There were a lot of tears on Monday night's Dancing With the Stars -- and no, we're not talking about the tears of laughter we cried every time Tom Bergeron made a snarky off-handed comment.

The emotional night of dance saw the three remaining couples deliver two dances each, including freestyle numbers inspired by their own personal stories. 

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While Paige and Ginger's dances both drew lauds -- and excellent scores -- it was the one from Nyle DiMarco and partner Peta Murgatroyd that left the judges' jaws on the floor. 

To choreograph the number, Peta enlisted the help of Talia Favia (who's also done work on So You Think You Can Dance), who put together a gripping routine that stunned the judges. 

Earlier in the episode, the pair's Redemption Dance -- a quickstep -- earned the pair a measly 27 out of 30. But their freestyle on the other hand, helped them earn a perfect 30. 

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"In 22 seasons, that was the best dance I have ever seen,” Carrie Ann Inaba told the pair, adding that Nyle proved with the number that "he can change the world through dance, and I love that."

Len added: "Nyle, you're a very special person, and that was a very special dance."

Dancing With the Starswill crown this season's winner Tuesday night in part 2 of the finale. 

UPDATE: Here's the full performance: 

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