Danny Amendola is a threat to Joey Graziadei in “Dancing”

The performance on Tuesday evening was highly emotional and proof that something like this can be healing – for those involved and the witnesses. The Houghs soared.

There were tears from mothers, children, coaches, teammates — even Taylor Swift — and the score was high.

Joey Graziadei – the new guy to beat – and Danny Amendola – the new threat – topped the leaderboard (36 each) and seemed to be in charge. The former played a classic Viennese waltz; The latter offered a contemporary dance. (A word about this: Contemporary has no rules and should score highly if participants don't fall, meaning Graziadei's work was more impressive.)

Brooks Nader, who was eliminated at this midpoint of the season, received respectable grades (a 32) for her partnership with her sisters, but probably didn't have the social media support that would have sustained her. An implied “showmance”. ” with partner Gleb Savchenko could have worked against them.

Chandler Kinney, a leader in the first few weeks, was criticized by judges who talked about each other's growth and told her she needed to “dig deeper.” She was in the middle class with a 32.

Stephen Nedoroscik, the Olympic gymnast, received compliments of “well done” and was told he picked up his Argentine tango and got a 33.

While NBA star Dwight Howard had the lowest score (29), he brought his five children to the show and managed to include them in the number. The rumba was ok, but not as good as Phaedra Parks'. She got a 32, causing Hough to break his 5-paddle. She wasn't THAT good, but she had her mother in the audience and some of that “growth” they touted.

Rugby star Ilona Maher, who was in the bottom three last week and appeared shaken, bounced back with a 32 and the cheers of her Olympic teammates. Jenn Tran also got a 32, but she was just mediocre. If there's a surprise elimination next week, it could be her.

The fight is between the shirtless bachelor and the soccer star. Amendola agreed with partner Witney Carson and expressed his tribute to a former coach. He also got the “groundbreaking” boost, which was 36.

But Graziadei moved to another level and looked like he was floating across the floor. He dedicated his waltz to his fiancée and could probably own the dance floor at the wedding.

He's the one to watch this week and next.