Dancing with the Stars week 4 power rankings: The worst elimination

Top tier

4. Juan Pablo Di Pace and Cheryl Burke: 24

Melissa Rycroft, champion of the All Stars season, came in for this cha cha. Perhaps unsurprisingly, considering the songs and Juan Pablo’s natural skill set, this one should have come with a parental warning. He balanced both of them quite well, said Bruno, although Len did note that he wanted a bit more cha cha. Both male judges picked up on one mistake as well.

3. Alexis Ren and Alan Bersten: 25

This performance, featuring Maddie Ziegler in a trio tango, felt like a breath of fresh air, since it came after Joe and Jenna’s dance. But even if it hadn’t been as good as it was — because it was good, no mistaking that — it would have been a relief.

Fortunately, it was also really good on top of everything else. Carrie Ann said she didn’t think they were dancing together, but Bruno had nothing but praise for them. As I mentioned previously, Tinashe and Brandon would have ranked above this in the power rankings, since it had better choreography for a trio tango (and a better overall performance), but they were eliminated, so Alexis and Alan stay in the top tier for a little while longer.

2. Mary Lou Retton and Sasha Farber: 26

Two challenges came this week: the Charleston and keeping up with Nastia Liukin. Somehow, she did both. The number was wildly athletic, and Sasha had multiple double lifts, which looked super painful (but also impressive).

There was a lightness to it, and Carrie Ann brought that up as well. “It was fun, it was snappy, and Lennie is a happy chappie,” Len said, a big smile on his face.

This Charleston absolutely rocketed her to the top of the power rankings. Not only were there a lot of lower scores among some regular entrants in our top tier, but beyond that, it just seemed like she had a sort of breakthrough.

1. Milo Manheim and Witney Carson: 29

Riker Lynch and the salsa seemed to bring out a new side of Milo. There was definitely a  look of concentration on his face as he tried to keep up with both of them. However, that hard work paid off. This was a great party dance, and these guys were as smooth as all get out. There were some more wild lifts and throw, too.

But ultimately, though there was definitely a lot of energy, it was contained; Len called it “in control” and dubbed it “the best dance I’ve seen tonight.”

If there was anyone who seemed to really get it with both partners, it was Milo. Did he get a perfect score tonight? Well, no, but he pulled out the highest score of the night — and two 10s in week 4.

Dancing with the Stars returns next week Monday with Disney Night.