Skai Jackson and DWTS partner Alan Bersten danced the Foxtrot to Ordinary People by John Legend on Monday, October 5th.
Jackson and Bersten scored the first 10 of season 29 on Dancing with the Stars. It was also the only 10 of the night with an overall score of 28/30. Jackson has been improving each week according to the judges.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsdDaxLRFSc
Jackson dedicated her performance to her late friend and former Disney co-star Cameron Boyce who died last July from epilepsy. Boyce and Jackson had been close friends since the beginning of the Disney Channel show Jessie 2011-2015.
My dance tonight is for Cameron???? please tune in
— Skai (@skaijackson) October 5, 2020
“He was in my life for half of my life,” Jackson said in a pre-taped package as Bersten tears up.
Boyce was like a big brother to Jackson who always looked after her and has guided her to become the person she is today. As Jackson was talking to her partner Bersten she began to get emotional. “Of course I miss him every day, but I have him on my phone case so I get to see him,” Jackson said. “But yeah it just makes me a little sad of course, like he’s not here but I know that he would be really proud of me and I know that he loved Dancing with the Stars and he loved dancing and that’s why I am really excited to do this dance because it is for him.”
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Skai Jackson paid tribute to the late Cameron Boyce for her #DWTS performance last night. ????
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) October 6, 2020
Not only did Jackson’s performance amaze the judges (Carrie Ann, Derek, and Bruno), but it also had everyone in tears including herself.
DWTS judge Carrie Ann told Jackson in tears: “First of all, for me, dance is always about the emotion, and I’m sure that Cameron is watching you right now, and he’s so proud of you. What you did, you were like an angel dancing the most beautiful dance.” “It was sheer perfection.”Bruno had a similar comment as Carie Ann saying the dance was stunning and “it was the embodiment of grace and elegance.” Derek commented: “This was my absolute favorite dance of the night.” So beautiful. You are an exquisite ballroom dancer.”
Carie Ann shows her love for Jackson’s and Bersten’s dance as she was the judge who gave them the 10 while Derek and Bruno both gave them a 9.
Ahh damn it @skaijackson you got me in here crying. Plus to top it off you received the first 10 of the season!!????????????????????????????????#DWTS You go girl! Cameron is SO proud of you!!!!???? pic.twitter.com/xsFo80IDUF
— ToyaP04 (@KPMovies84) October 6, 2020
Jackson told host Tyra Banks how important Boyce was to her and how he’s the reason she did the show. Jackson and Bersten walk off stage with a smile on their face and thrilled from receiving the first and only 10 of the night. After the performance Jackson tweeted “Just got off stage… I did my thing for Cameron tonight.”
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Just got off stage.. I did my thing for Cameron tonight ❤️
— Skai (@skaijackson) October 6, 2020
Her fans shared their love and support, while others were assuming why Jackson chose to dance to Ordinary People according to a video of Boyce singing along.
https://twitter.com/be95_xx/status/1313311974260969475
Now fans will never be able to listen to Ordinary People without tearing up.
https://twitter.com/shadeyxo/status/1313292781843030016
Others feel like their hearts had been ripped out of their chest after watching Jackson’s performance.
Is anyone’s heart ripped out of their chest from Skais beautiful tribute for Cameron? #DWTS #SkaiJackson #CameronBoyce pic.twitter.com/Bg2A2LAidM
— suliana (@sulysolano11) October 6, 2020
Boyce’s parents were touched by Jackson’s performance.
“For Skai to have the opportunity to share her love of Cameron in that way was just really special and touching, said Boyce’s mom, Libby.Both Victor and Libby Boyce along with Skai Jackson encourage people to donate to the Cameron Boyce Foundation. “Our goal is to keep his legacy alive and help as many people as we can,” said Boyce’s dad, Victor.
