Dancing With The Stars: The Finalists Are Set! Which Duos Made The Top 4?

One of Dancing With the Stars' most stacked Top Sixes in recent memory hit the ballroom floor on Monday night, all with their eyes on a spot in next week's finale.

During the semifinals broadcast, the remaining six competitors — Wayne, Charli, Trevor, Daniel, Shangela and Gabby — each performed two routines with their partners. But there were no team dances, relays or dance marathons to fill that second round this time: Instead, it was simply the six couples dancing their usual duets, first in a final ballroom style, then in a final Latin dance style that they've not yet attempted.

Monday's episode was also particularly bittersweet, as longtime head judge Len Goodman revealed that he'll be stepping down after Season 31 concludes next week; get full details here.

It all wrapped up with Dancing's second consecutive double elimination, which revealed the Top 4 still in contention for that Mirrorball trophy. Keep scrolling for our recap of the semifinals' performances and results, then drop a comment and tell us: Are these the four finalists you would have chosen?

SAFE: Wayne Brady and Witney Carson

First up for Wayne was a paso doble, which was emotionally influenced by a period in his life when he nearly ruined the romantic relationship he was in at the time. Wayne brought a believable, pleading intensity to the dance, though his technical execution lacked a bit of finesse.

Second up was a Viennese waltz, which was graceful and moving in the moment, but ultimately one of Wayne's more forgettable outings, particularly for the high-stakes semifinals.

JUDGES' SCORES: 36/40 for paso doble; 37/40 for Viennese waltz

SAFE: Charli D'Amelio and Mark Ballas

Viennese waltz awaited Charli and Mark first — and holy moly, was it good. Charli's technical precision was, of course, tremendous, namely a sequence of gorgeously synchronized turns alongside Mark near the top of the number. Her emotional openness was remarkable, as well, and it was juxtaposed nicely by the grit and sass she later brought to the paso doble. (Carrie Ann could maybe reel in the praise juuust a smidge, though. Mid-critique hugs are unnecessary!)

JUDGES' SCORES: 40/40 for Viennese waltz; 40/40 for paso doble

SAFE: Gabby Windey and Val Chmerkovskiy

Gabby and Val kicked off their night with a waltz that was elegant and poetic — and a little steamy, too! Something did seem to go slightly awry with Gabby's dress in the final third, maybe? Was she worried about something detaching from her waist? Unclear, but she navigated it nicely.

On a related note, kudos to Gabby for not breaking her paso doble character when she was lying on the floor and her dress flew over her face for several seconds; the Gabby from two months ago probably would have dissolved into giggles! But Gabby was fierce and determined throughout this intense number, and she nailed the technical aspects of Val's very elaborate choreography.

JUDGES' SCORES: 40/40 for waltz; 40/40 for paso doble

IN DANGER, SAVED BY JUDGES: Shangela and Gleb Savchenko

Though Shangela has previously struggled with too much drama and over-exaggerated movements — a trap in which the paso doble could easily ensnare her — she brought appropriate fire and restraint to her first dance, punctuated by a glorious, passionate solo flamenco section.

Her Viennese waltz wasn't quite as spellbinding as Charli's — hard to be! — but was still exquisite in many ways, including her stunning, twirling descent to the ballroom floor aided by Gleb.

JUDGES' SCORES: 36/40 for paso doble; 37/40 for Viennese waltz

ELIMINATED: Daniel Durant and Britt Stewart

Daniel began the evening with a Viennese waltz to "Surprise Yourself" by Jack Garratt — an especially impressive undertaking for Daniel, given how wonky the time signature was for the first half of the song. But he maintained his rhythm and musicality beautifully, resulting in a lovely performance overall.

In the interest of full disclosure, Len Goodman's farewell announcement sidetracked me from paying appropriate attention to Daniel's Round 2 samba — but I do know that he rocked the heck outta this colorful ensemble. No small feat!

JUDGES' SCORES: 35/40 for Viennese waltz; 34/40 for samba

ELIMINATED: Trevor Donovan and Emma Slater

Trevor was fifth in Monday's Round 1 performance lineup, which, unfortunately, only accentuated how comparatively weak his technique is, particularly during his cha-cha. Despite some flat feet and choppy transitions, though, Trevor still delivered high confidence and entertainment value.

His Round 2 Viennese waltz was much stronger — though it was too bad to see Emma stutter-step and perhaps lose her balance a few times, in a performance meant to highlight the stability that she and Trevor provide to each other.

JUDGES' SCORES: 32/40 for cha-cha; 33/40 for Viennese waltz

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