Ariana Madix battled the pain of a back injury in Tuesday’s Dancing With The Stars semifinals to secure a spot in the season finale.
Reality star and pro partner Pasha Pashkov, 37, 38, advanced to the Season 32 finale during a thrilling conclusion to the two-hour show on ABC.
Ariana and 17-year-old Marvel Studios star Xochitl Gomez were the last two celebrities remaining after the jury’s results and live votes were tallied.
The show’s hosts, Alfonso Ribeiro, 52, and Julianne Hough, 35, announced the results in no particular order, with Alyson Hannigan, Jason Mraz and Charity Lawson named as finalists, while Ariana and Pasha and Xochitl with pro partner Val Chmerkovskiy, 37, the two were couples left.
“The question is which couple will compete in the final? “It’s time for the final result,” Alfonso said.
Ariana Madix battled the pain of a back injury on Tuesday’s Dancing With The Stars semifinals to secure a spot in the ABC show’s season finale
Ariana and Xochitl were close to tears as they faced elimination in the semifinals despite outstanding performances from both.
Los Angeles native Xochitl appeared distraught as her hopes of making it to the finals were in jeopardy, despite receiving perfect marks from judges for both dances in the semifinals.
Ariana also appeared dejected as she faced elimination, despite achieving a perfect score on her second dance after admitting she was suffering from a painful back injury.
“Based on the combination of the judges’ score and the viewers’ votes, the couple dancing in the finale is… the two of you!” Alfonso announced, shocking both Ariana and Xochitl.
‘That’s right. Nobody’s going home tonight. Everyone here made it to the final. “For the first time we will see five couples dancing around the trophy,” Julianne said.
All the celebrities hugged each other on stage, with Ariana and Xochitl sharing a special hug.
Julianne interviewed 49-year-old Alyson about making it to the final and asked how she was feeling.
‘That’s incredible. I am so grateful. I can not talk. “I sound like a frog,” Alyson said.
The 38-year-old reality star and Pasha performed a foxtrot in their second dance and received perfect marks from the judges
Ariana and Xochitl Gomez appeared distraught as they were threatened with elimination at the end of the two-hour episode
Alfonso Ribeiro revealed that both Ariana and Xochitl were making progress while standing next to co-host Julianne Hough
All the celebrities hugged each other on stage, with Ariana and Xochitl sharing a special hug
Alfonso then met with Ariana, who was still recovering from the shock of making it to the final after believing she was facing elimination.
“Ariana, how exciting is it for you that there will be five couples in the finale?” Alfonso asked.
“It’s going to be great.” I’m so excited to see all the dances. Literally, I thought I was going to throw up. “I’m just really happy,” said Ariana, who has been moving forward since splitting from her longtime boyfriend Tom Sandoval, 40, earlier this year after learning of his months-long affair with her friend Raquel Leviss, 29.
The judges’ results and viewer voting will carry over to next week’s results to determine the season winner and winner of the inaugural Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy, named in honor of the longtime DWTS judge, who passed away in April at age 78 died years ago.
Ariana and Pasha opened the show with a spirited jive dance to “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars, which received strong applause from the studio audience.
Derek Hough, 38, told Ariana that she’s “not an out-of-control baby.”
“With this dance you’re racing towards the finale,” Derek added.
Bruno Tonioli, 68, called Ariana’s performance a “gem of a jive.”
‘That’s incredible. I am so grateful. I can not talk. “I sound like a frog,” Alyson Hannigan said after making it to the finals
“It’s going to be great.” I’m so excited to see all the dances. Literally, I thought I was going to throw up. “I’m just really happy,” Ariana said after reaching the finals
Ariana and Pasha opened the show with a spirited jive dance to “Runaway Baby” by Bruno Mars, which received strong applause from the studio audience
Bruno Tonioli, 68, called Ariana’s performance a “gem of a jive”
“I know the girl can’t help it, but I love it,” Bruno said.
Carrie Ann Inaba, 55, told Ariana that she has all the qualities to win the competition.
“I see it in you every time you step on the dance floor. But I want to know what injury are you dealing with? Because sometimes I see you holding back and I don’t know if it’s because of injury or because of performance,” Carrie Ann said.
“Um, it’s right where my ribs connect to my spine,” Ariana said as she turned around and pointed to her lower back.
Carrie Ann said the injury explains why she doesn’t have full range of motion and told Ariana her dancing was fabulous.
Ariana received a score of 28 out of 30 for her jive, with Bruno giving her a perfect score of 10.
Next, Jason, 46, performed with his pro partner Daniella Karagach, 30, and they danced a Viennese waltz to Jason’s song “I Won’t Give Up.”
The jury gave them a clear grade of 9, i.e. 27 points.
At their first dance, Xochitl and Val performed a happy samba dance to the song Samba by Gloria Estefan and received the maximum score of 30 points from the jury.
At their first dance, Xochitl and Val performed a happy samba dance to the song Samba by Gloria Estefan and received the maximum score of 30 points from the jury
Bachelorette star Charity, 27, and his pro partner Artem Chigvintsev, 41, performed a rumba “To Love The Way You Lie” for their first dance.
They received a rating of 29 out of 30 points.
Alyson and Sasha performed a Jive to Footloose by Kenny Loggins for their first dance and received a score of 25 points.
Jason and Daniella performed a paso doble to Diablo Rojo by Rodrigo y Gabriela on their second dance and achieved a perfect score.
Xochitl and Val treated viewers to a flawless waltz to “La Vie en Rose” by Lady Gaga during their second dance.
The teenager delivered an emotional performance that ended with her being thrown roses on stage and then wiping away tears.
“You know, I’ve been thinking about how important this season is, what the seriousness of the season is, winning this season.” Because this is the first time we have the Len Goodman Trophy. I’m telling you now, Len would have loved that dance. That was absolutely perfect. “Perfect,” Derek said, his voice full of emotion.
Bruno heaped praise on Xochitl, calling her an “artist.”
Bachelorette star Charity, 27, and his pro partner Artem Chigvintsev, 41, performed a rumba “To Love The Way You Lie” for their first dance.
Val and Xochitl treated viewers to a flawless waltz to “La Vie en Rose” by Lady Gaga during their second dance
The teenager delivered an emotional performance that ended with her being thrown roses on stage and then wiping away tears.
Alfonso stood behind judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli
“This girl became a rose before our eyes.” For someone so young, your maturity in interpreting the role goes beyond dancing. There is dance and there is artistry. You did that, my love. “You have a great future,” Bruno said.
Carrie Ann emotionally told Xochitl that her performance touched her heart.
“It transported me to another world and I just felt like I never wanted it to end.” And that’s so rare after 32 seasons of watching Dances and Dances. “That was breathtaking,” Carrie Ann said.
Unsurprisingly, the judges gave Xochitl and Val a perfect score of 30 points.
Charity and Artem performed a Quickstep to Boss by Fifth Harmony for their second dance.
“If you have fun, we have fun,” Carrie Ann said to Charity after her routine.
Derek stood up and clapped for Charity, praising her for making a difficult dance look easy and fun.
The jury noticed that Charity was showing her emotions better and better and rewarded her with the maximum score of 30 points.
Alyson and Sasha performed a “Waltz to Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones for their second dance and received a score of 26 points.
Ariana and Pasha wowed the audience during their second dance with a Foxtrot to Trampoline by Shaed & Zayn.
The Vanderpump Rules star clutched her ribs as she was criticized by the judges, and Carrie Ann noted that she was clearly in pain.
Boss Energy: Charity and Artem performed a Quickstep to Boss by Fifth Harmony for their second dance
The Vanderpump Rules star clutched her ribs as she was criticized by the judges, and Carrie Ann noted that she was clearly in pain
Ariana and Pasha received the highest score of 30 for their foxtrot.
The “Vanderpump Rules” star complained of “back pain” during rehearsal for “Foxtrot” while forcing himself into an awkward posture for the dance.
“The pain hasn’t stopped me yet.” “It certainly won’t stop me now,” Ariana said.
Dancing With The Stars will return for its season finale next Tuesday.
Dancing With The Stars: Injuries and health problems on ABC show
In 2006, season two contestant Romeo Miller withdrew from Dancing With The Stars due to an injury and was replaced by his father Master P.
Professional dancer Derek Hough injured his neck during rehearsals during the sixth season in 2008 and missed a week of dancing.
During rehearsal during season seven, Derek also lost consciousness after tripping and landing on the back of his head.
In the seventh season, Misty May-Treanor was also eliminated after she was injured during training and tore her Achilles tendon.
Rehearsal Injury: Misty May-Treanor is shown with presenter Tom Bergeron in October 2008 when she discovered a torn Achilles tendon while training for Dancing With The Stars
Brooke Burke also suffered a severe bruised foot during season seven when she landed hard during a front flip with pro partner Derek and blocked the camera.
Susan Lucci broke two bones in her foot during season seven but remained in the competition.
Nancy O’Dell dropped out of season eight due to a torn meniscus, as did Jewel, who broke both shins shortly before the season premiere.
Steve-O also suffered a muscle strain in his back during the dress rehearsal in season eight and was unable to perform the salsa live.
Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay withdrew from the competition in the third week of season nine after injuring his foot during rehearsals before the premiere.
Billy Dee Williams had to cancel season 18 due to chronic back problems.
Early exit: Billy Dee Williams left season 18 early due to a chronic back problem
In Season 21, two contestants dropped out mid-season for health reasons: Kim Zolciak dropped out after suffering a minor stroke and Tamar Braxton dropped out after doctors discovered pulmonary embolisms in her lungs.
Professional dancer Mark Ballas injured his back during Season 22 rehearsals and was unable to perform with his partner, UFC fighter Paige VanZant, for a week.
Professional dancer Sharna Burgess injured her knee during rehearsals with James Hinchcliffe in season 23 and was out for two weeks.
Professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy suffered a calf muscle injury during rehearsals with Heather Morris in season 24 and was replaced by dance troupe member Alan Bersten during a four-week recovery period.
Christie Brinkley broke her arm while training five days before the Season 28 premiere and was replaced by her daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook.
Ray Lewis was forced to drop out of Season 28 after tearing three tendons in his foot while training before Movie Night in week three. He suffered a repeat injury from 2010 while playing football for the Baltimore Ravens.
Filling in: Christie Brinkley broke her arm while training five days before the season 28 premiere of DWTS and was replaced by her daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook
Country singer Lauren Alaina revealed during Halloween week of Season 28 that she danced with “four bruised ribs,” breaking one during the first week of the show and that the others “don’t feel good “.
Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe suffered an “ankle injury” during the second week of season 29, but still performed with his pro partner Artem Chigvintsev. She later revealed during Disney Night that she was suffering from tendonitis and shin splints.
Professional dancer Cheryl Burke announced on September 26, 2021 that she had tested positive for COVID-19 before the second episode of season 30. Her celebrity partner Cody Rigsby tested positive for the coronavirus a few days later and they continued to compete together but danced in separate rooms.
Coronavirus Infection: Professional dancer Cheryl Burke announced on September 26, 2021 that she tested positive for COVID-19, and her professional partner Cody Rigsby tested positive a few days later, forcing them to dance in separate rooms
Olympic gymnast Suni Lee also broke out and vomited after her appearance on Queen Night in Season 30, but fought back to stay in the competition.
Judge Derek Hough missed the season 30 finale after being diagnosed with a breakthrough case of COVID-19 and was replaced by his sister Julianne.
Professional dancer Daniella Karagach missed Elvis Night after she and four crew members tested positive for COVID-19 following the season 31 premiere in September 2022 on the Disney+ streaming service.
Selma Blair, who announced in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, withdrew from the competition in season 31 due to “excessive bone trauma” related to her chronic illness.
Valentin Chmerkovskiy missed Season 31’s Halloween night after testing positive for COVID-19, and Mark Ballas appeared during the episode after missing rehearsal due to a “thrust” in his lower back.
Derek was scheduled to perform on the live Season 31 finale with his fiancée Hayley Erbert, but she suffered a shoulder injury during prep the day before and was unable to dance with him.
Professional dancer Artem missed Latin Night in October 2023 on Season 32 after testing positive for COVID-19 and was replaced by professional dancer Ezra Sosa, who performed with “Bachelorette” star Charity Lawson.
Mira Sorvino performed during Disney100 night of season 32 with her right wrist bandaged after she slipped during rehearsal, sustaining a sprain and possible fracture.
Professional dancer Daniella Karagach sprained her ankle before Season 32’s Music Video Night and missed rehearsal while she recovered before performing with Jason Mraz.
Xochitl Gomez sprained her ankle during team dance rehearsal in Season 32 after injuring the same foot while filming the 2022 Marvel Studios film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In the following episode, she performed a tango with her pro partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy during Whitney Houston Night and they achieved the first perfect scores of the season.
Ariana Madix suffered a foot injury before Motown Night on Season 32 and later also battled a back injury that left her ribs connected to her spine.
Bad Fall: Xochitl Gomez sprained her ankle during team dance practice in Season 32 and in the following episode performed a tango with her pro partner Valentin Chmerkovskiy during Whitney Houston Night and they achieved the first perfect scores of the season