Dancing with the Stars “Season 21 Week 5” aka The Switch-Up 

Tonight is the Switch-Up, the point in the season that starts to separate the real dancers from the rest of the pack. For one week, everyone dances with a different partner. The other exciting thing to happen in Week 5: the Bad Boy of the Ballroom returned! Yes, Maks is the guest judge and he seems to be turning into Len. He’s not totally there yet but he’s definitely on his way. You hear that Maks? You’re turning to the dark side! What do you guys think about Maks’ latest attempt at being a judge?

Here is how the couples did tonight:

Tamar Braxton and Louis van Amstel
Dance: Samba
Phone Number: 855-234-5612

Tamar the only thing I can say is…that was amazing to me! There were some small moments when she and Louis were in hold that was a little off but I loved her!

Score: Carrie Ann-7, Julianne-7, Maks-8, Bruno-7- Total: 29

Hayes Grier and Allison Holker
Dance: Viennese Waltz
Phone Number: 855-234-5608

I have to say that this kid impresses me. I do find him still kind of awkward but aren’t all teenagers that way? It was a sweet dance. And is it just me or am I the only one worried about Allison and her pregnancy?

Score: Carrie Ann-8, Julianne-8, Maks-7, Bruno-7- Total: 31

Paula Deen and Mark Ballas
Dance: Jive
Phone Number: 855-234-5611

This was a very interesting pairing. It was her best dance and she is a bit crazy. I think Mark had fun.

Score: Carrie Ann-7, Julianne-7, Maks-6, Bruno-6- Total: 26

Alek Skarlatos and Emma Slater
Dance: Rumba
Phone Number: 855-234-5601

Obviously there is chemistry between these two. I agree with Maks that Alek needs to express himself more. Anyone want to bet that these two are going to hook up before the season is out?

Score: Carrie Ann-8, Julianne-7, Maks-7, Bruno-7- Total: 29

Bindi Irwin and Val Chmerkovskiy
Dance: Cha Cha
Phone Number: 855-234-5604

What I love about Bindi is that she exhibits so much joy when she dances. I thought Val was the right switch-up for her and they did an outstanding job. I smiled throughout the entire dance. Julianne said it best: she is a ray of sunshine.

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Julianne-9, Maks-10, Bruno-9- Total: 37

Carlos PenaVega and Lindsay Arnold
Dance: Quickstep
Phone Number: 855-234-5605

The quickstep is not my favorite dance but I really enjoyed watching Carlos and Lindsay. This is probably his best dance and his breakout performance.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Maks-9, Bruno-10- Total: 39

Alexa PenaVega and Derek Hough
Dance: Tango
Phone Number: 855-234-5602

Derek really can do no wrong! It probably helps that Alexa is really good. That was one of the most incredible tangos I have seen on the show. She looked like one of the professionals.

Score: Carrie Ann-10, Julianne-10, Maks-10, Bruno-10- Total: 40

Andy Grammer and Sharna Burgess
Dance: Argentine Tango
Phone Number: 855-234-5603

Everyone is stepping up his or her game tonight! This was another best dance. Andy brought it this week! It’s the first time I felt his sex appeal.

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Julianne-9, Maks-9, Bruno-9- Total: 36

Nick Carter and Witney Carson
Dance: Paso doble
Phone Number: 855-234-5610

This isn’t my favorite dance of Nick’s. But, to me, he is always one of the top performers out there. I thought there was a little disconnect between him and Witney. Sharna and Nick really are a fantastic team.

Score: Carrie Ann-9, Julianne-9, Maks-8, Bruno-9- Total: 35

Favorite Quotes
Tom: “Despite the boos that you never hear in your head.”
Erin: “Little does Maxie know that Val booed his comments.”
Tom: “A producer made him say that but who made him wear Fabio’s hair?”
Tom: “Bruno, you have someone else do your taxes for you?”
Bruno: “Nice southern girls don’t do that.”
Tom: “Witney looks so pleased.”
Andy: “Just stop saying balls and I will do whatever you want.”

There was no elimination but there will be next week. Also next week’s guest judge: Olivia Newton-John. Sandy will be in the ballroom! On a side note: it was really nice to see Tom back and also honor his father at the end of the show.

See you next week.

Dancing with the Stars Season 21 airs at 8/7c on ABC on Monday nights.