Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s performance to “My Guy” by Mary Wells during Motown Night (October 10) on Dancing with the Stars had the internet buzzing, with fans saying that the duo deserved an even higher score than they got for their foxtrot.
The judges were effusive in their praise, as they have been for the first two weeks.
Last week, during Latin Night, Gomez was even compared to a “young Rita Moreno.” The comments on the Motown Night ranged from “That was a beautiful display of elegance and grace wrapped up in charm and fun and charisma. I can’t help but smile when I watch you,” from Derek Hough, to “You look so comfortable dancing, it’s refreshing” from guest-judge Michael Strahan.
Carrie Ann Inaba, meanwhile, called Gomez an “incredibly dynamic performer,” while Bruno Tonioli got even more detailed, explaining that when Gomez “went into the foxtrot proper, the quality of movement and the musicality was fantastic.”
The duo scored a 34, which put them in third place. Jason Mraz & Daniella Karagach and Ariana Madix & Pasha Pashkov both scored a 34. With four judges during the third week of the competition, the maximum score was 40. Gomez and Chmerkovskiy got four 8s.
The internet, however, felt the duo deserved an even higher score, with fans on social media saying “I would’ve definitely given her some nines tho” and commending Gomez for “giving off old hollywood glam and grace in that foxtrot!,” with some even declaring that “Xochitl and Val’s foxtrot was the best dance of the night.”
Perhaps the one bright spot of Gomez’s outstanding performance only earning 8s is that there’s still room for her to grow on this season of Dancing with the Stars.
Watch Xochitl Gomez and Val Chmerkovskiy’s full performance below.