Ranking the athletes on 'Dancing With the Stars'


This season on 'Dancing With the Stars,' we're graced with the athletic roster of Calvin Johnson, Laurie Hernandez, James Hinchcliffe and Ryan Lochte.

Here's how the two Olympians, former NFL player and IndyCar driver did in the second week of competition:

4. RYAN LOCHTE

ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two
ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two

Photo: Getty

Ryan Lochte's segment began with a recap of his scary episode from last week when crazed men rushed the stage in protest. The montage showed a clip of his mom crying in the audience, and –- let's be honest -- we might have shed a few tears with her.

This week, Lochte and partner Cheryl Burke danced to the Muppets theme song while dressed in a full lime green suit and bubblegum pink dress – fully embracing their Kermit and Miss Piggy roles.

Honestly, it wasn't a jaw-dropping performance. But the amount of effort Lochte put into this dance was evident and encouraging. As we all know, there is no A for effort in sports (or 'Dancing With the Stars,' apparently) and the judges' reviews reflected appropriately.

We're not sure if there's some sort of hidden beef between Julianne Hough and Ryan Lochte, or if she really just hated his dancing that much, but she criticized him to no end –- holding literally nothing back. She said Lochte can work on improving "if you're here next week."

IF he's here next week. Yikes.

Despite his straight-6 performance, we don't think it's quite time for Lochte to leave. And neither did America. Ryan Lochte is safe and will be back next week.

Score: 24

3. CALVIN JOHNSON

ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two
ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two

Photo: Getty

If you weren't a Calvin Johnson fan before this show, it's safe to say you are now.

The former Detroit Lions wide receiver might stereotypically be out of his element on the dance floor, but he shuts that notion down the second the music cues up. Nothing (seriously, nothing) could wipe the smile off of Johnson's face while he's dancing, and it's so much fun to watch.

This week, he and his partner Lindsay Arnold danced to the 'Family Matters' theme song. Calvin Johnson fully embraced the role of Urkel –- hiked pants and all.

He had so much fun performing that it hid any flaw he may have had while he danced. Julianne Hough even allegedly told Bruno Tonioli she has a crush on Megatron.

We'll keep an eye on that.

Score: 28

2. JAMES HINCHCLIFFE

ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two
ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two

Photo: Getty

Hinchcliffe only had two days to practice with partner Sharna Burgess, but the man can dance! That's somewhat surprising for an athlete whose job requires excessive sitting.

The IndyCar driver's sharp, powerful motions made his 'Walking Dead'-themed dance even more dramatic than vampires slaying humans in the actual show. He truly personified the role he was forced to adapt in this dance.

His eyes exposed the passion he put into every movement –- and it was enough to earn him some fans from the judging panel.

Julianne Hough said, "we need to keep an eye out on you," and Carrie Ann Inaba called the performance "truly impressive."

But despite the judges' raving reviews, his performance wasn't enough to beat out America's favorite girl Laurie Hernandez.

Score: 29

1. LAURIE HERNANDEZ

ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two
ABC's "Dancing With the Stars": Season 23 - Week Two

Photo: Getty

Laurie Hernandez killed it. Again. What else can we say?

Honestly, the judges were being harsh by maxing out her 'Duck Tales' dance score with straight 8s. Nevertheless, Hernandez had the highest score of the night and she definitely deserved it.

It's almost like she was born to dance –- and it makes sense. The skills she uses in gymnastics seem easily transferrable to the dance floor. Of course, she's doing it in heels now instead of bare feet. Props to you, Laurie.

As of now, Hernandez is our prediction to take home the coveted mirror ball trophy.

It should look nice next to her four Olympic gold medals.

Score: 32

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