When "Dancing With The Stars" 2017 continued April 10 on ABC, the 10 celebrities still competing for the glittering Mirrorball Trophy got real with America by sharing their own personal stories of heartache, perseverance, and triumph. Two of the tissues-required Most Memorable Year evening's most emotional performances of all came from a pair of performers whose faith helped them through some of life's darkest hours.
Mr. T inspires with 'Dancing with the Stars' waltz
First up to share his faith-fueled story was TV icon Mr. T. The burly 64-year old one-time wrestler tabbed 1995 --the year he was diagnosed with cancer-- as his most memorable of all because it taught him what was real: faith.
He and professional partner Kym Herjavec were both emotional as they rehearsed their waltz to "Amazing Grace," and the live show iteration was like a prayer in motion.
The oft-picky "Dancing with the Stars" panelists were moved by the display. A teary-eyed Carrie Ann Inaba said she could feel Mr. T's faith as it "radiated" throughout the ballroom, and Len Goodman proclaimed the duo "The 'A-Team'" in homage to the actor's role on the popular TV show. Bruno Tonioli called him "a good man" with "a heart of gold." For their effort, Mr. T and Herjavec scored 28 points.
Sadly, the duo was eliminated at night's end, but following the show, Herjavec hit Instagram to thank Mr.
T for giving her "one of the most special moments" she's ever had on "Dancing with the Stars."
Simone Biles honors her 'Good Good Father'
The second faith-tinged performance of "Dancing with the Stars" Most Memorable Year Night came from Olympian Simone Biles. Before hitting the ballroom to pay homage to her adoptive father, the 20-year old gymnast recalled the heartache that preceded her adoption in 2000.
Biles' face shone with emotion from the first step of her Viennese waltz with pro partner Sasha Farber, but being the ice-in-the-veins performer she is, it didn't affect the quality of the routine one bit. Set to the popular Chris Tomlin worship song "Good Good Father," it was a stunning tribute to her parents, who she tearfully embraced following its conclusion.
Goodman called it her best dance to date, and Julianne Hough praised her for letting go and living in the emotion of the moment. Inaba praised her for trusting Farber and called it "a huge step" for a gymnast to take on "Dancing with the Stars." They earned 36 points, which was good enough for second place on the leaderboard; the top spot went to NFL star Rashad Jennings and Emma Slater, whose contemporary piece nabbed a near-perfect 39 out of 40.
After the show, Tomlin sent a tweet Biles' way, writing "Hey @Simone_Biles ... I just heard about what you did on @DancingABC tonite. Well done. You're a champion in so many ways! Much love."
"Dancing with the Stars" 2017 continues next week with Disney Night.
