THE GOLDEN BACHELORETTE- MEN TELL ALL
The latest episode of The Golden Bachelorette—The Men Tell All—delivered heartfelt moments, humor, and even a few surprises as 15 of Joan Vassos’s former suitors reunited to reflect on their journeys. This unique installment saw the men share stories of personal growth, discuss the emotional highs and lows of dating later in life, and reveal friendships forged in the mansion. The episode wasn’t just about closure; it also featured unseen bloopers, adding lighthearted moments to an evening filled with camaraderie. Notably, the show previewed the finale, highlighting Joan’s final decision between her top contenders, Chock and Guy.
The Men Tell All episode was a powerful mix of tension and warmth, bringing together heartfelt reflections and unresolved emotions from Joan Vassos’s former suitors. A particularly emotional moment unfolded when several men opened up about how Joan’s kindness impacted them, helping them heal from past heartbreaks and embrace new possibilities for love. Jonathan, one of the season’s standouts, revealed lingering feelings, sparking a bittersweet moment as he grappled with his journey’s end. Amid the nostalgia, playful bloopers lightened the mood, giving fans a chance to laugh along with the men. Despite moments of light-hearted camaraderie, underlying tensions also surfaced as the men recounted instances of rivalry and misunderstanding in the mansion. Yet, through these exchanges, there was a sense of mutual respect as each man came to terms with his journey and acknowledged the genuine friendships formed. The episode captured a unique blend of drama, vulnerability, and joy, underscoring the meaningful impact of mature relationships on The Golden Bachelorette.
During the episode, Pascal’s moment in the hot seat was an emotional highlight, revealing layers of vulnerability and depth. Reflecting on his journey with Joan, Pascal shared how being on the show rekindled his belief in finding love later in life. This revelation came with visible emotion, as he spoke about past heartbreaks and how Joan’s warmth and understanding helped him confront lingering fears of vulnerability. The audience responded warmly, as did his fellow contestants, who acknowledged the personal growth they’d witnessed in Pascal throughout the season. His time in the hot seat also shed light on the challenges of dating in later life, with Pascal expressing gratitude for the friendships he formed and the support he received from the other men. This touching moment underscored the show’s theme of self-discovery and emotional courage, making it a standout in an already heartfelt episode.
Gary reflected on the impact of being in the mansion, saying, “It’s rare to connect so deeply, especially when we’re all here for the same woman.” This sentiment highlighted the unique dynamic of friendship among competitors, a recurring theme throughout the episode. Charles L., another fan-favorite, spoke about his growth, describing his time on the show as a “journey to rediscovering myself.” He admitted that the experience helped him face insecurities he hadn’t acknowledged in years. For many of the men, the journey became about self-improvement and connection, both with Joan and one another. This was evident as they expressed genuine support for Joan’s happiness in the upcoming finale, marking a contrast to the usual tensions seen in such reunion episodes.
For fans eager to watch the series finale, expect Joan’s final decision to be equally moving as she closes her journey with either Chock or Guy by her side.
DANCING WITH THE STARS- THE 500th EPISODE
The 500th episode of Dancing with the Stars, airing on November 12, promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the show’s rich history. This milestone episode will open with a tribute performance by pros Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach to Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love,” a nod to the song that kicked off the series back in 2005. Each of the six remaining couples will then recreate iconic routines from past seasons, honoring standout dances from previous contestants. For instance, Danny Amendola and Witney Carson will perform a quickstep inspired by Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough’s memorable Season 5 routine. Other routines will include Argentine tangos and contemporary dances, paying homage to stars like Riker Lynch and Kellie Pickler. An exciting “Instant Dance Challenge” will also push contestants to perform a randomly assigned dance with only five minutes to prepare.
Stars dances and songs to expect:
- Super Bowl Champion Danny Amendola and Witney Carson will perform a quickstep, inspired by Helio Castroneves and Julianne Hough’s performance in season five, to “Hey Pachuco” by Royal Crown Revue.
- “The Bachelor” Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson will perform a contemporary routine, inspired by Riker Lynch and Allison Holker’s performance in season 20, to “Work Song” by Hozier.
- NBA Champion Dwight Howard and Daniella Karagach will perform an Argentine tango, inspired by James Hinchliffe and Sharna Burgess’s performance in season 23, to “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project.
- TV star Chandler Kinney and Brandon Armstrong will perform an Argentine tango, inspired by Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough’s performance in season 16, to “Para Te” by Appart.
- Olympian rugby player Ilona Maher and Alan Bersten will perform a quickstep, inspired by Jordan Fisher and Lindsay Arnold’s performance in season 25, to “Chuck Berry” by Pharrell Williams.
- Olympian gymnast Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold will perform a Viennese waltz, inspired by Charli D’Amelio and Mark Ballas’ performance in season 31, to “Glimpse of Us” by Joji.
Last week’s performances were competitive, with standout scores positioning several couples as frontrunners, making the stakes even higher as fan votes combined with judges’ scores. Additionally, fans can expect guest appearances from past contestants, adding to the night’s celebratory atmosphere.
Where the stars and their partners stand on the leaderboard after the Halloween episode:
Chandler Kinney & Brandon Armstrong: 29/30
Joey Graziadei & Jenna Johnson: 29/30
Danny Amendola & Witney Carson: 28/30
Stephen Nedoroscik & Rylee Arnold: 28/30
Dwight Howard & Daniella Karagach: 28/30
Ilona Maher & Alan Bersten: 24/30
The stars also participated in a Halloween dance-off that added an exciting twist to the show, where competing couples faced each other to earn valuable extra points. The first matchup featured Dwight Howard and his partner Daniella against Ilona Maher and her partner Alan in a spirited Cha Cha to “Ghostbusters.” While both couples impressed the judges, Dwight’s technique earned her team the win, securing an edge in the competition. Next up, Jenn Tran and Sasha Farber took on Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee with a Salsa, which ended in victory for Jenn and Sasha despite her ultimate elimination later that night—a bittersweet moment given Jenn’s strong performance and recent high scores.
The night also featured Joey Graziadei and Jenna Johnson dancing a haunting Argentine Tango, drawing inspiration from Joey’s fear of ventriloquist dolls. This Halloween-inspired performance earned high praise, with Derek Hough calling Joey “the ultimate puppet master.” The dance-offs showcased each couple’s unique approach to handling their “nightmare” themes and highlighted both their strengths and vulnerabilities as the season nears its final rounds.
In addition to the dancing, last week we saw 10’s rolling out from one particular judge and many viewers had things to say about it and the harshness of her judging. Carrie Ann Inaba, a longtime judge on Dancing with the Stars, has recently faced notable backlash over her judging style, particularly after the Halloween-themed episode. Many fans felt her scores and critiques skewed in favor of male contestants, while female dancers, like actress Chandler Kinney and rugby player Ilona Maher, received harsher feedback for challenging dances like the Viennese Waltz. Viewers on social media criticized Inaba’s unwillingness to provide specific guidance for improvement, which left some contestants frustrated and fans divided.
This dynamic has also reportedly led to tension on set. Rumors suggest Inaba’s position on the judging panel may be at risk, with some fans petitioning for her replacement by former pro, Mark Ballas, who was a guest judge earlier in the season. Allegedly, her relationships with fellow judges Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli have been strained, as they often seem at odds with her scoring decisions and critiques. Despite being a respected figure on the show, these conflicts have sparked debate over whether her approach aligns with the show’s evolving tone and expectations.
Sasha Farber and Jenn Tran’s elimination on Dancing with the Stars was especially bittersweet, as fans and the judges were captivated by their close bond and romantic chemistry. Although they received one of their highest scores of the season with a contemporary dance to Olivia Rodrigo’s “Vampire,” their journey on the show was unexpectedly cut short. The elimination came as a surprise, considering their steady improvement each week, and left fans wondering about the future of their partnership.
During the season, Farber and Tran became the focus of dating rumors, fueled by their evident connection on and off the dance floor. In rehearsals and live performances, the pair displayed a natural chemistry that caught the attention of the judges. Even Julianne Hough playfully questioned Farber after he ended a romantic rumba with only a forehead kiss, asking him why he didn’t kiss Tran on the lips. Farber explained his choice, describing it as an “elegant and classy” gesture that aligned with the tone of their dance. The two even shared moments outside the ballroom, including a lighthearted “date” on a swan boat, which further fueled speculation among fans. Tran has since expressed her gratitude for the experience, calling Farber an “incredible partner” and reflecting on how the experience allowed her to form a new “family” on the show.
The latest episodes of The Golden Bachelorette and Dancing with the Stars both highlight the incredible dynamics of connection, vulnerability, and growth that come from reality TV’s unique formats. The Golden Bachelorette brought heartfelt reflections, with Joan’s suitors expressing gratitude for their journey and the friendships formed, even amid the heartbreak of unrequited love. This episode revealed the depth of emotions that dating later in life can uncover, underscoring the authenticity that has made this season memorable.
Meanwhile, Dancing with the Stars prepares to celebrate its milestone 500th episode after a series of unforgettable performances. The Halloween dance-off, Carrie Ann Inaba’s polarizing feedback, and Sasha and Jenn’s bittersweet elimination all illustrate the competitive yet deeply personal aspects of the show. As the remaining couples head into the finale, fans eagerly await not only spectacular performances but also the resolution of simmering drama and intense rivalries that have developed along the way. Both shows continue to remind viewers of the power of human connection, whether through dance or a shared journey to find love.
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XOXO,
Jaida, Sloane, and Sarah
