Monday night’s “Dancing With the Stars” might as well have been sponsored by Kleenex, because there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. The celebrity contestants hit the ballroom with performances reflecting the most memorable year of their lives. Robin Roberts of “Good Morning America” was on hand to serve as a celebrity judge and dished out a sizable amount of honest commentary — often applauding the competitors on surviving personal struggles. Being a cancer survivor herself, Roberts could relate.
Here are the top sob-inducing moments of Monday night’s episode.
Billy Dee Williams Leaves the Competition
Enduring two hip replacements and battling old age, it is a shock that Williams lasted this long. The 76-year-old actor gracefully bowed out of the competition, citing strict orders from his physician that his severe back problems could worsen. The move means his partner, Emma Slater, is out of the upcoming partner switch-up. She said she was OK with it because Billy Dee’s health was way more important.
Nene Leakes’ Sexy Rumba Dedication to Hubby
We have all come to know Leakes as the brash, slick-talking housewife on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” She even went through a nasty divorce with her husband, Gregg Leakes. The couple have since patched up their troubles, and the reality star dedicated a romantic rumba to her spouse. Gregg beamed from the audience, howling and cat-calling his lovely bride. “Gregg is my true love, my best friend,” she told Erin Andrews backstage as she waited for the scores. “I’m happy to honor him.”
James Maslow Battles the Bullies
The “Big Time Rush” star did a back-flipping, school-themed jive dance with his partner, Petra Murgatroyd, Monday night. His high-scoring performance was a “look at me now” jab at all the kids who ever bullied him growing up.
Drew Carey Flaunts Slim Physique
Carey was not the chubby guy we remember, always arguing with his outspoken assistant Mimi on “The Drew Carey Show.” The Carey we saw last night — and whom we’ve watched lately on “The Price Is Right” — was slim and trim, and waltzed along with his partner to showcase all the healthy progress he has made. Carey, 55, said he dropped all the weight for his son, Connor.
Danica McKellar’s Emotional Tribute to Her Grandmother
McKellar, the actress who played Winnie on “The Wonder Years,” presented an emotional tribute to her grandmother, who passed away two weeks before McKellar’s son was born. The actress, outfitted in a white dress, danced a contemporary dance the judges said was “fluid” and “beautifully done.” At the end of the performance, she went into the audience to hold her son.
Amy Purdy Defies the Odds
The top tear-jerker performance of the night belonged to Paralympian snowboarder Amy Purdy. Talk about refusing to give up — Purdy inspired many with her dance with partner Derek Hough. The athlete and actress spoke about her journey since losing her legs and kidney function when she contracted bacterial meningitis in 1999. In her most emotional year, Purdy’s father donated a kidney, giving her a second chance at life. Purdy danced to “Human” to portray the notion that no matter what she looks like or goes through, she is still a human being.