DWTS: Here’s how everyone got on during Eurovision week

Eurovision week is finally upon us!

Yes, Friday night, Norwegian singer EMMY was crowned champion on the Late Late Show Eurosong Special with her track Laika Party, meaning she will represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland this May.

So, in honour of our Eurovision entry being chosen, it only seemed right to continue the hype with our celebrity contestants this week with all nine couples dancing to some of the greatest hits the Eurovision has ever produced.

However, the pressure is on more than ever as the two couples with the lowest combined points from the judges and public will go head to head in the first dance-off of the season.

Here’s how everyone got on…

Joanna Donnelly and Maciej Zieba

Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly and her dance partner Maciej Zieba kicked things off tonight by going back in time to 1974 and performing a Jive to Abba’s iconic winning entry, Waterloo.

Head Judge Loraine Barry could feel the fun, noting: “It was all there, but perhaps a little bit of tidying up could have been done but what a start to the night.”

While Brian Redmond agreed, adding: “There were definitely some parts of the Jive that I did enjoy, it just maybe needed a little more bounce to bring more lightness to it.”

Karen, Loraine and Arthur all gave her six points with Brian giving a five resulting in 23 points overall.

Danny O’Carroll and Salome Chachua

Mrs Brown’s Boys actor Danny O’Carroll and his pro partner Salome Chachua took on a beautiful Contemporary Ballroom dance to The Netherlands 2019 winner and viral hit Arcade by Duncan Laurence.

“This performance was nothing short of mesmerising,” noted Arthur Gourounlian.

And his fellow judges wholeheartedly agreed, with Karen Byrne adding: “As contemporary goes, I absolutely loved that.”

Danny received a nine from all four judges resulting in a total score of 36.

Jack Woolley and Alex Vladimirov

Having won immunity from this week’s first Dance-Off with their leader board-topping American Smooth last week, Taekwondo athlete Jack Woolley and his pro dancer, Alex Vladimirov thankfully faced a little less stress tonight as they danced a Paso Doble to Finland’s 2023 runner-up, Cha Cha Cha by Käärijä.

Despite having a “week off” Brian praised Jack for his hard work on the dancefloor.

While Loraine noted: “It was so much Paso Doble and so much character playing as well. Well done.”

Brian gave him an eight with Karen, Loraine and Arthur all awarding him a nine resulting in 35 points.

Kayleigh Trappe and Ervinas Merfeldas

Social media star Kayleigh Trappe and her partner Ervinas Merfeldas turned up the heat when they danced the Samba to the 2018 contest runner-up from Cyprus, Fuego by Eleni Foureira.

“Whose this new Kayleigh? The attitude, the energy, I absolutely loved it,” shared Karen.

While Arthur added: “The Samba, fire, rhythm, this performance was grounded yet powerful.”

Brian and Karen awarded Kayleigh a seven, with Loraine and Arthur giving her an eight each, resulting in a total of 30 points.

Gearóid Farrelly and Stephen Vincent

Comedian Gearóid Farrelly and his pro dancer partner Stephen Vincent also took on a Contemporary Ballroom dance to Gearóid’s friend and podcast co-host, Niamh Kavanagh’s 1993 winning Irish entry In Your Eyes.

There was extra pressure on Gearóid, as Niamh watched his performance from the front row in the studio, but thankfully, he pulled it out of the bag!

“This was so beautifully done, well done to you both” shared Loraine. Brian was also impressed, explaining: “For me, it was a dance of beautiful contrast.”

After receiving an eight from Karen, Loraine and Arthur, followed by a seven from Brian, Gearóid was awarded a total of 31 points.

Yasmin Seky and Simone Arena

Hoping to impress the judges, resident Armenian-panellist Arthur Gorounlian in particular, Kin actress Yasmin Seky and Simone Arena danced a Salsa to Armenia’s 2008 contest classic, Qélé, Qélé by Sirusho.

“Yasmin, did I like it? I loved it! It gave me life,” proclaimed Arthur.

While Karen agreed with Brian about it being one of her best dances to date.

Yasmin received a seven from Brian followed by an eight from Karen and Loraine, while Arthur awarded her an impressive nine resulting in 32 points overall.

Rhys McClenaghan and Laura Nolan

Olympic gymnast Rhys McClenaghan and his pro partner Laura Nolan were hoping for a fairy tale ending this Eurovision Week, as they danced the Quickstep to Norway’s 2009 winning entry, Fairytale by Alexander Rybak.

And a happy ending they got!

“There are moves in there I haven’t seen world champions do, and you did them,” noted Brian. While Loraine added: “Because you had such flight and flow, your steps blended in so well.”

They received a 10 from Karen, Loraine and Arthur with Brian awarding an impressive nine, giving them a total of 39 points!

Kevin Dundon and Rebecca Scott

Chef Kevin Dundon and his pro partner Rebecca Scott danced a Waltz to the 2017 winning song Amar Pelos Dois from Portugal’s Salvador Sobral.

“Kevin, you should be so proud of yourself. Getting out and doing a Waltz like that was beautiful,” shared Karen.

And Arthur agreed, adding: “You captivated our attention from beginning to end. You should be very, very proud of yourself.

He received a six from Brian, Karen and Arthur, however, Loraine went a step further with a seven resulting in 25 points.

Aishah Akorede and Robert Rowiński

Finally, former Miss Universe Ireland, Aishah Akorede and Robert Rowiński closed the night with an uplifting Charleston to the United Kingdom’s 1996 classic, Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit by Gina G.

“You were so in tune with the music, with each other as well. That’s exactly what we want to see,” explained Loraine.

However, Brian wasnt entirely convinced, noting: “It was maybe just a little bit too much for you in certain ways, in terms of energy. A bit mixed for me.”

Overall, Aishah was awarded a seven from Brian and Arthur, followed by an eight from Karen and Loraine resulting in 30 points.

But who will make it through to next week and who will face the dance-off?