It's Dedication Night dancing with the stars, That's why I'd like to dedicate this recap to all the celebrities who had to endure the ABC competition while bouncing around alongside some mean pros. That's how it must have been It's tough working with people who wanted to win just as badly as you! We can't imagine the harsh language you probably had to endure while being paid to tan and be merry. Our thoughts are with you!

Now let's take a look at what inspired this season's celebs to step up for Week 5 with special guest judge and three-time Mirror Ball Trophy winner Mark Ballas.

NBA champion Dwight Howard with partner Daniella Karagach. This is for Howard's kids – all five of them! When judge Derek Hough attended the rehearsal, he told Howard to use his height as an advantage and “fill the room.” No problem, buddy! Howard danced to a song he recorded called “Shoot for the Stars” and performed a delightful (but gentle rumba) that ended with a big group hug with his brood. “You are a great man in every way. “Your heart is so big,” Hough said. “I see you working hard and following the advice.” In total: 29 out of 40

Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher with partner Alan Bersten. Last week was extremely tough for Maher, who burst into tears after botching a few steps during Hair Metal Night. Today is a new day and don't forget that she is an Olympic medalist! So she dedicated her rumba to her rugby teammates who were in the house. Maher wants this so bad. It's hard not to agree with her, even if she's still a little uncomfortable posing in silk and sequins. “I'm kind of glad that happened last week because at some point in those moments it taps into something inside of you,” Hough said of her tearful breakdown. In total: 32 out of 40

Phaedra Parks (The Real Housewives of Atlanta) with partner Val Chmerkovskiy: The reality star dedicated her performance to her mother and followed judge Bruno Tonioli's advice by trying not to look so stiff during her rumba. “I can feel it. I can see you. That's what you have to do. You have to make it feel real,” Tonioli said. In total: 32 out of 40

Model Brooks Nader with partner Gleb Savchenko. Nader went through a “tough” divorce this year, so she dedicated her salsa to her “Ride or Die” sisters. She shook her butt. She showed the necessary level of sex appeal. She got the love of the judges. “I saw it,” said Judge Carrie Ann Inaba. “You did what we talked about. You were about to finish your moves. I felt like you were dancing in the Force.” In total: 32 out of 40

Jenn Tran (The Bachelorette) with partner Sasha Farber. Tran, like a billion other girls, loves her Taylor Swift. Her music helped Tran find the strength to feel vulnerable—especially after growing up in a household full of drama—and so she dedicated her beautiful foxtrot that ended the evening to Tay-Tay herself. “I love how wild you are. I wish it was a little smoother,” said Ballas, who had some issues with her figure. “Great job. You’re improving in every way.” In total: 32 out of 40

Chandler Kinney (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin) with partner Brandon Armstrong. The actress opened the show by dedicating her performance to her mother, who drove 120 miles daily to bring her baby to the audition. With a little help from Hough during rehearsal, Kinney pulled off a graceful contemporary piece that showcased her incredible flexibility. Girls can do serious splits competitions! “Chandler, that was so nice,” Hough said. “You have the most beautiful leg extensions. I saw a little gem in the elevator there…but what a nice way to start the show.” In total: 32 out of 40

Midway through the show, Hough reminded viewers of the trauma his wife Hayley endured during the couple's tour in Washington DC last year. Hough was waiting for her to come to him during a performance when someone said she was backstage having severe seizures and was “essentially dying.” Doctors warned Hough that his wife might not survive; And if so, she might not be the same person if she survives life-saving brain surgery.

On Tuesday, she performed a stunning contemporary with Hough to round out her extraordinary journey. What an amazing survival story; Hough said her doctors considered it a miracle that Hayley not only survived but also returned to dancing. And they're making a documentary about it! You can read more here.

Olympic Stephen Nedoroscik with partner Rylee Arnold: The pommel horse boy wanted to pay tribute to men's gymnastics, especially as the NCAA seeks to ban the sport from college campuses. Say it's not like that! Tonioli came to rehearsal to implore Nedoroscik to imagine himself as a character, and so he took on the role of, er, gymnast during his otherwise polite Argentine tango. “You’re a good student,” Tonioli said. “Now we’re in business. Now you have the determination. I could see the character. You were focused. You have been changed. You led the dance.” In total: 33 out of 40

Super Bowl Champion Danny Amendola with partner Witney Carson. The ballplayer wanted to memorialize his former Texas Tech football coach, the late Mike Leach. Inaba came to the rehearsal to encourage Amendola to transmit the coach's profound influence to his contemporary. I think I saw that? I wasn't entirely sure since my eyes were mostly glued to his beautiful bare chest. “That was a breakthrough,” Inaba said. “Did everyone feel that? I think Coach Leach would be so proud of you.” In total: 36 out of 40

The BachelorJoey Graziadei with partner Jenna Johnson: The reality show contestant did the right thing by dedicating his Viennese waltz to fiancée Kelsey Anderson, who apparently quit her job to move to Los Angeles so her boytoy could keep up DWTS. It certainly wasn't a waste of time; he makes it to the final 3. “There’s an expression in the Viennese waltz: stay flat and fly over the floor,” said guest judge Mark Ballas. “You did.” In total: 36 out of 40

The final three were Nader, Howard and Kinney.

Nader goes home. “I just said imagine if it was us, so maybe I manifested it. But we have so much fun together,” she said.

Next week is Disney Night.