‘Dancing With the Stars’ Finale Part 1 Recap 5/19/14: Top 10 Highlights

Tonight, the final four contestants battled it out on Dancing With the Stars for a chance at the mirrorball trophy, but unfortunately, James Maslow was eliminated. Read on for the Top 10 Highlights of the night and to see some of the best performances.

1. Mark Ballas Dances With a Serious Injury

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‘DWTS’ Mark Ballas Badly Injured During Finale Rehearsals – Will He Be Able to Compete?

Mark Ballas was hospitalized for a serious injury to his shoulder during rehearsals this week and his arm was in a sling at the beginning of the show. Nevertheless, Ballas sucked it up and performed as if nothing was wrong. It was incredible.

2. Peta And James Kiss

Peta and James danced an extremely sensual tango to Miley Cyrus’ song “Adore You” and they used the actual song, rather than having the band sing. What was most exciting about the routine was the couple’s kiss in the middle. It’s what viewers have been waiting for all season … and it earned them a 29 out of 30.

When getting interviewed after their performance, a slow-motion shot of them kissing was re-played for the pleasure of the fans.

3. Meryl Wants to Win the Competition for Maks

Meryl and Maks performed an amazing Argentine Tango full of lifts and gorgeous movements from Meryl. During rehearsals, Maks revealed to Meryl that he’s tried so many times to win and failed. Upon hearing this, Meryl told the cameras that she most wants to win this competition for Maks.

Their first dance was impeccable and the judges were truly impressed, giving them a perfect score.

4. Candace Cameron Bure Messes Up in her First Dance

During her routine with partner Mark Ballas, Candace had much more fluidity than usual, but she made a few mistakes during her quickstep dance. Somehow, her mistakes weren’t mentioned by the judges, but the couple received a 27 out of 30. Their second dance was incredible, but only received a 24 out of 30. Candace’s daughter gave a shocked expression and had tears upon hearing her mother’s score.

5. Amy Purdy’s Back Goes Into Spasm

Last week, Amy Purdy was suffering from painful back problems and this week, the spasms returned. Nonetheless, Purdy fought through the pain to deliver a vivacious salsa routine. The couple received a perfect score of 30 out of 30 for their first routine, tying with Meryl and Maks for the lead in round 1.

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Click the “Next Page” button below to see more of the night’s amazing performances.

6. James Maslow Tells the Sad Story of His Brother Getting Into a Bad Accident

When Maslow was younger, his brother Phillip wound up in a coma after a tragic accident. Phillip fortunately recovered and told the cameras that he remembered his brother being by his side every day at the hospital. This powerful story led into Maslow’s freestyle routine, which started off with Maslow doing a flip off the DWTS stage … and of course, James was shirtless, wearing an open vest. This routine scored them a 29 out of 30.

7. Meryl Opens Up About Her Dyslexia

As part of Meryl’s intro for her freestyle dance, her friends, skating coach, and family started talking about her determination, battling through her dyslexia. Then Meryl starts talking about the craziness that goes into training for the Olympics. For their freestyle routine, Maks went shirtless and Meryl work a nude slip dress. The two gave a contemporary performance that was full of passion and incredible choreography. And, at the end of the routine, Meryl smiled as the two shared an “almost kiss.” The stellar dance earned them a perfect score of 30 with raving reviews from the judges.

8. Maks And Meryl’s Routine Brought Tears to the Audience

After Meryl and Maks’ freestyle routine, the camera panned to celebrity Brandy Norwood who was watching from the audience with tears streaming from her eyes. Then, when the judges started to talk about their routine, Carrie Ann Inaba appeared to have tears in her eyes and told Meryl and Maks that they should get married.

9. Candace Reveals Body Image Problems When She Was on Full House

Former Full House cast-mates Lori Loughlin and Bob Saget opened up to cameras about the difficulties Candace had in her teen years. She felt she didn’t like the way she looked on screen, feeling chubby, going through weight issues. With all the dancing, she’s really toned up her body and is so proud of the way she looks. Candace says this show has given her such a self-esteem boost.

10. Purdy Opens Up About Losing her Legs

At 19 years old, Purdy was hospitalized and on life support after contracting meningitis. In order to live a normal life, she had to have her legs amputated. All Purdy could think about in the hospital was getting back to snowboarding and now all she thinks about is Dancing With The Stars. For their final routine together, Purdy and Derek Hough gave a sexy contemporary dance, ending things with an insane Cirque du Soleil spinning move from Purdy. The routine scored them a 29 out of 30.