‘Dancing with the Stars’ Bond Night recap: Were the rumba-tastic tributes to 007 shaken or stirring? [UPDATING LIVE BOND]

For the second week in a row “Dancing with the Stars” paid tribute to an icon. Last week was “Elvis Night,” and this week celebrated a fictional icon: Bond, James Bond. Scroll down for our live blog of “Dancing with the Stars” “Bond Night” where we discuss which performances were shaken and which were stirring.

In an unusual turn of events, more than half of the contestants were performing in the same dance style. Eight out of the 14 got slow and sensual rumbas: actress Selma Blair, TikTok star Charli D’Amelio, country singer Jessie James Decker, actor Daniel Durant, “Jersey Shore” alum Vinny Guadagnino, actress Cheryl Ladd, drag queen Shangela, and singer Jordin Sparks. That left six who were performing different routines. Dancing the Argentine tango were reality TV star Heidi D’Amelio and fitness model Joseph Baena (with Alexis Warr, still filling in for COVID-positive pro Daniella Karagach). Actors Wayne Brady and Trevor Donovan performed regular tangos. Meteorologist Sam Champion got the notoriously difficult samba. And “Bachelorette” star Gabby Windey got the night’s only cha cha.

Seeing so many rumbas in one night could be a good way to judge the celebs’ dance ability since the judges and the viewing audience are comparing apples to apples. On the other hand, it ran the risk of monotony, especially since the rumba in particular is a slow dance that requires grace, precision, and hip action in order to have the desired effect. It seemed likely that Charli would deliver, but would Vinnie or Jessie or Cheryl? Follow along below to find out (times listed are Eastern).

Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas (Rumba)

Daniel Montgomery, 8:08pm — Getting the night started with a bang, arguably the best dancer of the competition doing the first of many rumbas to this year’s Oscar winning “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish. This might be a tough act to follow. But the trouble for Charli is trying to be sultry and maintaining eye contact.

Jeffrey Kare, 8:12pm — You could be right because that was stunning!

DM, 8:12pm — Pretty close to perfect, if this were later in the night I’d say she’d get 9s, but it’s still a little early. Great choreo from Mark Ballas

JUDGES — Len Goodman thought it was “fantastic,” with “light and shade,” “lovely feet, lovely legs.” Derek Hough loved the “dark and dangerous take on the rumba” and the “beautiful leg action.” Bruno Tonioli is “shaken, stirred, and smitten.” She’s turned into “the ultimate femme fatale.” Carrie Ann Inaba says, “You take my breath away,” but she can perform outward more.

DM, 8:15pm — Charli says, “This isn’t easy … I’m doing my best every week” when asked about making this look easy.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (8), Derek (8), Bruno (9) = 33 out of 40

JK, 8:17pm — At least Bruno gave them one.

Cheryl Ladd and Louis Van Amstel (Rumba)

DM, 8:17pm — She landed in the bottom two last week, and this week they put her in a tough spot. She has to follow Charli doing the exact same dance style. And from the sounds of the clip package, Louis is not going easy on her with the choreography. Fingers crossed.

DM, 8:21pm — Huge improvement for Cheryl. And she had to follow Charli, which couldn’t have been easy. Smooth, crisp, and clean.

JK, 8:22pm — Definitely a step up from last week.

JUDGES — Derek says that was her best dance with “beautiful arms” and great leg action. Bruno thinks she got her sparkle back. Carrie Ann is proud of her, she proved why she has staying power. There seemed to be a moment where she almost forgot her choreography, but she sold it. Len thought it was “clean and clear” despite some “messing about” at the beginning of the routine.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Len (6), Derek (6), Bruno (6) = 24 out of 40

DM, 8:23pm — I’m surprised there were no 7s in there.

JK, 8:24pm — Me too.

DM, 8:25pm — I really liked Derek’s little rumba tutorial. It was a great way to contextualize the routines.

Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater (Tango)

DM, 8:26pm — He did his rumba last week so he won’t be doing it this time. He’s doing the tango, and Emma wants Trevor to bring the sense of balance when he’s surfing into this dance. Rumba was a huge step up for him, but tango might be a challenge for him. Or not. We’ll see.

DM, 8:29pm — Solid Trevor performance. He looked like he was playing catch-up a little in hold, but solid.

JK, 8:29pm — He’s so far been getting better week by week.

Cordell Martin, 8:30pm — Trevor is impressing me week after week.

JK, 8:30pm — Ditto.

JUDGES — Bruno thought it was full of content and a difficult routine. He did get a little skippy at times though. Carrie Ann liked the focus between Trevor and Emma, and no lifts! Len liked the “attack and purpose,” but his frame was too wide in hold. Derek thought he started well in hold, but then it started dropping. He thinks Trevor is a dark horse.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Len (6), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 27 out of 40

CM, 8:33pm — Well deserved.

DM, 8:33pm — Yeah, those scores are just right.

Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart (Rumba)

DM, 8:33pm — Britt is teaching Daniel like anyone else, not going easy on him because he’s deaf. This week presents its own challenges because there aren’t quick beats to guide him. He can’t feel the rhythm. Fingers crossed for him.

DM, 8:37pm — I think Britt was doing the lion’s share of the work at first, but Daniel settled into it nicely and had the rhythm of that choreography down pat.

CM, 8:39pm — Another solid performance from Daniel. I can see one 8 and three 7’s

JK, 8:39pm — Another excellent performance from them.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was sexy, beautifully performed, with great posture. Len loved that he took command of the dance, he was leading, not just hanging on. He was in complete control. Derek calls him “an absolute leading man” with great piercing eyes, and improved form in his arms. Bruno tells him, “The world is in your hands.” He had the mannerisms “spot-on” and provided great frame for his partner.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (7), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 27 out of 40

JK, 8:41pm — OK, the next Bond villain is officially going to be deaf after Daniel told Alfonso Ribeiro he’d love to have a role in a Bond film.

CM, 8:41pm — Wow three 8’s and one 7.

Jordin Sparks and Brandon Armstrong (Rumba)

CM, 8:42pm — I’m hoping this is a breakthrough dance for Jordin.

DM, 8:44pm — Jordin’s best dance, maybe the second best rumba so far besides Charli.

CM, 8:44pm — This was a nice dance

JK, 8:44pm — That was incredibly well choreographed and performed.

JUDGES — Len liked the control and the fluid arms, but she needs to work on her turns, where she gets unstable. Bruno thought she was “smoldering” and fluidity, and her turns had abandon. Carrie Ann agrees with Len and Derek about the turns she had trouble with, but Carrie Ann thought she had all the sensuality she needed.

DM, 8:47pm — I hadn’t noticed her trouble with the turns.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Len (7), Derek (7), Bruno (8) = 29 out of 40

DM, 8:48pm — Wow, those scores are higher than I expected after they critiques her turns.

CM, 8:48pm — Yea I was expecting a 6 or two from the judges.

Sam Champion and Cheryl Burke (Samba)

DM, 8:48pm — Carrie Ann noticed Sam’s confidence last week, and he’s sure as hell gonna need it with the samba. If he can survive this, he might go farther than I expected in the competition.

DM, 8:51pm — Definitely rough around the edges from Sam, but he got through it, which is the most you can ask for with the samba sometimes LOL

CM, 8:52pm — Lol

JK, 8:52pm — It was alright. I thought Sam did the best he possibly could.

CM, 8:52pm — Yeah the song choice didn’t do him an favors either. I’m afraid he’ll be in the bottom two this week.

JUDGES — Derek admits samba is the hardest dance. It started strong, but then it lost steam towards the end. Bruno thought it had fun and wit, and he was bouncing around like a young buck. Carrie Ann thinks he has natural joy, but she wanted more intensity. Len thought he came out with terrific attitude and aggression.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Len (6), Derek (6), Bruno (7) = 25 out of 40

DM, 8:55pm — That 7 was pretty charitable.

Selma Blair and Sasha Farber (Rumba)

DM, 8:55pm — To try to overcome Selma’s sensory overload, Sasha tried using a blindfold, especially with the extra emotion of dancing to her late mother’s favorite song.

CM, 8:58pm — My girl Selma!

JK, 8:58pm — The fact that she just managed to pull that off blindfolded makes her even more competitive.

DM, 8:58pm — I loved that rumba, especially because you could see how well Sasha was supporting her without doing the dance for her.

CM, 8:59pm — That dance took a lot of trust between her and Sasha. Four 8’s

JUDGES — Bruno loved it, but warns her not to break her wrists. Carrie Ann thought there was a beautiful vulnerability to their dance. Len thought her arms had fluidity and musicality, with great control. Derek was impressed by her beautiful legs.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (7), Len (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 28 out of 40

JK, 9:02pm — More like four 7’s.

CM, 9:02pm — Never mind.

Wayne Brady and Witney Carson (Tango)

DM, 9:03pm — Witney notes that the tango is very rigorous with a lot of pressure on his knees. I hope he stays healthy.

DM, 9:05pm — Smooth and solid tango from Wayne. So far so good for his knees.

JK, 9:05pm — Their routine played out like a James Bond scene very well.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was clean and tight, but he needs to tighten up the footwork. Len was concerned with how he’d cope with his first ballroom dance, but he did it “brilliantly.” Derek praises the poise and the musicality of the choreography. Bruno calls him a “smooth operator,” it was “the best tango so far this season.”

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (8), Derek (8), Bruno (9) = 33 out of 40

Vinny Guadagnino and Koko Iwasaki (Rumba)

DM, 9:09pm — Back to Rumba Town. Last week was a big improvement for Vinny. This week may determine if his struggle in week one was a fluke or if his improvement last week was the fluke.

DM, 9:12pm — Stiff in places for Vinny, but he got the job done. Definitely maintaining the performance quality he picked up last week.

CM, 9:13pm — Definitely a step down from last week. Lack of hip action.

JK, 9:13pm — Very middle of the road.

JUDGES — Len thought it wasn’t he best dance, but it wasn’t his worst. Derek says he needs to work on his arms, make them smoother in their motion. Bruno  said he “just managed to survive the rumba.” The pictures were right, but what happened in-between was a problem. Carrie Ann tells him he needs to pay more attention to the details.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Len (5), Derek (6), Bruno (6) = 23 out of 40

DM, 9:16pm — I thought the 5 was actually a little harsh. I agreed with the 6s.

CM, 9:16pm — Yeah he deserved all 6’s. He’ll still be safe regardless.

Heidi D’Amelio and Artem Chigvintsev (Argentine Tango)

CM, 9:17pm — Heidi should get a great score with this dance. My only issue with her is that she’s forgettable imo

DM, 9:17pm — She’s hoping for at least one 8. This style is demanding. We’ll see if she gets it.

CM, 9:21pm — It was missing something for me. She ended really strong though.

DM, 9:21pm — I think she did well, but I agree a little something was missing. I think maybe she needs more passion and flexibility.

JK, 9:21pm — I thought they did some mostly great work.

JUDGES — Derek says it was her best dance yet and played to her strengths, thought she got stuck on her scorpion kick. Bruno thought it was a proper Argentine tango, but she freezes sometimes and needs more flow. Carrie Ann says “That is your dance … Every line was beautiful,” and she clearly worked on her flexibility. Len thought it was “full of snap, crackle, and pop … proper Argentine tango.”

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (8), Derek (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

DM, 9:23pm — I honestly think all 8s was a little high. Maybe one or two 7s would have been warranted in there.

Shangela and Gleb Savchenko (Rumba)

DM, 9:23pm — “Can a diva get one eight?” says Shangela after two weeks of getting all 7s. I think 8s are definitely within her reach.

CM, 9:26pm — Shangela did that!

JK, 9:26pm — Amazing rhythm! Amazing skills!

DM, 9:27pm — Shangela’s getting those 8s she wanted, at least a couple I think.

JUDGES — Bruno thought it was a good performance, but she needs to drag her feet more like dragging her feet in the sand. Carrie Ann calls it “fierce.” Len thought she created really nice lines, but she needed to stretch her legs more, but maybe too sexy. Derek thought the performance was a 10, but her feet sickle a little bit.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (7), Derek (7), Bruno (8) = 30 out of 40

9:31pm — I would’ve preferred all 8’s lol

Jessie James Decker and Alan Bersten (Rumba)

CM, 9:32pm — Jessie needs to bring it tonight. I can see her getting 7’s.

DM, 9:34pm — Great first half from Jessie, looked like it slowed down a little in the second half.

CM, 9:35pm — I agree Daniel.

JK, 9:35pm — Looks like they’re getting somewhere.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann didn’t think it was her best. Len tells her she has to work on her footwork because it wasn’t great. Derek thinks she has come a long way, “night and day” compared to week one. Bruno thinks Jessie can do sexy, but she needs to learn to articulate from the foot through the leg.

CM, 9:36pm — Wow the judges are being really harsh

DM, 9:36pm — Yeah, those critiques were way too harsh

SCORES — Carrie Ann (6), Len (6), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 26 out of 40

DM, 9:37pm — Deserved all 7s.

Joseph Baena and Alexis Warr (Argentine Tango)

DM, 9:38pm — Joseph’s physical strength should help him show off Alexis on those Argentine tango lifts, but he needs to also be smooth and fluid.

DM, 9:41pm — His strength really made her look good on those lifts. Pretty smooth through the rest too.

CM, 9:42pm — Joseph is really coming into his own.

JK, 9:42pm — Impressive how fast Joseph and Alexis have worked well together.

JUDGES — Len thought it lacked fluidity, and one lift was out of character, but it was still his best dance to date. Derek says he’s a great dancer and he actually loved the lift. Bruno compares him to Rudolph Valentino with nimble and well placed footwork. Carrie Ann thought it was natural, beautiful, breathtaking finesse.

CM, 9:43pm — Oh Len.

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (7), Derek (7), Bruno (7) = 29 out of 40

Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy (Cha Cha)

DM, 9:44pm — Looking forward to the night’s only cha cha. Something markedly different from the rest of the dances tonight. Especially after all those dang rumbas.

DM, 9:48pm — I think she might have been a little off balance in one or two places, but otherwise rock solid.

JK, 9:48pm — Terrific all around, especially in their footwork.

JUDGES — Derek says it had power, strength, and attack, but that power could come across as stiff if she’s not careful. Bruno thought the technique was crisp, clean. Carrie Ann thought it was fantastic, but she needs to relax because it was too staccato. Len thought it was a great way to finish week three, “crisp like a Pringle.”

SCORES — Carrie Ann (8), Len (8), Derek (8), Bruno (9) = 33 out of 40

JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD

1. Wayne Brady — 33
1. Charli D’Amelio — 33
1. Gabby Windey — 33
4. Heidi D’Amelio — 32
5. Daniel Durant — 31
6. Shangela — 30
7. Joseph Baena — 29
7. Jordin Sparks — 29
9. Selma Blair — 28
10. Trevor Donovan — 27
11. Jessie James Decker — 26
12. Sam Champion — 25
13. Cheryl Ladd — 24
14. Vinny Guadagnino — 23

RESULTS

DM, 9:54pm — The first celebs who are safe: Heidi D’Amelio (no surprise), Charli D’Amelio (duh, mother and daughter safe), Wayne Brady (duh again), Jessie James Decker (I thought she might have been in trouble), Shangela (no surprise, thankfully), Gabby Windey (duh).

DM, 9:55pm — Vinny Guadagnino, Selma Blair, Daniel Durant, and Joseph Baena are also safe. No surprises there either, even though Vinny was at the bottom of the leaderboard. Jordin Sparks is safe. And … Trevor Donovan is safe! Sam Champion and Cheryl Ladd are the bottom two. This might be a close one.

DM, 9:57pm — Bruno votes to Sam. Carrie Ann votes to save Sam as well. Derek votes to save Sam on the strength of his work cumulatively throughout the season. Len says it would have been unanimous because he would’ve picked Sam to stay as well. Cheryl Ladd is eliminated. “When you’re a legend, you’ve lived a long time, and I had a lot of fun,” says Cheryl on her way out.

CM, 10:00pm — Looks like Jessie has a fanbase.