they have both become front runners. And in the competition again, we say it.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And maybe it was said on the show. I don't know. My, my. There was a teacher. I want to give him a shout out. Graham Oswick. He's an educator in the ballroom dance space forever. He's raised many champions. He's a British guy, and he used to tell me, like, you, you know, you want all the women watching your couple dance thinking about, man, it must be so nice to dance with him. Just like, not I want to dance with him, but, like, it must be. It looks like it feels so good.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, To.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

To be partnered with him. And. And the same for the lady. And, you know, you watched Eric and Selena's dance, and I think watching him kind of help support her first of all in the room. And then in the final performance, I thought that, you know, every woman and man out there looked at that and said, man, I would have loved to dance with him.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, next up is Stephanie and Tristan with their rumba to somber. Back to Friends. This is a big moment for these two.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Hold on. The song was called Back to Friends?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Oh, my goodness. Shout out to the producers. I mean, come on. Perfect.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Back to Friends. What did you think of their dance?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Honestly? Very good. Very good. It surprised me.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah. It was definitely his best performance of the season. And she looked great. Yeah, she looked really, really good.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

So are you then surprised that they end up. Spoiler alert. They end up in the bottom two as the two that go home.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Only because Alan and Nina just have a little bit more technical ability in their dance. Their dance was not the one. Like, I do not want to see that again.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I don't care to see that again. I Want to see Eric and Selena again? May. Maybe I'll watch AJ And Adele do that again. And I'm curious to see certain things, but, you know, so. So, no, I just think. I just think. Yes, the top two couples were clearly Selena and Eric. But the other two couples, again, the only difference was that they just had a little bit more technique in the. In their dance.

[Announcer]

And.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And so the judges just kind of, you know, had to say that. But Stephanie looked amazing.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And if it was. You know, if it was any other night, I think she'd still be in the competition.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Agreed. Well, Shirley had notes throughout the dance about some bad timing and balance, so I guess it's not really that much of a shock that she didn't feel connected with this one. Mark felt like the chemistry was going in and out of their dance, and it was lacking explosive moments. Shirley found it too crowded with content, though cleverly choreographed, but she didn't feel the chemistry. Jenna thinks Stephanie has a little bit of fire missing and that she needs to get out of her own way.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yes. Well, again, Steph is a product of center stage education, and so this is where you have the Utah pipeline of excellence, you know, so Jen has known Ezra and Stephanie for a very long time, sees her grow up. So, you know, there is a genuine empathy there. And she knows her as. As the kid that Ezra was just describing to you.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And so to see that confidence start to leave her, and I think it was because of, you know, like I said, because of the show, and at least not because of the show, rather. But. But the last couple of weeks that she has experienced, you know, Jen can sense that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I think when she said that, you saw, like, tears. Stephanie. I mean, she's been through it, man. So I. I just. I'm so proud of how she handled herself.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I really felt for her.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And I'm not trying to. Again, I'm not the one that. That is gonna give sympathy to. To anybody that's living. Living out their dream in Australia, you know, and beautiful, you know, getting to do what they love. But she. Yeah, she had. This was a really growing experience for her.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes. And she should walk away from this experience with her head held very high. There's nothing she could look back on in this experience. Of course, she could look back and say, I would make a different decision, but there's nothing she should look back on and feel embarrassed by. She showed she.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

She's gonna work for a long time.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Oh, yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I love the show. And the winner of the show is Gonna be very successful on Dancing with the Stars. I know it. But Steph is gonna do her thing. She's got a long career ahead of her, and I think sometimes you don't win, but you really take huge leaps forward in your career. This is that time.

[Sponsor Voice]

Right?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

She. She might not win next pro, but I think everybody that watched the show will walk away loving her so much more. And even professionally, I think her opportunities, even within the Dancing with the Stars ecosystem will only grow. And, like, I want to work with Steph tomorrow if I have a gig. I'm calling Stephen because of how she conducted herself in such challenging times. Yeah, you know, I. I saw what kind of person that is. I want to work with that person.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And the talent is there.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Oh, absolutely. Finally, Nina and Alan performed their Argentine tango to a quirky song for passion. If you ask me, Marion Hills Down. At times, I thought it sounded a little bit like one of my son's toys. Not gonna lie, are you?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Down to the down. Da da.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Val, what were your thoughts on this dance?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Well, again, I. I thought the samba choice was ridiculous. The judges thought the same. Yeah, I. I understand. You know, we forget that there are no phones in the house. There's no. You're not getting any advice. You know, you have kind of like, ooh, what do you think? And then you're like, you have no. No one to give you any sort of feedback. Like, maybe not.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Maybe don't do that.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And so, yeah, so I know where he's coming from. He's like, oh, the more I show, the cooler it'll be like, no.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Shouldn't that have been something they asked Jenna, though? Shouldn't that have been something when they were thinking about, shouldn't they've been like, jenna, can we ask you a question? We're totally thinking about doing a samba instead. No.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

She would have said no. Yeah, she said, you probably don't. Because the thing is, it's like part of chemistry is the intensity between the two people, right? And it's like, why we loved Eric and Selena is because, you know, I. Sometimes you want a performance to connect with you, right? Like, break the fourth wall, look me in the eyes. Like, hey, get me in there with you. And sometimes, don't look at me. I just want to be a voyeur, you know? I just want to see you to connect and be one. Like, let me just be a fly on a wall where I may not even. I should not be.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I shouldn't be here.

[Sponsor Voice]

Right?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know? So first of all, he breaks the fourth wall. And winks at the camera, which is such a douchey move. Alan, I love you, bro, but I'm gonna have to talk to you about that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

You got to talk about the swag meter.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Oh, the sw. I mean, it took. AJ's kissing, the freaking.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Whatever makes that look real cool, huh?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It was so cool because he didn't. At least he didn't look at me while doing that.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, so there. There are times to break the fourth wall. Not. Not the time when your assignment is to create chemistry with your partner. Because what does that tell me? That tells me that for that one second, you're not really interested in your partner.

[Announcer]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Right.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. You're telegraphing to me.

[Announcer]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And also, you're making it about your thing. Now, maybe in his view, it was like, watch me get that, you know, which is like. But again, that's not cute either. Like, that's not showing you in the light that we just saw you for a few weeks, so. And again, I think all of that is motivated by the fact that that's his buddy.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, I'm not saying that you're not. You shouldn't create with your friends. Of course you should. And there's a friendship that's already built. We spoke about that earlier. That's the foundation of a certain chemistry. But, yeah, I thought that they didn't make really good decisions, and the dance was just okay for me. Yeah, I didn't feel chemistry. I didn't ship them. And, yeah, it was okay. And especially going after the.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

The.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

The dances that. That they went after is like. That's also part of the thing. The order matters. And they went last, which is a great position to be in. But we were already blown away by Eric and Selena.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, well, Jenna liked it. She loved the chemistry. Pointing out that some of the hotter moments. But Shirley was not sold. She points out the assignment. This was the Argentine tango. She thought they incorporated too many other elements. Losing the brief, referencing that her son Mark loves bending the rules in a similar fashion. But they do call it Nina's best performance so far. And everyone points out Alan has constantly made his partner the best they can be. And now we are at the result, which is.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Which is huge. You know, again, it's a testament to him as a partner and, you know, his readiness for Dancing with the Stars. Again, corny. Not corny. This is just my opinion, you know, who's to say that my metric of what makes somebody attractive or not is the one, even though, you know, I've been proven to know what I'm talking about. But he is a caring partner, and that is a huge thing on our show. And so I think, yeah, he also has the qualities to be on dancing. He has those qualities, and they're being showcased because all his partners look so good.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah. Well, now we are at the results with two contestants being eliminated, and I don't think it will come as much of a surprise. We've already said we agree with these results. Mark announces that Stephanie and Tristan are in jeopardy, and Shirley reveals that the second couple on the chopping block is Nina and Alan. I'm sure you were not surprised by this, but in the end, Shirley sends home Tristan and Stephanie.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yep.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Robert gives them some final words of encouragement. And Shirley says in her heart, she believes that Stephanie is a star. The dancer's hug perfectly placed behind Robert as he says goodbye. And that is our episode. We are now down to six.

[Sponsor Voice]

Wow.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Just like that. Who is your front runner after this week?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Well, first of all, I want to give Tristan a moment because he was very graceful. He was say all the right things, which, you know, almost redeemed himself.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And Stephanie, again, I was heartbroken, but I think she saw that coming by the time the elimination came around. Who's my front runner? I think after tonight's episode, Eric is my front runner. Obviously, Adele has the ability to dance. Yeah, that's clear. You. You could just. You could see that even if you're not a ballroom dancer, you. And you've watched Dancing with the Stars, I think you can see, like, oh, she'll fit in. That's kind of like, okay, cool. But because we know so many other qualities that. That are essential to being successful on our show. To me, Eric has come out as a front runner because he's got the look, he's got the sound. He's a gentleman. He's smooth, he's swaggy, and. And just now he showcased that he can choreograph a really good routine. Like that is what you're looking for.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, especially

[Sponsor Voice]

again.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And I hate to put that out there, but, like, it's a lot more competitive amongst the girls on our show than it is the boys. You know, respectfully, to all of us.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

There's just so much talent. Thankfully, there's just not that many boys dancing. Thanks, guys. Baseball is great.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Keep doing it.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, so. So, yeah, I mean, it's just a lot more competitive on that side. And, you know, I. I just think.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, I felt like watching Tristan and Stephanie. I felt like Stephanie was devastated by the news. And there was a part of me that felt like Tristan was a little relieved, you know, And I, I remember thinking when I was on last season that there were certain celebs who, when they found out they were going home, seemed like they were like, I'm happy.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And there was a few dancers and,

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

and a few dancers who went in. They're like, I can take it. Yeah, I'm ready for this to be over. And, and then there were the me's who were like, I don't want it to be over.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I mean, we were sad. Here's. And I, I, I will say this to you as well. Maybe I already did, but, but I say this to my partners, especially when, you know, when we get eliminated. We. Eight, nine. You're so close to the finale. You're sad because it's over.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yes.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And I try to communicate that that sadness is not exclusive to the, to you who got eliminated in the semi or the quarters. It's there for everybody that passes that, like, week four threshold, five threshold. Because now you've invested two months of your undivided attention into this partnership, into this team, into this goal, into, like, and it's super fun. You are, you have now lived in this bubble of rhinestones and, and movement and physicality and expression and, and just

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

triggering all those parts of your brain that for us, most of the time, we don't, I don't get to use those muscles.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Totally.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I didn't even know those were there. That I could even learn something new at this age.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

And you just have a master at your service.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Oh, I know.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, helping you along the way. So that's really sad.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, it is.

[Sponsor Voice]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Regardless of whether you win or not, actually, you know, we, I wasn't sad because we lost.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I was sad because that's it.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

It's over.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

That's it. I know.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

You know, and I just had a blast for, you know, three and a half months, doing some of my best work.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yep.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Being. And then the vanity metric of it all, like, being praised by the world and so much of tick tock. So, yeah, I mean, it's human to feel sadness, but again, after having done the show for, for so long, I, I try to be as balanced as possible, but it's, it's also important to just be human and it's okay to, to be sad.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

But that sadness wasn't just exclusively yours because you lost, I think. Well, why don't you just say, why were you so sad?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

I was sad it was over. Yeah. I couldn't believe that the next day I wasn't gonna have a call time and that I wasn't gonna have a minimum of four hours to dance with Pasha and I wasn't gonna get to. You know, we were.

[Sponsor Voice]

It was.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

The next week was Prince week. And, you know, you've already prepped it. You know what dance you're doing. You know what your costumes are gonna look like. You. You've seen, you've been involved. And it was like, but I really want to do that. And then you wake up the next day and you're like, I've got nothing on my calendar today because it was going to be dance. And now that's it. So, yeah, it's sad. It's sad when it's over. So. But I did feel like obviously Tristan's going to. This is his dream, this is his passion. He's going to continue it. But I do think he felt in over his head and that this experience was a little overwhelming and that before he could ever be a pro on Dancing with the Stars, there is some emotional regulation that he needs to, you know, get a handle on.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Oh, totally. I mean, not just emotional regulation. He used to get a hand on skills and. Yeah, a lot of things. But hopefully he does. I know he will either way. I mean, again, it's like, what a great experience. But, yeah, I mean, I. I felt for Stephanie. Yeah, totally fell for Stephanie. That was a hard.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Like, it was a hard week.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yeah.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Well, thank you all for joining us for this episode. Really great talking with you as always, Val. The. The people love your voice. I don't know if you've read any of the comments. They love your voice.

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

I did. I did. Those are the comments. I. Scroll down.

[Sponsor Voice]

Oh, you like those?

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

Yeah, you like those.

[Sponsor Voice]

You heart those?

[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Yep. Double tap. Thanks, guys.

[Sponsor Voice]

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[Val Chmerkovskiy]

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[Sponsor Voice]

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[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

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[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Join for free online or in store and start saving.

[Sponsor Voice]

Visit your local CVS store or or cbs.com extra big deals for this week's deals.

[Announcer]

Ice Cube's Big Three season is heating up. The most competitive basketball league on earth is on CBS this Sunday. The two best teams go head to head as coach Nancy Lieberman and Greg Monroe's Dallas power take on the one seed Chicago triplets led by coach Dr. J and captain Montrez Harrell, then coach Gary Payton and the Boston Ball Hogs battle Nassir Corps and the Detroit Amps in a moment. Must win game for Boston the game played the way you love. Watch live Sunday, August 9th on CBS at 1pm Eastern, 10am Pacific and catch replays Monday on BET.

[Host (possibly a former Dancing with the Stars contestant or commentator)]

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[Val Chmerkovskiy]

Com iheartradio.