Stars get emotional on 'DWTS' semifinals

Four stars. Two dances. A tight race to the mirrorball trophy.

Monday's semifinals performance episode of Dancing With the Stars was an emotional night, filled with passion, exceptional dancing and even a marriage proposal.

"This thing should be sponsored by Kleenex tonight," said host Erin Andrews at one point. "I'm crying."

Here's how Rumer Willis, Riker Lynch, Nastia Liukin and Noah Galloway, the final four celebs, fared for judges Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman, Julianne Hough and Bruno Tonioli.

And WITH the judges - as each couple was mentored for the week by one of the judges for a special "Judge's Choice" dance.

RUMER WILLIS

Mom Demi Moore, in a taped segment, recalled that when Rumer was born, "She looked like a magical elf." Demi explained that as she and Bruce made movies, their daughters "went everywhere with us. If you go through my resume, they pretty much were there."

As a result, the three sisters - Rumer, Scout and Tallulah became tight.

"When their father and I decided to divorce, it probably had the biggest impact on (Rumer)," said Demi.

Rumer recalled how difficult it was to grow up with two very famous parents. "Whatever drama it was, I couldn't leave my house for a week."

And then came the cyberbullying and harsh media headlines calling her "ugly."

"There really wasn't anything I could do to stop it," said Demi. "Her self esteem was nothing. I could only just keep loving her and loving her until she could love herself. When she said to me I want to do Dancing With the Stars, my whole insides, I have to be honest, were screaming, 'No.' But one of the most beautiful things I've witnessed is watching her passion become greater than her fear."

Said sister Scout: "I've seen Rumer grow more since she's been on Dancing With the Stars than I have in maybe like the past four years. It's really really special that the world is falling in love with her."

Said Demi: "It has nothing to do with her being my kid or Bruce's kid. It has everything to do with just who she is."

Said Bruce: "I love her."

Rumer and Val danced a Viennese waltz that was filled with fierce passion and romance. Bruno called it "SO STEAMY" and praised her ability to "nail" the character. Demi then appeared on the live show, joining Rumer and Val in the skybox with host Erin Andrews. "I'm truly in awe," said Demi of her daughter, "because she makes it seem so effortless but I'm also proud of how hard she's worked. She has given 100%." Scores: 10, 9, 9, 10 = 38

For the Judge's Choice dance, Bruno came up with a "contemporary fusion" idea for the two, with a dramatic Black Swan-like dance. The judge's loved it, calling it "brilliant," "beautiful" and "genius." Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30

Total: 68

NOAH GALLOWAY

Noah Galloway has "always been that tough little boy," his mom said in a taped package. When he watched the Twin Towers fall in 2001, Noah was compelled to join the service. "I loved the job. I fit in to the military. I had found what I'd been looking for." Then he was injured, losing a leg and an arm. "There were several times I thought I would much rather have died than wake up like this."

Jamie Boyd, his girlfriend, had "no idea" he could be such a beautiful dancer. William Shatner even spoke about what an inspiration he is.

His Viennese waltz with Sharna Burgess was elegant and beautiful. Julianne was reduced to tears. Carrie Ann liked he seemed to have "fun!" Len said it was Noah's "best dance." Right after receiving his scores, he got down on one knee and proposed to Jamie. "Oh baby, I love you so much," she said. "Heck, yes!" Scores: 9, 9, 9, 9 = 36

Carrie Ann worked with Noah and Sharna on a matador-themed, dramatic paso doble that perfectly suited the couple's skills. It was intense, ending with a shirtless Noah. "I have chills from head to toe," said Julianne. Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30

Total: 66

RIKER LYNCH:

Pop star/cutie pie Riker Lynch is the oldest of five kids, born in Littleton, Colorado. Rydel, Riker's sister, said Riker was "always directing" all the other kids in shows. When he was 16, the family moved to Los Angeles because of Riker's passion for a career in entertainment. "It was kind of tough." He got an audition for Glee and landed a role. "I'm just so proud of him," said mom Stormie in the taped segment.

Family friend Michael Vartan offered support.

Riker and Allison Holker danced a somber contemporary number filled with lifts and twirls. Bruno said it was "difficult even for a professional to attempt a dance like that." Carrie Ann said it was "raw." Len deemed it a "great performance" and Julianne said, "I could not tell who the pro was in that dance."

Riker's sister joined him the skybox and said Riker is doing exactly as she "expected" — very well. Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 = 40

Julianne worked with Riker and Allison on an Argentine tango. And she joined them in an intricate, swirling kick-filled dance. "You are a leading man!" said Bruno, noting that "those two girls were dancing like hellcats" and Riker "controlled them like a lion tamer." Scores; 10, 10, 10 = 30

Total: 70

NASTIA LIUKIN:

The Olympian was born in Moscow, and basically grew up in the gym. "It was my biggest dream to become like my dad," she said of Valeri, who won two gold medals. "I would always say that in that little body, the tiger lives," said her dad. But after a second attempt ended in a bad fall, it was a wake-up call.

Now, says Nastia, "It's about the journey."

She and Sasha Farber danced a quickstep that was wow-inducing with tricks, including a one-handed cartwheel and some jive moves thrown in. (Derek Hough is still sidelined with his foot injuries.) Carrie Ann called it a "show stopper." Bruno called her a "bombshell ... really a star out there."

Said mom Anna, "We are blown away." Scores: 10, 10, 10, 10 = 40

For the Judge's Choice dance, Len worked with Derek, who was feeling up for the dance, and Nastia to mentor them on a beautiful nostalgic number as Len remembered his earlier dancing days. At the end of the romantic Viennese Waltz, Len cut in to finish things off with a smile. Of course, it was perfection, reducing Carrie Ann and Julianne to tears. Scores: 10, 10, 10 = 30

Total: 70

No one was sent home. One celeb will be eliminated on Tuesday's results show heading into next week's finals.