It took an excruciating nine weeks, but I have finally fallen in love withTyra Bank’s opening look.

A J. Lo-inspired, long and silky green confection.

But that was the goal, right?

Do I smell some 10s coming?

But Freddie never had a problem with timing, unlike the tottering A.J.

“That was a tough one.

You started off strong,” said Carrie Ann Inaba.

“You were in the zone, then did you lose the turn, you lost the grip?

A bad series of events happened.

“Score: 23 out of 30

Nelly and Daniella Karagach:His extraordinary athleticism aside (whatta flip!

), Nelly seemed uncharacteristically out of sorts while freestyling to Tupac’s “California Love.”

“You missed a couple of steps,” noted an excessively bronzed Bruno Tonioli.

(Seriously, he’s more brown sugary thanever).

“He’s a gentleman, he knows.”

“You did miss some steps… not sure what happened there.

(Speaking of which, could you feel the weight of my stare, Justina?

You’re looking slim, girl).

“You’ve got to push it a bit further, yeah?”

Who can Paso doble after a story likethat?

Skai, that’s who!

“Thank you for sharing your story, and yes, Black lives matter.

I’m so proud of you for using your platform,” said Inaba.

“But I’m more proud of you for your fierce Paso doble!”

“Respect, my darling!

This is one of the most grownup dances we’ve had.

Will his jive to “Saturday Night’s Alright” by his icon Elton John get him there?

“I would like a little more pump in the jive.”

“Rocketman at his most entertaining,” added Tonioli.

“I love the structure, the theatricality of it.

America made fun of him.

But what a great pick-me-up!

“Amy would have loved that!

Unique, groundbreaking, forget about old perceptions.

“Hit me Kaitlyn one more time!”

“Now, we are in business!

The luscious shapes, those lines stretched to infinity.

Some of the images were like precious paintings… a star performance.”

Inaba gave her a standing ovation.Score:Perfect 30

Time for the Dance-off!

Nev and Jenna’s terrific scores from the previous week meant they didn’t have to participate.

(Hatedthe placing of the couples.

Why not stick them center stage, side-by-side, instead of in the opposite corners of the ballroom?)

“This was like a proper ballroom Latin competition,” said Hough.

“You have to stand out, you have to be outstanding.”

Inaba picked Skai; Derek picked Nelly, and Bruno went with Skai.Winner:Skai and Alan.

Johnny Weir and Britt Stewart v. A.J.

(or maybe his yellow shirt?)

who got all the attention.

Inaba picked Johnny; Hough picked A.J., and Tonioli picked A.J.Winner:A.J.

The bottom two couples were Johnny and Britt and A.J.

Tonioli saved Johnny and Britt; Hough saved A.J.

and Cheryl, so Inaba had to make the final decision: she eliminated A.J.

Next week are the semi-finals!