LOS ANGELES — Seven couples took the ballroom floor for “Grammy Night” on “Dancing with the Stars,” competing for a place in the next round.
Each pair performed a routine inspired by legendary Grammy-nominated or Grammy-winning artists, songs and memorable moments from music history.
The couples also went head-to-head in dance-offs, performing the same style simultaneously. Winners earned two bonus points that were added to their judges’ scores.
The “Grammy Night” episode aired one week before nominations are announced for the 69th Grammy Awards.
Here is how the couples ranked on their individual routines, from highest score to lowest:
Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson danced a salsa to “Die with A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, a 2025 Grammy nominee for song of the year and winner of best pop duo/group performance. Carrie Ann Inaba praised the routine’s style and showmanship but said its emotional heart stood out most. Derek Hough called Harry magnetic and said the performance radiated joy. Bruno Tonioli described it as an “extra spicy salsa” and an incredible performance.
Scores: 10, 9, 10, 29 out of 30
Jenna Dewan and Val Chmerkovskiy performed jazz to “All for You” by Janet Jackson, which won the 2002 Grammy for best dance recording. Dewan also appeared in several of Jackson’s early music videos. Inaba said Jenna could inspire people to sign up for jazz classes, adding that she expected greatness and got it. Hough said she was “in the pocket” and danced sensationally, while Tonioli declared that Jenna had outdanced Val. The show then surprised Dewan with a video message from Jackson.
Scores: 10, 9, 9, 28 out of 30
Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov delivered a paso doble to Evanescence’s “Bring Me to Life,” winner of the 2004 Grammy for best hard rock performance. Hough praised the routine’s power, precision and purpose, saying the pair used the ballroom beautifully. Tonioli called it frighteningly good and said it captured everything a paso doble should be. Inaba described the performance as stunning and applauded Glenn’s strength.
Scores: 9, 9, 10, 28 out of 30
Tatyana Ali and Jan Ravnik performed a tango to “Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas, a 2010 Grammy nominee for best dance recording and winner of best short form music video. Ali, who is friends with will.i.am, spoke with him by FaceTime during rehearsal, and he promised to watch. Hough praised her ability to draw in the audience and said it was impossible not to root for her. Tonioli called the performance “Boom Boom WOW!” while Inaba described Ali as a fighter with the “eye of the tiger.” Will.i.am then surprised her by appearing in the ballroom.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 27 out of 30
Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach took on an Argentine tango to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love (Remix),” winner of the 2004 Grammy for best R
Connor Wood and Rylee Arnold danced an Argentine tango to Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack,” featuring Timbaland, which won the 2007 Grammy for best dance recording. “Oh yes, you can lead!” Tonioli told Wood, adding that the couple was making music together. Inaba applauded the performance but urged him to keep pushing. Hough called the dance strong and said Wood remained in control.
Scores: 9, 9, 9, 27 out of 30
Harry Shum Jr. and Jenna Johnson did not compete in the dance-offs. Because of their position on last week’s leaderboard, they received immunity, along with two bonus points, bringing their total to 31.
The episode added even more star power with performances from Brandy, Monica, Maren Morris and Sheryl Crow during the dance-off round.
Here are the dance-off results, with each winning team earning two additional points:
Amber Glenn and Pasha Pashkov faced Ezra Frech and Daniella Karagach in a rumba set to “The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica. Hough called it one of the most satisfying dance-offs he had seen and praised the sensational quality of movement.
Judge’s decision: Amber
