Dancing icon Paula Abdul joins the judges on a night where the teams must perform routines to dances that were chosen for them by their competition. The strict lift ban has been lifted for this evening, so we’ll see who rises to the challenge!

Kirstie & Maks: Kirstie pops out of a big old birthday cake to join Maks on the floor for their fast-stepping Charleston. Len says that Kirstie turns Monday into a fun day though he would have liked it a little cleaner here and there. Paula thinks Kirstie is a joy to watch as she takes on each role each week. Bruno loved the fun. Carrie Ann says the Charleston could have been a little tighter, but Kirstie totally entertained them. Scores of 7.5, 7.5, 7.5 and 7.5 gives them a total of 30 for the night.

Bristol & Mark: Bristol and Mark are ready to rock, as they go to The Hop. Speaking of hops, Mark does a pretty big one right over top of Bristol to end their rockin’ routine. Paula says she certainly sees improvement and Bristol is starting to have some fun. Bruno says Bristol was focused and did every step as it was taught to her. Carrie Ann gives Bristol a high five. Even though she lost a little steam at the end, this was still a great improvement. Len feels Bristol gave it her all. It was a little safe on occasion, but this was still Bristol’s best dance of the season. Scores of 8, 8, 8 and 8 gives them a total of 32 for the night.

Sabrina & Louis: Disco lives! That’s what Sabrina and Louis have us believing after their fast-paced, glittery dance. Sabrina’s really big hair helped set the tone for some really big fun. Bruno says this was Sabrina’s most vibrant performance, but she lost timing for the first time ever. Carrie Ann thinks maybe Bruno was off, not Sabrina. She did, however, have one dismount where she hit the floor. Still it was a vibrant dance. Len thought the dance was fabulous. Paula loved the ‘70s feel. There were a couple of missteps, but overall it was great. Scores of 9, 9, 8.5 and 9 gives them a total of 35.5 for the night.

Emmitt & Cheryl: This dancing team must tackle the bolero for their assigned routine. The flowing dance is full of grace, elegance and fun. Carrie Ann loves watching a big, burly man get all dramatic and sexy. She thinks Emmitt articulated his lines very gracefully. Len was concerned about this dance for Emmitt but it had lovely fluidity. Paula felt the dance was exquisite and Emmitt is a sexy beast who captivated them. Bruno felt that the mood was steamy and his lines had a fleshy flavor to them. Four 9s gives them a total of 36 for the night.

Gilles & Peta: Hooray for Bollywood! Gilles and Peta get some help from a Bollywood expert during rehearsals to prepare for a dance that they know nothing about. Arms flail in silhouette form at the start of the dance before the team comes into the light and really shines. Len loved the dance and loves the commitment Gilles throws into all his routines. Paula does her best Bruno impersonation to say how smoldering the dance was. The real Bruno adds that a Bollywood superstar is born. Carrie Ann believes Aladdin has nothing on Gilles. Scores of 10, 9.5, 10 and 10 gives them a total of 39.5 for the night.

Melissa & Tony: These two shake things up with their jumpin’ jitterbug in their old-time diner setting. Melissa and Tony do some serious flips during their kinetic routine that leaves them exhausted on the counter. Paula says their footwork was impeccable and she feels they nailed the routine. Bruno says Melissa is fearless and she’s an amazing dancer. Carrie Ann thinks Tony’s choreography is top notch this season. Len knows there was a little faux pas during one of those amazing lifts, but the dance still made him very happy. Scores of 9, 9, 9.5 and 9.5 gives them a total of 37 for the night.

Shawn & Derek: Derek pounds away on some bongos before Shawn joins him on stage to perform their sexy mambo the leaves the crowd cheering loudly. Bruno says it just keeps getting better. Carrie Ann says the other contestants should be a little afraid of this pair right now. Len liked that they had speed and kept rhythm and timing. Paula says Shawn has turned into a sexy young lady and Derek’s choreography was superb. Scores of 10, 9.5, 10 and 10 gives them a total of 39.5 for the night.

Apolo & Karina: It's hip hop time for this dancing team and both dancers certainly dress for the part. Apolo tosses away his mic pack during the dance, but manages to do it to the beat. Karina slips during the routine and is in tears by the end of it. Carrie Ann assures Karina that she did not mess up the whole routines as she believes. She knows they are all outside their comfort zone tonight. Len says Apolo was fantastic. Paula knows that Karina is a pro so she’s going to be hard on herself. Both she and Bruno agree that they still did a great job out there. Scores of 8.5, 9, 8.5 and 8.5 gives them a total of 34.5.

Kelly & Valentin: It's an emotional dance for Kelly who suffered a hurt toe earlier in the day. This team looks like they are going to slow things down with their contemporary dance until things kick into high gear in the middle before slowing down again to a sexy end. Len loves the contrast that was seen in the dance and he feels Kelly is the biggest revelation. Paula believes she should be very proud of herself. Bruno says she did this emotionally-charged dance beautifully. Carrie Ann knows that Kelly’s lines were great in a dance that took a lot of courage. Scores of 9, 9.5, 9.5 and 9.5 gives them a total of 37.5 for the night.