“I just love you”— Dancing with the Stars guest judge Rosie Perez praises Reginald Johnson in latest episode

Dancing with the Stars season 33 aired its third episode on Monday, October 7, 2024. Actress Rosie Perez joined as a guest judge on this episode and praised contestant Reginald VelJohnson.

On Soul Train Night theme, Family Matters star VelJohnson and his dance partner Emma Slater performed foxtrot to Johnny Nash's song titled I Can See Clearly Now. After his act, Perez appreciated the 72-year-old actor for his energy onstage.

"I just love you," Rosie Perez expressed her respect for VelJohnson.

Despite not receiving the highest scores of the night, his act resonated with the judges. Meanwhile, fellow judge Carrie Ann Inaba was moved to tears by VelJohnson’s joy and spirit. While holding back tears, she told him:

“There’s something so sweet and innocent when you dance. I wish I could give you 10s and 10s for bringing us such joy.”

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What other judges had to say about Reginald Johnson's act on Dancing with the Stars season 33?

The emotional exchange between VelJohnson and the judges took place during the third episode of Dancing with the Stars season 33, which was pre-recorded for the special two-parter Soul Train Night. In this episode, the stars performed songs inspired by the iconic musical television show Soul Train.

Judge Derek Hough remarked on VelJohnson’s liveliness and how his smile lit up the set. He added:

"It's like watching my grandpa out there dance, you know? And that makes me so happy."

Meanwhile, Carrie Ann Inaba felt touched by his performance and said:

“I don’t know why this is making me so emotional.”

Bruno Tonioli complimented VelJohnson, saying his "personality shines". The judges noted that while the actor's technique was not flawless, his passion was undeniable. After receiving such comments, the Die Hard actor was visibly moved and teared up a little.

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Scores and standings of participants

Although VelJohnson garnered praise for his emotional presence, the judges were critical of his technical performance. He and Slater received a total of 21 points, marking the lowest score of the night.

Other contestants also delivered memorable performances. The Bachelor star Joey Graziadei won the first nine points of the season after impressing the judges with a dynamic jive to Shout. With 34 out of 40 points, he achieved second place on the leaderboard.

The Walking Dead fame Chandler Kinney took the first spot for the third week in a row with 36 points. He did a fusion of cha-cha and hip-hop genre and danced to Its' Tricky by Run-D.M.C.

Due to insufficient practice time, former NBA player Dwight Howard and his companion Daniella Karagach had trouble with their cha-cha performance. They danced to Earth, Wind & Fire's song Let’s Groove and got a total of 23 points.

Lastly, the judges were struck by model Brooks Nader and partner Gleb Savchenko's rumba act on Marvin Gaye's S*xual Healing, but they finished the night with a score of 28 points.

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What’s next on Dancing with the Stars?

As the competition heats up, contestants will have another chance to impress the judges in episode 4 of Dancing with the Stars. Titled Hair Metal Night, the episode will air on Tuesday, October 8, on ABC. Scores from both nights will be combined with audience votes. There is a possibility of a double elimination this week.

VelJohnson and Slater are set to pick cha-cha dance genre and groove to I Wanna Rock by Twisted Sister in the next episode.

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Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8 pm ET/PT on ABC and Disney+.