‘Dancing with the Stars’ Dedication Night recap: The celebs paid tribute to parents, teammates, and Taylor Swift [Live Blog]

Tonight is “Dedication Night” on “Dancing with the Stars,” so prepare for big feels as the remaining celebs pay tribute to someone or something that made a difference to them. It’s somewhat reminiscent of “Most Memorable Year,” the theme night from past seasons where the routines were inspired by meaningful events in the dancers’ lives. Those always brought out the tears. Scroll down for our live blog with all our minute-by-minute commentary as the evening progresses.

With last week’s double elimination of actors Eric Roberts and Reginald VelJohnson, there are nine couples remaining in contention for the Len Goodman Mirror Ball Trophy: Super Bowl champion Danny Amendola and pro Witney Carson, “The Bachelor” star Joey Graziadei and pro Jenna Johnson, NBA champion Dwight Howard and pro Daniella Karagach, TV star Chandler Kinney and pro Brandon Armstrong, Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher and pro Alan Bersten, model Brooks Nader and pro Gleb Savchenko, Olympic gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and pro Rylee Arnold, reality star Phaedra Parks and pro Val Chmerkovskiy, and “The Bachelorette” star Jenn Tran and pro Sasha Farber.

Special guest Mark Ballas, a three-time “DWTS” Mirror Ball champion, will join Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough, and Bruno Tonioli at the judges’ table to evaluate the contestants’ routines. In addition, Hough will give an emotional performance of his own with his wife Hayley Hough; she’s returning to the ballroom for the first time since undergoing surgery late last year for a cranial hematoma. So which performances will be the most moving and who (if anyone) will be eliminated at the end of the night? Follow along below starting at 8:00pm (times listed are Eastern).

Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Contemporary)

Daniel Montgomery, 8:05pm — Oh wow, starting the night off with Chandler’s contemporary. Maybe the judges won’t whip out the 10 paddles so early?

Jeffrey Kare, 8:05pm — I’m predicting no 10 paddles tonight. But we’ll see if the was a smart move on my part.

JUDGES — Derek praises the leg extensions, even though the side-by-sides were a little out of sync and there was a bobble on a lift. Mark wants to see them dig a little deeper and tell their story a little bit more. Bruno loved the quality of movement, but she needed more intensity in her movements. Carrie Ann thinks she’s a talented dancer with beautiful lines, but she wants to see Chandler take command and demand attention a little more.

DM, 8:08pm — One big lift looked kinda wonky, but otherwise a lovely routine. Not a showstopper, but totally lovely.

JK, 8:10pm — Absolutely stunning!

DM, 8:10pm — Sounds like 8s from the judges.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Mark (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

DM, 8:12pm — She’s going to have to dig deep to avoid plateauing. She’s good, but I kinda agree with the judges that there’s more there.

Cordell Martin, 8:13pm — I thought it was a beautiful routine. Definitely felt like they held back a bit imo. Maybe it’s part of their strategy to reign it in a bit so it won’t come off too easy.

Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Argentine Tango)

DM, 8:15pm — Damn, Nedoroscik is next. All the heavy hitters upfront on tonight’s show.

JUDGES — Bruno says, “Now we are in business!” He could see the character come out, he was leading the dance. Carrie Ann thought the dance had impact, though he was still a tiny bit wobble. Derek thought Stephen stepped it up at just the right time with challenging choreography and a lot of risk. Mark liked seeing him in this role with his intensity, but he needs to work on his frame a little.

DM, 8:18pm — Stephen’s best dance. Sexy Stephen finally came out on that one.

JK, 8:20pm — It’s electrifying!

DM, 8:22pm — I’m so proud of him for that routine. This really was the first time he invested in character development in a dance.

CM, 8:23pm — Wow! I agree! His best dance so far. He is really coming into his own.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (9), Mark (8), Bruno (8) = 33 out of 40

DM, 8:26pm — Hmmm, only one 9, a little surprised by that

CM, 8:26pm — Hmm I wonder if Joey is going to get the top score again this week

JK, 8:26pm — Wouldn’t surprise me.

Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Contemporary)

DM, 8:26pm — And RIGHT into the other contemporary from Danny. The back half of this show is gonna feel kinda long LOL

JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought it was a breakthrough, and powerful, and his coach would be proud of him. Derek thanks him for committing to this art form as an athlete. Mark has enjoyed watching his growth all season, and was especially impressed with his strength and control in the lifts. Bruno thinks it’s by far his best performance, and it was also technically strong.

DM, 8:31pm — I think Danny’s getting a couple of 9s, a little more impactful than Chandler’s contemporary

JK, 8:31pm — Amazing opening image. Strong performance overall.

CM, 8:32pm — Dance of the night so far! Loving how tight this competition is so far!

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Mark (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40

JK, 8:33pm — More like all 9’s.

DM, 8:34pm — I’m kinda loving how all-over-the-place this season is. The momentum keeps shifting. After the first few perfect Chandler performances I thought it was gonna be a boring season

CM, 8:34pm — I know, right?

JK, 8:34pm — Let’s see who else is going to bring it tonight.

Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Rumba)

DM, 8:37pm — Okay, Dwight has been kinda shaky after starting the season so strong. He needs a big comeback dance, and rumba would certainly be a different side of him he could show off.

JUDGES — Derek smiles from watching him dance, and he applied the advice on his arms. Mark thought it lacked a little hip action, but great job. Bruno thought it had a soft, gentle quality, but his movements still feel a little disconnected. Carrie Ann saw refinement and beautiful lines, but he starts to bounce a little when he gets nervous.

DM, 8:40pm — Quite a solid routine from Dwight. You could see how much work he put into shaping with his arms. I’m guessing 8s

JK, 8:42pm — That was sweet!

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (7), Derek (8), Mark (7), Bruno (7) = 29 out of 40

JK, 8:45pm — Not as good of a score as expected.

DM, 8:45pm — They were harder on him than I expected, but I like that they’re holding the celebs to a high standard

DM, 8:46pm — Derek’s in a good mood tonight!

CM, 8:47pm — Dwight and Daniella need to step it up as Danny and Jenn are gaining momentum.

Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy (Rumba)

DM, 8:47pm — Phaedra is good, but she needs a HUGE breakthrough to avoid going home. I’m worried she’ll get lost in the shuffle. But dedicating this dance to her mother could be a moment of emotion that connects her to the audience and judges.

JUDGES — Bruno says it needs to feel real, and Phaedra did that tonight. Carrie saw more lightness, and she’s very clear in her intention and communication. Derek breaks his 5 paddle in protest of Gene Simmons’s score last week. Mark thought it was elegant and beautiful with continuous movement. She needs to put more trust in Val.

DM, 8:53pm — Phaedra’s best dance by far. Smooth, lyricval, fluid movements.

JK, 8:53pm — Very heartfelt! So far, everyone’s really been stepping up their game.

DM, 8:54pm — Having the judges visit the celebs during rehearsals seems to really be helping.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Mark (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

DM, 8:55pm — All 8s, Phaedra and Chandler tied for the night. Didn’t see that coming, but well deserved scores.

CM, 8:57pm — Chandler better not be in the bottom 2 tonight

DM, 8:57pm — I’m a little worried for her. Her fans might be used to her being safe

Derek Hough and Hayley Hough

JK, 9:05pm — On a side note, Derek & Haley’s dance was INCREDIBLE!

DM, 9:05pm — It really was beautiful. Derek’s definitely getting nominated for that routine next summer. Hell, that dance was so good that it could help Benson Boone get nominated for Grammys, unless voting ended today before that routine LOL.

DM, 9:07pm — Oh poor Brooks. She has to follow THAT?!

JK, 9:08pm — Talk about a tough act to follow.

Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko (Salsa)

DM, 9:12pm — Phaedra had a breakthrough, and honestly I think elimination was between her and Brooks, so Brooks needs to absolutely kill this salsa.

DM, 9:14pm — I think Mira Sorvino was eliminated the night she included her family, so …

DM, 9:16pm — But it was a strong Brooks performance. Probably 8s too

JK, 9:17pm — Anything’s possible. Yeah. It was really good!

CM, 9:18pm — It was alright. I felt she was a bit off at times

JUDGES — Carrie Ann thought she was in her power and danced in the ground. Derek thought it was a great job. The steps were a little big. Mark thinks she has all the elements to be a great dancer, but it sits a high. Bruno thought it was “mouth-watering spicy.” It was a good performance.

CM, 9:19pm — I would give it a 7 imo

DM, 9:19pm — If Brooks gets a 7 from anyone, she’s done.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Mark (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Viennese Waltz)

DM, 9:23pm — If a 10 comes tonight, it’s coming from him.

JUDGES — Bruno asked for a prince, but Joey gave a king, it was smooth and correct. Carrie says he’s phenomenal, but there was a “glitchiness” in the small steps. Derek thought it was smooth with effortless pivots. Mark thought he stayed flat and flew across the floor. He had musicality in the body.

DM, 9:26pm — Joey’s a phenom. He might have this season.

JK, 9:28pm — ASTONISHING!

CM, 9:28pm — Yeah he got this

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (9), Derek (9), Mark (9), Bruno (9) = 36 out of 40

DM, 9:30pm — Yeah, no 10s tonight. The top of the leaderboard is gonna end up being Danny and Joey.

JK, 9:32pm — Maybe we’ll get a 10 next week.

DM, 9:32pm — Probably, it’s just a question of who will get the first 10s. Chandler is primed for a comeback. But Joey’s on a roll

Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Rumba)

DM, 9:35pm — Now I’m a little worried for Ilona. Phaedra and Brooks had a good night. She’ll be in trouble if she falls under them.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann credits her with her most delicate and refreshing dance, plus it had courage and she didn’t shortchange any move. Derek thinks sometimes the mistakes unlock something in you. The rumba takes control, and she did it beautifully. Mark says he has beautiful arms, but he wants her to express them even more. Bruno calls it total redemption. The shapes and lines were beautiful, and she shouldn’t doubt herself.

DM, 9:40pm — HUGE comeback for Ilona. I think that was her best dance too. I’ve never seen her that loose and fluid

JK, 9:41pm — Now that was ELEGANT!

CM, 9:42pm — I agree! That just saved her from elimination

DM, 9:42pm — Yeah, she’s safe

CM, 9:42pm — Loving mark’s critiques.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Mark (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

JK, 9:43pm — Great score

DM, 9:43pm — We’ve got a big pileup at 32 points. Worried one of them is going home

JK, 9:43pm — We’re already getting to that point in the competition where someone really good is getting eliminated early.

CM, 9:44pm — This is going to be a tough one. I predict Dwight or Brooks is out with Chandler being in jeopardy.

JK, 9:45pm — Sounds plausible

CM, 9:45pm — Hopefully I’m wrong about Chandler but gotta prepare for the unexpected

Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber (Foxtrot)

DM, 9:46pm — I still think it’s a competitive mistake to devote a song to a pop star. It might slightly undermine the intense emotion behind her dance, which is about feeling less alone while growing up under difficult circumstances. She mentions the police coming to her home, but doesn’t articulate why. Nor should she have to. I hope she’s phenomenal.

JUDGES — Derek thought it was beautiful. The arms and hands were better, but she needs to close her feet during turns. Mark loves how she throws her body into it, but she wanted a softer position in frame. Bruno thought her frame can be good, but she lost it a little at times. Carrie Ann wants to see her tighten up and own her movement more, and Sasha needs to watch the lifts.

DM, 9:51pm — Quite possibly Jenn’s best dance. What a good night of competition this was

JK, 9:52pm — Wonderful performance! Quite pleased that we haven’t had a single dud all night long.

CM, 9:52pm — Beautiful dance by Jenn. Great night of competition.

JUDGES — Carrie Ann (8), Derek (8), Mark (8), Bruno (8) = 32 out of 40

JUDGES’ LEADERBOARD

1. Danny Amendola and Witney Carson (Contemporary) — 36
1. Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson (Viennese Waltz) — 36
3. Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold (Argentine Tango) — 33
4. Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong (Contemporary) — 32
4. Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten (Rumba) — 32
4. Brooks Nader and Gleb Savchenko (Salsa) — 32
4. Phaedra Parks and Val Chmerkovskiy (Rumba) — 32
4. Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber (Foxtrot) — 32
9. Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach (Rumba) — 29

DM, 9:55pm — All those 32s. And Dwight WAY down at the bottom despite being pretty good

JK, 9:56pm — It just goes to show how good everyone was tonight.

CM, 9:56pm — Yeah tonight should be telling about fan bases. If chandler survives then I think she’ll be a lock for the finals

RESULTS

DM, 9:57pm — Safe celebs are Jenn (no surprise there), Ilona (hurray!), Phaebdra (oh wow!), Joey (duh), Stephen (whew!), and Danny (duh!) Dwight, Brooks, and Chandler are the bottom three.

DM, 9:59pm — Brooks is eliminated from the competition. Not too surprised, but I was a little worried it would be Chandler.

JK, 10:01pm — Farewell, Brooks.

CM, 10:02pm — I figured she would go

DM, 10:02pm — Thank god Chandler ended up safe. This was a warning. Bring it next week girl!

CM, 10:02pm — Oh she will lol