[s5e18] Showdown In Pittsburgh, Part 2 | DIRECT · 2027 |

For a deep dive into the specific dance results or to rewatch these performances, you can visit the Dance Moms Wiki or stream the episode on platforms like Tubi and Apple TV . Dance Moms Recap S5 E18 Mid-Season Finale - Glamorosi

The episode is defined by a massive scheduling conflict. Abby Lee Miller double-booked her team for both a and the Starbound competition in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Despite the "no-show" drama earlier in the day, the full ALDC team eventually arrived to perform their lyrical/contemporary group routine, "No Sign of Life" . They secured 1st place overall , narrowly beating rival Cathy Nesbitt-Stein’s Candy Apples by just half a point. Rivalry & Tension [S5E18] Showdown in Pittsburgh, Part 2

With the majority of the team missing and the threat of disqualification looming, Nia and JoJo were forced into the spotlight.

Nia performed her contemporary solo "Never Knew," though she did not place in the top rankings. For a deep dive into the specific dance

Fans often remember this episode for the drama—where rival Cathy mocked the missing ALDC dancers by suggesting an empty chair could do a better solo. It also highlighted the growing rift between Holly Frazier and the rest of the moms, as Nia was largely excluded from the Jump convention after hosting a premiere party for her music video, "Star in Your Own Life," which some ALDC members did not attend.

The episode features a triple-threat showdown between the ALDC and their two biggest rivals: Despite the "no-show" drama earlier in the day,

Most of the elite team (Maddie, Mackenzie, Kendall, and Kalani) were held at the Jump convention by Abby to secure VIP scholarships and qualify for The Dance Awards.