‘Dancing With the Stars’ 2015: Patti LaBelle Eliminated In Week 6 of Season 20
— -- Music icon Patti LaBelle was voted off ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” tonight during a show featuring the first team dances of the season.
LaBelle and “Shark Tanks”’s Robert Herjavec were both in jeopardy of going home tonight based on their performances from last week’s show. Dancing with an injured knee on April 13, the 70-year-old singer earned 27 points for her waltz, which placed her at third-to-last on the leaderboard. She was voted off because she had the lowest combined total of viewer votes and judges’ scores.
“I am honored to be here as long as I have been,” she said after learning her fate. “I’ve learned so much about me.”
When co-host Erin Andrews asked her what she learned about herself, LaBelle replied: “That I can take direction. I’ve never done this before in my life. I learned a few steps, and I made a great friend in Artem,” she said, referring to her pro partner, Artem Chigvintsev.
Before tonight’s elimination, each star danced routines to classic spring break-inspired tunes, including “Hopelessly Devoted to You” by Olivia Newton-John and “Tequila” by Xavier Cugat.
Individual Routines
Patti LaBelle: Judges liked the singer’s fun quickstep, and even though she lost one of her high-heeled shoes mid-routine, she kept on going with a smile. “That is value for money, Patti. Thank you,” judge Bruno Tonioli said, mentioning the fun factor of the performance. His counterparts were similarly full of praise. “That was so much fun,” Julianne Hough said. Carrie Ann Inaba said LaBelle was “the most consistent performer. Every time you come out here, I know for sure I am going to be entertained.” Len Goodman, the head judge, added: “I don’t care who else comes on, no one will give us more fun and entertainment as you just did.” LaBelle earned an 8 and three 7s, for a total of 29 out of a possible 40 points.
Nastia Liukin: The Olympic gymnast’s rapid tango drew mixed reviews from the judges, who all praised her drive and high quality of movement, but found flaws with the overall routine. Hough said she saw “a disconnect” between Liukin and pro partner, Derek Hough. Julianne and Derek Hough are siblings. Tonioli commended Liukin’s power and determination, but said she lost the subtlety of the art form. Inaba said Liukin needed to embrace dance as a new art form, rather than continuing to relate it to gymnastics, and Goodman said there was “too much rotation, too much speed.” Liukin earned two 8s and two 9s, for a total of 34 points.
Willow Shields: Judges had high praise for the 14-year-old actress’s salsa. Tonioli said the routine was “high-spirited high school,” but he cautioned her about not shaking when she transferred weight from one leg to the other. Inaba said she loved that the dance was “sassy” but remained appropriate for the theme and didn’t verge on sexy. Goodman liked the energy, saying the routine was “full of fun and enjoyment,” and he cautioned the actress about keeping her legs flexed. Hough agreed with Goodman. Shields earned two 9s and two 8s, for a total of 34 points.
