This week on "Dancing With The Stars," the contestants tackled Len's "side-by-side" challenge, which forced each couple to perform alongside a pair of professional dancers. The challenge allowed the stars even more room to grow and learn, but also exposed any flaws in their routines. So which stars kept up with the their professional counterparts? And which ones were a few steps behind?
The Dance of the Night:
Zendaya and Val Chmerkovskiy: Zendaya, an early frontrunner in the competition, returned to her spot as leader of the pack with her powerful Argentine tango. Performing alongside Anna and Maks (Ed note: He's baaaack!), Zendaya easily kept up with the professionally trained dancers and Bruno told her that she was "as good and as strong" as pro Anna. Carrie Ann and Len were equally impressed, with Carrie Ann telling her that every move she makes is a story. Score: 29
The Standouts:
Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough: After struggling to grasp the foxtrot in rehearsal, Kellie was anxious to impress, especially next to professionals Anna and Tristan. Apparently, the country star came along way from her rehearsal footage, delivering a graceful and smooth routine. "That wasn't a foxtrot, it was a hot trot," Len declared. Score: 27
Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff: Jacoby continued to own the competition with his unrivaled swag, effortlessly making the jive seem cool again. Bruno complimented him on his timing and sharpness and Carrie Ann told him he "hammered" the routine. Score: 26
Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas: After dominating the competition with their contemporary routine last week, Aly and Mark were looking to stay at the top with their samba. Luckily for Aly, professionals Tony and Witney were also there to help her perfect the routine. Len told her that she knocked it out and Bruno called her "sassy and saucy." Score: 25
The Good:
Sean Lowe and Peta Murgatroyd: After his lackluster performance last week, Sean was desperate to impress with his quickstep. Mimicking every move of his professional counterpart Tristan, Sean managed to pull off his routine with grace. He even had Len calling it his best performance yet. Score: 24
Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson: Ingo and Kym danced a cha cha alongside professionals Tony and Emma. While the judges loved his attitude, they thought he needed a bit more work on his technique. "You got the flair, we need the care," Len told him. Score: 21
Victor Ortiz and Lindsay Arnold: Victor, dealing with some girl troubles, had difficulty staying focused while rehearsing for the Viennese Waltz. Once joined by professionals Tristan and Emma, however, Victor managed to pull it together and dance a fairly decent routine. Carrie Ann loved the way he channeled his emotions into the dance and Len told him it was better than last week, which is ultimately the point of the show. Score: 21
The Mediocre:
D.L. Hughley and Cheryl Burke: D.L.'s rocky journey on the show continued with his technically insufficient tango. Len felt that the routine lacked attack, but Bruno thought he really went for it. Score: 18
Andy Dick and Sharna Burgess: Andy perfomed a comical paso doble, complete with a soul patch and a zip line grand entrance. The judges all agreed on the entertainment value of the piece, but could not speak highly of the dancing itself. Score: 18
Who was your favorite? Who do you think is going home? Sound off in the comments!
"Dancing With The Stars" airs Monday at 8 p.m. ET and Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
