Lauren Alaina Stuns with Foxtrot to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ on ‘DWTS’

Lauren Alaina returned to her roots on Monday evening (Oct. 7) during the fourth episode of season 28 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.

The country music sweetheart and her pro partner Gleb Savchenko dazzled viewers with an impressive Foxtrot set to Dolly Parton’s timeless hit “Jolene.” Alaina opened up the dance routine seated on a swing before Savchenko grabbed her hand and led her to the center of the ballroom. Together the pair glided across the floor with fluid motion and grace before beautifully closing out their performance.

Normally, Alaina and Savchenko dance in front of expert judges, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, with hopes to receive high scores. But, this week featured the inclusion of celebrity guest, Leah Remini, who offered up additional comments to the couple after their routine.

https://youtu.be/pjuSJuqpYpY

“I’m looking for the face. I’m looking for passion. I’m looking for the story that you’re telling,” Remini, who competed on season 17’s DWTS, told Alaina. “You’re not an actress, you’re a performer, but I loved it all. You moved me.”

“You have arrived!” Ann Inaba added. “This dance was your dance. The way you sustained every movement, there’s a gravitas to you now. There was this amazing sensuality that came out that meant that you were really in tune with your body when you danced. It was a really beautiful story that you told us through your body and your dancing.”

Following the judges’ comments, Alaina and Savchenko made their way to co-host Erin Andrews to receive the judges’ scores.  Before hearing results,  the “Getting Good” singer shared that she had a rough week because her cousin Holly suffered a brain bleed that put her into a coma.

“I went home, and we missed a few days of rehearsals,” Alaina said, fighting back tears. “I was stressed, and then my family told me to come here. So I wanted to dedicate this dance to you, Holly. We’re praying for you, and we’re believing in a full recovery. We love you.”

Even though Alaina admitted she was having a tough week, she and Savchenko earned an above-average score of 32/40, which put them in fourth place on the judges’ leaderboard. At the end of the night, they also learned they were safe from elimination. Former NBA star Lamar Odom and dancer Peta Murgatroyd were sent home.

Fans can look forward to another week of Dancing with the Stars when the show returns Monday (Oct. 14) for Disney night.