Honestly, the ballroom was a total pressure cooker last night. If you missed it, Movie Night on Dancing with the Stars basically turned into a high-stakes drama that felt more like a summer blockbuster than a reality show. We’re in Week 3 now, and the gap between the "I’ve done this before" crowd and the "I’m just trying not to trip" group is becoming a massive canyon.
The scores on dancing with the stars last night told a story of two very different nights. On one hand, you had Katelyn Cummins looking like she was born in sequins. On the other, the elimination of Brian Kennedy felt like watching a credits roll no one wanted to see.
The Leaderboard: Who Actually Nailed It?
Katelyn Cummins, the Rose of Tralee, is officially the one to beat. No joke. She and Leonardo Lini pulled off a performance that secured the highest score we've seen so far this season. They walked away with a massive 35. It was sharp. It was cinematic. It made the rest of the leaderboard look a little bit like a rehearsal.
Right behind her was Jordan Dargan. The Apprentice star is proving that business acumen might actually translate to footwork. He snagged a 34, trailing Katelyn by just a single point. It’s tight at the top.
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But then we have to talk about the bottom. It’s rough down there. Brian Kennedy was struggling. He brought a Paso Doble to the theme of The Phantom of the Opera, but it just didn't have the "oomph" the judges were looking for. He ended up with a 15. When you compare a 35 to a 15, the math is just cruel.
Movie Night Highlights and Heartbreaks
The energy in the room during Movie Night is always different. People aren't just dancing; they're playing characters. Philip Doyle literally wore a Superman cape. A rower in a cape dancing a Tango? It's the kind of TV you can't make up.
- Katelyn Cummins: 35 points (Top of the pack)
- Jordan Dargan: 34 points (The dark horse)
- Paudie Moloney: 15 points (A Flintstones Charleston that missed the mark)
- Brian Kennedy: 15 points (Eliminated)
Paudie Moloney had a particularly "yabba-dabba-don't" kind of night. His Charleston to The Flintstones theme also landed him a 15. He was in the bottom three alongside Brian and Stephanie, but he managed to survive the night. Brian wasn't so lucky.
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Why the Scores on Dancing with the Stars Last Night Matter
It isn't just about the numbers. It’s about the momentum. Last week, we saw Michael Fry get the boot in a shock elimination. That put everyone on edge. You could see it in their eyes last night—nobody is safe.
The judges—Brian, Karen, and Arthur—weren't holding back. Karen pointed out that Brian Kennedy's Paso lacked the necessary power. Even with the energy he brought to the floor, the technique just wasn't there. It’s a reminder that this show is a technical competition, not just a popularity contest.
The Brian Kennedy Exit
Watching Brian Kennedy and James Cutler say their goodbyes was a bit of a downer. Brian’s been a great sport, and his quote about having "such a laugh" really hit home. It’s easy to forget these people are putting themselves out there in a way that’s pretty terrifying.
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He handled the 15-point score and the subsequent exit with a lot of grace. But let's be real: that Paso Doble was shaky. The judges gave him three fours and a three. In the world of DWTS, those are the kind of numbers that keep you up at night.
What to Watch for Next Week
If you’re tracking the scores on dancing with the stars last night, the big takeaway is that the "middle of the pack" is disappearing. You’re either a frontrunner like Katelyn or you’re fighting for your life like Paudie.
Next week is going to be even more intense. As the numbers dwindle, the margin for error basically hits zero. If you don't bring the technical precision to match the performance, the judges are going to eat you alive.
To keep up with the competition, keep an eye on how the remaining eleven couples handle the transition from Movie Night characters back to pure ballroom technique. The flashy costumes can hide a lot of flaws, but the scores don't lie. Check the official leaderboard updates regularly to see if Katelyn can hold her lead or if Jordan Dargan finally overtakes her.
Actionable Insights for DWTS Fans:
- Analyze the Spread: Notice the 20-point gap between the top and bottom. This suggests a massive skill disparity that usually leads to predictable eliminations unless a fan favorite falls into the bottom two.
- Watch the Technique: Pay attention to Karen’s critiques on "power" and "oomph." It’s a sign that the judges are looking for physical strength and frame over just "having fun."
- Vote Early: Since the scores are combined with viewer votes, the "shock" eliminations happen when high-scorers assume they are safe. Don't let your favorite end up like Michael Fry.