Perhaps the most emotional performance was J.R. Martinez and Karina Smirnoff's rumba. J.R. explained that the year he was injured (2003) in Iraq was his most memorable year. He talked about the dark time he had gone through before his decision to choose to fight. He performed to Tim McGraw's "If You're Reading This" and dedicated it the soldiers who didn't make it home.
“Tonight, you did something extraordinary,” Carrie Ann said tearfully. “You touched us all. … That was one of the most profound, honest dances I have seen on this show.” Len said J.R. “danced to a standard that was totally unexpected,” but pointed out he “could have been a little more musical through the arms.” Score: 26.
Rob Kardashian and partner Cheryl Burke wowed with their foxtrot. They danced to "Fly Me to the Moon," which was a nod to Rob's father who passed away in 2003 when Rob was 15.
Carrie Ann Inaba called the dance “debonair, charming and very smooth.” Score: 24.
Chynna Phillips and Tony Dovolani were up next with a rumba. Chynna explained that 1990 was her most emotional year because Wilson Philips released "Hold On," which was a song she had written about her decision to make a change during a dark period in her life.
Bruno Tamboli called Chynna “seductive, intriguing, stylish… You belong in a museum to admire.” Len Goodman said Chynna has “taken this whole competition to a new level." Score: 26.
Chaz Bono chose this year as his most memorable: “I’m happier than I’ve ever been.” He selecting the song “Laugh at Me" written by his father, Sonny Bono, as this week’s anthem. Chaz explained that the tune had become sort of a theme song for him. “If you have a problem with me, it’s your problem, it’s not mine,” he said. But Chaz and Lacey Schwimmer failed to impress with their rumba.
Carrie Ann was impressed by Chaz's courage, but he looked really distracted. Len thought the rumba was his best dance and loved how he was a fighter. Score: 18.
Kristin Cavallari and Mark Ballas performed a samba. Kristin said her most memorable year was when she graduated high school in 2005 and decided to pursue a career in entertainment.
Carrie Ann commended Kristin on doing “some very difficult choreography.” Score: 24.
Carson Kressely and Anna Trebunskaya danced to No Doubt's "It's My Life" because in 2003, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy premiered, and Carson felt like it was the first time in his life he was appreciated for being himself.
“Carson, I love you, just the way you are!” Carrie Ann said. “You brought us drama, entertainment, enthusiasm…sassy strange.” Score: 23.
Nancy Grace chose 2007 as her most memorable year, as it commemorated the year her twins, after medical complications, were born. Nancy and Tristan MacManus danced a waltz to "Moon River," which was both her wedding song and her first lullaby for her children.
Len liked that there was “no messin’ about,” but said she should try and get the “ballroom stretch” for better posture. Score: 21
Ricki Lake and Derek Hough impressed with their rumba. Ricki's memorable year was 2010 when her house burnt down, and she just went through a bad divorce. She had resigned herself to being a single mom when she met Christian, an “incredible man” who became the love of her life.
“Every step was as expressive as a word in a poem,” Bruno said. “That was fabulous. It was breathtaking. It was gorgeous. It was sensual," Carrie Ann gushed. Score: 27.
Hope Solo and Maks Chmerkovskiy danced a cha-cha to "Tonight." The year 2011 was her most memorable because she made it to the World Cup. Even though the team failed, she learned from the experience.
“That was very sexy and very hot,” Carrie Ann said. “I just want to see you work on your walk.” Score: 24
David Arquette and Kym Johnson were up next with a rumba. He picked 2010 as his most memorable year, when his marriage to Courteney Cox fell apart, he was really hurt and lost and turned to alcohol to numb the feelings. But he was grateful for it, because “life’s about love and not giving into fear,” he said. And so he could be there for the daughter.
“You brought sensitivity, vulnerability, you were achingly romantic,” Bruno said. Score: 24.
Mary J. Blige, Estelle and judge Len Goodman will perform on Tuesday night's results show. Host Tom Bergeron also promised a "surprise guest."
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