Mon, Mar 31, 2008
After the dramatic, first-ever double elimination sent Penn Jillette and Monica Seles packing, the remaining 10 stars got to choose between the Jive and the Tango. From the intros, it was clear the costume selection was pretty extreme, but there's little time to get into details, so let's get right to the action.
Marlee & Fabian: Actress Marlee Matlin and her partner Fabian Sanchez opted to dance a traditional Jive, as Fabian said, "to please the judges." They weren't happy with his Mambo-fied Quickstep last week. Marlee and Fabian danced the Jive to Billy Joel's "You May Be Right." Judge Len Goodman said Marlee never ceases to amaze him and said she "did a great job." Bruno Tonioli said she seems like she really connects with everyone, but noted that she missed the timing a couple of times. Carrie Ann Inaba said, by her own account, got "nit-picky" and told Marlee to watch her hands and said they can get a little "pancakey" sometimes. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Anna & Steve: Actor Steve Guttenberg is trying to get past the notion that he's purely a goofball and decided to take on the Tango, a much more serious dance. His partner Anna Trebunskaya was sick, but sent a substitute trainer: her husband Jonathan Roberts, who had a little time on his hands after being booted last week with his partner Monica Seles. They took part in a little "man-on-man Tango." With little time to train with Anna, Steve peered into the camera as the serious dance began. Steve, dressed in black pants, a black shirt, a black vest and a red tie, took the seriousness to a whole new level, keeping his eyebrow furrowed. Steve asked for a moment to prepare for the judges' comments, going back to the stage to get a steel bowl, which used as a helmet, and googles. Carrie Ann said "that was your best dance so far. She said he set the pace and tone. Len said the footwork was fantastic and called it "a much improved performance." Bruno called it "mean, mad and manly," which apparently was good. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente said being left to hang in the balance during the results show last week was torture. It didn't necessarily mean he and partner Cheryl Burke were in the bottom two, but he was stressed, regardless. Cherryl took Cristian to Sea World to dance with a sea lion and let loose a bit. Cristian and Cheryl danced the Jive. Cristian donned a sleeveless blue button-up shirt to match Cheryl's shimmering dress. Bruno asked, "Are you on rocket fuel tonight?" He said Cristian clearly had a good time and delivered his best dance yet. Len pointed out his legs and his free arm could have been stronger, but agreed it was Cristian's best yet. Scores: 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: The highest-scoring male star in the competition, R&B singer Mario, had little free time to practice while he was crossing the country to promote his new album. He practiced in the airport baggage claim and virtually every open space available. Mario and Karina danced the Tango to a Tango-ized version of The Police's "Roxanne." The crowd loved it, but Len didn't. He said he could understand the reaction because the dance had flair, but said "it was a mess." He knocked the posture, footwork, Mario's hold. He said Mario "bitterly disappointed me tonight." Carrie Ann said Len was right. She praised Mario for his style, but agreed it was a disappointment. Bruno said it wasn't "that bad," and pointed out a mistake. But he said it was "a proper, dramatic, very strong tango." Scores: 7, 6 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Shannon & Derek: Actress Shannon Elizabeth got into the game last week, according to the judges, and took on the challenge of the Jive, which requires precise footwork. That's something Shannon had trouble with before because she's tall and has long legs (can't imagine too many women feeling sorry for her on that one, huh?). Derek used Shannon's interest in kickboxing to get her kicks down. Wearing a short, short skirt with gold tassels all over and a gold, sparkling headband, Shannon wore herself out and literally fell to the floor (not quite Marie Osmond style) for the judges' comments. Bruno said she took very challenging choreography and did well with it, but reminded her to focus on her finish and precision. Len said he saw "a really good Jive." Carrie Ann said Shannon surprises the judges every time and called her "a gem." Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Adam & Julianne: Radio personality Adam Carolla and his partner Julianne Hough decided to do the Tango and Adam said five days is not enough to learn the dance. "It's difficult, and I make it look even more difficult." He got serious about not wanting to let Julianne down and said "she deserves better than me." Julianne wore a chestnut wig while Adam wore a black suit with an orange ruffled shirt underneath. The crowd exploded and host Tom Bergeron shouted, "The man is becoming a dancer." Carrie Ann said, "Actually, I cannot believe I'm going to say this, but Adam Carolla was pretty sexy out there." Bruno said Adam is "not a master technician" but he's getting better. Len praised Julianne's choreography, which he said is like makeup, "It can cover a multitude of sins." He said she "made Adam look like a dancer." Backstage, when co-host Samantha Harris asked Adam about learning the passion and intensity of the Tango from Julianne, he said, "My grandfather always told me, son, if you want to learn about a Argentenian dance that's about prostitutes, speak to a Mormon. And I didn't know what he meant, (sitting) on his knee back in 1971, but I now know." Julianne laughed nervously and later asked voters to keep them around "if you like his smart remarks." Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur decided to do the Jive because, as her partner Tony Davolani said, "it's flicky, it's kicky." Marissa and Tony danced the Jive to Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend," with Marissa wearing a pleated short skirt and a blue sequined shirt with a plaid collar. Len said it was a little careful. Carrie Ann said she was going to be hard on Marissa and called it "boring." She said Marissa is much better than that and she wasn't putting in the fight. Tony consoled Marissa and told her he was very proud of her. Bruno piled on a bit as Marissa appeared to fight back tears and he called it something that looked like a rehearsal, "it was like a Jive in cruise control." He said he was picking on her because he knew she had the talent to do better. Marissa put on a brave face backstage and said she doesn't know what she has to do to win over the judges. Tony said Marissa works very hard to make it look easy. Scores: 6, 7 and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Priscilla & Louis: Actress and very famous wife Priscilla Presley said she had to step up her game after watching her scores go down from the first week to the second. To dance the dramatic Tango, Priscilla said she's call upon her acting background. Priscilla and her partner Louis Van Amstel danced the Tango with Priscilla wearing a classic red dress, a red rose in her hair and a red garter that peeked out on her right leg. Bruno said it was well executed, beautifully acted with great choreography. Len praised the drama and said, "Great!" Carrie Ann said the Tango is an actor's dance and she believed every minute of it. Scores: 8, 9 and 9 from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor saw his scores run up last week when he pulled in three 9's, but said that "as the scores go up, so does the pressure." He struggled to learn the Jive and it made him feel like a fat, uncoordinated slob. Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska danced the Jive while Jason appeared to be singing along with the song, Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman." The upbeat performance got the crowd's approval and Carrie Ann said she was amazed that Jason, as big as he is, can move as well as he does. She reminded him to open his upper body. Bruno called it a "cool Jive," restrained and powerful and said Jason's lines were very natural. Len praised Jason's lines, but said he didn't like the rest of it. He called the kicks sloppy. Scores: 8, 7 and 8 from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Olympic gold medialist Kristi Yamaguchi has owned the first couple of weeks, but she said she's starting at Square One with the Tango. Her partner Marks Ballas Jr. wanted to help Kristi capture the emotion of the Tango, even though she isn't very good at showing her own emotions. A performance coach tried to help. Kristi and Mark danced the Tango to a lounge lizard version of Duran Duran's "Rio." Kristi had curls plastered to her forehead and cheeks and Mark stuck with the drama of the Tango, looking almost mad the whole time, which is a good thing. Len said he liked it very much. Carrie Ann said there's no faulting against Kristi's technique, but her emotion was one-dimensional. She said, "I don't feel much when you dance." Bruno said it was "sharp, clean, clear, always delivered to the extreme precision." He said he wants Kristi "to be a dirty girl." She responded him by showing some leg! Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
The scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 27
Priscilla & Louis: 26
Cristian & Cheryl: 25
Shannon & Derek: 24
Jason & Edyta: 23
Adam & Julianne: 21
Anna & Steve: 21
Mario & Karina: 21
Marlee & Fabian: 21
Marissa & Tony: 19
Marlee & Fabian: Actress Marlee Matlin and her partner Fabian Sanchez opted to dance a traditional Jive, as Fabian said, "to please the judges." They weren't happy with his Mambo-fied Quickstep last week. Marlee and Fabian danced the Jive to Billy Joel's "You May Be Right." Judge Len Goodman said Marlee never ceases to amaze him and said she "did a great job." Bruno Tonioli said she seems like she really connects with everyone, but noted that she missed the timing a couple of times. Carrie Ann Inaba said, by her own account, got "nit-picky" and told Marlee to watch her hands and said they can get a little "pancakey" sometimes. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Anna & Steve: Actor Steve Guttenberg is trying to get past the notion that he's purely a goofball and decided to take on the Tango, a much more serious dance. His partner Anna Trebunskaya was sick, but sent a substitute trainer: her husband Jonathan Roberts, who had a little time on his hands after being booted last week with his partner Monica Seles. They took part in a little "man-on-man Tango." With little time to train with Anna, Steve peered into the camera as the serious dance began. Steve, dressed in black pants, a black shirt, a black vest and a red tie, took the seriousness to a whole new level, keeping his eyebrow furrowed. Steve asked for a moment to prepare for the judges' comments, going back to the stage to get a steel bowl, which used as a helmet, and googles. Carrie Ann said "that was your best dance so far. She said he set the pace and tone. Len said the footwork was fantastic and called it "a much improved performance." Bruno called it "mean, mad and manly," which apparently was good. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente said being left to hang in the balance during the results show last week was torture. It didn't necessarily mean he and partner Cheryl Burke were in the bottom two, but he was stressed, regardless. Cherryl took Cristian to Sea World to dance with a sea lion and let loose a bit. Cristian and Cheryl danced the Jive. Cristian donned a sleeveless blue button-up shirt to match Cheryl's shimmering dress. Bruno asked, "Are you on rocket fuel tonight?" He said Cristian clearly had a good time and delivered his best dance yet. Len pointed out his legs and his free arm could have been stronger, but agreed it was Cristian's best yet. Scores: 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: The highest-scoring male star in the competition, R&B singer Mario, had little free time to practice while he was crossing the country to promote his new album. He practiced in the airport baggage claim and virtually every open space available. Mario and Karina danced the Tango to a Tango-ized version of The Police's "Roxanne." The crowd loved it, but Len didn't. He said he could understand the reaction because the dance had flair, but said "it was a mess." He knocked the posture, footwork, Mario's hold. He said Mario "bitterly disappointed me tonight." Carrie Ann said Len was right. She praised Mario for his style, but agreed it was a disappointment. Bruno said it wasn't "that bad," and pointed out a mistake. But he said it was "a proper, dramatic, very strong tango." Scores: 7, 6 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Shannon & Derek: Actress Shannon Elizabeth got into the game last week, according to the judges, and took on the challenge of the Jive, which requires precise footwork. That's something Shannon had trouble with before because she's tall and has long legs (can't imagine too many women feeling sorry for her on that one, huh?). Derek used Shannon's interest in kickboxing to get her kicks down. Wearing a short, short skirt with gold tassels all over and a gold, sparkling headband, Shannon wore herself out and literally fell to the floor (not quite Marie Osmond style) for the judges' comments. Bruno said she took very challenging choreography and did well with it, but reminded her to focus on her finish and precision. Len said he saw "a really good Jive." Carrie Ann said Shannon surprises the judges every time and called her "a gem." Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Adam & Julianne: Radio personality Adam Carolla and his partner Julianne Hough decided to do the Tango and Adam said five days is not enough to learn the dance. "It's difficult, and I make it look even more difficult." He got serious about not wanting to let Julianne down and said "she deserves better than me." Julianne wore a chestnut wig while Adam wore a black suit with an orange ruffled shirt underneath. The crowd exploded and host Tom Bergeron shouted, "The man is becoming a dancer." Carrie Ann said, "Actually, I cannot believe I'm going to say this, but Adam Carolla was pretty sexy out there." Bruno said Adam is "not a master technician" but he's getting better. Len praised Julianne's choreography, which he said is like makeup, "It can cover a multitude of sins." He said she "made Adam look like a dancer." Backstage, when co-host Samantha Harris asked Adam about learning the passion and intensity of the Tango from Julianne, he said, "My grandfather always told me, son, if you want to learn about a Argentenian dance that's about prostitutes, speak to a Mormon. And I didn't know what he meant, (sitting) on his knee back in 1971, but I now know." Julianne laughed nervously and later asked voters to keep them around "if you like his smart remarks." Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur decided to do the Jive because, as her partner Tony Davolani said, "it's flicky, it's kicky." Marissa and Tony danced the Jive to Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend," with Marissa wearing a pleated short skirt and a blue sequined shirt with a plaid collar. Len said it was a little careful. Carrie Ann said she was going to be hard on Marissa and called it "boring." She said Marissa is much better than that and she wasn't putting in the fight. Tony consoled Marissa and told her he was very proud of her. Bruno piled on a bit as Marissa appeared to fight back tears and he called it something that looked like a rehearsal, "it was like a Jive in cruise control." He said he was picking on her because he knew she had the talent to do better. Marissa put on a brave face backstage and said she doesn't know what she has to do to win over the judges. Tony said Marissa works very hard to make it look easy. Scores: 6, 7 and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Priscilla & Louis: Actress and very famous wife Priscilla Presley said she had to step up her game after watching her scores go down from the first week to the second. To dance the dramatic Tango, Priscilla said she's call upon her acting background. Priscilla and her partner Louis Van Amstel danced the Tango with Priscilla wearing a classic red dress, a red rose in her hair and a red garter that peeked out on her right leg. Bruno said it was well executed, beautifully acted with great choreography. Len praised the drama and said, "Great!" Carrie Ann said the Tango is an actor's dance and she believed every minute of it. Scores: 8, 9 and 9 from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor saw his scores run up last week when he pulled in three 9's, but said that "as the scores go up, so does the pressure." He struggled to learn the Jive and it made him feel like a fat, uncoordinated slob. Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska danced the Jive while Jason appeared to be singing along with the song, Ray Charles' "I Got a Woman." The upbeat performance got the crowd's approval and Carrie Ann said she was amazed that Jason, as big as he is, can move as well as he does. She reminded him to open his upper body. Bruno called it a "cool Jive," restrained and powerful and said Jason's lines were very natural. Len praised Jason's lines, but said he didn't like the rest of it. He called the kicks sloppy. Scores: 8, 7 and 8 from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Olympic gold medialist Kristi Yamaguchi has owned the first couple of weeks, but she said she's starting at Square One with the Tango. Her partner Marks Ballas Jr. wanted to help Kristi capture the emotion of the Tango, even though she isn't very good at showing her own emotions. A performance coach tried to help. Kristi and Mark danced the Tango to a lounge lizard version of Duran Duran's "Rio." Kristi had curls plastered to her forehead and cheeks and Mark stuck with the drama of the Tango, looking almost mad the whole time, which is a good thing. Len said he liked it very much. Carrie Ann said there's no faulting against Kristi's technique, but her emotion was one-dimensional. She said, "I don't feel much when you dance." Bruno said it was "sharp, clean, clear, always delivered to the extreme precision." He said he wants Kristi "to be a dirty girl." She responded him by showing some leg! Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
The scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 27
Priscilla & Louis: 26
Cristian & Cheryl: 25
Shannon & Derek: 24
Jason & Edyta: 23
Adam & Julianne: 21
Anna & Steve: 21
Mario & Karina: 21
Marlee & Fabian: 21
Marissa & Tony: 19
Tue, Apr 1, 2008
After what host Tom Bergeron called an "unpredictable evening of ballroom mayhem" that ended up with a four-way tie of dancers in second-to-last place with 21 points from the judges, one star would have to go home. Who would it be?
Breaking 'em down: Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi warned that if naughty is what judge Bruno Tonioli wants, she's going to "bring it on." NFL star Jason Taylor wondered if his dancing days were dead after judge Len Goodman told him "one day you're a rooster, the next day you're a feather duster. That's life." Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur said she was shocked by judge Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno's comments and scores, saying she was expecting 8's. Actress Marlee Matlin wondered about how to make her hands less "pancakey," while R&B singer Mario said he'll keep trying to give it his all after a rough night and actor Steve Guttenberg said he was thankful he didn't need his protective gear to face the judges. Radio personality Adam Carolla said that despite Carrie Ann saying he was sexy on the dance floor, "if we were both single, she wouldn't date me." Actress Shannon Elizabeth confessed that she threw up in her mouth a little. Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente said he had fun and told his partner Cheryl Burke "it was our best dance yet." Actress Priscilla Presley was flattered by Len's positive comments, especially because of the tough competition they're facing.
Encore! After getting a taste of Steve's "Man-go" Tango with Jonathan Roberts in rehearsal footage, Len asked them to perform it live, which they did. Wonder if the Parents' Television Council is going to have anything to say about that? Jonathan accidentally bowled Steve over at the end, but they had a good time.
First two safe: In no particular order, Tom and co-host Samantha Harris announced that Kristi & Mark and Adam & Julianne are the first two couples definitely moving on to next week.
Give it up for Kylie Minogue: Pop sensation Kylie Minogue, who seems to make a comeback every few years, took to the stage and the dance floor to perform her new single, "All I See."
Asking the fans: Some fans were worried about Marissa and "The Gute" as the third elimination neared.
Two more safe: In no particular order, Priscilla & Louis and Marissa & Tony got their reprieves. Marissa & Tony were the judges' lowest point scorers from Monday, so the next ticket home was very much in the air. Backstage, Kristi and Priscilla said it's hard to feel confident even when they have huge leads, which Adam called "a bunch of crap." He grabbed the microphone from Samantha and said, "You know you're in the driver's seat. Please, stop talking down to us. Leave some scraps for the losers!" Marissa said she didn't sleep Monday night and felt bad for her family and friends. Adam admitted he just wants to be there to promote his new movie, "The Hammer."
Congressional Dance Party! Fresh from being named cultural ambassadors to the world by the United States Congress, members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Group performed on the "Dancing" floor.
Aussie Dance Party! Kylie Minogue returned to the stage to sing her mega--hit "Can't Get You Out of My Head," while "Dancing" pros Julianne Hough and Mark Ballas Jr. did some Streetfighter-lookin' routine in neon green-highlighted outfits.
Two more safe: After some time-wasting shenanigans with a match maker talking about which couples are the most compatible, Tom and Samantha revealed that Jason & Edyta and Marlee & Fabian were safe.
In no particular order...: In the first elimination, the bottom two were not actually revealed, and they decided to keep viewers and the dancers in suspense again this week. So, in no particular order, Cristian & Cheryl were safe, followed by Shannon & Derek. That left Steve & Anna and Mario & Karina, one of which would go home but the other of which wasn't necessarily the second-lowest voter-getter. Len said both couples bring great qualities to the show. And the loser was ... Steve & Anna. Steve, still all smiles, said he's just going to miss everyone. He wanted to say more, but the show ran long and Tom pushed him out to the dance floor for his last dance.
Breaking 'em down: Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi warned that if naughty is what judge Bruno Tonioli wants, she's going to "bring it on." NFL star Jason Taylor wondered if his dancing days were dead after judge Len Goodman told him "one day you're a rooster, the next day you're a feather duster. That's life." Tony winner Marissa Jaret Winokur said she was shocked by judge Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno's comments and scores, saying she was expecting 8's. Actress Marlee Matlin wondered about how to make her hands less "pancakey," while R&B singer Mario said he'll keep trying to give it his all after a rough night and actor Steve Guttenberg said he was thankful he didn't need his protective gear to face the judges. Radio personality Adam Carolla said that despite Carrie Ann saying he was sexy on the dance floor, "if we were both single, she wouldn't date me." Actress Shannon Elizabeth confessed that she threw up in her mouth a little. Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente said he had fun and told his partner Cheryl Burke "it was our best dance yet." Actress Priscilla Presley was flattered by Len's positive comments, especially because of the tough competition they're facing.
Encore! After getting a taste of Steve's "Man-go" Tango with Jonathan Roberts in rehearsal footage, Len asked them to perform it live, which they did. Wonder if the Parents' Television Council is going to have anything to say about that? Jonathan accidentally bowled Steve over at the end, but they had a good time.
First two safe: In no particular order, Tom and co-host Samantha Harris announced that Kristi & Mark and Adam & Julianne are the first two couples definitely moving on to next week.
Give it up for Kylie Minogue: Pop sensation Kylie Minogue, who seems to make a comeback every few years, took to the stage and the dance floor to perform her new single, "All I See."
Asking the fans: Some fans were worried about Marissa and "The Gute" as the third elimination neared.
Two more safe: In no particular order, Priscilla & Louis and Marissa & Tony got their reprieves. Marissa & Tony were the judges' lowest point scorers from Monday, so the next ticket home was very much in the air. Backstage, Kristi and Priscilla said it's hard to feel confident even when they have huge leads, which Adam called "a bunch of crap." He grabbed the microphone from Samantha and said, "You know you're in the driver's seat. Please, stop talking down to us. Leave some scraps for the losers!" Marissa said she didn't sleep Monday night and felt bad for her family and friends. Adam admitted he just wants to be there to promote his new movie, "The Hammer."
Congressional Dance Party! Fresh from being named cultural ambassadors to the world by the United States Congress, members of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Group performed on the "Dancing" floor.
Aussie Dance Party! Kylie Minogue returned to the stage to sing her mega--hit "Can't Get You Out of My Head," while "Dancing" pros Julianne Hough and Mark Ballas Jr. did some Streetfighter-lookin' routine in neon green-highlighted outfits.
Two more safe: After some time-wasting shenanigans with a match maker talking about which couples are the most compatible, Tom and Samantha revealed that Jason & Edyta and Marlee & Fabian were safe.
In no particular order...: In the first elimination, the bottom two were not actually revealed, and they decided to keep viewers and the dancers in suspense again this week. So, in no particular order, Cristian & Cheryl were safe, followed by Shannon & Derek. That left Steve & Anna and Mario & Karina, one of which would go home but the other of which wasn't necessarily the second-lowest voter-getter. Len said both couples bring great qualities to the show. And the loser was ... Steve & Anna. Steve, still all smiles, said he's just going to miss everyone. He wanted to say more, but the show ran long and Tom pushed him out to the dance floor for his last dance.
Mon, Apr 7, 2008
There were some interesting costume choices revealed as the stars were introduced on "Dancing With the Stars" on Monday, including a bullfighter-looking outfit worn by dancing pro Mark Ballas Jr. and a penciled in mustache above Adam Carolla's upper lip.
Kristi & Mark: Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi said that after last week she learned that the emotional component of dancing is as important as, if not more important than, the technical side, which she's already mastered. She practiced giving some expression. Kristi and Mark danced the Paso Doble to New Order's "Blue Monday." It was filled with another round of impressive spins from Kristi. Judge Len Goodman said Kristi "can't dance bad," but he said every dance has a sameness to it. Judge Bruno Tonioli said she unleashed the power, and judge Carrie Ann Inaba said that Kristi and Mark set the standard in this competition. After getting nothing but 9's all season, so far, and holding the highest score at the point in the competition in the show's history, Kristi and Mark pulled in the first two 10's of the year. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Priscilla & Louis: Actress and former first lady of rock Priscilla Presley was trying to keep pace with Kristi. Priscilla and Louis danced the Viennese Waltz and it was another solid outing with some graceful movements from Priscilla. Bruno said it was a great interpretation, but advised her to watch her shoulder and neck line. Carrie Ann said Priscilla's facial expressions were mesmerizing, but maybe Carrie Ann hasn't heard about the whole silicone situation. Carrie Ann and Len both told Priscilla they had to penalize her one point for doing a lift. Bruno Scores: 7, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Adam & Julianne: We were reminded of radio personality Adam Carolla's faux-offensive comments the week before. Adam said he's been bitten by the dancing bug. He said he's dropped 10 pounds and is now "in it not to lose it." He said his partner Julianne Hough is stepping up the difficulty level by giving him some tougher moves. Adam and Julianne danced the Paso Doble, with Julianne starting the performance on her own before Adam rolled onto the dance floor in a Zorro mask and cape and riding a unicycle. it was a very entertaining display. Carrie Ann said, "it was smooth, it was dramatic, your turns were fantastic, and then you got off the unicycle." Len said that Adam is such a lovable character and people will want him to do well, but he's not much of a dancer. Bruno said Adam is a classic example that genius and insanity go hand in hand. Scores: 6, 7 and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marlee & Fabian: Deaf actress Marlee Matlin vowed to make a run this week at Kristi Yamaguchi, and she'd do it with the Viennese Waltz. In rehearsal, she had trouble with the dance's movements, which call for lots of rotation and that was difficult because her deafness causes Marlee problems with balance. Marlee and Fabian danced the Viennese Waltz to Billy Joel's "She Always a Woman to Me." Len said it was "very, very good" and was impressed that she did a particularly difficult step that he hadn't seen. Bruno said she interprets the music well, and reiterated a comment by Len that she needs to work on her posture. Carrie Ann was crying and said something about Marlee's performance really touched her, "and for that, I am grateful." Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Mario & Karina: R&B singer Mario was looking to bounce back from his lowest score this season. He called it a wake-up call and his partner Karina Smirnoff emphasized that he needs to show some intensity to secure his place in the competition. Mario and Karina danced the Paso Doble to Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground." Mario wore a white puffy shirt under a gold bullfighter jacket. Bruno called it "strong, powerful" and said he liked it very, very much. Carrie Ann said she could tell he rehearsed the moves. Len said he liked it, but worried that Mario only has one style of dancing. Scores: 8, 7 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor wanted to become a rooster again after Len called him a "feather duster." As he prepared to dance the Viennese Waltz, Edyta took him to Medieval Times to learn chivalry from a knight. After being dubbed "Sir Dance-a-Lot," he took to the dance floor to dance the Viennese Waltz with Edyta to James Brown's "This Is a Man's World." Jason stumbled just a bit during a series of turns. Carrie Ann was moved again, not quite to tears, and even forgave him on the stumble because she enjoyed the rest of the dance. Len said it was "a wow of a Waltz." Bruno said they managed to make the Viennese Waltz "sexy, sensual, erotic." Scores: 10, 9 and 10, respectively from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente got back in the game last week with his energetic Jive. His partner Cheryl Burke got impatient with Cristian in rehearsal, eventually telling him, "when you listen to me, it's good. When you don't listen to me, it's bad." Cheryl took Cristian to meet Drew Lachey, who she partnered with to the title a few seasons back to motivate him to listen to her. Would it work? Cristian and Cheryl danced the Paso Doble, with Cristian dressed in a long-tailed black coat over a waxed chest. Cristian grunted a few times to emphasize the drama. Len said it was a powerful tune he danced to and said, "I think the music conquered you." But he still liked the performance. Bruno said it was very convincing. Carrie Ann disagreed with Len, saying that Cristian did keep up with the music. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Shannon & Derek: The show followed up the big news from last week's behind-the-scenes drama as actress Shannon Elizabeth's partner Derek Hough, who had something snap in his neck during rehearsal on Tuesday. He came to practice with a neck brace and handed Shannon off to pro Jonathan Roberts. Derek tried to stay on the sidelines to avoid reinjuring himself, but got more involved that he should have. Shannon and Derek danced the Viennese Waltz as everyone waited to see if Derek's neck would hold up. Bruno said is was elegant, had a beautiful sense of movement, good musicality. Carrie Ann said "something's definitely happening" as she's watching Shannon's growth as a dancer. Len said it was the best dance he saw all night. Scores: 9, 10 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa was hoping to bounce back from the lowest-scored performance of the week, which Carrie Ann called "boring." Her partner, Tony Dovolani, promised to give Marissa a Paso Doble that the judges would not forget. He said he was going to give her steps he would normally only give to pros. Marissa said that the audience fought for her to stay last week, so she had to fight for herself this week. Marissa and Tony danced the Paso Doble. Carrie Ann said it was "fantastic." Len said "the true Marissa is coming out." Bruno said that's the way to go. He praised her for taking risks, and Marissa jumped and laughed hysterically. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
The Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 29
Jason & Edyta: 29
Shannon & Derek: 28
Cristian & Cheryl: 26
Mario & Karina: 24
Marissa & Tony: 24
Marlee & Fabian: 24
Priscilla & Louis: 22
Adam & Julianne: 19
Kristi & Mark: Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi said that after last week she learned that the emotional component of dancing is as important as, if not more important than, the technical side, which she's already mastered. She practiced giving some expression. Kristi and Mark danced the Paso Doble to New Order's "Blue Monday." It was filled with another round of impressive spins from Kristi. Judge Len Goodman said Kristi "can't dance bad," but he said every dance has a sameness to it. Judge Bruno Tonioli said she unleashed the power, and judge Carrie Ann Inaba said that Kristi and Mark set the standard in this competition. After getting nothing but 9's all season, so far, and holding the highest score at the point in the competition in the show's history, Kristi and Mark pulled in the first two 10's of the year. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Priscilla & Louis: Actress and former first lady of rock Priscilla Presley was trying to keep pace with Kristi. Priscilla and Louis danced the Viennese Waltz and it was another solid outing with some graceful movements from Priscilla. Bruno said it was a great interpretation, but advised her to watch her shoulder and neck line. Carrie Ann said Priscilla's facial expressions were mesmerizing, but maybe Carrie Ann hasn't heard about the whole silicone situation. Carrie Ann and Len both told Priscilla they had to penalize her one point for doing a lift. Bruno Scores: 7, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Adam & Julianne: We were reminded of radio personality Adam Carolla's faux-offensive comments the week before. Adam said he's been bitten by the dancing bug. He said he's dropped 10 pounds and is now "in it not to lose it." He said his partner Julianne Hough is stepping up the difficulty level by giving him some tougher moves. Adam and Julianne danced the Paso Doble, with Julianne starting the performance on her own before Adam rolled onto the dance floor in a Zorro mask and cape and riding a unicycle. it was a very entertaining display. Carrie Ann said, "it was smooth, it was dramatic, your turns were fantastic, and then you got off the unicycle." Len said that Adam is such a lovable character and people will want him to do well, but he's not much of a dancer. Bruno said Adam is a classic example that genius and insanity go hand in hand. Scores: 6, 7 and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marlee & Fabian: Deaf actress Marlee Matlin vowed to make a run this week at Kristi Yamaguchi, and she'd do it with the Viennese Waltz. In rehearsal, she had trouble with the dance's movements, which call for lots of rotation and that was difficult because her deafness causes Marlee problems with balance. Marlee and Fabian danced the Viennese Waltz to Billy Joel's "She Always a Woman to Me." Len said it was "very, very good" and was impressed that she did a particularly difficult step that he hadn't seen. Bruno said she interprets the music well, and reiterated a comment by Len that she needs to work on her posture. Carrie Ann was crying and said something about Marlee's performance really touched her, "and for that, I am grateful." Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Mario & Karina: R&B singer Mario was looking to bounce back from his lowest score this season. He called it a wake-up call and his partner Karina Smirnoff emphasized that he needs to show some intensity to secure his place in the competition. Mario and Karina danced the Paso Doble to Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground." Mario wore a white puffy shirt under a gold bullfighter jacket. Bruno called it "strong, powerful" and said he liked it very, very much. Carrie Ann said she could tell he rehearsed the moves. Len said he liked it, but worried that Mario only has one style of dancing. Scores: 8, 7 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor wanted to become a rooster again after Len called him a "feather duster." As he prepared to dance the Viennese Waltz, Edyta took him to Medieval Times to learn chivalry from a knight. After being dubbed "Sir Dance-a-Lot," he took to the dance floor to dance the Viennese Waltz with Edyta to James Brown's "This Is a Man's World." Jason stumbled just a bit during a series of turns. Carrie Ann was moved again, not quite to tears, and even forgave him on the stumble because she enjoyed the rest of the dance. Len said it was "a wow of a Waltz." Bruno said they managed to make the Viennese Waltz "sexy, sensual, erotic." Scores: 10, 9 and 10, respectively from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente got back in the game last week with his energetic Jive. His partner Cheryl Burke got impatient with Cristian in rehearsal, eventually telling him, "when you listen to me, it's good. When you don't listen to me, it's bad." Cheryl took Cristian to meet Drew Lachey, who she partnered with to the title a few seasons back to motivate him to listen to her. Would it work? Cristian and Cheryl danced the Paso Doble, with Cristian dressed in a long-tailed black coat over a waxed chest. Cristian grunted a few times to emphasize the drama. Len said it was a powerful tune he danced to and said, "I think the music conquered you." But he still liked the performance. Bruno said it was very convincing. Carrie Ann disagreed with Len, saying that Cristian did keep up with the music. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Shannon & Derek: The show followed up the big news from last week's behind-the-scenes drama as actress Shannon Elizabeth's partner Derek Hough, who had something snap in his neck during rehearsal on Tuesday. He came to practice with a neck brace and handed Shannon off to pro Jonathan Roberts. Derek tried to stay on the sidelines to avoid reinjuring himself, but got more involved that he should have. Shannon and Derek danced the Viennese Waltz as everyone waited to see if Derek's neck would hold up. Bruno said is was elegant, had a beautiful sense of movement, good musicality. Carrie Ann said "something's definitely happening" as she's watching Shannon's growth as a dancer. Len said it was the best dance he saw all night. Scores: 9, 10 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa was hoping to bounce back from the lowest-scored performance of the week, which Carrie Ann called "boring." Her partner, Tony Dovolani, promised to give Marissa a Paso Doble that the judges would not forget. He said he was going to give her steps he would normally only give to pros. Marissa said that the audience fought for her to stay last week, so she had to fight for herself this week. Marissa and Tony danced the Paso Doble. Carrie Ann said it was "fantastic." Len said "the true Marissa is coming out." Bruno said that's the way to go. He praised her for taking risks, and Marissa jumped and laughed hysterically. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
The Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 29
Jason & Edyta: 29
Shannon & Derek: 28
Cristian & Cheryl: 26
Mario & Karina: 24
Marissa & Tony: 24
Marlee & Fabian: 24
Priscilla & Louis: 22
Adam & Julianne: 19
Tue, Apr 8, 2008
After a night of passionate performances, the first string of perfect 10s and the nationwide vote, it was time on Wednesday to find out which star would get a one-way ticket home. But first, the night kicked off with Sheryl Crow performing her best known hit, "All I Wanna Do."
The Crow Flies: Big props to Crow for fighting through a performance of the song she's probably played more than any other. Dancing pros Tony Dovolani and Edyta Sliwinska, and Fabian Sanchez and Kym Johnson offered up a sultry, spinning accompaniment.
Roll the tape: Highlighting the previous night, Kristi Yamaguchi and partner Mark Ballas Jr. couldn't believe their luck at getting two 10's. Marlee Matlin vowed to work on her "bum" all week after Bruno's comments, and Fabian was glad to oblige. Priscilla Presley cheekily said she likes the feeling of both of her legs up off the floor, but that's a no-no in the Viennese Waltz. Jason Taylor thrilled the judges and was pretty excited with his 10's. Mario's performance split the judges, as Len was on his own with a 7. His partner Karina Smirnoff hoped the fans would side with Carrie Ann and Bruno. Marissa rejoiced in her big comeback and said, "at least if we go out, we go our way." Cristian de la Fuente's grunting got him high scores and his partner Cheryl Burke said he "killed the bull." PETA's not gonna like that. Shannon Elizabeth notched the first 10 Len's given all season, and she sang an awkward song with partner Derek Hough. Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough took some lumps from the panel and Julianne later said, "Screw the judges!" Adam smiled and deadpanned, "If you want to get some higher scores, that's an idea."
Play it again, Adam! Judge Len Goodman said that for the first time all the judges had a different choice for the encore performance, but they all agreed that for sheer entertainment value, Adam and Julianne couldn't be matched. The couple performed its Paso Doble again, with Adam nailing the unicycle routine for the second consecutive night. They couldn't go home on a night when they were asked to perform the encore, could they?
Kiss the girl? Co-host Samantha Harris asked about the chemistry between Shannon and Elizabeth as the rest of the couples chanted, "Kiss, Kiss, Kiss!" Derek said it wasn't difficult to get into the romantic mood of the dance while looking at a beautiful face such as Shannon's. They said they would have done the kiss if they had gotten the encore, which might make that the first documented case of not kissing and telling.
First to safety: Jason and Edyta were let off the hook first, in no particular order. Kristi & Mark were also safe. Coincidence that the top two scorers from Monday night were safe first?
Cute kids alert! "Dancing" trotted out the cute kids, Aaron and Daniela, 9 and 8, to perform for millions watching on TV. Len said he was "bitterly disappointed" because it was too short. He wanted to see more. The couple's competition was Aaron and Rashell, both 8, who performed a Paso Doble. Bruno said they had great firepower, and Carrie Ann absolutely loved it. It was fun, for sure, but as the camera panned to Sheryl Crow before the commercial, you could almost hear her thinking, "What exactly am I doing here?"
Repeat performances: After the break, the judges shattered one young dancing couple's hopes and dreams, and it was Aaron and Daniela. Aaron and Rashell were asked to return for another performance later in the season. Sheryl Crow returned to perform her latest single, "Out of Our Heads," with 2006 World Cup Professional Ballroom Dancing champions Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva.
Next ones safe: Marlee and Sanchez were removed from the proverbial hot seat. They were quickly joined by Cristian and Cheryl, followed by Mario and Karina.
The bottom two, revealed! Priscilla and Louis were hit with the red light, indicating they were in the bottom two. Shannon and Elizabeth were safe. But the red light fell on Adam and Julianne, leaving Marissa and Tony safe.
What do we lose? Len said it would be "a tragedy" if Adam left the show. Bruno said that if Priscilla goes, the show would lose a star with humble glamour. Carrie Ann said she was curious to see if Julianne could turn Adam into a dancer, because something was really happening, but Priscilla is such a great dancer, she'd like to see her continue. The couple with the lowest total was ... Adam and Julianne. That marks the first time Julianne has ever been booted from the show.
Adam said he had the time of his life, lost 20 pounds of fat and "gained 105 pounds of angel," wrapping his arms around Julianne, and saying, "I love this girl." And he got to plug his new movie "'The Hammer,' in theaters now." He said he'd recommend the experience to everyone who's scared of anything. He got philosophical, saying, "we all don't get the opportunity to do 'Dancing with the Stars,' but, you at home, there's something that scares you, there's something that is your 'Dancing with the Stars.' Embrace it. Don't run from it. Do it." Julianne, teary-eyed, said that Adam is more than a funnyman, "he's amazing. He's a great guy."
The Crow Flies: Big props to Crow for fighting through a performance of the song she's probably played more than any other. Dancing pros Tony Dovolani and Edyta Sliwinska, and Fabian Sanchez and Kym Johnson offered up a sultry, spinning accompaniment.
Roll the tape: Highlighting the previous night, Kristi Yamaguchi and partner Mark Ballas Jr. couldn't believe their luck at getting two 10's. Marlee Matlin vowed to work on her "bum" all week after Bruno's comments, and Fabian was glad to oblige. Priscilla Presley cheekily said she likes the feeling of both of her legs up off the floor, but that's a no-no in the Viennese Waltz. Jason Taylor thrilled the judges and was pretty excited with his 10's. Mario's performance split the judges, as Len was on his own with a 7. His partner Karina Smirnoff hoped the fans would side with Carrie Ann and Bruno. Marissa rejoiced in her big comeback and said, "at least if we go out, we go our way." Cristian de la Fuente's grunting got him high scores and his partner Cheryl Burke said he "killed the bull." PETA's not gonna like that. Shannon Elizabeth notched the first 10 Len's given all season, and she sang an awkward song with partner Derek Hough. Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough took some lumps from the panel and Julianne later said, "Screw the judges!" Adam smiled and deadpanned, "If you want to get some higher scores, that's an idea."
Play it again, Adam! Judge Len Goodman said that for the first time all the judges had a different choice for the encore performance, but they all agreed that for sheer entertainment value, Adam and Julianne couldn't be matched. The couple performed its Paso Doble again, with Adam nailing the unicycle routine for the second consecutive night. They couldn't go home on a night when they were asked to perform the encore, could they?
Kiss the girl? Co-host Samantha Harris asked about the chemistry between Shannon and Elizabeth as the rest of the couples chanted, "Kiss, Kiss, Kiss!" Derek said it wasn't difficult to get into the romantic mood of the dance while looking at a beautiful face such as Shannon's. They said they would have done the kiss if they had gotten the encore, which might make that the first documented case of not kissing and telling.
First to safety: Jason and Edyta were let off the hook first, in no particular order. Kristi & Mark were also safe. Coincidence that the top two scorers from Monday night were safe first?
Cute kids alert! "Dancing" trotted out the cute kids, Aaron and Daniela, 9 and 8, to perform for millions watching on TV. Len said he was "bitterly disappointed" because it was too short. He wanted to see more. The couple's competition was Aaron and Rashell, both 8, who performed a Paso Doble. Bruno said they had great firepower, and Carrie Ann absolutely loved it. It was fun, for sure, but as the camera panned to Sheryl Crow before the commercial, you could almost hear her thinking, "What exactly am I doing here?"
Repeat performances: After the break, the judges shattered one young dancing couple's hopes and dreams, and it was Aaron and Daniela. Aaron and Rashell were asked to return for another performance later in the season. Sheryl Crow returned to perform her latest single, "Out of Our Heads," with 2006 World Cup Professional Ballroom Dancing champions Delyan Terziev and Boriana Deltcheva.
Next ones safe: Marlee and Sanchez were removed from the proverbial hot seat. They were quickly joined by Cristian and Cheryl, followed by Mario and Karina.
The bottom two, revealed! Priscilla and Louis were hit with the red light, indicating they were in the bottom two. Shannon and Elizabeth were safe. But the red light fell on Adam and Julianne, leaving Marissa and Tony safe.
What do we lose? Len said it would be "a tragedy" if Adam left the show. Bruno said that if Priscilla goes, the show would lose a star with humble glamour. Carrie Ann said she was curious to see if Julianne could turn Adam into a dancer, because something was really happening, but Priscilla is such a great dancer, she'd like to see her continue. The couple with the lowest total was ... Adam and Julianne. That marks the first time Julianne has ever been booted from the show.
Adam said he had the time of his life, lost 20 pounds of fat and "gained 105 pounds of angel," wrapping his arms around Julianne, and saying, "I love this girl." And he got to plug his new movie "'The Hammer,' in theaters now." He said he'd recommend the experience to everyone who's scared of anything. He got philosophical, saying, "we all don't get the opportunity to do 'Dancing with the Stars,' but, you at home, there's something that scares you, there's something that is your 'Dancing with the Stars.' Embrace it. Don't run from it. Do it." Julianne, teary-eyed, said that Adam is more than a funnyman, "he's amazing. He's a great guy."
Mon, Apr 14, 2008
We can assume there will be no more unicycle shenanigans or religious commentary now that Adam Carolla and partner Julianne Hough are no longer on the show. Host Tom Bergeron promised "the sexiest show of the season" as the dancers take on "Latin Night," when Bergeron said, "We've double up on the sequins and cut back on the fabric." This is still a family show, right?! It's the halfway point in the competition as the dancers performed the Samba and the Rumba.
Mario & Karina: R&B singer Mario was still reeling from the judge Len Goodman's harsh criticism last week, and he went to Stevie Wonder for inspiration. Stevie told him to let his spirit dance, and let his soul dance. Marion and his partner Karina Smirnoff danced the Samba with Karina appropriately wearing a skimpy yellow number (as was spray-tanned beyond belief!) as they performed to Ella Fitzgerald's "A-Tisket A-Tasket." Some fancy footwork from both dancers earned smiles from the judges' table. Len said the dance suited Mario and he called it his "best dance so far." Judge Bruno Tonioli said that if Mario's hips could talk "we'd be censored tonight." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she enjoyed that it was nice and to the point. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Priscilla & Louis: Actress Priscilla Presley said that going from second place to second-to-last was "a wake-up call." We got a peek at the tension between teacher and student, but Priscilla was talking comeback as they took to to the dance floor. Priscilla and partner Louis Van Amstel to "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" while Priscilla draped a sparkly crab net over herself. The routine got a little "Cirque du Soleil" toward the end. Bruno said that the slow dance exposed a lot of flaws. Carrie Ann said Priscilla appeared to be concentrating too much on her technique and it was clear she was thinking too much. Len said he was disappointed because the dance lacked spontenaeity. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Marissa & Tony: After a big bounce-back performance last week, Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur said the higher scores just make her want to harder. Her partner Tony Dovolani suggested she do something to get herself into the Brazilian "Carnivale" spirit, so she got herself a headdress and did it up right. Marissa and Tony danced the Samba with Marissa sporting a sparkly purple tassel skirt and shaking everything her momma gave her. She kept shaking even after the song ended. Carrie Ann said it was Marissa's best routine by far. Len enjoyed the mix of steps in the dance and said it was "more bounce to the ounce" than he's ever seen. Bruno said everybody loved it and said that despite a hiccup at the start, once she got into it, "there was no stopping you!" Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Cristian & Cheryl: Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente was coming off his best performance ever and said his Latin blood is finally starting to dance through his veins. He found it. Their rehearsal video included a funny little dream-sequence skit in which he played the Spanish-speaking leading man trying to seduce his partner Cheryl Burke, and it worked even though she had no idea what he was saying to her and simply answered, "Si" to everything. Cristian and Cheryl danced the Rumba to some hyper-cheesy love song. Len said it was a "competent" performance but it didn't blow him away. Bruno said the chemistry between Cristian and Cheryl is good, but the slow walks in the dance exposed flaws again. Carrie Ann disagreed with Bruno and said the chemistry wasn't there and that the dance wasn't "super-erotic." Scores: 7, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marlee & Fabian: Last week, Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin brought Carrie Ann to tears with her Viennese Waltz. Marlee and partner Fabian Sanchez's video showed them taking a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, where they helped fit deaf children with hearing aids that helped some of them hear for the first time. It was quite moving. Back to business, Marlee had some trouble picking up the steps to the Samba, which has a lot of challenging off-beat movements. Marlee and Fabian danced the Samba and there appeared to be a few missteps and Marlee looked a little disappointed at the end. Bruno said it was very, very hot and sexy, but noticed that a lot of times she lost the timing and stumbled. Carrie Ann noticed a few slips and stumbles, but that she saw a couple of moments when she could have given up or kept going, and Marlee kept going. Len said it is the most difficult Latin dance and she pulled it off considering that she can't hear anything. Scores: 7, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi is still dominating, but is feeling the pressure coming up behind her. Her partner Mark Ballas Jr. said the Rumba is "a vertical expression of a horizontal design." Kristi suggested, essentially, role playing with Mark in order to pull off the seduction of the dance without being uncomfortable. Just as she settled into her sexy new role, her kids burst into the rehearsal room shouting, "Surprise!" Kristi and Mark danced the Rumba. Carrie Ann said Kristi really did take a risk, but that she gave up some movements to get some of the emotion. Len gave her "three words: Fab-U-Lous." Bruno said the chemistry was great and called the dance "stupendous." Scores: 9, 10 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Shannon & Derek: Actress Shannon Elizabeth's partner Derek Hough continues his health struggles. Two weeks after being rushed to the hospital with a neck strain, Derek went to the hospital on show day with a bout of food poisoning. He was back and Bergeron kept a bucket handy. Shannon and Derek danced the Samba. Len said that halfway through we should be down to the best, but "as good as that was, it wasn't, for me, really good enough." Bruno said she has to go out there and "shake those maracas." He said she messed up the timing a few times and that maybe it was too hard for her. Carrie Ann admired her attitude and effort to try a difficult routine, but agreed that it wasn't the best. Scores: 8, 8 and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Coming off a 29-point performance, NFL star Jason Taylor had to prove it wasn't a fluke. Jason struggled with some of the more sensual, graceful movements in rehearsal. Could he handle it on the dance floor? Jason and Edyta danced the Rumba. Bruno said he had the look of a love god and asked Jason how he can be so light and so big at the same time, and said it was "another incredible job." Carrie Ann said the couple has the "most insane chemistry" on the dance floor. Len said Jason has a naturalness about him and called him a "bloke," which is a good thing. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 29
Mario & Karina: 27
Jason & Edyta: 27
Marissa & Tony: 24
Shannon & Derek: 23
Cristian & Cheryl: 23
Marlee & Fabian: 22
Priscilla & Louis: 21
Mario & Karina: R&B singer Mario was still reeling from the judge Len Goodman's harsh criticism last week, and he went to Stevie Wonder for inspiration. Stevie told him to let his spirit dance, and let his soul dance. Marion and his partner Karina Smirnoff danced the Samba with Karina appropriately wearing a skimpy yellow number (as was spray-tanned beyond belief!) as they performed to Ella Fitzgerald's "A-Tisket A-Tasket." Some fancy footwork from both dancers earned smiles from the judges' table. Len said the dance suited Mario and he called it his "best dance so far." Judge Bruno Tonioli said that if Mario's hips could talk "we'd be censored tonight." Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she enjoyed that it was nice and to the point. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Priscilla & Louis: Actress Priscilla Presley said that going from second place to second-to-last was "a wake-up call." We got a peek at the tension between teacher and student, but Priscilla was talking comeback as they took to to the dance floor. Priscilla and partner Louis Van Amstel to "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" while Priscilla draped a sparkly crab net over herself. The routine got a little "Cirque du Soleil" toward the end. Bruno said that the slow dance exposed a lot of flaws. Carrie Ann said Priscilla appeared to be concentrating too much on her technique and it was clear she was thinking too much. Len said he was disappointed because the dance lacked spontenaeity. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Marissa & Tony: After a big bounce-back performance last week, Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur said the higher scores just make her want to harder. Her partner Tony Dovolani suggested she do something to get herself into the Brazilian "Carnivale" spirit, so she got herself a headdress and did it up right. Marissa and Tony danced the Samba with Marissa sporting a sparkly purple tassel skirt and shaking everything her momma gave her. She kept shaking even after the song ended. Carrie Ann said it was Marissa's best routine by far. Len enjoyed the mix of steps in the dance and said it was "more bounce to the ounce" than he's ever seen. Bruno said everybody loved it and said that despite a hiccup at the start, once she got into it, "there was no stopping you!" Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Cristian & Cheryl: Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente was coming off his best performance ever and said his Latin blood is finally starting to dance through his veins. He found it. Their rehearsal video included a funny little dream-sequence skit in which he played the Spanish-speaking leading man trying to seduce his partner Cheryl Burke, and it worked even though she had no idea what he was saying to her and simply answered, "Si" to everything. Cristian and Cheryl danced the Rumba to some hyper-cheesy love song. Len said it was a "competent" performance but it didn't blow him away. Bruno said the chemistry between Cristian and Cheryl is good, but the slow walks in the dance exposed flaws again. Carrie Ann disagreed with Bruno and said the chemistry wasn't there and that the dance wasn't "super-erotic." Scores: 7, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marlee & Fabian: Last week, Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin brought Carrie Ann to tears with her Viennese Waltz. Marlee and partner Fabian Sanchez's video showed them taking a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, where they helped fit deaf children with hearing aids that helped some of them hear for the first time. It was quite moving. Back to business, Marlee had some trouble picking up the steps to the Samba, which has a lot of challenging off-beat movements. Marlee and Fabian danced the Samba and there appeared to be a few missteps and Marlee looked a little disappointed at the end. Bruno said it was very, very hot and sexy, but noticed that a lot of times she lost the timing and stumbled. Carrie Ann noticed a few slips and stumbles, but that she saw a couple of moments when she could have given up or kept going, and Marlee kept going. Len said it is the most difficult Latin dance and she pulled it off considering that she can't hear anything. Scores: 7, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi is still dominating, but is feeling the pressure coming up behind her. Her partner Mark Ballas Jr. said the Rumba is "a vertical expression of a horizontal design." Kristi suggested, essentially, role playing with Mark in order to pull off the seduction of the dance without being uncomfortable. Just as she settled into her sexy new role, her kids burst into the rehearsal room shouting, "Surprise!" Kristi and Mark danced the Rumba. Carrie Ann said Kristi really did take a risk, but that she gave up some movements to get some of the emotion. Len gave her "three words: Fab-U-Lous." Bruno said the chemistry was great and called the dance "stupendous." Scores: 9, 10 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Shannon & Derek: Actress Shannon Elizabeth's partner Derek Hough continues his health struggles. Two weeks after being rushed to the hospital with a neck strain, Derek went to the hospital on show day with a bout of food poisoning. He was back and Bergeron kept a bucket handy. Shannon and Derek danced the Samba. Len said that halfway through we should be down to the best, but "as good as that was, it wasn't, for me, really good enough." Bruno said she has to go out there and "shake those maracas." He said she messed up the timing a few times and that maybe it was too hard for her. Carrie Ann admired her attitude and effort to try a difficult routine, but agreed that it wasn't the best. Scores: 8, 8 and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Coming off a 29-point performance, NFL star Jason Taylor had to prove it wasn't a fluke. Jason struggled with some of the more sensual, graceful movements in rehearsal. Could he handle it on the dance floor? Jason and Edyta danced the Rumba. Bruno said he had the look of a love god and asked Jason how he can be so light and so big at the same time, and said it was "another incredible job." Carrie Ann said the couple has the "most insane chemistry" on the dance floor. Len said Jason has a naturalness about him and called him a "bloke," which is a good thing. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 29
Mario & Karina: 27
Jason & Edyta: 27
Marissa & Tony: 24
Shannon & Derek: 23
Cristian & Cheryl: 23
Marlee & Fabian: 22
Priscilla & Louis: 21
Tue, Apr 15, 2008
Latin night turned up the heat on the dance floor and among the competitors. Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi continued her domination, but the rest of the pack closed in with some highly praised performances. Actress Priscilla Presley went into Tuesday's results show with the lowest score from the judges, but could the voters save her?
To the tape: Kristi said she looked judge Len Goodman right in the eye while doing her dance and wondered if that was why they scored a "10" from him. NFL star Jason Taylor earned a new nickname, "Love God," after judge Bruno Tonioli's comments. Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur shook and shimmied to some big comments from the judges, and she rejoiced afterward and said she "felt sexy" and "it was amazing." R&B singer Mario basked in the glory Len's praise and said if he scores a "30," he'll weep. Actor Cristian de la Fuente was confused by judge Carrie Ann Inaba's comments about expecting more chemistry, saying "more chemistry would be illegal." Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin was still reeling from her bad performance and was inconsolable as her partner Fabian Sanchez tried to make her feel better. Also disconsolate was actress Shannon Elizabeth, who took some heat for not using her hips more. In tears backstage, she said, "I did what I thought I was taught to do, so I don't know what else to do." Finally, Presley was frustrated with herself at missing a turn that proved to be a critical mistake.
Encore! Len asked to see Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. perform their steamy Rumba again. So they did it.
An Ozomatli Crew: The pros danced a group Samba to the live music of Ozomatli in a rousing bit of turns, shakes and gyrations.
Good news, bad news: Host Tom Bergeron revealed that the first couple definitely continuing -- in no particular order -- was Kristi & Mark. Co-host Samantha Harris had the privilege of giving the bad news to one couple that landed in the bottom two: Cristian & Cheryl.
Child's Play: Dmitriy & Michelle, both 10, offered up a Jive as part of the Dancing Juniors competition. They danced to "You Can't Stop the Beat" from the "Hairspray" soundtrack. The judges loved it. Jaryd & Cara, 10 and 8, have been ballroom partners for about a year. They danced the Cha Cha Cha to Bruce Channel's "Hey! Baby" The judges loved it. The judges decided to ask Jaryd & Cara.
Show Day Stress: A background video about how the stars deal with the stress of show day gave a little insight on what seems to be a budding romance between Shannon and her partner Derek Hough. There have been signs before, but Shannon revealed that Derek serenades her with some guitar playing and singing about an hour before the show to help calm her nerves.
Another couple safe: It's Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska.
Pass the Blunt: Singer songwriter James Blunt performed his new single "Carry You Home," accompanied by dancing champions Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian.
'It feels bad': Backstage, Cristian said "it feels bad" to be in the bottom two and feel the weight of possibly going home. He said challenges are very important in life, and that's why he wants to stay on the show.
Two more safe: The next couple continuing was Mario & Karina and Marissa & Tony. That left Priscilla & Louis, Marlee & Fabian, and Shannon & Derek waiting to see who would be the second couple in the bottom two.
The verdict is...: Shannon had a look of sheer disappointment on her face as the three couples were reminded of the judges' comments about them. Shannon & Derek were the first of the remaining three sent to safety. Also back to dance again were Marlee & Fabian. That left Priscilla & Louis and Cristian & Cheryl in the bottom two, and Len said it proves that at that this stage in the competition, "one false move, one bad performance, one ill-advised routine, and you are in jeopardy." Len said his heart wants Priscilla to come back, but his brain wants Cristian to come back. The loser is: Priscilla. Priscilla called it a life-changing experience and said, "I did things that I thought I couldn't do."
To the tape: Kristi said she looked judge Len Goodman right in the eye while doing her dance and wondered if that was why they scored a "10" from him. NFL star Jason Taylor earned a new nickname, "Love God," after judge Bruno Tonioli's comments. Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur shook and shimmied to some big comments from the judges, and she rejoiced afterward and said she "felt sexy" and "it was amazing." R&B singer Mario basked in the glory Len's praise and said if he scores a "30," he'll weep. Actor Cristian de la Fuente was confused by judge Carrie Ann Inaba's comments about expecting more chemistry, saying "more chemistry would be illegal." Oscar-winner Marlee Matlin was still reeling from her bad performance and was inconsolable as her partner Fabian Sanchez tried to make her feel better. Also disconsolate was actress Shannon Elizabeth, who took some heat for not using her hips more. In tears backstage, she said, "I did what I thought I was taught to do, so I don't know what else to do." Finally, Presley was frustrated with herself at missing a turn that proved to be a critical mistake.
Encore! Len asked to see Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. perform their steamy Rumba again. So they did it.
An Ozomatli Crew: The pros danced a group Samba to the live music of Ozomatli in a rousing bit of turns, shakes and gyrations.
Good news, bad news: Host Tom Bergeron revealed that the first couple definitely continuing -- in no particular order -- was Kristi & Mark. Co-host Samantha Harris had the privilege of giving the bad news to one couple that landed in the bottom two: Cristian & Cheryl.
Child's Play: Dmitriy & Michelle, both 10, offered up a Jive as part of the Dancing Juniors competition. They danced to "You Can't Stop the Beat" from the "Hairspray" soundtrack. The judges loved it. Jaryd & Cara, 10 and 8, have been ballroom partners for about a year. They danced the Cha Cha Cha to Bruce Channel's "Hey! Baby" The judges loved it. The judges decided to ask Jaryd & Cara.
Show Day Stress: A background video about how the stars deal with the stress of show day gave a little insight on what seems to be a budding romance between Shannon and her partner Derek Hough. There have been signs before, but Shannon revealed that Derek serenades her with some guitar playing and singing about an hour before the show to help calm her nerves.
Another couple safe: It's Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska.
Pass the Blunt: Singer songwriter James Blunt performed his new single "Carry You Home," accompanied by dancing champions Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian.
'It feels bad': Backstage, Cristian said "it feels bad" to be in the bottom two and feel the weight of possibly going home. He said challenges are very important in life, and that's why he wants to stay on the show.
Two more safe: The next couple continuing was Mario & Karina and Marissa & Tony. That left Priscilla & Louis, Marlee & Fabian, and Shannon & Derek waiting to see who would be the second couple in the bottom two.
The verdict is...: Shannon had a look of sheer disappointment on her face as the three couples were reminded of the judges' comments about them. Shannon & Derek were the first of the remaining three sent to safety. Also back to dance again were Marlee & Fabian. That left Priscilla & Louis and Cristian & Cheryl in the bottom two, and Len said it proves that at that this stage in the competition, "one false move, one bad performance, one ill-advised routine, and you are in jeopardy." Len said his heart wants Priscilla to come back, but his brain wants Cristian to come back. The loser is: Priscilla. Priscilla called it a life-changing experience and said, "I did things that I thought I couldn't do."
Mon, Apr 21, 2008
Last week, it was Priscilla Presley who said goodbye on "Dancing with the Stars," and the remaining celebrities would perform two dances for the first time. The dancers will perf--whoa, check out Marlee Matlin's outfit! On to the dance floor:
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor was planning on dancing a bit more to impress the judges. His partner Edyta Sliwinska took him to a freestyle dancing class to learn some moves. Jason and Edyta danced the cha cha cha to The Emotions' "Best of My Love." Judge Len Goodman said Jason had "lots of content" and said he could see Jason counting a little bit, but that he did a nice job. Bruno Tonioli said it was good that we saw Jason get a little cheeky, but he did mess up the timing a bit. Carrie Ann Inaba said nobody can touch Jason when he hits his lines, but that there was still awkwardness with his arms when he was out of the holds. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Shannon & Derek: Actress Shannon Elizabeth had a rough go the previous week, taking some harsh criticism from the judges. Her partner Derek Hough brought her some flowers and then they went and made out on the beach. Shannon and Derek danced the rumba to Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." It ended with the couple walking off the stage together. Bruno said the romantic interplay definitely worked, but that the rumba aspect didn't work because of the placement of the foot. Carrie Ann said now the judges are looking beyond potential. Len said they were "all over each other like a rash," but that was a good thing. He said overall it was good. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Marlee & Fabian: Actress Marlee Matlin was still reeling from her slip the previous week, so she called on The Fonz to give her a pep talk. Henry Winkler became her own personal guru, telling her he knows her spirit is intense and "on fire." Her partner, mambo world champion Fabian Sanchez, promised her she was in good hands. Marlee and Fabian danced the mambo to Gloria Estefan's "La Tierra," which Marlee sporting a little tiger-print/bikini top. The dance was a little less than fluid. Carrie Ann opened with, "you look amazing," which is Paula Abdul speak for "it didn't go so well." She said the mambo was a dance that relied on connection to the music and that it would be the most challenging to Marlee, who is deaf. The judges agreed that it looked awkward and uncomfortable but praised her for being an inspiration. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente sought to bounce back from a bottom-two finish. He focused in rehearsal on maintaining his straight arms to keep Len happy. They practiced in a swimming pool, which gave him the perfect chance to pull his partner Cheryl Burke into the water -- he did. Cristian and Cheryl maintained a nice rat pack vibe dancing the foxtrot to "Come Fly with Me." Len said that "if you're in the bottom two tomorrow, I'll show my bum in the supermarket." Cristian shook his hand on that guarantee. Bruno said it was "Cristian at his dashing best" and said his footwork was excellent. Carrie Ann, at a loss for words, said Cristian "passed right into refined." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur had a big night the previous week with a sassy samba. In rehearsal, she got dizzy with the spins in the Viennese walts, so her partner Tony Davolani took her to an aerial acrobatics class to help. Marissa and Tony dance the Viennese waltz to Tom Jones' "Delillah." Bruno complimented her on attempting some very technical moves. Carrie Ann said she is "definitely on the Winokur wave" because she loved it. Len said what pleased him the most was seeing Marissa's confidence grow and said she looked "like a true princess." Marissa screamed when she saw her scores. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Apparently Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi's domination has become so apparent that the only thing host Tom Bergeron had left to point out before her performance was that she has yet to score a perfect 30. She revealed that she was born with a clubbed foot and needed casts as a toddler to overcome it. It hasn't appeared to hold her back much. Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. danced the jive to "Rip It Up" with a sock-hop kind of vibe. It was high energy and basically flawless. Carrie Ann said it was the best dance performed this season. Len said it was like being at a buffet and called it "a smorgaboard of dance, and I loved it." Bruno said she performed the best she ever has. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. Perfection, for the first time all season.
Mario & Karina: R&B singer Mario found his mojo the previous and scored 9's across the board and he had his sights set on Kristi. He said he wanted to bring sexy back with the rumba. He dedicated his dance to his little brother, who we saw Mario talk to back in Baltimore thanks to his AT&T cell phone (that wasn't intentional product placement, was it?). Mario and Karina danced the rumba to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" with a super hot and steamy twist. Len said they did a good job, but that the rumba "is the story of a developing romance, it's not the story of a strumpet and a gigolo." Bruno said he thought it was fabulous. Carrie Ann said it was "better than good sex." But she pointed out a lift and said she was going dock him for it. Scores: 9, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Hoedown! Umm... this one you kinda had to see. The first group dance of the season, strictly for the viewers' enjoyment, was full of flips, spins, twirls and general excitement abounded as the stars looked to impress the fans with their solo moments. It was a fun display, highlighted by some pretty tremendous lifts by Jason and Mario.
Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 30
Mario & Karina: 28
Cristian & Cheryl: 27
Marissa & Tony: 26
Jason & Edyta: 24
Shannon & Derek: 24
Marlee & Fabian: 21
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor was planning on dancing a bit more to impress the judges. His partner Edyta Sliwinska took him to a freestyle dancing class to learn some moves. Jason and Edyta danced the cha cha cha to The Emotions' "Best of My Love." Judge Len Goodman said Jason had "lots of content" and said he could see Jason counting a little bit, but that he did a nice job. Bruno Tonioli said it was good that we saw Jason get a little cheeky, but he did mess up the timing a bit. Carrie Ann Inaba said nobody can touch Jason when he hits his lines, but that there was still awkwardness with his arms when he was out of the holds. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Shannon & Derek: Actress Shannon Elizabeth had a rough go the previous week, taking some harsh criticism from the judges. Her partner Derek Hough brought her some flowers and then they went and made out on the beach. Shannon and Derek danced the rumba to Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors." It ended with the couple walking off the stage together. Bruno said the romantic interplay definitely worked, but that the rumba aspect didn't work because of the placement of the foot. Carrie Ann said now the judges are looking beyond potential. Len said they were "all over each other like a rash," but that was a good thing. He said overall it was good. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Marlee & Fabian: Actress Marlee Matlin was still reeling from her slip the previous week, so she called on The Fonz to give her a pep talk. Henry Winkler became her own personal guru, telling her he knows her spirit is intense and "on fire." Her partner, mambo world champion Fabian Sanchez, promised her she was in good hands. Marlee and Fabian danced the mambo to Gloria Estefan's "La Tierra," which Marlee sporting a little tiger-print/bikini top. The dance was a little less than fluid. Carrie Ann opened with, "you look amazing," which is Paula Abdul speak for "it didn't go so well." She said the mambo was a dance that relied on connection to the music and that it would be the most challenging to Marlee, who is deaf. The judges agreed that it looked awkward and uncomfortable but praised her for being an inspiration. Scores: 7, 7 and 7.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente sought to bounce back from a bottom-two finish. He focused in rehearsal on maintaining his straight arms to keep Len happy. They practiced in a swimming pool, which gave him the perfect chance to pull his partner Cheryl Burke into the water -- he did. Cristian and Cheryl maintained a nice rat pack vibe dancing the foxtrot to "Come Fly with Me." Len said that "if you're in the bottom two tomorrow, I'll show my bum in the supermarket." Cristian shook his hand on that guarantee. Bruno said it was "Cristian at his dashing best" and said his footwork was excellent. Carrie Ann, at a loss for words, said Cristian "passed right into refined." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur had a big night the previous week with a sassy samba. In rehearsal, she got dizzy with the spins in the Viennese walts, so her partner Tony Davolani took her to an aerial acrobatics class to help. Marissa and Tony dance the Viennese waltz to Tom Jones' "Delillah." Bruno complimented her on attempting some very technical moves. Carrie Ann said she is "definitely on the Winokur wave" because she loved it. Len said what pleased him the most was seeing Marissa's confidence grow and said she looked "like a true princess." Marissa screamed when she saw her scores. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Apparently Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi's domination has become so apparent that the only thing host Tom Bergeron had left to point out before her performance was that she has yet to score a perfect 30. She revealed that she was born with a clubbed foot and needed casts as a toddler to overcome it. It hasn't appeared to hold her back much. Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. danced the jive to "Rip It Up" with a sock-hop kind of vibe. It was high energy and basically flawless. Carrie Ann said it was the best dance performed this season. Len said it was like being at a buffet and called it "a smorgaboard of dance, and I loved it." Bruno said she performed the best she ever has. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. Perfection, for the first time all season.
Mario & Karina: R&B singer Mario found his mojo the previous and scored 9's across the board and he had his sights set on Kristi. He said he wanted to bring sexy back with the rumba. He dedicated his dance to his little brother, who we saw Mario talk to back in Baltimore thanks to his AT&T cell phone (that wasn't intentional product placement, was it?). Mario and Karina danced the rumba to Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" with a super hot and steamy twist. Len said they did a good job, but that the rumba "is the story of a developing romance, it's not the story of a strumpet and a gigolo." Bruno said he thought it was fabulous. Carrie Ann said it was "better than good sex." But she pointed out a lift and said she was going dock him for it. Scores: 9, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Hoedown! Umm... this one you kinda had to see. The first group dance of the season, strictly for the viewers' enjoyment, was full of flips, spins, twirls and general excitement abounded as the stars looked to impress the fans with their solo moments. It was a fun display, highlighted by some pretty tremendous lifts by Jason and Mario.
Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 30
Mario & Karina: 28
Cristian & Cheryl: 27
Marissa & Tony: 26
Jason & Edyta: 24
Shannon & Derek: 24
Marlee & Fabian: 21
Tue, Apr 22, 2008
Tuesday was a wild night that included a perfect 30, a group hoedown and some harsh criticism from the judges. How would the scores figure in to which of the seven remaining stars would go home? One of the dancers bit back at the judges and took some swings at the rest of the competition.
Roll the tape: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur was still raving about the 9's she got from judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Actor Cristian de la Fuente realized that after getting a good score, "this is how Kristi (Yamaguchi) feels every week!" R&B singer Mario put his feelings into song, harmonizing, "We got two 9's and a 10... we got to do it again!" Actress Marlee Matlin, disappointed with her performance, said she did it better in rehearsals and it just didn't come through in the performance. Actress Shannon Elizabeth was in tears after the judges criticized her lack of hip action in the rumba, and her partner Derek Hough had some choice words for the judges and, in a way, the other contestants. "You're commenting on her hip action?" he said to the camera, incredulously. "What about the heel leads happening out there? The feet coming off the floor? The horrific, demented lines people are making out there? And you're giving them 9's and 10's. Are you kidding me?" NFL star Jason Taylor's cha cha cha got him lower-than-usual scores. Jason said you never know what's going to happen and vowed to keep having fun. Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi said the jive was the most fun she's had on the dance floor.
Encore! Judge Len Goodman said it might not have been the best dance of the night, but they wanted to see the group hoedown again. Really?
Oh, 'Boys'...: Ashlee Simpson passed through to promote her new CD, singing her song "Boys."
Joy and pain: Going back through the scoreboard, we got another chance to see Shannon cry and snap at Derek about why she was so upset, saying, "It's not the score, it's the the freakin' critique! Carrie Ann sits there and tells me that I can't dance, but I'm trying so hard. Are you kidding me?" When it was time to reveal the first safe couple, it was, as host Tom Bergeron said, "Time for happy tears" as Shannon and Derek got a pass. Marlee and Fabian got the red light indicating they were in the bottom two.
Backstage...: Marlee said she's up for the challenge and won't give up if she's still in the game next week. Shannon and Derek got playful with rumors of their behind-the-scenes kissing as Derek had lipstick kisses all over his face, but on a more serious note Shannon tried to apologize for the remarks the couple made in their confessional (noted above). "We got really heated last night and we want to apologize because we're really passionate about what we're doing and we work really hard and, you know, we just got a little carried away, so, we apologize," Shannon said. Derek said, "That's not really like me. I'm not that type of guy, right?"
Take me to the River(dance): When did Michael Flatley hand over the reins? Regardless, it called to mind a favorite quote from "Friends," when Chandler Bing said Flatley's performance freaks him out: "His legs flail about as if independent from his body!"
Bring on the kids: Brandon and Brittany, both 13, danced the cha cha cha as part of the kids' competition. Brittany revealed that she's deaf in her right ear. They gave an action-packed dance. Their competition was Austin and Liza, both 12. They danced the samba and fell over each other at the end. Len said America has a great future in dancing based on what he saw from the two young couples. The judges asked Brandon and Brittany to return later in the competition.
Checking in with the judges: Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno talked about what they do as judges, how they have to take quick notes while still watching everything, and they showed how they have to turn in their scores immediately. Carrie Ann admitted she sometimes misses things because her eyes are down on her notepad. "It's not a perfect science," she admitted. Bruno said sometimes he can't remember what he's said after he's said it. Len said he feels terrible when he criticizes someone. Len said he does a lot of soul searching and thinks that he sometimes gave dancers scores that were too low. Carrie Ann said a couple of times each season, she'll think she gave scores that were too high.
Not it! The second couple sent to safety was Marissa & Tony, and they were joined by Cristian & Cheryl. That left frontrunners Kristi & Mark, Jason & Edyta and Mario & Karina in contention for the second spot in the bottom two.
Game Over: Kristi & Mark rode their perfect 30 to safety; Jason & Edyta, who scored second-to-last with the judges, were also safe. That left Mario & Karina, the second-highest scoring couple on Monday, in the bottom two with Marlee & Fabian. And the ticket home goes to ... Marlee & Fabian. She thanked the judges and her partner Fabian, her family, and Henry Winkler. Bergeron stepped out of his host role and told Marlee, "as a friend, I am so proud of you."
Roll the tape: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur was still raving about the 9's she got from judges Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli. Actor Cristian de la Fuente realized that after getting a good score, "this is how Kristi (Yamaguchi) feels every week!" R&B singer Mario put his feelings into song, harmonizing, "We got two 9's and a 10... we got to do it again!" Actress Marlee Matlin, disappointed with her performance, said she did it better in rehearsals and it just didn't come through in the performance. Actress Shannon Elizabeth was in tears after the judges criticized her lack of hip action in the rumba, and her partner Derek Hough had some choice words for the judges and, in a way, the other contestants. "You're commenting on her hip action?" he said to the camera, incredulously. "What about the heel leads happening out there? The feet coming off the floor? The horrific, demented lines people are making out there? And you're giving them 9's and 10's. Are you kidding me?" NFL star Jason Taylor's cha cha cha got him lower-than-usual scores. Jason said you never know what's going to happen and vowed to keep having fun. Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi said the jive was the most fun she's had on the dance floor.
Encore! Judge Len Goodman said it might not have been the best dance of the night, but they wanted to see the group hoedown again. Really?
Oh, 'Boys'...: Ashlee Simpson passed through to promote her new CD, singing her song "Boys."
Joy and pain: Going back through the scoreboard, we got another chance to see Shannon cry and snap at Derek about why she was so upset, saying, "It's not the score, it's the the freakin' critique! Carrie Ann sits there and tells me that I can't dance, but I'm trying so hard. Are you kidding me?" When it was time to reveal the first safe couple, it was, as host Tom Bergeron said, "Time for happy tears" as Shannon and Derek got a pass. Marlee and Fabian got the red light indicating they were in the bottom two.
Backstage...: Marlee said she's up for the challenge and won't give up if she's still in the game next week. Shannon and Derek got playful with rumors of their behind-the-scenes kissing as Derek had lipstick kisses all over his face, but on a more serious note Shannon tried to apologize for the remarks the couple made in their confessional (noted above). "We got really heated last night and we want to apologize because we're really passionate about what we're doing and we work really hard and, you know, we just got a little carried away, so, we apologize," Shannon said. Derek said, "That's not really like me. I'm not that type of guy, right?"
Take me to the River(dance): When did Michael Flatley hand over the reins? Regardless, it called to mind a favorite quote from "Friends," when Chandler Bing said Flatley's performance freaks him out: "His legs flail about as if independent from his body!"
Bring on the kids: Brandon and Brittany, both 13, danced the cha cha cha as part of the kids' competition. Brittany revealed that she's deaf in her right ear. They gave an action-packed dance. Their competition was Austin and Liza, both 12. They danced the samba and fell over each other at the end. Len said America has a great future in dancing based on what he saw from the two young couples. The judges asked Brandon and Brittany to return later in the competition.
Checking in with the judges: Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno talked about what they do as judges, how they have to take quick notes while still watching everything, and they showed how they have to turn in their scores immediately. Carrie Ann admitted she sometimes misses things because her eyes are down on her notepad. "It's not a perfect science," she admitted. Bruno said sometimes he can't remember what he's said after he's said it. Len said he feels terrible when he criticizes someone. Len said he does a lot of soul searching and thinks that he sometimes gave dancers scores that were too low. Carrie Ann said a couple of times each season, she'll think she gave scores that were too high.
Not it! The second couple sent to safety was Marissa & Tony, and they were joined by Cristian & Cheryl. That left frontrunners Kristi & Mark, Jason & Edyta and Mario & Karina in contention for the second spot in the bottom two.
Game Over: Kristi & Mark rode their perfect 30 to safety; Jason & Edyta, who scored second-to-last with the judges, were also safe. That left Mario & Karina, the second-highest scoring couple on Monday, in the bottom two with Marlee & Fabian. And the ticket home goes to ... Marlee & Fabian. She thanked the judges and her partner Fabian, her family, and Henry Winkler. Bergeron stepped out of his host role and told Marlee, "as a friend, I am so proud of you."
Mon, Apr 28, 2008
"Dancing with the Stars" host Tom Bergeron promised at the start of the episode that "double the dancing means double the pressure," and that's a big statement in what has already been a tension-packed season. The stress reached a climax last week with dancing pro Derek Hough knocked the rest of the dancers for their "heel leads" and "the horrific, demented lines" after taking some criticism from the judges. Hough and his partner Shannon Elizabeth apologized to the rest of the dancers, but did the tirade signal their end?
It was getting heated as the dancers took on two individual routines for the first time this season, a traditional ballroom dance and a Latin dance.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur was coming off her best score of the season and said she couldn't believe she was still in the competition. Marissa and her partner Tony Davolani first took on the tango. It was a passionate, dramatic rendition. Judge Len Goodman said the first couple of weeks he thought the first couple of weeks, Marissa was not so good, then flattened out the past few weeks. But he wrapped up to say, "three words: your best dance." Bruno Tonioli said "great job." Carrie Ann Inaba said she's pushing herself and called the performance "fantastic." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente saved folks from seeing Len's bare bottom in a supermarket. Cristian and his partner Cheryl Burke first danced the Viennese waltz to Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You," which was a little awkward because his background video said he was going to dance as if he was dancing with his daughter. Bruno said the interplay between the dancers was brilliant and called it "a pleasure to watch." Carrie Ann criticized, "just a hair," a slight lack of energy, but enjoyed it. Len said it had a bit of romance about it, but there wasn't enough Viennese waltz and would have preferred a more traditional version of the dance. Scores: 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Olympian Kristi Yamaguchiand her partner Mark Ballas Jr. were coming off the first perfect score of the season, but seemed to have some trouble in rehearsal with two dances (so, what, they'll only score 29?). Kristi said she felt the rest of the pack breathing down her neck, "but I kinda like it." She used a sparkly umbrella as a prop as they danced the Viennese waltz to Avril Lavigne's "I'm With You." An open umbrella indoors after a perfect 30? Sounds like bad luck to me. It didn't seem quite as fluid and graceful as their past performances, but let's see what the judges thought. Carrie Ann said they took a risk with the prop, but it worked. She said that technically the turns were a little off. Len said some moves were impressive, but the start was a little long and said "you don't need props." Bruno said it worked and it was good to see Kristi acting the part. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: Mario needs to do something to impress the viewers more as his highest score of the season still landed him in the bottom two. In addition to the two dances for the show this week, Mario had to learn the choreography for his new music video. Would it hurt him? Mario and his partner Karina Smirnoff danced the foxtrot. Len said Mario is a real role model for other 21-year-olds, but said Mario is not the most elegant of dancers, but said "well done and a good job." Bruno said the foxtrot requires a lot of control and sometimes Mario is "not quite there." Carrie Ann complimented him on taking on very ambitious and difficult routines and said he needs to be a little stiffer on the more traditional ballroom dances. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Shannon & Derek: After an emotional outburst last week, actress Shannon Elizabeth and her partner Derek Hough had to wonder if their comments about the judges were going to hurt them. Derek told Shannon in rehearsal that they had no time to worry about the judges. Derek was bring a strict teacher in rehearsal and an annoyed Shannon threatened that he could be "going home alone tonight." Guess that clears things up, huh? Shannon and Derek sought to channel their aggression into the passionate tango. They both looked a little distracted as they seemed to miss a fair amount of moves, and it looked like she missed taking Derek's hat off toward the end of the routine. Bruno said the tango is "a bitch of a dance to master" but that the performance was "fascinating." Carrie Ann said it was their "best dance yet." Len thought they did "a terrific job." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Jason & Edyta: After finishing second to last, NFL star Jason Taylor realized that he and partner Edyta Sliwinska had their backs to the wall for the first time. Jason and Edyta danced the quickstep and Jason ran to the judges' table and tossed a stack of paper in the air. Carrie Ann said it was all fantastic. Len said that "with performances like that, you're in the final." Bruno said "that wasn't the quickstep, it was quick lightning!" He finished by calling it "the performance of the night." Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard check: After the first round of dances, a check of the scoreboard showed Jason & Edyta in the lead with 29; Marissa & Tony and Shannon & Derek tied for second with 27; Kristi & Mark in fourth with 26; Cristian & Cheryl in fifth with 25; and Mario & Karina in last with 24 points.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony followed up their 27-point tango with a sultry rumba. It was graceful and romantic. Bruno said they could have pushed a little more on the sex, "but it was nice." Carrie Ann disagreed and said she thought it was beautiful. She said everything was fluid and said it was great. Len praised Marissa for acting the part, but said there wasn't enough hip action and it was "all a tad careful." Scores: 9, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Combined score: 52.
Cristian & Cheryl: Cristian and Cheryl went from the Viennese waltz to the saucy samba, but it turned somewhat disastrous when Cristian apparently pulled a muscle in his arm. He stopped dancing at one point and, at the end, fell over Cheryl as she dropped herself into his arms and fell to the floor. He wanted to continue to the judges' scores, but Bergeron took the show to a break so he could get checked. Carrie Ann said it was difficult to comment but said the dance is judged up to the point when the injury occurred. She said she was sorry she didn't get to see the whole dance and appreciated that he tried to pull through and was there for Cheryl. Len also praised Cristian for his bravery in carrying on and continuing. Bruno said the judges would have to judge on what they saw, but that he hoped Cristian would come back. Medics said Cristian suffered severe cramping in his arm. Scores: 7, 7 and 7. Combined score: 46. Update: Bergeron later told viewers that Cristian had gone to the hospital to get his arm checked and that he wouldn't be around for the end of the show.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark danced the cha cha cha to Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music." The high energy, upbeat performance was a welcome relief after Cristian's awkward finish. Len went on a tirade about "boogaloo hip hop dancing." He didn't like the choreography. Bruno told him to "get rid of the cobwebs." Bruno said it was a fantastic cha cha cha, "kids are gonna love it and I'm gonna love it!" Carrie Ann, the former "In Living Color" Fly Girl, gave her "two snaps up." Scores: 10, 8 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Combined score: 54.
Mario & Karina: Entering the second half of the night with the lowest first-round score, Mario and Karina danced the mambo. Bruno called it "fast, furious and dangerous" and called the Latin dances Mario's comfort zone. Carrie Ann said the couple "set this place on fire." Len called it "wild, wacky, wonderful." Scores: 9, 9 and 9. Combined score: 51.
Shannon & Derek: After landing in a tie for second place after the first round, Shannon and Derek danced the mambo, with Shannon starting and ending with moves aimed directly at Len. Carrie Ann told Shannon she wasn't trying to be cruel but some of her lines still look a bit awkward. She told Shannon that because she has long limbs, it takes a lot more work for her than someone like Kristi to get those lines to look right. Len said he thought he'd died and gone to heaven. Len agreed that her movements are sometimes a bit gawky. Bruno said that sometimes she has to watch the gangliness in her moves. Scores: 8, 8 and 8. Combined score: 51
Jason & Edyta:After a near-perfect first dance, Jason and Edyta returned with a dramatic paso doble to the "Monday Night Football" theme song, with Jason wearing eye black on his face and his Miami Dolphins colored sweatpants and Edyta in a Dolphins' color schemed outfit. Len praised Jason's attack, but said there was a bit too much posing going on, "but when you've got a body like yours and mine, we like to pose." Bruno seemed to like it. Carrie Ann called it an unconventional paso doble that she enjoyed, but called out Edyta on lifting her foot at one point. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Combined score: 55.
Scoreboard:
Jason & Edyta: 55
Kristi & Mark: 54
Marissa & Tony: 52
Shannon & Derek: 51
Mario & Karina: 51
Cristian & Cheryl: 46
It was getting heated as the dancers took on two individual routines for the first time this season, a traditional ballroom dance and a Latin dance.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur was coming off her best score of the season and said she couldn't believe she was still in the competition. Marissa and her partner Tony Davolani first took on the tango. It was a passionate, dramatic rendition. Judge Len Goodman said the first couple of weeks he thought the first couple of weeks, Marissa was not so good, then flattened out the past few weeks. But he wrapped up to say, "three words: your best dance." Bruno Tonioli said "great job." Carrie Ann Inaba said she's pushing herself and called the performance "fantastic." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Cristian & Cheryl: Actor Cristian de la Fuente saved folks from seeing Len's bare bottom in a supermarket. Cristian and his partner Cheryl Burke first danced the Viennese waltz to Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love to You," which was a little awkward because his background video said he was going to dance as if he was dancing with his daughter. Bruno said the interplay between the dancers was brilliant and called it "a pleasure to watch." Carrie Ann criticized, "just a hair," a slight lack of energy, but enjoyed it. Len said it had a bit of romance about it, but there wasn't enough Viennese waltz and would have preferred a more traditional version of the dance. Scores: 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Kristi & Mark: Olympian Kristi Yamaguchiand her partner Mark Ballas Jr. were coming off the first perfect score of the season, but seemed to have some trouble in rehearsal with two dances (so, what, they'll only score 29?). Kristi said she felt the rest of the pack breathing down her neck, "but I kinda like it." She used a sparkly umbrella as a prop as they danced the Viennese waltz to Avril Lavigne's "I'm With You." An open umbrella indoors after a perfect 30? Sounds like bad luck to me. It didn't seem quite as fluid and graceful as their past performances, but let's see what the judges thought. Carrie Ann said they took a risk with the prop, but it worked. She said that technically the turns were a little off. Len said some moves were impressive, but the start was a little long and said "you don't need props." Bruno said it worked and it was good to see Kristi acting the part. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: Mario needs to do something to impress the viewers more as his highest score of the season still landed him in the bottom two. In addition to the two dances for the show this week, Mario had to learn the choreography for his new music video. Would it hurt him? Mario and his partner Karina Smirnoff danced the foxtrot. Len said Mario is a real role model for other 21-year-olds, but said Mario is not the most elegant of dancers, but said "well done and a good job." Bruno said the foxtrot requires a lot of control and sometimes Mario is "not quite there." Carrie Ann complimented him on taking on very ambitious and difficult routines and said he needs to be a little stiffer on the more traditional ballroom dances. Scores: 8, 8 and 8.
Shannon & Derek: After an emotional outburst last week, actress Shannon Elizabeth and her partner Derek Hough had to wonder if their comments about the judges were going to hurt them. Derek told Shannon in rehearsal that they had no time to worry about the judges. Derek was bring a strict teacher in rehearsal and an annoyed Shannon threatened that he could be "going home alone tonight." Guess that clears things up, huh? Shannon and Derek sought to channel their aggression into the passionate tango. They both looked a little distracted as they seemed to miss a fair amount of moves, and it looked like she missed taking Derek's hat off toward the end of the routine. Bruno said the tango is "a bitch of a dance to master" but that the performance was "fascinating." Carrie Ann said it was their "best dance yet." Len thought they did "a terrific job." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Jason & Edyta: After finishing second to last, NFL star Jason Taylor realized that he and partner Edyta Sliwinska had their backs to the wall for the first time. Jason and Edyta danced the quickstep and Jason ran to the judges' table and tossed a stack of paper in the air. Carrie Ann said it was all fantastic. Len said that "with performances like that, you're in the final." Bruno said "that wasn't the quickstep, it was quick lightning!" He finished by calling it "the performance of the night." Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard check: After the first round of dances, a check of the scoreboard showed Jason & Edyta in the lead with 29; Marissa & Tony and Shannon & Derek tied for second with 27; Kristi & Mark in fourth with 26; Cristian & Cheryl in fifth with 25; and Mario & Karina in last with 24 points.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony followed up their 27-point tango with a sultry rumba. It was graceful and romantic. Bruno said they could have pushed a little more on the sex, "but it was nice." Carrie Ann disagreed and said she thought it was beautiful. She said everything was fluid and said it was great. Len praised Marissa for acting the part, but said there wasn't enough hip action and it was "all a tad careful." Scores: 9, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Combined score: 52.
Cristian & Cheryl: Cristian and Cheryl went from the Viennese waltz to the saucy samba, but it turned somewhat disastrous when Cristian apparently pulled a muscle in his arm. He stopped dancing at one point and, at the end, fell over Cheryl as she dropped herself into his arms and fell to the floor. He wanted to continue to the judges' scores, but Bergeron took the show to a break so he could get checked. Carrie Ann said it was difficult to comment but said the dance is judged up to the point when the injury occurred. She said she was sorry she didn't get to see the whole dance and appreciated that he tried to pull through and was there for Cheryl. Len also praised Cristian for his bravery in carrying on and continuing. Bruno said the judges would have to judge on what they saw, but that he hoped Cristian would come back. Medics said Cristian suffered severe cramping in his arm. Scores: 7, 7 and 7. Combined score: 46. Update: Bergeron later told viewers that Cristian had gone to the hospital to get his arm checked and that he wouldn't be around for the end of the show.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark danced the cha cha cha to Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music." The high energy, upbeat performance was a welcome relief after Cristian's awkward finish. Len went on a tirade about "boogaloo hip hop dancing." He didn't like the choreography. Bruno told him to "get rid of the cobwebs." Bruno said it was a fantastic cha cha cha, "kids are gonna love it and I'm gonna love it!" Carrie Ann, the former "In Living Color" Fly Girl, gave her "two snaps up." Scores: 10, 8 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Combined score: 54.
Mario & Karina: Entering the second half of the night with the lowest first-round score, Mario and Karina danced the mambo. Bruno called it "fast, furious and dangerous" and called the Latin dances Mario's comfort zone. Carrie Ann said the couple "set this place on fire." Len called it "wild, wacky, wonderful." Scores: 9, 9 and 9. Combined score: 51.
Shannon & Derek: After landing in a tie for second place after the first round, Shannon and Derek danced the mambo, with Shannon starting and ending with moves aimed directly at Len. Carrie Ann told Shannon she wasn't trying to be cruel but some of her lines still look a bit awkward. She told Shannon that because she has long limbs, it takes a lot more work for her than someone like Kristi to get those lines to look right. Len said he thought he'd died and gone to heaven. Len agreed that her movements are sometimes a bit gawky. Bruno said that sometimes she has to watch the gangliness in her moves. Scores: 8, 8 and 8. Combined score: 51
Jason & Edyta:After a near-perfect first dance, Jason and Edyta returned with a dramatic paso doble to the "Monday Night Football" theme song, with Jason wearing eye black on his face and his Miami Dolphins colored sweatpants and Edyta in a Dolphins' color schemed outfit. Len praised Jason's attack, but said there was a bit too much posing going on, "but when you've got a body like yours and mine, we like to pose." Bruno seemed to like it. Carrie Ann called it an unconventional paso doble that she enjoyed, but called out Edyta on lifting her foot at one point. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Combined score: 55.
Scoreboard:
Jason & Edyta: 55
Kristi & Mark: 54
Marissa & Tony: 52
Shannon & Derek: 51
Mario & Karina: 51
Cristian & Cheryl: 46
Tue, Apr 29, 2008
Monday's "Dancing with the Stars" episode was a night of unexpected drama, but Tuesday's results show had viewers on the edge of their collective seat to see how the rest of the cliffhangers would shake out. Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi was bumped from first place for the first time, actress Shannon Elizabeth and partner Derek Hough waited to see whether fans would penalize them for their tirade a week earlier, and actor Cristian de la Fuente's future in the competition was up in the air after his shocking arm injury.
Hosts Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris laid out the drama as the camera flashed on each couple at the start ... except for Cristian and his partner Cheryl Burke. It might have thrown doubt into the minds of some viewers, but it was just for a few seconds as Bergeron reminded fans of "the biggest headline," Cristian's injury, and the camera showed the couple together. Roll the tape.
The recap: There were the standard comments about the judges' critiques from all the dancers, nothing shocking. What everyone really wanted to get was the inside scoop on Cristian. Cheryl said backstage that she heard "a crack" and she thought it was her dress, but Cristian later told her it was his arm. The rest of the dancers showed concern and Tony Dovolani was hopeful that it was just a cramp and that Cristian would be OK. After his dance, NFL star Jason Taylor dedicated his paso doble to Cristian and said he hoped Cristian would be alright. Bergeron milked the drama of Cristian's condition, teasing about whether Cristian's injury would effect the competition before heading into a commercial break.
Going into overtime: Judge Len Goodman asked Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska to serve up their quickstep as the encore performance of the night. It was just as energetic, but Jason flubbed the handstand and Bergeron joked that it was "not as good the second time."
Uplifting news: Sorry, this has nothing to do with Cristian. Len made a special announcement about the often controversial lifts that we've seen dancers be penalized for in the past. He announced that next week the couples will be allowed to do one lift as long as it is in the character and style of the dance they are performing. Whew! Sure glad we got that resolved.
Moving on...: Bergeron announced that the first couple definitely continuing to the next round would be Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr.
DanceCenter: Len, and "Dancing" alums, Super Bowl MVP Jerry Rice and ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne served up their midseason analysis of the dancers. It was funny and insightful. They came back later in the show to run through the rest of the competitors.
Do you take sugar? In one of the oddest pairings in the show's history, Def Leppard took the stage to perform their biggest hit, "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Now, I've seen Def Leppard live within the past couple of years, and I can tell you with 99.9 percent certainty that what viewers saw Tuesday was not sung live. They came back later to "sing" their new single, "Nine Lives."
The next safe couple: Cristian-Watch 2008 continued as Bergeron announced the next safe couple was R&B star Mario and his partner Karina Smirnoff. The camera turned to a nervous looking Cristian on the way to the commercial break.
Behind the scenes: A featurette about the dancers' process of the week leading up to each performance night was pretty interesting. Some highlights: Jason telling Edyta "Would you stop saying things are easy? This is not easy." Karina smacking Mario on the head for not knowing his choreography. On Day 4, Cristian said he starts to doubt that the routine will be right by Monday. Sunday, the dance has to be performed for the director and photographers so the director knows where the cameras need to be be. Kristi said it's stressful because it's the first time other dancers get to see the routines.
What a day: Bergeron said that "in the past eight or nine hours, the trajectory of the show has changed about three or four times. The most recent time minutes before we went on the air." With that, they went back to the results. Loading up on the drama, the hosts recapped the four remaining couples but offered no results as Bergeron announced "one of you is leaving the competition tonight" before another commercial break. Before getting back to the elimination, Bergeron and Harris wanted to talk to Cristian and Cheryl. Cristian explained that he suffered a ruptured tendon in his bicep that will require surgery. Cristian said he talked with the doctor "five minutes ago" and the doctor said the surgery could be delayed. "If people voted for us and they want us to be on the show, I would like to be there and not give up."
To the results: Bergeron announced that the first couple safe was Cristian and Cheryl. A relieved and excited Cristian jumped and raised his good arm in triumph. Marissa and Tony landed in the bottom two, and Jason and Edyta were declared safe, which left Shannon and Derek in the bottom two. The couple eliminated was Shannon and Derek.
The recap: There were the standard comments about the judges' critiques from all the dancers, nothing shocking. What everyone really wanted to get was the inside scoop on Cristian. Cheryl said backstage that she heard "a crack" and she thought it was her dress, but Cristian later told her it was his arm. The rest of the dancers showed concern and Tony Dovolani was hopeful that it was just a cramp and that Cristian would be OK. After his dance, NFL star Jason Taylor dedicated his paso doble to Cristian and said he hoped Cristian would be alright. Bergeron milked the drama of Cristian's condition, teasing about whether Cristian's injury would effect the competition before heading into a commercial break.
Going into overtime: Judge Len Goodman asked Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska to serve up their quickstep as the encore performance of the night. It was just as energetic, but Jason flubbed the handstand and Bergeron joked that it was "not as good the second time."
Uplifting news: Sorry, this has nothing to do with Cristian. Len made a special announcement about the often controversial lifts that we've seen dancers be penalized for in the past. He announced that next week the couples will be allowed to do one lift as long as it is in the character and style of the dance they are performing. Whew! Sure glad we got that resolved.
Moving on...: Bergeron announced that the first couple definitely continuing to the next round would be Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr.
DanceCenter: Len, and "Dancing" alums, Super Bowl MVP Jerry Rice and ESPN anchor Kenny Mayne served up their midseason analysis of the dancers. It was funny and insightful. They came back later in the show to run through the rest of the competitors.
Do you take sugar? In one of the oddest pairings in the show's history, Def Leppard took the stage to perform their biggest hit, "Pour Some Sugar On Me." Now, I've seen Def Leppard live within the past couple of years, and I can tell you with 99.9 percent certainty that what viewers saw Tuesday was not sung live. They came back later to "sing" their new single, "Nine Lives."
The next safe couple: Cristian-Watch 2008 continued as Bergeron announced the next safe couple was R&B star Mario and his partner Karina Smirnoff. The camera turned to a nervous looking Cristian on the way to the commercial break.
Behind the scenes: A featurette about the dancers' process of the week leading up to each performance night was pretty interesting. Some highlights: Jason telling Edyta "Would you stop saying things are easy? This is not easy." Karina smacking Mario on the head for not knowing his choreography. On Day 4, Cristian said he starts to doubt that the routine will be right by Monday. Sunday, the dance has to be performed for the director and photographers so the director knows where the cameras need to be be. Kristi said it's stressful because it's the first time other dancers get to see the routines.
What a day: Bergeron said that "in the past eight or nine hours, the trajectory of the show has changed about three or four times. The most recent time minutes before we went on the air." With that, they went back to the results. Loading up on the drama, the hosts recapped the four remaining couples but offered no results as Bergeron announced "one of you is leaving the competition tonight" before another commercial break. Before getting back to the elimination, Bergeron and Harris wanted to talk to Cristian and Cheryl. Cristian explained that he suffered a ruptured tendon in his bicep that will require surgery. Cristian said he talked with the doctor "five minutes ago" and the doctor said the surgery could be delayed. "If people voted for us and they want us to be on the show, I would like to be there and not give up."
To the results: Bergeron announced that the first couple safe was Cristian and Cheryl. A relieved and excited Cristian jumped and raised his good arm in triumph. Marissa and Tony landed in the bottom two, and Jason and Edyta were declared safe, which left Shannon and Derek in the bottom two. The couple eliminated was Shannon and Derek.
Mon, May 5, 2008
The dancers' spirits were lifted as, with just five couples remaining, the judges decided to allow them to do a lift in their routines, which is usually a no-no that results in being penalized one point.
NFL star Jason Taylor crept into the top spot a week earlier by finally bumped Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi down a notch, but all eyes this week would be on Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente, who is continuing through the competition despite the ruptured tendons in his left arm.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi was coping with not being the leader for the first time. Kristi's partner Mark Ballas Jr. opted not to do a lift in the samba because it didn't fit with the character of the dance. First up, though, was their quickstep, which they finished was the lift. Judge Len Goodman said he's been fed up all day, but Kristi's dance made him feel better. Bruno Tonioli said it was beautifully moved around the floor. Carrie Ann said Kristi and Mark just got a little out of sync, but "I still think you're fantastic." Scores: 9, 10 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: R&B star Mario was still reeling from being called "not the most elegant dancer," and sought to prove that he's more than just a Latin dancer. Mario and Karina first danced the Viennese waltz. They incorporated a sweeping lift in the middle of the routine. Bruno called Mario "Prince Mario," and said "everything we've asked you to do, you've done it." Carrie Ann said Mario's posture was the best she's seen from him and she thought the lift was great. Len said it was the most elegant he'd seen Mario dance. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur got her best scores of the season last week, but still landed in the bottom two. Marissa's partner Tony Dovolani said he decided to put a lift into their dance to show her that he really believes in her. Marissa and Tony danced the foxtrot to "New York, New York." The couple worked a lift into the final move. Carrie Ann said she loved it and said that Marissa brought the most joy out there. Len said Marissa looks great when she's in holds. Bruno said some of the couples' movements weren't quite appropriate for a dance in the quarterfinals. Scores: 9, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Now in the top spot, Jason said he'd have to pull out all of the stops to continue to impress the judges. Jason and Edyta seemed a little overzealous about their lifts in rehearsal. Would that come cross the in the performance? They did a total of about three lifts. Len said it was more like an Argentine tango than a ballroom tango. Bruno said it was stunning. Carrie Ann thought they brought a whole new dynamic. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Cristian was working on a dance that would disguise or avoid his injury. Playing up the one-armed situation with a Michael Jackson-inspired single glove on his good hand as he and partner Cheryl Burke danced the tango to "Beat It." Bruno said there was absolutely no way that one could see any problems with this. Carrie Ann agreed, saying she was looking for what could go wrong and found nothing. Len appreciated the performance and complimented Cheryl on the choreography. Scores: 10, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard (after the ballroom round):
Jason & Edyta: 29
Kristi & Mark: 29
Cristian & Cheryl: 28
Mario & Karina: 27
Marissa & Tony: 25
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark followed up their quickstep with a samba that didn't include a lift. Carrie Ann look perplexed and said she couldn't believe she was going to say it, but, she "didn't care for it" and said it felt a little bit out of control. Len said that the dance lost something. Bruno defended Kristi and Mark, saying that of course the routines are difficult. Scores: 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: For their second dance of the night, Mario and Karina danced the jive, starting with Mario doing a cartwheel over a seated Karina Smirnoff. They ended their dance with a complicated run of lifts and throws that nearly saw Mario drop Karina. But they pulled through. Len said the whole thing had a roughness about it. Bruno said it was the spirit of what the jive should Carrie Ann said they brought a whole new flavor to the jive and she loved it. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony danced the mambo for the Latin round and Marissa appeared to forget a step early on. The whole thing had a choppiness to it that made it tough to get excited about. Bruno said he wanted more of that. Carrie Ann said, "I love the way you go for it." Len said it was "just a little bit careful." Scores 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Jason tried to tap into his flamboyant side for a turn at the samba. It included a huge lift at the end, where Edyta swung her legs straight up, doing almost a handstand in Jason's arms. Carrie Ann said Jason's attempt at flamboyance didn't work out and said it proved that the samba is a difficult dance. Len said it was "alright," but said that nearing the semi-finals, "I don't alright is good enough." Bruno said that after a series of blockbusters, Jason "got a turkey tonight." Scores: 8, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Coming off a 28 in the first round, Cristian and Cheryl went for the mambo. Cristian was working the heck out of his one good arm, finishing the dance with a one-armed lift where he held Cheryl in the air over his hip. Len said it was full of energy and that he was surprised at how many under-arm turns they could do with just one arm. Bruno said it had more energy than a volcano in the Andes. Carrie Ann said they were definitely on fire. When the scores were read, Cristian pumped his good fist in the air and received congratulations from the rest of the dancer. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard:
Cristian & Cheryl: 57
Kristi & Mark: 55
Mario & Karina: 53
Jason & Edyta: 52
Marissa & Tony: 50
NFL star Jason Taylor crept into the top spot a week earlier by finally bumped Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi down a notch, but all eyes this week would be on Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente, who is continuing through the competition despite the ruptured tendons in his left arm.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi was coping with not being the leader for the first time. Kristi's partner Mark Ballas Jr. opted not to do a lift in the samba because it didn't fit with the character of the dance. First up, though, was their quickstep, which they finished was the lift. Judge Len Goodman said he's been fed up all day, but Kristi's dance made him feel better. Bruno Tonioli said it was beautifully moved around the floor. Carrie Ann said Kristi and Mark just got a little out of sync, but "I still think you're fantastic." Scores: 9, 10 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: R&B star Mario was still reeling from being called "not the most elegant dancer," and sought to prove that he's more than just a Latin dancer. Mario and Karina first danced the Viennese waltz. They incorporated a sweeping lift in the middle of the routine. Bruno called Mario "Prince Mario," and said "everything we've asked you to do, you've done it." Carrie Ann said Mario's posture was the best she's seen from him and she thought the lift was great. Len said it was the most elegant he'd seen Mario dance. Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur got her best scores of the season last week, but still landed in the bottom two. Marissa's partner Tony Dovolani said he decided to put a lift into their dance to show her that he really believes in her. Marissa and Tony danced the foxtrot to "New York, New York." The couple worked a lift into the final move. Carrie Ann said she loved it and said that Marissa brought the most joy out there. Len said Marissa looks great when she's in holds. Bruno said some of the couples' movements weren't quite appropriate for a dance in the quarterfinals. Scores: 9, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Now in the top spot, Jason said he'd have to pull out all of the stops to continue to impress the judges. Jason and Edyta seemed a little overzealous about their lifts in rehearsal. Would that come cross the in the performance? They did a total of about three lifts. Len said it was more like an Argentine tango than a ballroom tango. Bruno said it was stunning. Carrie Ann thought they brought a whole new dynamic. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Cristian was working on a dance that would disguise or avoid his injury. Playing up the one-armed situation with a Michael Jackson-inspired single glove on his good hand as he and partner Cheryl Burke danced the tango to "Beat It." Bruno said there was absolutely no way that one could see any problems with this. Carrie Ann agreed, saying she was looking for what could go wrong and found nothing. Len appreciated the performance and complimented Cheryl on the choreography. Scores: 10, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard (after the ballroom round):
Jason & Edyta: 29
Kristi & Mark: 29
Cristian & Cheryl: 28
Mario & Karina: 27
Marissa & Tony: 25
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark followed up their quickstep with a samba that didn't include a lift. Carrie Ann look perplexed and said she couldn't believe she was going to say it, but, she "didn't care for it" and said it felt a little bit out of control. Len said that the dance lost something. Bruno defended Kristi and Mark, saying that of course the routines are difficult. Scores: 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Mario & Karina: For their second dance of the night, Mario and Karina danced the jive, starting with Mario doing a cartwheel over a seated Karina Smirnoff. They ended their dance with a complicated run of lifts and throws that nearly saw Mario drop Karina. But they pulled through. Len said the whole thing had a roughness about it. Bruno said it was the spirit of what the jive should Carrie Ann said they brought a whole new flavor to the jive and she loved it. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony danced the mambo for the Latin round and Marissa appeared to forget a step early on. The whole thing had a choppiness to it that made it tough to get excited about. Bruno said he wanted more of that. Carrie Ann said, "I love the way you go for it." Len said it was "just a little bit careful." Scores 8, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jason & Edyta: Jason tried to tap into his flamboyant side for a turn at the samba. It included a huge lift at the end, where Edyta swung her legs straight up, doing almost a handstand in Jason's arms. Carrie Ann said Jason's attempt at flamboyance didn't work out and said it proved that the samba is a difficult dance. Len said it was "alright," but said that nearing the semi-finals, "I don't alright is good enough." Bruno said that after a series of blockbusters, Jason "got a turkey tonight." Scores: 8, 7 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Coming off a 28 in the first round, Cristian and Cheryl went for the mambo. Cristian was working the heck out of his one good arm, finishing the dance with a one-armed lift where he held Cheryl in the air over his hip. Len said it was full of energy and that he was surprised at how many under-arm turns they could do with just one arm. Bruno said it had more energy than a volcano in the Andes. Carrie Ann said they were definitely on fire. When the scores were read, Cristian pumped his good fist in the air and received congratulations from the rest of the dancer. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Scoreboard:
Cristian & Cheryl: 57
Kristi & Mark: 55
Mario & Karina: 53
Jason & Edyta: 52
Marissa & Tony: 50
Tue, May 6, 2008
It was getting down to crunch time as "Dancing with the Stars" celebrated its 100th episode and one of the final five remaining couples would have to pack their bags. It was a night of looking back, but four couples would leave looking ahead to the remaining couple of weeks that will determine who wins the ugliest trophy in television history.
The night kicked off with a rousing performance from 12 dancing pros, past and present, who shook and shimmied to "Hard to Handle."
To the recap: R&B singer Mario was loving ballroom dancing after the judges' first round of comments, but got some words on his second dance that weren't so pleasant. Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur said her Monday performance "really felt like Broadway," but that might not be what the judges are looking for. Olympian Kristi Yamagucho was again looking unstoppable after her first dance Monday, but felt some rare criticism after her second dance. NFL star Jason Taylor failed to seize a chance to top the pack. Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente was still beaming after his best night ever.
Oh my, Ohno! Rascal Flatts came out to perform their newest single, "Everyday," and Apolo Anton Ohno and pro Julianne Hough seemed to rekindle some old flames with a smokin' hot performance. "Dancing" alum Mario Lopez followed it up 'by leading a number from "A Chorus Line," which he's joined on Broadway. Rascal Flatts performed "Life Is a Highway" with Mel B. and Maksim Chmerkovskiy taking the dance floor.
To the results: The first couple moving on to the semifinals was Marissa and Tony. Marissa squealed with joy and sheer shock. The next guaranteed spot in the semifinals went to Kristi and Mark. The third couple safe was Cristian and Cheryl, leaving Mario and Karina, and Jason and Edyta to await the final word. The couple home was ... Mario and Karina.
The night kicked off with a rousing performance from 12 dancing pros, past and present, who shook and shimmied to "Hard to Handle."
To the recap: R&B singer Mario was loving ballroom dancing after the judges' first round of comments, but got some words on his second dance that weren't so pleasant. Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur said her Monday performance "really felt like Broadway," but that might not be what the judges are looking for. Olympian Kristi Yamagucho was again looking unstoppable after her first dance Monday, but felt some rare criticism after her second dance. NFL star Jason Taylor failed to seize a chance to top the pack. Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente was still beaming after his best night ever.
Oh my, Ohno! Rascal Flatts came out to perform their newest single, "Everyday," and Apolo Anton Ohno and pro Julianne Hough seemed to rekindle some old flames with a smokin' hot performance. "Dancing" alum Mario Lopez followed it up 'by leading a number from "A Chorus Line," which he's joined on Broadway. Rascal Flatts performed "Life Is a Highway" with Mel B. and Maksim Chmerkovskiy taking the dance floor.
To the results: The first couple moving on to the semifinals was Marissa and Tony. Marissa squealed with joy and sheer shock. The next guaranteed spot in the semifinals went to Kristi and Mark. The third couple safe was Cristian and Cheryl, leaving Mario and Karina, and Jason and Edyta to await the final word. The couple home was ... Mario and Karina.
Mon, May 12, 2008
Three months can fly by when you're having fun. Host Tom Bergeron reminded viewers of the journey that led them to the 90-minute semifinal round where four couples would compete for three spots in the final. Random draws decided which dances each couple would perform. The one-week pass on lifts was rescinded, so the dancers would be penalized for lifts. Judge Len Goodman told all the dancers that because they were performing dances they'd done before, so they were really expected to step up their games.
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor was up first, looking to bounce back from his samba he previous week. Jason pulled the foxtrot and the paso doble from the random drawing. Those are both dances he's performed well, but this round would require new music and choreography. To get Jason back in competitive mode, his partner Edyta Sliwinska gave him a classic chalkboard coach's pep talk. She also got Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino to give Jason a boost, via video. Jason and Edyta performed a foxtrot to "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." Len said Jason glided around the ballroom and said it was "fantastic." Judge Bruno Tonioli praised Jason and Edyta's choreography. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said Jason had a lot of content and a lot of charisma and said, "good job." Scores: 9, 10 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur and her partner Tony Davolani landed at the bottom of the judges' scoreboard the previous week. She drew the rumba and quickstep for her semifinal dances. Marissa got a visit from Stacy Kiebler, who was paired with Tony in the past. Marissa and Tony danced the quickstep "for everyone who believed in us," Marissa said. Bruno pointed out that Marissa missed a move and Marissa said, "you noticed." Carrie Ann thought Marissa did "a great classic quickstep." Len said that for a dance so technical and so fast, "I thought you did a great job." Scores: 9, 9 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente and his partner Cheryl Burke drew the samba and the Viennese waltz. The samba was the dance they were performing when Cristian injured his arm two weeks earlier. He had to overcome some mental anxiety. But that would wait until after they performed a Viennese waltz to Dave Matthews Band's "Satellite." Carrie Ann said it was enjoyable to watch. Len said everything was better than the last time. Bruno said it was a Viennese waltz "with a wow factor." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Kristi & Mark: Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi was looking to regain her place at the top of the leaderboard after two weeks out of first place. Her partner Mark Ballas Jr. took her to a professional ballroom class to get some feedback on their routine. She was once again reminded to show some more passion during her dance, especially on the tango, which was what the couple would have to be performing, in addition to the jive. Len said everything technically fine and said "sometimes, for me, it was a little bit hectic." Bruno said a bunch of stuff very loudly that made it sound like he enjoyed the performance very much. Carrie Ann nearly had a wardrobe malfunction while rising to give Kristi a standing ovation. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
At the half: Kristi and Mark led the scoreboard with 29 points; followed by Jason and Edyta with 28; Cristian and Cheryl with 27; and Marissa and Tony with 26.
Len's pointers: Len visited each of the dancers and gave them each a specific step that he wanted to see in their Latin dances.
Jason & Edyta: Jason and Edyta performed the paso doble. Jason got through the dance with far fewer poses than he did last time and brought a great amount of intensity. Bruno said Jason had "the strength and momentum of 'Ironman.'" Carrie Ann said the judges have knocked him before for not having enough content in his routines but this one had way more choreography, way more difficult steps and said he did a great job, "nice execution." Len said Jason was a bit like the price of gas, "you're going up." Scores: 9, 9 and 9. Total: 55 out of 60.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony performed a sultry rumba to "Just the Two of Us." Carrie Ann said she "wasn't excited by that." She didn't feel like it was a semifinal dance. Len said the rumba doesn't have the wow factor of the other Latin dances, it is a precise dance, "it has got to be right on the money with the technique and the choreography. I thought you did a very, very good job." Bruno said the last time he told her it wasn't sexy enough, but this time she pulled it off. Carrie Ann jumped back in and blasted the judges, suggesting they weren't holding Marissa to as high of a standard as they were holding the other dancers. Scores: 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 52 out of 60.
Cristian and Cheryl: Cristian and Cheryl took on the samba for the first since the injury. It was an intense and fun display. Len said it was "hotter than a chili pepper." He said he thought Cristian's arm injury made him focus and come out stronger than he'd ever been before. He did criticize Cristian for being a bit flat footed at times. Bruno said it was the rematch of the century. Carrie Ann said Cristian reminded her of Emmitt Smith, who won this whole thing not long ago. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 56 out of 60.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark danced a new jive, a dance that scored them a perfect 30 a few weeks back. This one seemed to lack a little bit of the style and performance of the first. Bruno said it was the cherry on the icing on the cake of a sweet, delicious jive. Carrie Ann said it was an extremely difficult routine and said Mark throws more difficulty at Kristi than any other dancer in the competition. Len said there was great rhythm, but said it was just a little bit stiff at times. Scores: 9, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 57 out of 60.
Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 57
Cristian & Cheryl: 56
Jason & Edyta: 55
Marissa & Tony: 52
Jason & Edyta: NFL star Jason Taylor was up first, looking to bounce back from his samba he previous week. Jason pulled the foxtrot and the paso doble from the random drawing. Those are both dances he's performed well, but this round would require new music and choreography. To get Jason back in competitive mode, his partner Edyta Sliwinska gave him a classic chalkboard coach's pep talk. She also got Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino to give Jason a boost, via video. Jason and Edyta performed a foxtrot to "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off." Len said Jason glided around the ballroom and said it was "fantastic." Judge Bruno Tonioli praised Jason and Edyta's choreography. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said Jason had a lot of content and a lot of charisma and said, "good job." Scores: 9, 10 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Marissa & Tony: Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur and her partner Tony Davolani landed at the bottom of the judges' scoreboard the previous week. She drew the rumba and quickstep for her semifinal dances. Marissa got a visit from Stacy Kiebler, who was paired with Tony in the past. Marissa and Tony danced the quickstep "for everyone who believed in us," Marissa said. Bruno pointed out that Marissa missed a move and Marissa said, "you noticed." Carrie Ann thought Marissa did "a great classic quickstep." Len said that for a dance so technical and so fast, "I thought you did a great job." Scores: 9, 9 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cristian & Cheryl: Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente and his partner Cheryl Burke drew the samba and the Viennese waltz. The samba was the dance they were performing when Cristian injured his arm two weeks earlier. He had to overcome some mental anxiety. But that would wait until after they performed a Viennese waltz to Dave Matthews Band's "Satellite." Carrie Ann said it was enjoyable to watch. Len said everything was better than the last time. Bruno said it was a Viennese waltz "with a wow factor." Scores: 9, 9 and 9.
Kristi & Mark: Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi was looking to regain her place at the top of the leaderboard after two weeks out of first place. Her partner Mark Ballas Jr. took her to a professional ballroom class to get some feedback on their routine. She was once again reminded to show some more passion during her dance, especially on the tango, which was what the couple would have to be performing, in addition to the jive. Len said everything technically fine and said "sometimes, for me, it was a little bit hectic." Bruno said a bunch of stuff very loudly that made it sound like he enjoyed the performance very much. Carrie Ann nearly had a wardrobe malfunction while rising to give Kristi a standing ovation. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
At the half: Kristi and Mark led the scoreboard with 29 points; followed by Jason and Edyta with 28; Cristian and Cheryl with 27; and Marissa and Tony with 26.
Len's pointers: Len visited each of the dancers and gave them each a specific step that he wanted to see in their Latin dances.
Jason & Edyta: Jason and Edyta performed the paso doble. Jason got through the dance with far fewer poses than he did last time and brought a great amount of intensity. Bruno said Jason had "the strength and momentum of 'Ironman.'" Carrie Ann said the judges have knocked him before for not having enough content in his routines but this one had way more choreography, way more difficult steps and said he did a great job, "nice execution." Len said Jason was a bit like the price of gas, "you're going up." Scores: 9, 9 and 9. Total: 55 out of 60.
Marissa & Tony: Marissa and Tony performed a sultry rumba to "Just the Two of Us." Carrie Ann said she "wasn't excited by that." She didn't feel like it was a semifinal dance. Len said the rumba doesn't have the wow factor of the other Latin dances, it is a precise dance, "it has got to be right on the money with the technique and the choreography. I thought you did a very, very good job." Bruno said the last time he told her it wasn't sexy enough, but this time she pulled it off. Carrie Ann jumped back in and blasted the judges, suggesting they weren't holding Marissa to as high of a standard as they were holding the other dancers. Scores: 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 52 out of 60.
Cristian and Cheryl: Cristian and Cheryl took on the samba for the first since the injury. It was an intense and fun display. Len said it was "hotter than a chili pepper." He said he thought Cristian's arm injury made him focus and come out stronger than he'd ever been before. He did criticize Cristian for being a bit flat footed at times. Bruno said it was the rematch of the century. Carrie Ann said Cristian reminded her of Emmitt Smith, who won this whole thing not long ago. Scores: 10, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 56 out of 60.
Kristi & Mark: Kristi and Mark danced a new jive, a dance that scored them a perfect 30 a few weeks back. This one seemed to lack a little bit of the style and performance of the first. Bruno said it was the cherry on the icing on the cake of a sweet, delicious jive. Carrie Ann said it was an extremely difficult routine and said Mark throws more difficulty at Kristi than any other dancer in the competition. Len said there was great rhythm, but said it was just a little bit stiff at times. Scores: 9, 9 and 10, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 57 out of 60.
Scoreboard:
Kristi & Mark: 57
Cristian & Cheryl: 56
Jason & Edyta: 55
Marissa & Tony: 52
Tue, May 13, 2008
Tuesday's elimination show would decide which three couples would vie for the ugliest trophy in television. Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi's dominance was waning a bit, while actor Cristian de la Fuente had come on strong since his arm injury. NFL star Jason Taylor was still a favorite, but had slipped down the leader board, while Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur found herself at the bottom of the judges' scoreboard for the second consecutive week.
To the tape: Going back over Monday's performances, the highlight reel showed Len calling Jason's foxtrot "brilliant" after giving him a 10. "Thank you, Len! I love you ... like a play cousin." Jason exclaimed backstage. Cristian rejoiced in his "wow" from judge Bruno Tonioli, but expressed nervousness about the samba. "I didn't finish in the ER," Cristian said backstage. Kristi thanks Bruno and Carrie Ann for their 10's on her first dance. Marissa said she couldn't believe she missed the leap on their quickstep. Marissa decided she'd be around next week, regardless of whether it was in a seat in the audience.
Once more, with feeling: Len asked Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. to perform their tango for the encore performance. So they did.
Kidding around:Viewers were going to be allowed to vote for the kids in the Ballroom Kids' competition, and first up were Rashell and Aaron. They danced the cha cha cha. Len said he thought it was fantastic and that their "little bums were flying around all over the place." Bruno loved their arm movements. Carrie Ann Inaba said they looked like little munchkins. Later, Jaryd and Cara danced the samba. Carrie Ann wanted to put the kids in her pocket and said it was the perfect blend of entertainment and technique. Len said he'd rather watch the two of them than "those big ones" backstage. Brandon and Brittany, the oldest dancers in the kids' competition, were darn near amazing with their paso doble. Bruno said it was incredible and said it was worthy of the final. Carrie Ann said she was "seriously impressed" with the couple and thanked them for their performance. Len said to see two kids come out live and dance to that standard. He said, "I know the other two were cute and everything else, but these two are the real deal. This was fantastic."
Backstage check-in: Marissa said she was shocked that she was still there and that she was so thankful to the fans for keeping her in it. Cristian said he, too, was happy and surprised to be there. He said he'd love to get into the finals, even if it meant suspending his budding romance with Jason.
Wanna Be Startin' Something? R&B singer Omarion and a 19-member dance troupe performed a tribute to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," in honor of the album's 25th anniversary. On that note, I ran to double check my and calendar and realized that, yes, it has been that long. i kind of blacked out for the next several minutes.
To the results: The first couple, in no particular order, to land a spot in the final was ... Kristi and Mark. After a commercial break, the next couple advancing to the finals was revealed to be ... Jason and Edyta. With the two athletes in the final, that left Cristian and Cheryl, and Marissa and Tony vying for the third and final spot in the final. The couple going home was ... Marissa and Tony. "So close!" Marissa exclaimed after the result was announced. On her way out, Marissa took the microphone and said, "I want everyone to just go out and do something fun, and do something that makes you feel sexy, and shake what your momma gave you!"
To the tape: Going back over Monday's performances, the highlight reel showed Len calling Jason's foxtrot "brilliant" after giving him a 10. "Thank you, Len! I love you ... like a play cousin." Jason exclaimed backstage. Cristian rejoiced in his "wow" from judge Bruno Tonioli, but expressed nervousness about the samba. "I didn't finish in the ER," Cristian said backstage. Kristi thanks Bruno and Carrie Ann for their 10's on her first dance. Marissa said she couldn't believe she missed the leap on their quickstep. Marissa decided she'd be around next week, regardless of whether it was in a seat in the audience.
Once more, with feeling: Len asked Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. to perform their tango for the encore performance. So they did.
Kidding around:Viewers were going to be allowed to vote for the kids in the Ballroom Kids' competition, and first up were Rashell and Aaron. They danced the cha cha cha. Len said he thought it was fantastic and that their "little bums were flying around all over the place." Bruno loved their arm movements. Carrie Ann Inaba said they looked like little munchkins. Later, Jaryd and Cara danced the samba. Carrie Ann wanted to put the kids in her pocket and said it was the perfect blend of entertainment and technique. Len said he'd rather watch the two of them than "those big ones" backstage. Brandon and Brittany, the oldest dancers in the kids' competition, were darn near amazing with their paso doble. Bruno said it was incredible and said it was worthy of the final. Carrie Ann said she was "seriously impressed" with the couple and thanked them for their performance. Len said to see two kids come out live and dance to that standard. He said, "I know the other two were cute and everything else, but these two are the real deal. This was fantastic."
Backstage check-in: Marissa said she was shocked that she was still there and that she was so thankful to the fans for keeping her in it. Cristian said he, too, was happy and surprised to be there. He said he'd love to get into the finals, even if it meant suspending his budding romance with Jason.
Wanna Be Startin' Something? R&B singer Omarion and a 19-member dance troupe performed a tribute to Michael Jackson's "Thriller," in honor of the album's 25th anniversary. On that note, I ran to double check my and calendar and realized that, yes, it has been that long. i kind of blacked out for the next several minutes.
To the results: The first couple, in no particular order, to land a spot in the final was ... Kristi and Mark. After a commercial break, the next couple advancing to the finals was revealed to be ... Jason and Edyta. With the two athletes in the final, that left Cristian and Cheryl, and Marissa and Tony vying for the third and final spot in the final. The couple going home was ... Marissa and Tony. "So close!" Marissa exclaimed after the result was announced. On her way out, Marissa took the microphone and said, "I want everyone to just go out and do something fun, and do something that makes you feel sexy, and shake what your momma gave you!"
Mon, May 19, 2008
The battle for the hideous mirror ball trophy came down to the two-day finale that kicked off with an hour on Monday night that would see the final three couples dancing a cha cha cha in a dance off for the first time and a freestyle performance "where the rules are: there are no rules."
Host Tom Bergeron read off the totals for the season: He tallied 2,857 combined hours of training, 89 competitive routines, 2,125 judges' points, several gallons of spray tan and three trips to the emergency room.
Face off! Each couple would dance for one minute to the same song and they randomly drew numbers to determine the order. It came down to Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke; Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska; and Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas Jr., in that order. They practiced their routines individually, then had to rehearse them together, where the couples all got to see each others' moves.
Cristian and Cheryl started the routine with Cristian bravely wearing a hot pick vest over hot pick spandex pants. They were upbeat and energetic, but didn't do much in the way of spectacular moves until then when they slid in tandem. Jason and Edyta worked things out in a style of dance that wasn't Jason's forte. They pulled off some acrobatic moves, though, with Jason launching himself over Edyta, then sliding on his stomach back through her legs. Kristi and Mark burst onto the floor, though, with Kristi running to the judges' table and planting a big kiss on judge Bruno Tonioli before stealing the show with high energy and fancy footwork. The routine ended with a pretty awesome finishing pose in which Jason and Cristian lifted Kristi into the air with her back parallel to the floor, with Jason holding her outstretched arms, Cristian holding one leg and Kristi kicking her other leg straight up.
Judge Len Goodman said the routine "really got me going." He told Cristian he had great hips, great rhythm and "all the gear in the rear." He told Jason he had great elegance, but that he would have done better with a foxtrot and that Latin dancing wasn't really his thing. He told Kristi she had the technique and the style that Jason had, plus the hips and the rhythm that Cristian had, and called her "the complete package." Bruno, who still had Kristi's lipstick on his upper lip, said it was so exciting and they all did well. He told Cristian he really showed improvement, called Jason's routine very athletic, and said Kristi was in a class of her own. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said it was a nice format to be able to see the differences between the couples. She told Cristian his injury might have affected his posture a bit. She told Jason he pulled it off but that his "awkward arms" were still presence. She told Kristi, "I'm sorry, it's ladies' night, you won that, hands down."
Scores: Cristian and Cheryl scored 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Jason and Edyta scored 8, 8 and 8. Kristi and Mark scored 10, 10 and 10.
To the freestyle: Kristi and Mark weren't looking to hold anything back as they rehearsed for the freestyle. Mark wanted Kristi to boost him at one point so that he could do a backflip, but she wasn't feeling too confident. Mark called in "Dancing" pro Julianne Hough, who was formerly his competitive dancing partner. Julianne showed Kristi some moves and Kristi heeded her advice since Julianne has won the show the past two seasons. The backflip provided for brilliant drama as viewers waited to see if they could pull it off. Of course, they did, and filled the room with electricity with an inspired fusion of mambo and hip hop. The sparkly costumes didn't hurt, either. Bruno said it was very demanding and told Kristi she "did not miss a beat." He said it was worthy of the championship. Carrie Ann said the men have an easier tendency to be crowd pleasers, "but not tonight." She called Kristi the big crowd pleaser. Len said he's not a lover of hip hop but said their dance held his attention from start to finish. "I absolutely loved it," he said. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. That's a perfect 60 out of 60.
Jason and Edyta knew they had to make the freestyle "out of control" and do something special. Edyta wanted to take advantage of Jason's height and strength, but as they practiced lifts, Edyta was continually crashing and tumbling to the ground. Could they get it together for the performance? As Jason said, "This is finals, so it's either go big or go home." The performance lacked a bit in terms of flashiness, but there was a lot of ripping off of clothes, and that never hurts. First, Jason ripped Edyta's skirt off to reveal her more traditional skimpy shorts. At the end, Edyta tore off Jason's tank top to show off his ripped physique. Carrie Ann said she was glad to see Edyta in the finale, and said the lifts were the most ambitious she'd ever seen. Len said he liked the humor they brought to the performance and said he could see it on South beach. Bruno said "it was like watching centerfolds, and the dance wasn't bad, either." Scores: 9, 9 and 9. That's 51 out of 60.
Cristian and Cheryl prayed before the commercial break heading into their freestyle. He said, "The freestyle can either make you or break you, and I'm already broken. So, bring it on!" In rehearsal, he fell during a slide and landed on his bad arm, letting out a big yell. He said he didn't want any sympathy, though, and persevered through practice with one of Cheryl's past trophies sitting nearby for inspiration. Len said he liked the Latin flavor they brought to the dance. He had to compared the couple to the others and said some of the lifts weren't quite up to the standard of the other two. Bruno said, "for one arm, you did bloody well." Carrie Ann said they were looking for who is going to win it, and she didn't see that in anyone but Kristi, but she said Cristian is a winner in so many other ways. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. That's 52 out of 60.
Host Tom Bergeron read off the totals for the season: He tallied 2,857 combined hours of training, 89 competitive routines, 2,125 judges' points, several gallons of spray tan and three trips to the emergency room.
Face off! Each couple would dance for one minute to the same song and they randomly drew numbers to determine the order. It came down to Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke; Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska; and Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas Jr., in that order. They practiced their routines individually, then had to rehearse them together, where the couples all got to see each others' moves.
Cristian and Cheryl started the routine with Cristian bravely wearing a hot pick vest over hot pick spandex pants. They were upbeat and energetic, but didn't do much in the way of spectacular moves until then when they slid in tandem. Jason and Edyta worked things out in a style of dance that wasn't Jason's forte. They pulled off some acrobatic moves, though, with Jason launching himself over Edyta, then sliding on his stomach back through her legs. Kristi and Mark burst onto the floor, though, with Kristi running to the judges' table and planting a big kiss on judge Bruno Tonioli before stealing the show with high energy and fancy footwork. The routine ended with a pretty awesome finishing pose in which Jason and Cristian lifted Kristi into the air with her back parallel to the floor, with Jason holding her outstretched arms, Cristian holding one leg and Kristi kicking her other leg straight up.
Judge Len Goodman said the routine "really got me going." He told Cristian he had great hips, great rhythm and "all the gear in the rear." He told Jason he had great elegance, but that he would have done better with a foxtrot and that Latin dancing wasn't really his thing. He told Kristi she had the technique and the style that Jason had, plus the hips and the rhythm that Cristian had, and called her "the complete package." Bruno, who still had Kristi's lipstick on his upper lip, said it was so exciting and they all did well. He told Cristian he really showed improvement, called Jason's routine very athletic, and said Kristi was in a class of her own. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said it was a nice format to be able to see the differences between the couples. She told Cristian his injury might have affected his posture a bit. She told Jason he pulled it off but that his "awkward arms" were still presence. She told Kristi, "I'm sorry, it's ladies' night, you won that, hands down."
Scores: Cristian and Cheryl scored 8, 9 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Jason and Edyta scored 8, 8 and 8. Kristi and Mark scored 10, 10 and 10.
To the freestyle: Kristi and Mark weren't looking to hold anything back as they rehearsed for the freestyle. Mark wanted Kristi to boost him at one point so that he could do a backflip, but she wasn't feeling too confident. Mark called in "Dancing" pro Julianne Hough, who was formerly his competitive dancing partner. Julianne showed Kristi some moves and Kristi heeded her advice since Julianne has won the show the past two seasons. The backflip provided for brilliant drama as viewers waited to see if they could pull it off. Of course, they did, and filled the room with electricity with an inspired fusion of mambo and hip hop. The sparkly costumes didn't hurt, either. Bruno said it was very demanding and told Kristi she "did not miss a beat." He said it was worthy of the championship. Carrie Ann said the men have an easier tendency to be crowd pleasers, "but not tonight." She called Kristi the big crowd pleaser. Len said he's not a lover of hip hop but said their dance held his attention from start to finish. "I absolutely loved it," he said. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. That's a perfect 60 out of 60.
Jason and Edyta knew they had to make the freestyle "out of control" and do something special. Edyta wanted to take advantage of Jason's height and strength, but as they practiced lifts, Edyta was continually crashing and tumbling to the ground. Could they get it together for the performance? As Jason said, "This is finals, so it's either go big or go home." The performance lacked a bit in terms of flashiness, but there was a lot of ripping off of clothes, and that never hurts. First, Jason ripped Edyta's skirt off to reveal her more traditional skimpy shorts. At the end, Edyta tore off Jason's tank top to show off his ripped physique. Carrie Ann said she was glad to see Edyta in the finale, and said the lifts were the most ambitious she'd ever seen. Len said he liked the humor they brought to the performance and said he could see it on South beach. Bruno said "it was like watching centerfolds, and the dance wasn't bad, either." Scores: 9, 9 and 9. That's 51 out of 60.
Cristian and Cheryl prayed before the commercial break heading into their freestyle. He said, "The freestyle can either make you or break you, and I'm already broken. So, bring it on!" In rehearsal, he fell during a slide and landed on his bad arm, letting out a big yell. He said he didn't want any sympathy, though, and persevered through practice with one of Cheryl's past trophies sitting nearby for inspiration. Len said he liked the Latin flavor they brought to the dance. He had to compared the couple to the others and said some of the lifts weren't quite up to the standard of the other two. Bruno said, "for one arm, you did bloody well." Carrie Ann said they were looking for who is going to win it, and she didn't see that in anyone but Kristi, but she said Cristian is a winner in so many other ways. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. That's 52 out of 60.
Tue, May 20, 2008
Three stars, one really ugly trophy. That's what it came down to as the remaining trio of celebrities went into a dragged out, two-hour finale that would determine which of them walked away with the sixth season title on "Dancing with the Stars."
To the recap: NFL star Jason Taylor said that going head to head with Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi was "like going the wrong way on the highway. It's an accident waiting to happen."
Host Tom Bergeron reminded viewers that only once in five season has the judges' runaway high scorer actually walked away with the trophy. A noteworthy bit of history, or just a little something to keep folks tuned in for the two-hour drama?
Usher in the show: Usher came on to (apparently, allegedly) lip-synch his new single, "Love in This Club." He'd return later to do his best known hit, "Yeah."
Historical perspective: Several stars from seasons past, including Drew Lachey, Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, and that guy who used to play Kojak -- oh wait, that was Joey Lawrence -- put in their two cents.
First out: Just 15 minutes into the finale, the first result was announced and it meant that it was time for Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente and his partner Cheryl Burke to claim third place. Cristian waved to the crowd with his good arm. He said he was glad he made the decision to stay in the competition after his injury. Bergeron told Cristian that when he decided to stay in the competition, he thought Cristian was nuts. A crying Cheryl told Cristian, "I love you, and I'll miss you and your family so much." Cristian offered up one last paso doble for the road.
Down memory lane: Magician Penn Jillette and his partner Kym Johnson, who were one of the first two eliminated couples, came back to dance again. And Penn again jokingly tripped as he walked backstage. Next up were tennis champ Monica Seles and her partner Jonathan Roberts, and Seles looked just as awkward as ever (but in a good way). The Gute, Steve Guttenberg, danced next with his partner Anna Trebunskaya, and Gute continued to play the eternal optimist as he was unable to think of his "least favorite" moment on the show. Comedian Adam Carolla and his partner Julianne Hough brought back the unicycle for their dramatic paso doble.
To the kids: The winners of the first Ballroom Juniors competition were Brandon and Brittany. Unfortunately, they didn't reprise their last performance, which was truly remarkable, regardless of age.
Back to memory lane: Actress and legendary wife Priscilla Presley returned with her partner Louis van Amstel to perform the tango. Oscar winning actress Marlee Matlin and her partner Fabian Sanchez returned to the dance floor, followed by actress Shannon Elizabeth and her partner Derek Hough. Shannon took a moment to thank the judges, which she said she hadn't done before. R&B singer Mario returned with his partner Karina Smirnoff to dance the mambo. Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur and her partner Tony Dovolani returned to performance the paso doble and Marissa reiterated that she's never felt sexier than she has on the show.
The main event: Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. busted out their jive for their final performance in front of the judges. Kristi got her skirt caught on her heel for a moment, but handled it like a pro. Judge Len Goodman said she was the most consistent dancer of any season. Judge Bruno Tonioli praised her for not missing a beat, even despite the hiccup with the skirt. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she was "so proud" of Kristi and thanked her for representing the ladies so well. Bergeron reminded viewers than the judges' scores would count for half of their total, combined with the viewers' votes from Monday night's performance. Scores:10, 10 and 10. That makes a perfect 90 out of 90, when totaled with Monday's two dances.
Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska brought back their quickstep for the final performance. Bruno said the term heavenly bodies was invented for them and he told the couple it was their best performance of the season. Carrie Ann said Jason and Edyta's elegance shine through when they dance "and you are untouchable as far as grace goes." Len said that every season someone "unexpected" comes along. He said Kristi may be the judges' champion, but you're the people's champion. Jason's BFF, Cristian, gave a loud, "Woo!" in the audience. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. That's a total of 81 out of 90, combined with Monday night's scores.
And the winner is...: Kristi was the highest scorer in the history of the show, but Jason was a big fan favorite. The winners of "Dancing with the Stars" were ... Kristi and Mark!
Kristi became the first woman to win the competition since "General Hospital" star Kelly Monaco won it in Season 1. The rest of the dancers swarmed the new champs as Jason and Cristian lifted Kristi up onto their shoulders, and Derek Hough propped Mark onto his shoulders and paraded them around as confetti fell onto the floor.
To the recap: NFL star Jason Taylor said that going head to head with Olympian Kristi Yamaguchi was "like going the wrong way on the highway. It's an accident waiting to happen."
Host Tom Bergeron reminded viewers that only once in five season has the judges' runaway high scorer actually walked away with the trophy. A noteworthy bit of history, or just a little something to keep folks tuned in for the two-hour drama?
Usher in the show: Usher came on to (apparently, allegedly) lip-synch his new single, "Love in This Club." He'd return later to do his best known hit, "Yeah."
Historical perspective: Several stars from seasons past, including Drew Lachey, Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, and that guy who used to play Kojak -- oh wait, that was Joey Lawrence -- put in their two cents.
First out: Just 15 minutes into the finale, the first result was announced and it meant that it was time for Chilean actor Cristian de la Fuente and his partner Cheryl Burke to claim third place. Cristian waved to the crowd with his good arm. He said he was glad he made the decision to stay in the competition after his injury. Bergeron told Cristian that when he decided to stay in the competition, he thought Cristian was nuts. A crying Cheryl told Cristian, "I love you, and I'll miss you and your family so much." Cristian offered up one last paso doble for the road.
Down memory lane: Magician Penn Jillette and his partner Kym Johnson, who were one of the first two eliminated couples, came back to dance again. And Penn again jokingly tripped as he walked backstage. Next up were tennis champ Monica Seles and her partner Jonathan Roberts, and Seles looked just as awkward as ever (but in a good way). The Gute, Steve Guttenberg, danced next with his partner Anna Trebunskaya, and Gute continued to play the eternal optimist as he was unable to think of his "least favorite" moment on the show. Comedian Adam Carolla and his partner Julianne Hough brought back the unicycle for their dramatic paso doble.
To the kids: The winners of the first Ballroom Juniors competition were Brandon and Brittany. Unfortunately, they didn't reprise their last performance, which was truly remarkable, regardless of age.
Back to memory lane: Actress and legendary wife Priscilla Presley returned with her partner Louis van Amstel to perform the tango. Oscar winning actress Marlee Matlin and her partner Fabian Sanchez returned to the dance floor, followed by actress Shannon Elizabeth and her partner Derek Hough. Shannon took a moment to thank the judges, which she said she hadn't done before. R&B singer Mario returned with his partner Karina Smirnoff to dance the mambo. Tony Award winner Marissa Jaret Winokur and her partner Tony Dovolani returned to performance the paso doble and Marissa reiterated that she's never felt sexier than she has on the show.
The main event: Kristi and her partner Mark Ballas Jr. busted out their jive for their final performance in front of the judges. Kristi got her skirt caught on her heel for a moment, but handled it like a pro. Judge Len Goodman said she was the most consistent dancer of any season. Judge Bruno Tonioli praised her for not missing a beat, even despite the hiccup with the skirt. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba said she was "so proud" of Kristi and thanked her for representing the ladies so well. Bergeron reminded viewers than the judges' scores would count for half of their total, combined with the viewers' votes from Monday night's performance. Scores:10, 10 and 10. That makes a perfect 90 out of 90, when totaled with Monday's two dances.
Jason and his partner Edyta Sliwinska brought back their quickstep for the final performance. Bruno said the term heavenly bodies was invented for them and he told the couple it was their best performance of the season. Carrie Ann said Jason and Edyta's elegance shine through when they dance "and you are untouchable as far as grace goes." Len said that every season someone "unexpected" comes along. He said Kristi may be the judges' champion, but you're the people's champion. Jason's BFF, Cristian, gave a loud, "Woo!" in the audience. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. That's a total of 81 out of 90, combined with Monday night's scores.
And the winner is...: Kristi was the highest scorer in the history of the show, but Jason was a big fan favorite. The winners of "Dancing with the Stars" were ... Kristi and Mark!
Kristi became the first woman to win the competition since "General Hospital" star Kelly Monaco won it in Season 1. The rest of the dancers swarmed the new champs as Jason and Cristian lifted Kristi up onto their shoulders, and Derek Hough propped Mark onto his shoulders and paraded them around as confetti fell onto the floor.
Mon, Sep 22, 2008
The seventh season of "Dancing with the Stars" kicked off with host Tom Bergeron promising the biggest season ever as the stars would tackle two dances in the first week. It was a battle of old versus young (Cloris Leachman and Cody Linley), big versus small (Warren Sapp and Susan Lucci) and Olympian versus Olympian (Misty May Treanor and Maurice Greene).
The dancers had to learn two dances in their first week, performing one each on Monday and Tuesday -- except for one couple that would be eliminated on Tuesday, based on Monday night's vote. One more dancer would be eliminated on Wednesday.
The stars are:
Cody & Julianne: Cody introduced himself, saying something people might not know about him is that he likes to be beat-box. (Some things are best kept to one's self). He was paired with Julianne, who said she's "ready to take my title back." Cody admitted it was tough to focus on the dance rather than "Julianne's hotness." Their first dance was the cha cha cha. Judge Len Goodman said they came out "full of confidence." Bruno Tonioli told Cody to focus on his steps, "Channel all that energy and make it work cleanly." Carrie Ann Inaba was stunned that their combined age is "still younger than my age." Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
Injury report: Tom let viewers know that in rehearsals, Karina Smirnoff twisted her ankle badly and Jeffrey Ross took a poke in the eye. "We'll tell you how this will effect the show and the competition when we come back," he said.
Rocco & Karina: Karina decided to go on with the show despite the bad ankle twist. Rocco struggled with avoiding looking down and keeping his head in place. Even as they got themselves set to dance, Karina was putting Rocco's head in place. Rocco seemed to struggle a bit in spots, and it looked like the ending fell apart just a little. Bruno said it was "a foxtrot on the brink of chaos." Carrie Ann "thought it was really cute." Len said Rocco dances like Len cooks, "Just throw it all in and hope for the best." Scores: 5, 4, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. "I forgot we had a 4," Bergeron said.
Toni & Alec: Toni was excited to be paired with the first season's champion, Alec Mazo. She told him she'd recently been diagnosed with micro vascular angina and decided to do the show as a personal challenge. They danced the cha cha cha. Carrie Ann said the performance was "like we should be in Week 5." Len said it was a good mix of basic cha cha cha movements and clever choreography. Bruno said, "everyone knows I like my divas slinky, sultry, sexy, and you were all those." Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Maurice & Cheryl: Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene tried to show Cheryl Burke some of his moves, to which she said, "What the hell is that?" They danced the foxtrot. Parts of it seemed like they were in super-slow motion. Len said there were parts that were wild, parts that were wacky and parts that were wonderful. He warned Maurice not to forget, "This isn't a sprint, this competition is a marathon." Bruno said that Maurice has to combined some of his own groove with technical skills. Carrie Ann said the parts that were foxtrot were a little stiff. Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke said that something people might not know about her is that she's a mother of four, including one that was born six months ago. Derek said he was excited about Brooke's legs, because her lines will look great. But she was having trouble remembering her steps and worried she'd forget them while dancing in front of millions of people. They danced the cha cha cha. Carrie Ann said Brooke's body was "totally designed to dance." Bruno said "Brooke is going for broke" and said Len was panting at watching her hip action. Len simply called it the "best dance so far." Scores: 7, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Ted & Inna: Ted McGinley, who has appeared on dozens of TV shows, including "Married...with Children." He was paired with a newcomer, Inna Brayer. McGinley painted himself as the every man, and dedicated his foxtrot to all the other guys watching the show even though they wanted to watch football. Bruno said "at moments you had the elegance of Cary Grant in 'To Catch a Thief,' and at times you looked like Steve Carell in 'Get Smart.' Len praised his footwork and told him "well done." Carrie Ann said she could tell he was nervous, but that he looked great and needed to relax a bit. Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass said that people didn't realized that he was the worst dancer in N-Sync. His partner, Lacey Schwimmer, is a newcomer who said she isn't a typical ballroom dancer. Lance said that since Season 3 actors had taken over the competition, and it's about time entertainers take it back. They danced the cha cha cha. The crowd loved it, and fellow N-Syncer Joey Fatone applauded enthusiastically in the audience. Len said "what you did, you did well. It was young and modern. The problem is, I'm old and traditional. I don't want a hodge-podge of moves." Carrie Ann said it was "hot, hot, hot." Bruno called it edgy and said it was "a cha cha cha for now!" Scores: 8, 6, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman proudly introduced herself as the oldest dancer ever, at 82. She was paired with Corky Ballas, a newcomer to the show and father of reigning champ Mark Ballas. They danced the foxtrot. Cloris received a standing ovation from the crowd. She had the crowd and Carrie Ann in stitches as she approached the judges' table after the dance and propped her leg up on the table for Bruno as he gave his remarks. He said she floated on the floor like "Battleship Geriatric-a." She next moved to Len and got on her knees to plead with him for positive remarks. "At your age, I'm surprised how well you danced." She leaned over the table, prompting Len say, "Mind your cleavage." Carrie Ann called Cloris a "golden oldie" and said she loved what she did. As her scores were read, Cloris had the censors working the bleep button, which was pressed at least twice in response to the judges. "And people wonder why I love live television," Bergeron said. Scores: 6, 5, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jeffrey & Edyta: Jeffrey suffered a scratched cornea when he took Edyta's finger in the eye during rehearsal. Bergeron said doctors advised Jeffrey not to dance, but he came through like a trooper anyway, and wore an eye patch. He said he was doing "Dancing with the Stars" because "there's no show called 'Eating with the Comedians.'" They danced the cha cha cha after Jeffrey pronounced himself "the cha cha champion." Carrie Ann said the form was bad, the musicality was off and she didn't feel like he was having fun. Bruno said it was kind of a mess. Len said that everyone that comes on to "Dancing with the Stars" is a winner. On his way out, Jeffrey said, "Speaking of ballroom, these pants are very, very tight." Scores: 4, 4, and 4.
Kim & Mark: Mark said he was ready for a repeat to his title from last season, and Kim said she was excited to be on the show after being a longtime fan. She worried that her "terrible balance" might hold her back. They danced the fox trot. Len said it was clean and had nice musicality, but "it was a bit cold, there was no chemistry between you." Bruno said Kim is "a treasure trove that everyone would want to explore," but said she has "to make it more available." Apparently Bruno doesn't know about Google. Carrie Ann said she was "happily surprised" but suggested that Kim move her head a little more. Scores: 6, 7, and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci sought to shed a bit of her "Erica Kane" image and she danced the cha cha cha with Tony. After it was over, Bruno said she "looked like a lady, a gorgeous lady, but the cha cha cha needs a slut." He said it was too careful and that she should let herself go a bit. Carrie Ann said Susan's body was "banging" in her little red dress. She suggested Susan put on a little weight so she could get stronger. Len reiterated that it was a bit too careful. Then, Susan offered Bruno a slut and came over and seductively tossed herself into his arms. Scores: 5, 5, and 5.
Misty & Maksim: Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor said she missed the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing because she couldn't wait to get back to start rehearsing for "Dancing." She wanted to prove that she's more than just a jock. She danced the foxtrot with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who returned after taking a season off. Carrie Ann said she'd never seen someone attempt the foxtrot with so much intensity, which is good. But she suggested that she doesn't need to "muscle" everything. Len disagreed, saying it had "an elegance about it." Bruno said she needed to make sure she kept her balance on turns. Scores: 6, 8, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Warren & Kym: Warren Sapp said his only dancing experience was sack celebration dances on the football field. His partner Kym Johnson said once she got over his size, she had to get him to show some moves. The crowd was into it as they danced the cha cha cha and Warren moved with surprising ease. Bergeron said "there's something about the NFL and ballroom dancing." Len said Warren is a "great big bundle of joy" and called it "great entertainment." Carrie Ann said it was great to end the night on such a positive note. Bruno said, "Big boys can dance" and praised him for being so light on his feet. Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 23
Toni & Alec, 22
Lance & Lacey, 22
Warren & Kym, 21
Misty & Maks, 21
Kim & Mark, 19
Cloris & Corky, 19
Cody & Julianne, 18
Maurice & Cheryl, 18
Ted & Inna, 18
Susan & Tony, 15
Rocco & Karina, 14
Jeffrey & Edyta, 12
The dancers had to learn two dances in their first week, performing one each on Monday and Tuesday -- except for one couple that would be eliminated on Tuesday, based on Monday night's vote. One more dancer would be eliminated on Wednesday.
The stars are:
- "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley and Julianne Hough
- Chef Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff
- Singer Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo
- Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke
- Model and TV host Brooke Burke and Derek Hough
- Actor Ted McGinley and Inna Brayer
- Singer Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer
- Actress Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas
- Comedian Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska
- Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas
- Soap opera star Susan Lucci and Tony Dovolani
- Olympic beach volleyball player Misty May Treanor and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
- ex-NFL star Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson
Cody & Julianne: Cody introduced himself, saying something people might not know about him is that he likes to be beat-box. (Some things are best kept to one's self). He was paired with Julianne, who said she's "ready to take my title back." Cody admitted it was tough to focus on the dance rather than "Julianne's hotness." Their first dance was the cha cha cha. Judge Len Goodman said they came out "full of confidence." Bruno Tonioli told Cody to focus on his steps, "Channel all that energy and make it work cleanly." Carrie Ann Inaba was stunned that their combined age is "still younger than my age." Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
Injury report: Tom let viewers know that in rehearsals, Karina Smirnoff twisted her ankle badly and Jeffrey Ross took a poke in the eye. "We'll tell you how this will effect the show and the competition when we come back," he said.
Rocco & Karina: Karina decided to go on with the show despite the bad ankle twist. Rocco struggled with avoiding looking down and keeping his head in place. Even as they got themselves set to dance, Karina was putting Rocco's head in place. Rocco seemed to struggle a bit in spots, and it looked like the ending fell apart just a little. Bruno said it was "a foxtrot on the brink of chaos." Carrie Ann "thought it was really cute." Len said Rocco dances like Len cooks, "Just throw it all in and hope for the best." Scores: 5, 4, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. "I forgot we had a 4," Bergeron said.
Toni & Alec: Toni was excited to be paired with the first season's champion, Alec Mazo. She told him she'd recently been diagnosed with micro vascular angina and decided to do the show as a personal challenge. They danced the cha cha cha. Carrie Ann said the performance was "like we should be in Week 5." Len said it was a good mix of basic cha cha cha movements and clever choreography. Bruno said, "everyone knows I like my divas slinky, sultry, sexy, and you were all those." Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Maurice & Cheryl: Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene tried to show Cheryl Burke some of his moves, to which she said, "What the hell is that?" They danced the foxtrot. Parts of it seemed like they were in super-slow motion. Len said there were parts that were wild, parts that were wacky and parts that were wonderful. He warned Maurice not to forget, "This isn't a sprint, this competition is a marathon." Bruno said that Maurice has to combined some of his own groove with technical skills. Carrie Ann said the parts that were foxtrot were a little stiff. Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke said that something people might not know about her is that she's a mother of four, including one that was born six months ago. Derek said he was excited about Brooke's legs, because her lines will look great. But she was having trouble remembering her steps and worried she'd forget them while dancing in front of millions of people. They danced the cha cha cha. Carrie Ann said Brooke's body was "totally designed to dance." Bruno said "Brooke is going for broke" and said Len was panting at watching her hip action. Len simply called it the "best dance so far." Scores: 7, 8 and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Ted & Inna: Ted McGinley, who has appeared on dozens of TV shows, including "Married...with Children." He was paired with a newcomer, Inna Brayer. McGinley painted himself as the every man, and dedicated his foxtrot to all the other guys watching the show even though they wanted to watch football. Bruno said "at moments you had the elegance of Cary Grant in 'To Catch a Thief,' and at times you looked like Steve Carell in 'Get Smart.' Len praised his footwork and told him "well done." Carrie Ann said she could tell he was nervous, but that he looked great and needed to relax a bit. Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass said that people didn't realized that he was the worst dancer in N-Sync. His partner, Lacey Schwimmer, is a newcomer who said she isn't a typical ballroom dancer. Lance said that since Season 3 actors had taken over the competition, and it's about time entertainers take it back. They danced the cha cha cha. The crowd loved it, and fellow N-Syncer Joey Fatone applauded enthusiastically in the audience. Len said "what you did, you did well. It was young and modern. The problem is, I'm old and traditional. I don't want a hodge-podge of moves." Carrie Ann said it was "hot, hot, hot." Bruno called it edgy and said it was "a cha cha cha for now!" Scores: 8, 6, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman proudly introduced herself as the oldest dancer ever, at 82. She was paired with Corky Ballas, a newcomer to the show and father of reigning champ Mark Ballas. They danced the foxtrot. Cloris received a standing ovation from the crowd. She had the crowd and Carrie Ann in stitches as she approached the judges' table after the dance and propped her leg up on the table for Bruno as he gave his remarks. He said she floated on the floor like "Battleship Geriatric-a." She next moved to Len and got on her knees to plead with him for positive remarks. "At your age, I'm surprised how well you danced." She leaned over the table, prompting Len say, "Mind your cleavage." Carrie Ann called Cloris a "golden oldie" and said she loved what she did. As her scores were read, Cloris had the censors working the bleep button, which was pressed at least twice in response to the judges. "And people wonder why I love live television," Bergeron said. Scores: 6, 5, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Jeffrey & Edyta: Jeffrey suffered a scratched cornea when he took Edyta's finger in the eye during rehearsal. Bergeron said doctors advised Jeffrey not to dance, but he came through like a trooper anyway, and wore an eye patch. He said he was doing "Dancing with the Stars" because "there's no show called 'Eating with the Comedians.'" They danced the cha cha cha after Jeffrey pronounced himself "the cha cha champion." Carrie Ann said the form was bad, the musicality was off and she didn't feel like he was having fun. Bruno said it was kind of a mess. Len said that everyone that comes on to "Dancing with the Stars" is a winner. On his way out, Jeffrey said, "Speaking of ballroom, these pants are very, very tight." Scores: 4, 4, and 4.
Kim & Mark: Mark said he was ready for a repeat to his title from last season, and Kim said she was excited to be on the show after being a longtime fan. She worried that her "terrible balance" might hold her back. They danced the fox trot. Len said it was clean and had nice musicality, but "it was a bit cold, there was no chemistry between you." Bruno said Kim is "a treasure trove that everyone would want to explore," but said she has "to make it more available." Apparently Bruno doesn't know about Google. Carrie Ann said she was "happily surprised" but suggested that Kim move her head a little more. Scores: 6, 7, and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci sought to shed a bit of her "Erica Kane" image and she danced the cha cha cha with Tony. After it was over, Bruno said she "looked like a lady, a gorgeous lady, but the cha cha cha needs a slut." He said it was too careful and that she should let herself go a bit. Carrie Ann said Susan's body was "banging" in her little red dress. She suggested Susan put on a little weight so she could get stronger. Len reiterated that it was a bit too careful. Then, Susan offered Bruno a slut and came over and seductively tossed herself into his arms. Scores: 5, 5, and 5.
Misty & Maksim: Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor said she missed the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing because she couldn't wait to get back to start rehearsing for "Dancing." She wanted to prove that she's more than just a jock. She danced the foxtrot with Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who returned after taking a season off. Carrie Ann said she'd never seen someone attempt the foxtrot with so much intensity, which is good. But she suggested that she doesn't need to "muscle" everything. Len disagreed, saying it had "an elegance about it." Bruno said she needed to make sure she kept her balance on turns. Scores: 6, 8, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Warren & Kym: Warren Sapp said his only dancing experience was sack celebration dances on the football field. His partner Kym Johnson said once she got over his size, she had to get him to show some moves. The crowd was into it as they danced the cha cha cha and Warren moved with surprising ease. Bergeron said "there's something about the NFL and ballroom dancing." Len said Warren is a "great big bundle of joy" and called it "great entertainment." Carrie Ann said it was great to end the night on such a positive note. Bruno said, "Big boys can dance" and praised him for being so light on his feet. Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 23
Toni & Alec, 22
Lance & Lacey, 22
Warren & Kym, 21
Misty & Maks, 21
Kim & Mark, 19
Cloris & Corky, 19
Cody & Julianne, 18
Maurice & Cheryl, 18
Ted & Inna, 18
Susan & Tony, 15
Rocco & Karina, 14
Jeffrey & Edyta, 12
Tue, Sep 23, 2008
After a wild opening night, "Dancing with the Stars" offered up the second installment in a three-night season premiere on Tuesday. One couple would be eliminated based on the vote from Monday night's performances and the remaining 12 would perform, but it would be a while before viewers would find out who was going home. Let's get to the action...
Lance & Lacey: The first couple deemed, in no particular order, safe to perform were Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer. Lance talked about how Monday night's experience just flashed by and Lacey showed off her nontraditional teaching methods, telling Lance to dance like a Transformer or a gingerbread man or a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. They danced the quickstep. Judge Len Goodman said they moved well around the floor, but he didn't like their posture or holds. Bruno Tonioli said the couple was "incredible quality." Carrie Ann Inaba said she was very entertained, "but I wasn't really impressed." Scores: 7, 6, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Misty & Maks: Misty May-Treanor and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the next couple deemed safe. Maks struggled to get Misty into the sexiness of the mambo. He said she had legs like Stacy Kiebler, but he had to teach her how to use them. She vowed to "shake what my momma gave me." Carrie Ann said that Misty's strong attack on her movements were great. Len said he was surprised that an athlete could perform like that and called her brave to do so much solo work. Bruno mostly praised them, but suggested that Misty relax her arms a bit in the future. Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Maurice & Cheryl: Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke were next to be safe. Maurice was excited to shake his hips with the mambo and Cheryl had to keep him on task and make him clear about the rules. The fused some styles into the mambo, even including a bit of "The Worm" into the routine. Bruno called it "dynamic, energetic, exuberant." Carrie Ann said the transitions were very smooth and she loved that the music pumps through Maurice's body. Len said there were good things to come from Maurice, but said he didn't want to see "The Worm" (or, "The Free Willy Step," as he called it). Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke and Derek Hough were the next couple safe. Brooke "boobies" kept getting in the way as they weren't supposed to touch Derek's chest during the quickstep. They used her baby in a sling to practice establishing that space during rehearsal. Len said he didn't like to repeat himself from the previous night, but he did anyway, saying, "Best dance so far." Bruno said it was "sen-sa-tion-al." Carrie Ann said she was blown away. "Last night was great, but tonight was fantastic." Scores: 9, 8, and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas were the next couple told they were safe. Cloris vowed to get better scores on the mambo ... or else she'd punch the judges in the face. She said, "I understand that I'm older than the mambo, which is a strike to the heart." Corky mostly danced around Cloris, but the crowd loved it, nonetheless. Cloris had slipped each of the judges a $10 bill for 10s. Carrie Ann said she believed entertainment was hugely important in the competition, and gave her points for that. Len praised Corky for doing a fantastic job. Bruno said he'd never seen a mambo like this one. Scores: 6, 5, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Toni & Alec: Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo were safe next and Toni was pumped. She struggled in rehearsal to get through the quickstep without losing her breath, due to her heart disease. Alex tried to give her breathing tips to help her along. She made it through. Bruno said Toni had all the qualities of a fine champagne. Carrie Ann praised her natural quality and the couple's chemistry. Len said "there was beautiful movement across the floor." He said there were a couple flaws, including a "funny head," but it was good overall. Scores: 8, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Warren & Kym: An excited Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson found out they were up next. Warren struggled with the quickstep, saying at one point during rehearsal, "That is so damn awkward, who the hell thought of that?" Kym said, "He's simply not built for the quickstep." He vowed not to quit, saying, "Fat boy's gonna get this." Len said it was a tough dance and "for entertainment, it was fantastic" but said the technique was a mess. Bruno said it was "a ton of fun." Carrie Ann said she was amazed and didn't miss a step. Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Ted & Inna: Ted McGinley and Inna Brayer got the good news next. Ted said that when he first heard the music for his mambo, he just started moving. "The mambo is my dance," he said, confidentially. Carrie Ann said there was a bit of awkwardness to the way he moved. Len said he did a very commendable mambo. Bruno told Ted to listen to the music and go with the rhythm. Scores: 6, 6, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cody & Julianne: Cody Linley and Julianne Hough were up next and would dance the quickstep. Julianne said that her past partners all needed to loosen up a bit, but Cody, probably because of his age, needed to tighten up a bit. Bruno loved it, but suggested a little more control and they'd get even better. Carrie Ann said the quickstep was from one of the most difficult dances in the competition and said that Cody "went from being a boy to a man." Len said he controlled himself well and did a great job. Scores: 8, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Rocco & Karina: Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff lived to see another dance. In rehearsal, Rocco struggled to move his hips. "If you can't move your hips, you can't do the mambo," Karina said. They worked on it, but could they cook up a good performance? Karina danced with her ankle wrapped after twisting it badly during rehearsals for Monday night's performance. Len said it was "much better" than the night before. Bruno called him the "Italian Stallion" and said he'd never seen such a change. Carrie Ann said it was "super sexy." Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci and Tony Dovolani survived getting just 15 points from the judges and made it through for another performance. Susan was disappointed in her Monday performance and said she'd done better in rehearsals. Susan, a perfectionist, was hard on herself in rehearsals. They danced the quickstep. Carrie Ann said that was the Susan Lucci she expected to see. Len said, just as he'd predicted, the ballroom style was more in Susan's wheelhouse. Bruno called her "my fair lady." Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
And the loser is...: With only two couples remaining, it was time to reveal -- in no particular order -- who was going home. Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska got the news they didn't want, leaving the competition after just one dance. Summing up his performance, comedian Jeffrey said he was "more ha ha ha than cha cha cha."
Kim & Mark: Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas were safe and were set to perform the mambo, which scared Kim. She was worried because everyone would expect her to know how to shake her infamous butt. Mark helped bring her out of her shell and Kim promised a "bootylicious" mambo. Bruno said Kim is "gorgeous but you're driving me crazy" because she didn't know how to use her assets. Len said that Kim put it in everyone's minds that she wasn't going to be sexy, and that Mark had to over-dance to make it look good, which put things out of balance. Carrie Ann defender Kim, saying she had to wait all night to find out she had to dance and acknowledged that Kim had no performing experience. Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 26
Toni & Alec, 23
Cody & Julianne, 23
Warren & Kym, 22
Susan & Tony, 22
Lance & Lacey, 21
Misty & Maks, 21
Maurice & Cheryl, 21
Rocco & Karina, 21
Ted & Inna, 19
Kim & Mark, 18
Cloris & Corky, 16
Lance & Lacey: The first couple deemed, in no particular order, safe to perform were Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer. Lance talked about how Monday night's experience just flashed by and Lacey showed off her nontraditional teaching methods, telling Lance to dance like a Transformer or a gingerbread man or a dog peeing on a fire hydrant. They danced the quickstep. Judge Len Goodman said they moved well around the floor, but he didn't like their posture or holds. Bruno Tonioli said the couple was "incredible quality." Carrie Ann Inaba said she was very entertained, "but I wasn't really impressed." Scores: 7, 6, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Misty & Maks: Misty May-Treanor and Maksim Chmerkovskiy were the next couple deemed safe. Maks struggled to get Misty into the sexiness of the mambo. He said she had legs like Stacy Kiebler, but he had to teach her how to use them. She vowed to "shake what my momma gave me." Carrie Ann said that Misty's strong attack on her movements were great. Len said he was surprised that an athlete could perform like that and called her brave to do so much solo work. Bruno mostly praised them, but suggested that Misty relax her arms a bit in the future. Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Maurice & Cheryl: Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke were next to be safe. Maurice was excited to shake his hips with the mambo and Cheryl had to keep him on task and make him clear about the rules. The fused some styles into the mambo, even including a bit of "The Worm" into the routine. Bruno called it "dynamic, energetic, exuberant." Carrie Ann said the transitions were very smooth and she loved that the music pumps through Maurice's body. Len said there were good things to come from Maurice, but said he didn't want to see "The Worm" (or, "The Free Willy Step," as he called it). Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke and Derek Hough were the next couple safe. Brooke "boobies" kept getting in the way as they weren't supposed to touch Derek's chest during the quickstep. They used her baby in a sling to practice establishing that space during rehearsal. Len said he didn't like to repeat himself from the previous night, but he did anyway, saying, "Best dance so far." Bruno said it was "sen-sa-tion-al." Carrie Ann said she was blown away. "Last night was great, but tonight was fantastic." Scores: 9, 8, and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas were the next couple told they were safe. Cloris vowed to get better scores on the mambo ... or else she'd punch the judges in the face. She said, "I understand that I'm older than the mambo, which is a strike to the heart." Corky mostly danced around Cloris, but the crowd loved it, nonetheless. Cloris had slipped each of the judges a $10 bill for 10s. Carrie Ann said she believed entertainment was hugely important in the competition, and gave her points for that. Len praised Corky for doing a fantastic job. Bruno said he'd never seen a mambo like this one. Scores: 6, 5, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Toni & Alec: Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo were safe next and Toni was pumped. She struggled in rehearsal to get through the quickstep without losing her breath, due to her heart disease. Alex tried to give her breathing tips to help her along. She made it through. Bruno said Toni had all the qualities of a fine champagne. Carrie Ann praised her natural quality and the couple's chemistry. Len said "there was beautiful movement across the floor." He said there were a couple flaws, including a "funny head," but it was good overall. Scores: 8, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Warren & Kym: An excited Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson found out they were up next. Warren struggled with the quickstep, saying at one point during rehearsal, "That is so damn awkward, who the hell thought of that?" Kym said, "He's simply not built for the quickstep." He vowed not to quit, saying, "Fat boy's gonna get this." Len said it was a tough dance and "for entertainment, it was fantastic" but said the technique was a mess. Bruno said it was "a ton of fun." Carrie Ann said she was amazed and didn't miss a step. Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Ted & Inna: Ted McGinley and Inna Brayer got the good news next. Ted said that when he first heard the music for his mambo, he just started moving. "The mambo is my dance," he said, confidentially. Carrie Ann said there was a bit of awkwardness to the way he moved. Len said he did a very commendable mambo. Bruno told Ted to listen to the music and go with the rhythm. Scores: 6, 6, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Cody & Julianne: Cody Linley and Julianne Hough were up next and would dance the quickstep. Julianne said that her past partners all needed to loosen up a bit, but Cody, probably because of his age, needed to tighten up a bit. Bruno loved it, but suggested a little more control and they'd get even better. Carrie Ann said the quickstep was from one of the most difficult dances in the competition and said that Cody "went from being a boy to a man." Len said he controlled himself well and did a great job. Scores: 8, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
Rocco & Karina: Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff lived to see another dance. In rehearsal, Rocco struggled to move his hips. "If you can't move your hips, you can't do the mambo," Karina said. They worked on it, but could they cook up a good performance? Karina danced with her ankle wrapped after twisting it badly during rehearsals for Monday night's performance. Len said it was "much better" than the night before. Bruno called him the "Italian Stallion" and said he'd never seen such a change. Carrie Ann said it was "super sexy." Scores: 7, 7, and 7.
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci and Tony Dovolani survived getting just 15 points from the judges and made it through for another performance. Susan was disappointed in her Monday performance and said she'd done better in rehearsals. Susan, a perfectionist, was hard on herself in rehearsals. They danced the quickstep. Carrie Ann said that was the Susan Lucci she expected to see. Len said, just as he'd predicted, the ballroom style was more in Susan's wheelhouse. Bruno called her "my fair lady." Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively.
And the loser is...: With only two couples remaining, it was time to reveal -- in no particular order -- who was going home. Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska got the news they didn't want, leaving the competition after just one dance. Summing up his performance, comedian Jeffrey said he was "more ha ha ha than cha cha cha."
Kim & Mark: Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas were safe and were set to perform the mambo, which scared Kim. She was worried because everyone would expect her to know how to shake her infamous butt. Mark helped bring her out of her shell and Kim promised a "bootylicious" mambo. Bruno said Kim is "gorgeous but you're driving me crazy" because she didn't know how to use her assets. Len said that Kim put it in everyone's minds that she wasn't going to be sexy, and that Mark had to over-dance to make it look good, which put things out of balance. Carrie Ann defender Kim, saying she had to wait all night to find out she had to dance and acknowledged that Kim had no performing experience. Scores: 6, 6, and 6.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 26
Toni & Alec, 23
Cody & Julianne, 23
Warren & Kym, 22
Susan & Tony, 22
Lance & Lacey, 21
Misty & Maks, 21
Maurice & Cheryl, 21
Rocco & Karina, 21
Ted & Inna, 19
Kim & Mark, 18
Cloris & Corky, 16
Wed, Sep 24, 2008
The "Dancing with the Stars" premiere week event finally drew to a close with the third consecutive episode on Wednesday, a one-hour results show that would boot the second of the 13 couples that started the competition on Monday night.
The pros kicked off the night with a group routine to Queen's "Under Pressure."
To the recap: Toni Braxton led the highlight reel with her quick step, followed by Warren Sapp, who impressed everyone with his lightness on his feet. " In the middle of the pack were Lance Bass and Ted McGinley. "You can guarantee we're going to work hard," McGinley said. "I may not be the most talented, but I'm going to work hardest."
Misty May Treanor and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy were OK with the 21 score that landed them in the middle of the pack. Maurice Greene was just as happy with his 21, shouting, "winner, winner, chicken dinner!" Rocco DiSpirito finally got his hips loosened up to the point that his partner Karina Smirnoff said she got whiplash from his hip action.
Susan Lucci found her groove in ballroom with a rockin' quickstep. "I really felt like I was flying," Susan said. Cody went from being a boy to a man with a distinguished quick step and showed off a deeper voice to prove the point. But others were left near the bottom of the pack, including Cloris Leachman, who has raised more eyebrows than judges' points with her antics the first two nights. Kim's bootylicious mambo fell flat.
But Brooke Burke stole the show with what judge Len Goodman the best dance so far.
To the results...: In no particular order, the first couple revealed as safe was Brooke & Derek. Also continuing on to next week were Kim & Mark.
Welcome back: Since Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska got voted off before they could show off the quick step that they'd spent five weeks learning, they got a chance to perform it Wednesday.
More results...: The next couple continuing to the next round was Cloris & Corky. That meant that the judges' two lowest scorers were safe, which could make for an interesting finish.
Be our guest...: Jesse McCartney performed, and Adam Carolla did a man-on-the-street feature about the show, summing it up with, "People love 'Dancing with the Stars' ... and it didn't do enough for my career to get me out of this gig." The Jonas Brothers stopped by to perform a bit later.
More good news: Another safe couple, in no particular order, was ... Maurice & Cheryl. Later, Misty & Maks were deemed safe, followed by Warren & Kym. Later, Susan & Tony got word that they were safe, followed by Rocco & Karina.
Then there were four: Cody & Julianne, Toni & Alec, Ted & Inna, and Lance & Lacey remained, with the assurance that one of them would go home.
The first couple safe was ... Lance & Lacey. The next couple safe was Cody & Julianne. That left Toni & Alec and Ted & Inna.
The couple going home was ... Ted & Inna. That meant Toni & Alec would live to see another week.
"I was looking forward to dancing more," Ted said. "I'm one of the guys, I guess I'll always be one of the guys." Ted looked a little disappointed as he realized it was the end of the road.
The pros kicked off the night with a group routine to Queen's "Under Pressure."
To the recap: Toni Braxton led the highlight reel with her quick step, followed by Warren Sapp, who impressed everyone with his lightness on his feet. " In the middle of the pack were Lance Bass and Ted McGinley. "You can guarantee we're going to work hard," McGinley said. "I may not be the most talented, but I'm going to work hardest."
Misty May Treanor and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy were OK with the 21 score that landed them in the middle of the pack. Maurice Greene was just as happy with his 21, shouting, "winner, winner, chicken dinner!" Rocco DiSpirito finally got his hips loosened up to the point that his partner Karina Smirnoff said she got whiplash from his hip action.
Susan Lucci found her groove in ballroom with a rockin' quickstep. "I really felt like I was flying," Susan said. Cody went from being a boy to a man with a distinguished quick step and showed off a deeper voice to prove the point. But others were left near the bottom of the pack, including Cloris Leachman, who has raised more eyebrows than judges' points with her antics the first two nights. Kim's bootylicious mambo fell flat.
But Brooke Burke stole the show with what judge Len Goodman the best dance so far.
To the results...: In no particular order, the first couple revealed as safe was Brooke & Derek. Also continuing on to next week were Kim & Mark.
Welcome back: Since Jeffrey Ross and Edyta Sliwinska got voted off before they could show off the quick step that they'd spent five weeks learning, they got a chance to perform it Wednesday.
More results...: The next couple continuing to the next round was Cloris & Corky. That meant that the judges' two lowest scorers were safe, which could make for an interesting finish.
Be our guest...: Jesse McCartney performed, and Adam Carolla did a man-on-the-street feature about the show, summing it up with, "People love 'Dancing with the Stars' ... and it didn't do enough for my career to get me out of this gig." The Jonas Brothers stopped by to perform a bit later.
More good news: Another safe couple, in no particular order, was ... Maurice & Cheryl. Later, Misty & Maks were deemed safe, followed by Warren & Kym. Later, Susan & Tony got word that they were safe, followed by Rocco & Karina.
Then there were four: Cody & Julianne, Toni & Alec, Ted & Inna, and Lance & Lacey remained, with the assurance that one of them would go home.
The first couple safe was ... Lance & Lacey. The next couple safe was Cody & Julianne. That left Toni & Alec and Ted & Inna.
The couple going home was ... Ted & Inna. That meant Toni & Alec would live to see another week.
"I was looking forward to dancing more," Ted said. "I'm one of the guys, I guess I'll always be one of the guys." Ted looked a little disappointed as he realized it was the end of the road.
Mon, Sep 29, 2008
Because of the special Wednesday episode in the premiere week of "Dancing with the Stars," the couples had one less day to learn and practice this week's performances, which were the rumba or paso doble.
Judge Len Goodman said the second week was tougher than premiere week, so he was "fearing the worst, but I'm hoping for the best." He said he was hoping to be surprised.
Toni & Alec: Toni Braxton had to settle a deal she'd made with partner Alec Mazo. He'd promised to sing a bit so he could experience being out of his comfort zone, so he sang -- if you can call it that -- her song "Unbreak My Heart" at a karaoke bar. The danced the rumba. First, host Tom Bergeron gave Alec a "2" for his singing during the intro. Len said it was a very good job. Bruno Tonioli said he absolutely loved it. Carrie Ann Inaba said Toni moved like she sings, but penalized the couple for two lifts. Scores: 7, 8, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 23.
Brooke & Derek: Early front-runner Brooke Burke realized the bar was set high with her impressive first week. Partner Derek Hough tried to tap into some aggression inside Brooke and took her to a karate instructor to get there. In a flowing red dress with a big flower in her hair, Brooke spiraled around the floor. Carrie Ann said she was "truly mesmerized," but said that Brooke was just a bit off balance. Len said it was "controlled" and that he loved the best bit. Bruno said there were moments of "breath-taking artistry" and said it was unbelievable that she could keep up with the timing of the difficult dance. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Rocco & Karina: Chef Rocco DiSpirito struggled to capture the romance and emotion of the rumba, so he cooked for his partner Karina Smirnoff so he could show off his romanticism in the kitchen. His dance was a bit of a mess, though, the judges agreed. He was a bit stiff and didn't move gracefully around the floor. Bruno said "the stallion has run out of juice." He said "the throbbing, pulsating Latin lover wasn't there." Carrie Ann said she was sad to criticize Rocco because he "wasn't quite with the sway." Len said there were "more tears than cheers." Scores: 5, 6, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 16.
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass and his partner Lacey Schwimmer tried to balance their desire to be fresh and new, but traditional enough for Len's old-fashioned tastes. There was more than a little irony -- one more than a few levels -- as Lance danced to the song "I Kissed a Girl," which is about a girl kissing a girl. They ended their paso doble with a full-blown smooch that caught everyone off guard and sent shockwaves around the studio. Len called them out on their effort, saying, "I know your game" and pointed out that they tried to "keep the old boy happy" with some traditional moves "and then do a load of stuff that has no relationship to the paso doble." Carrie Ann said she loved it and that she hadn't seen anything like that before. Bruno said it was good but they didn't keep the paso doble style going throughout. Scores: 7, 6, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 20.
Kim & Mark: Kim Kardashian failed to make the most out of her assets by not shaking her rump enough for the mambo. She promised to bring more to fire to the rumba. Partner Mark Ballas called upon Kim's recent experience with The Pussycat Dolls. Kim said she'd always had a sultry side, but didn't have the confidence to bring it out. The judges thought she again came up short. Bruno said it was "colder and more distant than Siberia." He told her to "grab the character and sell it." Len said he was disappointed because he thinks Kim has more potential than she's shown. Carrie Ann suggested that she watch her dances on tape because she felt like she'd seen the same dance three times. Scores: 6, 6, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 17.
Misty & Maksim: Misty May-Treanor said she knew all about the attack from her experience on the volleyball court, and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy tried to channel that intensity into their paso doble. He said there wasn't enough time for him to be nice about her mistakes, and Misty said that Maks had been really hard on her. The judges were impressed with the challenge Maks had given Misty, especially for a short rehearsal week. Carrie Ann said it was one of the more ambitious routines Maks had ever given a partner. She loved it, but suggested Misty work on her shoulders and technique. Bruno said he loved her energy but also said she needs to work on her finesse. Len said it was a "very, very good attempt at a paso doble." But he also wanted them to connect a bit more. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Maurice & Cheryl: Former Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene has quickly become known for bringing a fun vibe to his dances. Partner Cheryl Burke took him to a belly dancing show so he could learn how to move his hips. Len said "you talk the talk, but you don't dance the dance." Carrie Ann said the choreography held him back and she wanted to see him let his energy out. Bruno said he was surprised because Maurice was "rough and clanky." Scores: 7, 6, and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 19.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman got serious, at least for a little while, with her take on the paso doble with partner Corky Ballas. "Don't tell me, I already know," Cloris told the judges as she approached the. "Surreal" is what Bruno called it. Len said it was "a lovely traditional dance with traditional music." He praised her solo spins. Carrie Ann said only that "I hope when I'm 82, I'm half the woman you are." She didn't want to talk about the dance "because I want to keep it happy." Carrie Ann went on to say that she missed Cloris' humor and wit. Scores: 5, 5, and 5. Total: 15.
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci was working a coast-to-coast rehearsal schedule because of filming on "All My Children," but she and partner Tony Dovolani worked through the challenges to get their rumba together. Tony let his shirt fly open just a bit, prompting Carrie Ann to quip "nice chest ... Tony." She also said Susan "transported us to somewhere else" and called it "very smooth, very elegant." Bruno said it was a very good rumba, but that Susan still has to go for it, like a cougar. Len said he didn't like it when Tony exposed himself, but praised Susan for acting the part. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Warren & Kym: After a pretty solid start, Warren Sapp tried to tap back into the intensity of his football playing days for his paso doble. Partner Kym Johnson played the role of coach in the scenario. The couple did a "Matrix"-style routine, complete with long, black trench coats. Len said it had a "lovely, dark, menacing feel to it." He called it "intense and excellent." Carrie Ann loved it and called it "fantastic." Bruno called it "big, bold, heroic" and praised Warren for the way he moved his feet, given his size. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Cody & Julianne: Cody Linley's short attention span presented a challenge for partner Julianne Hough, who eventually asked him to get serious because they were short on time. He worried he didn't have enough experience to pull off the romantic rumba. Bruno said Cody was "like a kid in a candy store," referring to Julianne as "mouth-watering merchandise." He told Cody to focus his performance a little more. Len said the performance lacked a bit of polish and finesse because of the short week. Carrie Ann called it "age-appropriate" and "innocent" and she liked that. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 24
Warren & Kym, 24
Toni & Alec, 23
Susan & Tony, 21
Cody & Julianne, 21
Misty & Maks, 21
Lance & Lacey, 20
Maurice & Cheryl, 19
Kim & Mark, 17
Rocco & Karina, 16
Cloris & Corky, 15
Judge Len Goodman said the second week was tougher than premiere week, so he was "fearing the worst, but I'm hoping for the best." He said he was hoping to be surprised.
Toni & Alec: Toni Braxton had to settle a deal she'd made with partner Alec Mazo. He'd promised to sing a bit so he could experience being out of his comfort zone, so he sang -- if you can call it that -- her song "Unbreak My Heart" at a karaoke bar. The danced the rumba. First, host Tom Bergeron gave Alec a "2" for his singing during the intro. Len said it was a very good job. Bruno Tonioli said he absolutely loved it. Carrie Ann Inaba said Toni moved like she sings, but penalized the couple for two lifts. Scores: 7, 8, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 23.
Brooke & Derek: Early front-runner Brooke Burke realized the bar was set high with her impressive first week. Partner Derek Hough tried to tap into some aggression inside Brooke and took her to a karate instructor to get there. In a flowing red dress with a big flower in her hair, Brooke spiraled around the floor. Carrie Ann said she was "truly mesmerized," but said that Brooke was just a bit off balance. Len said it was "controlled" and that he loved the best bit. Bruno said there were moments of "breath-taking artistry" and said it was unbelievable that she could keep up with the timing of the difficult dance. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Rocco & Karina: Chef Rocco DiSpirito struggled to capture the romance and emotion of the rumba, so he cooked for his partner Karina Smirnoff so he could show off his romanticism in the kitchen. His dance was a bit of a mess, though, the judges agreed. He was a bit stiff and didn't move gracefully around the floor. Bruno said "the stallion has run out of juice." He said "the throbbing, pulsating Latin lover wasn't there." Carrie Ann said she was sad to criticize Rocco because he "wasn't quite with the sway." Len said there were "more tears than cheers." Scores: 5, 6, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 16.
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass and his partner Lacey Schwimmer tried to balance their desire to be fresh and new, but traditional enough for Len's old-fashioned tastes. There was more than a little irony -- one more than a few levels -- as Lance danced to the song "I Kissed a Girl," which is about a girl kissing a girl. They ended their paso doble with a full-blown smooch that caught everyone off guard and sent shockwaves around the studio. Len called them out on their effort, saying, "I know your game" and pointed out that they tried to "keep the old boy happy" with some traditional moves "and then do a load of stuff that has no relationship to the paso doble." Carrie Ann said she loved it and that she hadn't seen anything like that before. Bruno said it was good but they didn't keep the paso doble style going throughout. Scores: 7, 6, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 20.
Kim & Mark: Kim Kardashian failed to make the most out of her assets by not shaking her rump enough for the mambo. She promised to bring more to fire to the rumba. Partner Mark Ballas called upon Kim's recent experience with The Pussycat Dolls. Kim said she'd always had a sultry side, but didn't have the confidence to bring it out. The judges thought she again came up short. Bruno said it was "colder and more distant than Siberia." He told her to "grab the character and sell it." Len said he was disappointed because he thinks Kim has more potential than she's shown. Carrie Ann suggested that she watch her dances on tape because she felt like she'd seen the same dance three times. Scores: 6, 6, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 17.
Misty & Maksim: Misty May-Treanor said she knew all about the attack from her experience on the volleyball court, and her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy tried to channel that intensity into their paso doble. He said there wasn't enough time for him to be nice about her mistakes, and Misty said that Maks had been really hard on her. The judges were impressed with the challenge Maks had given Misty, especially for a short rehearsal week. Carrie Ann said it was one of the more ambitious routines Maks had ever given a partner. She loved it, but suggested Misty work on her shoulders and technique. Bruno said he loved her energy but also said she needs to work on her finesse. Len said it was a "very, very good attempt at a paso doble." But he also wanted them to connect a bit more. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Maurice & Cheryl: Former Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene has quickly become known for bringing a fun vibe to his dances. Partner Cheryl Burke took him to a belly dancing show so he could learn how to move his hips. Len said "you talk the talk, but you don't dance the dance." Carrie Ann said the choreography held him back and she wanted to see him let his energy out. Bruno said he was surprised because Maurice was "rough and clanky." Scores: 7, 6, and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 19.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman got serious, at least for a little while, with her take on the paso doble with partner Corky Ballas. "Don't tell me, I already know," Cloris told the judges as she approached the. "Surreal" is what Bruno called it. Len said it was "a lovely traditional dance with traditional music." He praised her solo spins. Carrie Ann said only that "I hope when I'm 82, I'm half the woman you are." She didn't want to talk about the dance "because I want to keep it happy." Carrie Ann went on to say that she missed Cloris' humor and wit. Scores: 5, 5, and 5. Total: 15.
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci was working a coast-to-coast rehearsal schedule because of filming on "All My Children," but she and partner Tony Dovolani worked through the challenges to get their rumba together. Tony let his shirt fly open just a bit, prompting Carrie Ann to quip "nice chest ... Tony." She also said Susan "transported us to somewhere else" and called it "very smooth, very elegant." Bruno said it was a very good rumba, but that Susan still has to go for it, like a cougar. Len said he didn't like it when Tony exposed himself, but praised Susan for acting the part. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Warren & Kym: After a pretty solid start, Warren Sapp tried to tap back into the intensity of his football playing days for his paso doble. Partner Kym Johnson played the role of coach in the scenario. The couple did a "Matrix"-style routine, complete with long, black trench coats. Len said it had a "lovely, dark, menacing feel to it." He called it "intense and excellent." Carrie Ann loved it and called it "fantastic." Bruno called it "big, bold, heroic" and praised Warren for the way he moved his feet, given his size. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Cody & Julianne: Cody Linley's short attention span presented a challenge for partner Julianne Hough, who eventually asked him to get serious because they were short on time. He worried he didn't have enough experience to pull off the romantic rumba. Bruno said Cody was "like a kid in a candy store," referring to Julianne as "mouth-watering merchandise." He told Cody to focus his performance a little more. Len said the performance lacked a bit of polish and finesse because of the short week. Carrie Ann called it "age-appropriate" and "innocent" and she liked that. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 24
Warren & Kym, 24
Toni & Alec, 23
Susan & Tony, 21
Cody & Julianne, 21
Misty & Maks, 21
Lance & Lacey, 20
Maurice & Cheryl, 19
Kim & Mark, 17
Rocco & Karina, 16
Cloris & Corky, 15
Tue, Sep 30, 2008
Eleven couples remained just two weeks into the seventh season of "Dancing with the Stars," and one more couple would find out Tuesday night if their dance card was up.
To the encore: Judge Len Goodman said the judges were in agreement in wanting to see Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson perform their paso doble once more.
To the scoreboard: Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas were at the bottom, leaving Corky to wonder, "They wanted you to be funny? This dance is not funny. It's powerful and dramatic." "I thought I was hilarious," Cloris replied.
Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff were in 10th, but Rocco said it has "no impact" on the amount of fun he's having. Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas were in ninth place and they both thought they'd have a higher score. In eighth place were Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke, leaving Maurice to say, "We're going to come back next week and improve on the 19."
Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer were in seventh with 20 points. "You know what?" Lacey said. "Let them (the judges) disagree with you. Let's see what America has to say."
Tied for fourth were Misty May-Treanor, Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani, and Cody Linley & Julianne Hough. Toni Braxton & Alec Mazo were dancing for joy with their third place finish, while Brooke Burke & Derek Hough and Warren & Kym were tied for first.
To the results: In no particular order, the first two couples who would live to see another round were: Toni & Alec and Rocco & Karina. Rocco and Karina, in particular, looked stunned.
Be our guest: Jessica Simpson stopped by to perform her current single "Come on Over." Jenna Dewan of "Step Up" and Carmit Bachar, a former Pussycat Doll, later showed up to perform. Simpson came back later to sing "Angel."
More results: The next couple safe was "those crazy kids," as host Tom Bergeron said, Cody & Julianne. The next safe couple was Brooke & Derek.
Globetrotters: There was an interesting vignette following the weekly journey of judges Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, who are judges on both the American and British versions of "Dancing with the Stars." After filming the Monday and Tuesday shows in America, they board an 11-hour flight to the U.K., film two shows there and head back to the States on Saturday night.
Back to the results: The next couple sent to safety was Susan & Tony. After a piece about the red room, where the contestants can let loose and Rocco is always on his phone, Warren & Kym became the next couple definitely moving on. Joining them were Maurice & Cheryl.
The big finish: Lance & Lacey, Cloris & Corky, Kim & Mark, and Misty & Maks were the final four couples left on the stage awaiting word. The next couple safe was ... Lance & Lacey. Joining them in safety were Misty & Maks.
That left Kim & Mark and Cloris & Corky -- not necessarily the bottom two, but ensuring that the father-and-son rivalry would come to an end. The couple leaving the competition were ... Kim & Mark.
To the encore: Judge Len Goodman said the judges were in agreement in wanting to see Warren Sapp and Kym Johnson perform their paso doble once more.
To the scoreboard: Cloris Leachman and Corky Ballas were at the bottom, leaving Corky to wonder, "They wanted you to be funny? This dance is not funny. It's powerful and dramatic." "I thought I was hilarious," Cloris replied.
Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff were in 10th, but Rocco said it has "no impact" on the amount of fun he's having. Kim Kardashian and Mark Ballas were in ninth place and they both thought they'd have a higher score. In eighth place were Maurice Greene and Cheryl Burke, leaving Maurice to say, "We're going to come back next week and improve on the 19."
Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer were in seventh with 20 points. "You know what?" Lacey said. "Let them (the judges) disagree with you. Let's see what America has to say."
Tied for fourth were Misty May-Treanor, Susan Lucci & Tony Dovolani, and Cody Linley & Julianne Hough. Toni Braxton & Alec Mazo were dancing for joy with their third place finish, while Brooke Burke & Derek Hough and Warren & Kym were tied for first.
To the results: In no particular order, the first two couples who would live to see another round were: Toni & Alec and Rocco & Karina. Rocco and Karina, in particular, looked stunned.
Be our guest: Jessica Simpson stopped by to perform her current single "Come on Over." Jenna Dewan of "Step Up" and Carmit Bachar, a former Pussycat Doll, later showed up to perform. Simpson came back later to sing "Angel."
More results: The next couple safe was "those crazy kids," as host Tom Bergeron said, Cody & Julianne. The next safe couple was Brooke & Derek.
Globetrotters: There was an interesting vignette following the weekly journey of judges Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman, who are judges on both the American and British versions of "Dancing with the Stars." After filming the Monday and Tuesday shows in America, they board an 11-hour flight to the U.K., film two shows there and head back to the States on Saturday night.
Back to the results: The next couple sent to safety was Susan & Tony. After a piece about the red room, where the contestants can let loose and Rocco is always on his phone, Warren & Kym became the next couple definitely moving on. Joining them were Maurice & Cheryl.
The big finish: Lance & Lacey, Cloris & Corky, Kim & Mark, and Misty & Maks were the final four couples left on the stage awaiting word. The next couple safe was ... Lance & Lacey. Joining them in safety were Misty & Maks.
That left Kim & Mark and Cloris & Corky -- not necessarily the bottom two, but ensuring that the father-and-son rivalry would come to an end. The couple leaving the competition were ... Kim & Mark.
Mon, Oct 6, 2008
The drama of Monday night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" kicked off over the weekend as word spread that Olympic beach volleyball player Misty May-Treanor injured her ankle and might drop out of the competition.
"Tonight, she reveals the true extent of her trauma," host Tom Bergeron said. The dancers would choose between the Viennese waltz and the jive, but before we could get to the action, the show milked every last moment of mystery behind Misty's looming departure, introducing all of the remaining couple except for her before addressing the situation. Bergeron said she'd be around later in the show to talk about her injury and "how it will affect her."
Susan & Tony: Soap opera star Susan Lucci was coming off an impressive rumba before learning the jive with partner Tony Dovolani. He called upon the Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall to sharpen her kicking skills. Judge Len Goodman noticed that Susan had hurt her ankle and said she'd "kept a constant standard throughout." Bruno Tonioli said she really got the look right, making some jokes about her ample cleavage. He said she looked a little unsteady in her steps. Carrie Ann Inaba said she didn't notice in Susan's movements that she was hurt, but it showed in the way she was uneasy and looking down at her feet. Susan explained that she'd rolled her ankle during rehearsals Monday morning. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Lance & Lacey: The maverick couple of Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer decided to play by the rules after getting a string 6's from Len. They decided to kick it old school with the Viennese waltz. They went to perform for some senior citizens to gauge how the performance would go over with Len. "Nine out of 10 senior citizens approve this waltz," Lance said, :and so should you, Len." Bruno called Len "the cast of 'Cocoon'" and said he'd be happy with it. Bruno said it lacked the freedom it usually had when Lance was a bit more of himself. Carrie Ann "thought it was fantastic." She enjoyed that Lance was dancing just as much as Lacey was. Len's highly anticipated judgment said it was "flat-footed, the posture was poor, the hold was poor," but then added, "great musicality, without doubt the most content, and the best dance I've seen you do." Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 22.
Maurice & Cheryl: After a disappointing rumba, former Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene sought to redeem himself with the jive. Partner Cheryl Burke tried to get Maurice to be a little lighter on his feet by running him through tire drills (and he promptly tripped all over the tires in the background while Cheryl talked to the camera). Carrie Ann said Maurice was "kind of like a wild, untamed beast," but said it worked. Len said "this is more like it" and praised the whole thing, calling it Maurice's best dance. Bruno said "you can rock when you want to" and added that he was glad to see Maurice worked on the precision. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Rocco & Karina: A week after being told he was "out of juice" and wasn't connecting to the music. His partner Karina Smirnoff blindfolded him to take away one of his senses and have him move to different types of music. He was surprised at how uninhibited he became when he couldn't watch himself. He began the routine with the blindfold on, but took it off after a little introductory twirl. Len, wearing a pair of crazy sunglasses Rocco had put on him during the performance, said he "didn't mind it." Bruno said Rocco should have kept his blindfold on. He said it's supposed to be "like a light mousse" but that it turned into "a lump of mashed potatoes." Carrie Ann disagreed and said Rocco was one of the most improved dancers. Scores: 7, 7, and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 20.
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL pro Warren Sapp was the "paso doble killer" a week earlier had to tap into a more graceful approach with the Viennese waltz. His partner Kym Johnson said every woman in America would be jealous of her. He promised to show "the softer side of Sapp." He delivered with some smooth moves. Bruno called it "big, smooth and beautiful." He praised Warren for his "uncanny ability" of getting the character of each dance. Carrie Ann was "blown away." Len said he thought the dance would be Warren's stumbling block, "but I've gotta tell you, you're giving those skinny people a big run for their money." Scores: 9, 8, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 25.
Cody & Julianne: "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley was excited for the chance to embrace his youthfulness with the jive. His partner Julianne Hough took him through the finer points of pointing his toes on the jive kicks. Carrie Ann said "that was good," but said he was counting the whole time, which is a pet peeve of hers. Len said he understood the counting and said it didn't bother him at all. He liked the first part, but said the second half go repetitive. Bruno said he agreed with Len. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Toni & Alec: A week after getting penalized for a lift, singer Toni Braxton took on "the Vietnamese waltz" -- er, the Viennese waltz. Her partner Alec Mazo tried to get her to do a handstand, but she doubted her athletic ability. They tried to rock out the Viennese waltz, combining the classic music with modern electric guitar, and dressed in a Marie Antoinette-style get-up, and it just didn't work. Len said, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He told her that props and gimmicks are for dancers who aren't good and she was better than that. Bruno told her "you don't need to overproduce." Carrie Ann said, "I liked it." She said it became a matter of taste and noted that the Viennese waltz originally was a scandalous dance, so she enjoyed that tie-in. Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 22.
Cloris & Corky: After putting "crazy Cloris" away for a week, Cloris Leachman had to take on the fun, but physically taxing jive. Her partner Corky Ballas said teaching Cloris the jive was the most challenging thing he'd ever done. He said he had to craft the choreography around what Cloris was able to do. Cloris' wig came off during the dance, and it looked like Corky was dragging her around the floor most of the time. "I just want 1's," Cloris told the judges afterward. "To call this wacky would be the understatement of the year," Bruno said. Carrie Ann said that what Cloris lacked in technique, she made up in charisma. Len pointed out one basic step she got right. Scores: 6, 5, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 16.
Brooke & Derek: Model Brooke Burke has shown some big-time potential, leading the competition since the beginning. But in rehearsal, she and partner Derek Hough got into some heated exchanges, with Brooke saying Derek was making her feel like an idiot for not getting the steps right. She hoped that they would actually come out of the drama as an even stronger team than they were before. They danced to "Mothers Be Good to Your Daughters" by John Mayer, and Brooke ended it with move over to the front row, where she kissed her daughter on the cheek. Carrie Ann said Brooke was "quickly becoming my favorite dancer, I think, of all the seasons." Len called it "simply the best dance of this season, so far." Bruno said there was "such lyricism" in the choreography, and she and Derek exchanged hugs. Scores: 9, 10, and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 28.
Play Misty...: They played, once more, the clip of Misty getting injured during rehearsal. She explained that she felt like she'd been hit with a baseball bat. The diagnosis was that she'd torn her Achilles tendon. She said, "I am out (of the competition), but I'm not out of cheering on the competitors and keeping in touch with everybody. But I'm now going to be on the sidelines, but the show must go on."
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 28
Warren & Kym, 25
Maurice & Cheryl, 24
Toni & Alec, 22
Lance & Lacey, 22
Susan & Tony, 21
Cody & Julianne, 21
Rocco & Karina, 20
Cloris & Corky, 16
"Tonight, she reveals the true extent of her trauma," host Tom Bergeron said. The dancers would choose between the Viennese waltz and the jive, but before we could get to the action, the show milked every last moment of mystery behind Misty's looming departure, introducing all of the remaining couple except for her before addressing the situation. Bergeron said she'd be around later in the show to talk about her injury and "how it will affect her."
Susan & Tony: Soap opera star Susan Lucci was coming off an impressive rumba before learning the jive with partner Tony Dovolani. He called upon the Rockettes from Radio City Music Hall to sharpen her kicking skills. Judge Len Goodman noticed that Susan had hurt her ankle and said she'd "kept a constant standard throughout." Bruno Tonioli said she really got the look right, making some jokes about her ample cleavage. He said she looked a little unsteady in her steps. Carrie Ann Inaba said she didn't notice in Susan's movements that she was hurt, but it showed in the way she was uneasy and looking down at her feet. Susan explained that she'd rolled her ankle during rehearsals Monday morning. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Lance & Lacey: The maverick couple of Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer decided to play by the rules after getting a string 6's from Len. They decided to kick it old school with the Viennese waltz. They went to perform for some senior citizens to gauge how the performance would go over with Len. "Nine out of 10 senior citizens approve this waltz," Lance said, :and so should you, Len." Bruno called Len "the cast of 'Cocoon'" and said he'd be happy with it. Bruno said it lacked the freedom it usually had when Lance was a bit more of himself. Carrie Ann "thought it was fantastic." She enjoyed that Lance was dancing just as much as Lacey was. Len's highly anticipated judgment said it was "flat-footed, the posture was poor, the hold was poor," but then added, "great musicality, without doubt the most content, and the best dance I've seen you do." Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 22.
Maurice & Cheryl: After a disappointing rumba, former Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene sought to redeem himself with the jive. Partner Cheryl Burke tried to get Maurice to be a little lighter on his feet by running him through tire drills (and he promptly tripped all over the tires in the background while Cheryl talked to the camera). Carrie Ann said Maurice was "kind of like a wild, untamed beast," but said it worked. Len said "this is more like it" and praised the whole thing, calling it Maurice's best dance. Bruno said "you can rock when you want to" and added that he was glad to see Maurice worked on the precision. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Rocco & Karina: A week after being told he was "out of juice" and wasn't connecting to the music. His partner Karina Smirnoff blindfolded him to take away one of his senses and have him move to different types of music. He was surprised at how uninhibited he became when he couldn't watch himself. He began the routine with the blindfold on, but took it off after a little introductory twirl. Len, wearing a pair of crazy sunglasses Rocco had put on him during the performance, said he "didn't mind it." Bruno said Rocco should have kept his blindfold on. He said it's supposed to be "like a light mousse" but that it turned into "a lump of mashed potatoes." Carrie Ann disagreed and said Rocco was one of the most improved dancers. Scores: 7, 7, and 6, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 20.
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL pro Warren Sapp was the "paso doble killer" a week earlier had to tap into a more graceful approach with the Viennese waltz. His partner Kym Johnson said every woman in America would be jealous of her. He promised to show "the softer side of Sapp." He delivered with some smooth moves. Bruno called it "big, smooth and beautiful." He praised Warren for his "uncanny ability" of getting the character of each dance. Carrie Ann was "blown away." Len said he thought the dance would be Warren's stumbling block, "but I've gotta tell you, you're giving those skinny people a big run for their money." Scores: 9, 8, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 25.
Cody & Julianne: "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley was excited for the chance to embrace his youthfulness with the jive. His partner Julianne Hough took him through the finer points of pointing his toes on the jive kicks. Carrie Ann said "that was good," but said he was counting the whole time, which is a pet peeve of hers. Len said he understood the counting and said it didn't bother him at all. He liked the first part, but said the second half go repetitive. Bruno said he agreed with Len. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Toni & Alec: A week after getting penalized for a lift, singer Toni Braxton took on "the Vietnamese waltz" -- er, the Viennese waltz. Her partner Alec Mazo tried to get her to do a handstand, but she doubted her athletic ability. They tried to rock out the Viennese waltz, combining the classic music with modern electric guitar, and dressed in a Marie Antoinette-style get-up, and it just didn't work. Len said, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." He told her that props and gimmicks are for dancers who aren't good and she was better than that. Bruno told her "you don't need to overproduce." Carrie Ann said, "I liked it." She said it became a matter of taste and noted that the Viennese waltz originally was a scandalous dance, so she enjoyed that tie-in. Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 22.
Cloris & Corky: After putting "crazy Cloris" away for a week, Cloris Leachman had to take on the fun, but physically taxing jive. Her partner Corky Ballas said teaching Cloris the jive was the most challenging thing he'd ever done. He said he had to craft the choreography around what Cloris was able to do. Cloris' wig came off during the dance, and it looked like Corky was dragging her around the floor most of the time. "I just want 1's," Cloris told the judges afterward. "To call this wacky would be the understatement of the year," Bruno said. Carrie Ann said that what Cloris lacked in technique, she made up in charisma. Len pointed out one basic step she got right. Scores: 6, 5, and 5, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 16.
Brooke & Derek: Model Brooke Burke has shown some big-time potential, leading the competition since the beginning. But in rehearsal, she and partner Derek Hough got into some heated exchanges, with Brooke saying Derek was making her feel like an idiot for not getting the steps right. She hoped that they would actually come out of the drama as an even stronger team than they were before. They danced to "Mothers Be Good to Your Daughters" by John Mayer, and Brooke ended it with move over to the front row, where she kissed her daughter on the cheek. Carrie Ann said Brooke was "quickly becoming my favorite dancer, I think, of all the seasons." Len called it "simply the best dance of this season, so far." Bruno said there was "such lyricism" in the choreography, and she and Derek exchanged hugs. Scores: 9, 10, and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 28.
Play Misty...: They played, once more, the clip of Misty getting injured during rehearsal. She explained that she felt like she'd been hit with a baseball bat. The diagnosis was that she'd torn her Achilles tendon. She said, "I am out (of the competition), but I'm not out of cheering on the competitors and keeping in touch with everybody. But I'm now going to be on the sidelines, but the show must go on."
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 28
Warren & Kym, 25
Maurice & Cheryl, 24
Toni & Alec, 22
Lance & Lacey, 22
Susan & Tony, 21
Cody & Julianne, 21
Rocco & Karina, 20
Cloris & Corky, 16
Tue, Oct 7, 2008
One "Dancing with the Stars" contestant already left this week, but would there be another? There'd been rumors all day that no one would go home this week, or that the previously eliminated Kim Kardashian would return as a result of Misty May-Treanor's departure from the show after she tore her Achilles tendon in rehearsal. Host Tom Bergeron's intro ominously failed to say that another star would go home, only saying, "What is the fate of the remaining stars?"
The highlight reel recap ended with Bergeron again mysteriously saying, "With the sudden departure of Misty, what will happen tonight?"
Misty's partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy decided to pay tribute to her by performing the jive they were going to do. Pro Edyta Sliwinska filled in for Misty.
The scoreboard review: Cloris' reaction to her 16: "We got a 16, and a 16 sucks." Rocco & Karina were "only going up" from 20. Cody & Julianne were happy with their 21. With 22 points each, Lance & Lacey and Toni & Alec were even keeled, while Maurice & Cheryl were giddy with 24 points. "Eight, eight, eight is always great," Maurice said. Warren & Kym's 25 was "halfway to 50," Warren said. Brooke & Derek was over the moon with their 28, which included a 10 from Len Goodman.
To the results: Again, without saying the lowest-scoring couple would go home, Bergeron carefully said, "Tonight, we'll reveal with the couple with the lowest total when we combined your votes with the judges' scores." The first two couples definitely safe, in no particular order, were Brooke & Derek and Cloris & Corky. "Clorky" made it to dance another day?! Again?!
Playing it Kool & the Gang: The legendary disco group Kool & the Gang performed a medley of their best-known hits. Following the performance, Bergeron said "For one couple, he says in a cool segue, tonight will not be a celebration." The Radio City Rockettes later stopped by to kick around the dance floor. Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson then paid a visit to perform a remix of her song "Spotlight" from her new self-titled album. "Dancing" siblings Derek and Julianne danced to Hudson's song.
One more safe: Bergeron announced that Maurice & Cheryl made it through for another week. Three safe, six left. Backstage, Cloris said some stuff about dark hair and blue eyes and, well, isn't it grand that Cloris will be around another week?!
MEDIC!: Bergeron and co-host Samantha Harris talked about the injuries that have happened on the show, which led into a feature about the bumps and bruises that happen during rehearsals and performances. Misty was the first performer who ever had to withdraw from the competition due to injury. "That's why I host, because there are very few hosting injuries," Bergeron said, "if you don't count the Emmys."
More results: Warren & Kym and Toni & Alec were the next two couples to be declared safe.
Then there were four...: Cody & Julianne, Rocco & Karina, Lance & Lacey, and Susan & Tony awaited their fate when Bergeron announced that no one would go home this night. "That much may not have surprised you," he said. But the judges' scores and votes would be added to what they get next week. For the first time ever, they would reveal the couple that would have gone home.
Len, asked whether he thought there was any chance Misty would have been in the bottom if she'd been able to dance Monday, said Misty "had the potential to get all the way to the final."
The next couple safe, in no particular order, was ... Susan & Tony, joined by Cody & Julianne. That left Rocco & Karina and Lance & Lacey.
The lowest-scoring couple was ... Rocco & Karina.
The highlight reel recap ended with Bergeron again mysteriously saying, "With the sudden departure of Misty, what will happen tonight?"
Misty's partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy decided to pay tribute to her by performing the jive they were going to do. Pro Edyta Sliwinska filled in for Misty.
The scoreboard review: Cloris' reaction to her 16: "We got a 16, and a 16 sucks." Rocco & Karina were "only going up" from 20. Cody & Julianne were happy with their 21. With 22 points each, Lance & Lacey and Toni & Alec were even keeled, while Maurice & Cheryl were giddy with 24 points. "Eight, eight, eight is always great," Maurice said. Warren & Kym's 25 was "halfway to 50," Warren said. Brooke & Derek was over the moon with their 28, which included a 10 from Len Goodman.
To the results: Again, without saying the lowest-scoring couple would go home, Bergeron carefully said, "Tonight, we'll reveal with the couple with the lowest total when we combined your votes with the judges' scores." The first two couples definitely safe, in no particular order, were Brooke & Derek and Cloris & Corky. "Clorky" made it to dance another day?! Again?!
Playing it Kool & the Gang: The legendary disco group Kool & the Gang performed a medley of their best-known hits. Following the performance, Bergeron said "For one couple, he says in a cool segue, tonight will not be a celebration." The Radio City Rockettes later stopped by to kick around the dance floor. Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson then paid a visit to perform a remix of her song "Spotlight" from her new self-titled album. "Dancing" siblings Derek and Julianne danced to Hudson's song.
One more safe: Bergeron announced that Maurice & Cheryl made it through for another week. Three safe, six left. Backstage, Cloris said some stuff about dark hair and blue eyes and, well, isn't it grand that Cloris will be around another week?!
MEDIC!: Bergeron and co-host Samantha Harris talked about the injuries that have happened on the show, which led into a feature about the bumps and bruises that happen during rehearsals and performances. Misty was the first performer who ever had to withdraw from the competition due to injury. "That's why I host, because there are very few hosting injuries," Bergeron said, "if you don't count the Emmys."
More results: Warren & Kym and Toni & Alec were the next two couples to be declared safe.
Then there were four...: Cody & Julianne, Rocco & Karina, Lance & Lacey, and Susan & Tony awaited their fate when Bergeron announced that no one would go home this night. "That much may not have surprised you," he said. But the judges' scores and votes would be added to what they get next week. For the first time ever, they would reveal the couple that would have gone home.
Len, asked whether he thought there was any chance Misty would have been in the bottom if she'd been able to dance Monday, said Misty "had the potential to get all the way to the final."
The next couple safe, in no particular order, was ... Susan & Tony, joined by Cody & Julianne. That left Rocco & Karina and Lance & Lacey.
The lowest-scoring couple was ... Rocco & Karina.
Mon, Oct 13, 2008
With last week's results carrying over to this week because of the injury-related exit of Misty May-Treanor, chef Rocco DiSpirito was hanging by a thread. The dancers would be challenged with either the tango or the samba.
Maurice & Cheryl: Ex-Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene was a little too wound up, so Cheryl brought in his daughter to help lighten the mood. Did it work? After a disco-inspired samba, judge Len Goodman said he liked it, but Maurice had to work on refining everything. Bruno Tonioli called the pair "Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Brown." He said the samba was not so fabulous and called it "a little too loose." Carrie Ann Inaba said that they didn't progress this week and fell into too much free form. Scores: 6, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total for both weeks: 44.
Cody & Julianne: Julianne Hough was getting a little fed up with Cody Linley's short attention span and called in his high school principal for reinforcements. After their tango, Bruno said Cody was starting to find his mojo. He said it was confident and masculine. Carrie Ann said they were a little out of sorts because Cody was tripping over Julianne's outfit. Len called it "sharp" and "aggressive," calling it their best dance so far. Scores: 7, 8, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno. Total: 44.
Toni & Alec: Singer Toni Braxton said her heart was doing well and she was ready for a fast-paced samba. Her partner Alec Mazo challenged her with a difficult step. Could she handle it? Carrie Ann said "there's no denying the sensuality that you two ooze on the dance floor," but said Toni needed to work on her shoulders. Carrie Ann admitted she was "being tough" this night. Len liked it but noticed that it "went a little bit funny" at one point. Bruno called her a tasty morsel and said Toni can "shake it like the best." Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 44.
Cloris & Corky: It was Cloris Leachman time again! Cloris worried about technique because she knew she was in danger. She said she wanted to try for the very best this week. She and partner Corky Ballas were getting serious with their tango. The performance earned a standing ovation, and Len said "if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it." He said it was "absolutely fabulous and I loved it." Bruno said it was like watching a silent movie and praised "the legs." Carrie Ann said she owed Cloris an apology, saying "I underestimated you." She said she previously thought Cloris always had to go with the quick joke because that was all she had. Carrie Ann couldn't get the rest of her explanation out before finally getting cut off, but she seemed impressed. Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 38.
Rocco & Karina: The celebrity chef was stuck between a Rocco and a hard place after knowing that he would have been a goner last week if not for Misty's injury. He wanted to make the most of his second chance. Rocco said he'd been waiting all his life to wear pink chiffon ruffles. Bruno said he doesn't "have a musical bone" in his body. Carrie Ann said the dancing was "lacking." Len praised him for coming out and having fun. Scores: 6, 6, and 6. Total: 38.
Susan & Tony: Soap opera star Susan Lucci was looking to make up for Carrie Ann's calling her "timid" the previous week. Partner Tony Dovolani got a chance to play a small part on "All My Children" to get a taste of where she gets her dramatic flair. She was ready to take control of the tango. Carrie Ann said "that was what I have been waiting for Miss Erica Kane." Len said there was "nothing timid" about the performance and said it was her best dance so far. Bruno said he always knew there was a "tough broad" under Susan's polished appearance. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 45.
Broke & Derek: With her tensions with partner Derek Hough behind her, and the first "10" of the season in her pocket, Brooke Burke looked to take on the samba. Len said that Brooke had set such a high standard for herself, but he was a bit disappointed with some of it. Bruno called her "a sex bomb" and called it "raunchy with a capital ERRRRRRR!" He said he needed a smoke. Carrie Ann said she was a perfect candidate to go on and win the whole thing. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 54.
Lance & Lacey: Last week, they tried to appease Len by going more traditional, but Bruno and Carrie Ann didn't like it so much. So they had to mix things up with their tango this week. Bruno loved it, saying Lance was starting to emerge as a leading man. Carrie Ann said Lance had kind of disappeared but "tonight was amazing." Len called him "Sir Dance-a-Lot." Scores: 9, 8, and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 48.
Warren & Kym: Coming off his best score of the season, ex-NFL star Warren Sapp looked to represent himself in the samba. His partner Kym Johnson took him on a field trip to try to capoeira, a Brazilian form of martial arts that would show him some regional movements he could use in his samba. Carrie Ann said it was lacking a bit of content. Len agreed there was too much gyrating with Kym dancing around him. Bruno called him a crowd pleaser, but said Warren "took it a little too easy." He said he has everything necessary to blow them away, but he didn't do it. Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 47.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 54
Lance & Lacey, 48
Warren & Kym, 47
Susan & Tony, 45
Maurice & Cheryl, 44
Cody & Julianne, 44
Toni & Alec, 44
Cloris & Corky, 38
Rocco & Karina, 38
Maurice & Cheryl: Ex-Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene was a little too wound up, so Cheryl brought in his daughter to help lighten the mood. Did it work? After a disco-inspired samba, judge Len Goodman said he liked it, but Maurice had to work on refining everything. Bruno Tonioli called the pair "Mr. and Mrs. Jackie Brown." He said the samba was not so fabulous and called it "a little too loose." Carrie Ann Inaba said that they didn't progress this week and fell into too much free form. Scores: 6, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total for both weeks: 44.
Cody & Julianne: Julianne Hough was getting a little fed up with Cody Linley's short attention span and called in his high school principal for reinforcements. After their tango, Bruno said Cody was starting to find his mojo. He said it was confident and masculine. Carrie Ann said they were a little out of sorts because Cody was tripping over Julianne's outfit. Len called it "sharp" and "aggressive," calling it their best dance so far. Scores: 7, 8, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno. Total: 44.
Toni & Alec: Singer Toni Braxton said her heart was doing well and she was ready for a fast-paced samba. Her partner Alec Mazo challenged her with a difficult step. Could she handle it? Carrie Ann said "there's no denying the sensuality that you two ooze on the dance floor," but said Toni needed to work on her shoulders. Carrie Ann admitted she was "being tough" this night. Len liked it but noticed that it "went a little bit funny" at one point. Bruno called her a tasty morsel and said Toni can "shake it like the best." Scores: 7, 7, and 8, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 44.
Cloris & Corky: It was Cloris Leachman time again! Cloris worried about technique because she knew she was in danger. She said she wanted to try for the very best this week. She and partner Corky Ballas were getting serious with their tango. The performance earned a standing ovation, and Len said "if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed it." He said it was "absolutely fabulous and I loved it." Bruno said it was like watching a silent movie and praised "the legs." Carrie Ann said she owed Cloris an apology, saying "I underestimated you." She said she previously thought Cloris always had to go with the quick joke because that was all she had. Carrie Ann couldn't get the rest of her explanation out before finally getting cut off, but she seemed impressed. Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 38.
Rocco & Karina: The celebrity chef was stuck between a Rocco and a hard place after knowing that he would have been a goner last week if not for Misty's injury. He wanted to make the most of his second chance. Rocco said he'd been waiting all his life to wear pink chiffon ruffles. Bruno said he doesn't "have a musical bone" in his body. Carrie Ann said the dancing was "lacking." Len praised him for coming out and having fun. Scores: 6, 6, and 6. Total: 38.
Susan & Tony: Soap opera star Susan Lucci was looking to make up for Carrie Ann's calling her "timid" the previous week. Partner Tony Dovolani got a chance to play a small part on "All My Children" to get a taste of where she gets her dramatic flair. She was ready to take control of the tango. Carrie Ann said "that was what I have been waiting for Miss Erica Kane." Len said there was "nothing timid" about the performance and said it was her best dance so far. Bruno said he always knew there was a "tough broad" under Susan's polished appearance. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 45.
Broke & Derek: With her tensions with partner Derek Hough behind her, and the first "10" of the season in her pocket, Brooke Burke looked to take on the samba. Len said that Brooke had set such a high standard for herself, but he was a bit disappointed with some of it. Bruno called her "a sex bomb" and called it "raunchy with a capital ERRRRRRR!" He said he needed a smoke. Carrie Ann said she was a perfect candidate to go on and win the whole thing. Scores: 9, 8 and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len, and Bruno, respectively. Total: 54.
Lance & Lacey: Last week, they tried to appease Len by going more traditional, but Bruno and Carrie Ann didn't like it so much. So they had to mix things up with their tango this week. Bruno loved it, saying Lance was starting to emerge as a leading man. Carrie Ann said Lance had kind of disappeared but "tonight was amazing." Len called him "Sir Dance-a-Lot." Scores: 9, 8, and 9, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 48.
Warren & Kym: Coming off his best score of the season, ex-NFL star Warren Sapp looked to represent himself in the samba. His partner Kym Johnson took him on a field trip to try to capoeira, a Brazilian form of martial arts that would show him some regional movements he could use in his samba. Carrie Ann said it was lacking a bit of content. Len agreed there was too much gyrating with Kym dancing around him. Bruno called him a crowd pleaser, but said Warren "took it a little too easy." He said he has everything necessary to blow them away, but he didn't do it. Scores: 8, 7, and 7, from Carrie Ann, Len and Bruno, respectively. Total: 47.
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 54
Lance & Lacey, 48
Warren & Kym, 47
Susan & Tony, 45
Maurice & Cheryl, 44
Cody & Julianne, 44
Toni & Alec, 44
Cloris & Corky, 38
Rocco & Karina, 38
Tue, Oct 14, 2008
Two weeks led up to one dramatic elimination that was drawn out over an hour-long results show.
To the highlight reel: Lance & Lacey got their highest score of the season with a hot tango; and Cloris & Corky did the same. Other highlights came from Susan & Tony, and from Cody & Julianne. Brooke & Derek were a little too "erotic" for Len and Brooke promised to tone it down next week. The judges were lukewarm on Warren & Kym's performance, but the low points of the night for the judges came from Maurice & Cheryl, and Rocco & Karina.
Play it again, Lance: Len said it was tough to pick a couple for this week's encore, but the judges settled on Lance & Lacey doing the tango.
All's fair in politics: The evening featured a string of political-style ads, kicked off by one calling Cody Linley "weak." It was followed with the tag, "I'm Brooke Burke, and I approved this message." Coming in from the next commercial break, Warren Sapp's hit piece on Rocco DiSpirito concluded, "Never trust a skinny chef." The next hit piece was on Brooke Burke. It noted that she's hot and a good dancer. "Don't you just hate her?" the voiceover asked. The ad was "paid for by the rest of the cast."
The next ad counted down Cloris Leachman's financial impact on the show. Bribing the judges: $16. Stealing props: $12. Delaying live television: $37,462. Finally, it asked, "Hasn't Cloris Leachman cost this production enough?" The Dancing with the Stars accounting department paid it for. Another concluded that "Lance Bass is probably crazy." It was followed with, "I'm Toni Braxton, and I approved this message."
Another ad touted all of Toni Braxton's successes, asking, "Hasn't Toni Braxton won enough?" Rocco DiSpirito approved that message. Finally, in an ad approved by Cloris Leachman, Susan Lucci's "ladylike" status was challenged. She's killed a grizzly bear, been accused of murder, been married nine times, joined a traveling circus, was a Vegas showgirl and staged a prison break (as Erica Kane on "All My Children"). It concluded, using her own words, that "Susan Lucci is a filthy beast."
One last political commercial suggested that Warren Sapp was wearing a fat suit. It was paid for by Susan Lucci.
Be our guest...: There was a spirited flamenco performance by a group of seven Spanish brothers, Los Vivancos. Ne-Yo stopped by later to perform his single, "Closer."
To the results: The first couple safe was ... Susan & Tony. Lance & Lacey joined them. The first couple in the bottom two was ... Rocco & Karina.
Kidding around: The "Dancing Kids" competition returned and featured Mitchell and Jessica, 11 and 10. They danced the cha cha cha. Kirill and Hanna, also 11 and 10, were up next with a samba. The judges loved them all, but in the end they picked Kirill & Hanna to move on to the next round.
More results: The next couple safe, in no particular order, was Brooke & Derek. Joining them were Cody & Julianne. Also returning for another week were Toni & Alec. Warren & Kym were also saved by America's votes. Finally, Maurice & Cheryl were safe to continue. That left Cloris & Corky in the bottom two with Rocco & Karina.
Who's going home? After four weeks, it was the end of the road for .... Rocco & Karina. Rocco called it a once in a lifetime experience and thanked Karina for "the gift of dance." Finally, he asked Bruno to show him how to move his hips properly. Bruno obliged.
To the highlight reel: Lance & Lacey got their highest score of the season with a hot tango; and Cloris & Corky did the same. Other highlights came from Susan & Tony, and from Cody & Julianne. Brooke & Derek were a little too "erotic" for Len and Brooke promised to tone it down next week. The judges were lukewarm on Warren & Kym's performance, but the low points of the night for the judges came from Maurice & Cheryl, and Rocco & Karina.
Play it again, Lance: Len said it was tough to pick a couple for this week's encore, but the judges settled on Lance & Lacey doing the tango.
All's fair in politics: The evening featured a string of political-style ads, kicked off by one calling Cody Linley "weak." It was followed with the tag, "I'm Brooke Burke, and I approved this message." Coming in from the next commercial break, Warren Sapp's hit piece on Rocco DiSpirito concluded, "Never trust a skinny chef." The next hit piece was on Brooke Burke. It noted that she's hot and a good dancer. "Don't you just hate her?" the voiceover asked. The ad was "paid for by the rest of the cast."
The next ad counted down Cloris Leachman's financial impact on the show. Bribing the judges: $16. Stealing props: $12. Delaying live television: $37,462. Finally, it asked, "Hasn't Cloris Leachman cost this production enough?" The Dancing with the Stars accounting department paid it for. Another concluded that "Lance Bass is probably crazy." It was followed with, "I'm Toni Braxton, and I approved this message."
Another ad touted all of Toni Braxton's successes, asking, "Hasn't Toni Braxton won enough?" Rocco DiSpirito approved that message. Finally, in an ad approved by Cloris Leachman, Susan Lucci's "ladylike" status was challenged. She's killed a grizzly bear, been accused of murder, been married nine times, joined a traveling circus, was a Vegas showgirl and staged a prison break (as Erica Kane on "All My Children"). It concluded, using her own words, that "Susan Lucci is a filthy beast."
One last political commercial suggested that Warren Sapp was wearing a fat suit. It was paid for by Susan Lucci.
Be our guest...: There was a spirited flamenco performance by a group of seven Spanish brothers, Los Vivancos. Ne-Yo stopped by later to perform his single, "Closer."
To the results: The first couple safe was ... Susan & Tony. Lance & Lacey joined them. The first couple in the bottom two was ... Rocco & Karina.
Kidding around: The "Dancing Kids" competition returned and featured Mitchell and Jessica, 11 and 10. They danced the cha cha cha. Kirill and Hanna, also 11 and 10, were up next with a samba. The judges loved them all, but in the end they picked Kirill & Hanna to move on to the next round.
More results: The next couple safe, in no particular order, was Brooke & Derek. Joining them were Cody & Julianne. Also returning for another week were Toni & Alec. Warren & Kym were also saved by America's votes. Finally, Maurice & Cheryl were safe to continue. That left Cloris & Corky in the bottom two with Rocco & Karina.
Who's going home? After four weeks, it was the end of the road for .... Rocco & Karina. Rocco called it a once in a lifetime experience and thanked Karina for "the gift of dance." Finally, he asked Bruno to show him how to move his hips properly. Bruno obliged.
Mon, Oct 20, 2008
Four new dances were introduced Monday on "Dancing with the Stars. They were the West coast swing, The Hustle, Salsa, and the Jitterbug
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass said that the previous week was a real breakthrough and it gave him some confidence because he'd always been known as the worst dancer in N-Sync. He said the record company actually wanted to kick him out of the group when it was first signed because he was a bad dancer. He landed the West coast swing, which was fortunate because his partner Lacey Schwimmer brought in her dad, who was a West coast swing-dancing champion. Lance slipped during a slide and fell down, but he recovered well. Len Goodman said Lance proved that he was a good dancer last week and that Lacey has to "give up a little bit of your talent and show off your partner a little more." Bruno Tonioli agreed, saying Lance's performance was more like "dancing around the star." Carrie Ann Inaba added to it, telling Lacey that she has to let her partner shine a little more. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Toni & Alec; Toni Braxton worried that she was headed downhill in the competition after a strong start. She looked to step it up with the West coast swing. Toni and partner Alec Mazo gave a little Michael Jackson treatment to the dance, which included a couple of intentional lifts. Bruno didn't like the inclusion of the Moonwalk. Carrie Ann said the difficulty with the West coast swing was in making it look easy, but Toni just over danced it. Len said he wasn't seeing Toni's potential and said she should regroup and come back strong. Scores: 7, 7, and 8. Total: 22
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci was coming off her best week of the competition, but she suffered two fractured bones in her foot. Would it affect her performance? Susan and partner Tony Dovolani were given The Hustle, which Susan remembered dancing in the heyday of Studio 54 in the 1970s. She got an MRI to check on the injury and he said it was really up to how much she could dance through the pain. Carrie Ann said she liked it and admired Susan for going out there because she didn't see her injury bothering her. Len acknowledged the injury, but said Tony was treating Susan like a China doll and he wanted him to just take her out there and dance. Bruno said it looked like an uptown girl doing The Hustle. Scores: 7, 7 and 8. Total: 22
Warren & Kym: Warren Sapp stumbled with his samba last week and he was looking to bounce back with The Hustle. Warren was wiped out at the halfway point in the competition, but he asked partner Kym Johnson to push him. It was a tremendous, high-energy performance that was easily the best of the night to that point. They earned a standing ovation, but would the judges agree? Len said "that's what I'm talking about" and said he "really enjoyed it, well done." Bruno loved it, and Carrie Ann appreciated that they tapped into the nostalgia of the dance. Scores: 8, 8, and 9. Total: 25.
Cloris & Corky: The end may be drawing near for Cloris Leachman, who landed in the bottom two last week despite her highest judges' scores of the season. She went out on the stump during the week, personally thanking her fans for their votes. This week, she and partner Corky Ballas landed the salsa and Corky hoped he could get her into the character of the dance. She promised to bring "everything this 82-year-old body can bring." Bruno said "the old gal can still turn a trick." He praised her for actually doing a salsa. Carrie Ann said everyone loves what Cloris brings to the dance floor. Len said he loves her for being the first person on the show who's older than him. He said she was "hotter than a chile pepper." Afterward, Cloris admitted she was channeling her inner "skanky ho." Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21
Maurice & Cheryl: Ex-Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene hit a bit of a wall the previous week with his samba, but he thought the critique was a bit unfair. He wanted to get "that one bad race" out of the way. His partner Cheryl Burke was having a hard time teaching the dance because she wasn't very familiar with it. Cheryl told Maurice she thought he was lazy and that he didn't care. Carrie Ann called Maurice over to her, then shouted and hugged him, saying, "I knew it was in you!" Len said "if there was a mark for energy, I'd give you a 10." Bruno said he was "like a master of theater." Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke remained the front-runner despite some harsh criticism from Len the previous week. It was going to be a challenge for Brooke and her partner Derek Hough because even he didn't know anything about the jitterbug and had to do research online to get step-by-step directions on how to do it. Len said that whatever dance Brooke gets to do she's consistently tops. Bruno said it was "so vigorous" and "so upbeat," it was "glorious." Carrie Ann asked if she could nitpick, but then admitted she couldn't because it was perfect. Scores: 10, 9, and 10. Total: 29
Cody & Julianne: A week after starting to find his mojo, according to Bruno, Cody Linley wanted to keep the momentum going. His partner Julianne Hough was also learning the dance for the first. In rehearsals, they were doing all kinds of crazy flips (when they weren't spying on Brooke & Derek). Could they pull it off? Bruno said it was "a firebug," and that he liked the slapstick they included. Carrie Ann said it was the perfect dance for Cody and said he's giving Brooke a run for her money. Len said it had quality, energy and he liked it very much. Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke Derek, 29
Cody & Julianne, 28
Maurice & Cheryl, 27
Warren & Kym, 25
Toni & Alec, 22
Susan & Lucci, 22
Lance & Lacey, 21
Cloris & Corky, 21
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass said that the previous week was a real breakthrough and it gave him some confidence because he'd always been known as the worst dancer in N-Sync. He said the record company actually wanted to kick him out of the group when it was first signed because he was a bad dancer. He landed the West coast swing, which was fortunate because his partner Lacey Schwimmer brought in her dad, who was a West coast swing-dancing champion. Lance slipped during a slide and fell down, but he recovered well. Len Goodman said Lance proved that he was a good dancer last week and that Lacey has to "give up a little bit of your talent and show off your partner a little more." Bruno Tonioli agreed, saying Lance's performance was more like "dancing around the star." Carrie Ann Inaba added to it, telling Lacey that she has to let her partner shine a little more. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Toni & Alec; Toni Braxton worried that she was headed downhill in the competition after a strong start. She looked to step it up with the West coast swing. Toni and partner Alec Mazo gave a little Michael Jackson treatment to the dance, which included a couple of intentional lifts. Bruno didn't like the inclusion of the Moonwalk. Carrie Ann said the difficulty with the West coast swing was in making it look easy, but Toni just over danced it. Len said he wasn't seeing Toni's potential and said she should regroup and come back strong. Scores: 7, 7, and 8. Total: 22
Susan & Tony: Susan Lucci was coming off her best week of the competition, but she suffered two fractured bones in her foot. Would it affect her performance? Susan and partner Tony Dovolani were given The Hustle, which Susan remembered dancing in the heyday of Studio 54 in the 1970s. She got an MRI to check on the injury and he said it was really up to how much she could dance through the pain. Carrie Ann said she liked it and admired Susan for going out there because she didn't see her injury bothering her. Len acknowledged the injury, but said Tony was treating Susan like a China doll and he wanted him to just take her out there and dance. Bruno said it looked like an uptown girl doing The Hustle. Scores: 7, 7 and 8. Total: 22
Warren & Kym: Warren Sapp stumbled with his samba last week and he was looking to bounce back with The Hustle. Warren was wiped out at the halfway point in the competition, but he asked partner Kym Johnson to push him. It was a tremendous, high-energy performance that was easily the best of the night to that point. They earned a standing ovation, but would the judges agree? Len said "that's what I'm talking about" and said he "really enjoyed it, well done." Bruno loved it, and Carrie Ann appreciated that they tapped into the nostalgia of the dance. Scores: 8, 8, and 9. Total: 25.
Cloris & Corky: The end may be drawing near for Cloris Leachman, who landed in the bottom two last week despite her highest judges' scores of the season. She went out on the stump during the week, personally thanking her fans for their votes. This week, she and partner Corky Ballas landed the salsa and Corky hoped he could get her into the character of the dance. She promised to bring "everything this 82-year-old body can bring." Bruno said "the old gal can still turn a trick." He praised her for actually doing a salsa. Carrie Ann said everyone loves what Cloris brings to the dance floor. Len said he loves her for being the first person on the show who's older than him. He said she was "hotter than a chile pepper." Afterward, Cloris admitted she was channeling her inner "skanky ho." Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21
Maurice & Cheryl: Ex-Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene hit a bit of a wall the previous week with his samba, but he thought the critique was a bit unfair. He wanted to get "that one bad race" out of the way. His partner Cheryl Burke was having a hard time teaching the dance because she wasn't very familiar with it. Cheryl told Maurice she thought he was lazy and that he didn't care. Carrie Ann called Maurice over to her, then shouted and hugged him, saying, "I knew it was in you!" Len said "if there was a mark for energy, I'd give you a 10." Bruno said he was "like a master of theater." Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke remained the front-runner despite some harsh criticism from Len the previous week. It was going to be a challenge for Brooke and her partner Derek Hough because even he didn't know anything about the jitterbug and had to do research online to get step-by-step directions on how to do it. Len said that whatever dance Brooke gets to do she's consistently tops. Bruno said it was "so vigorous" and "so upbeat," it was "glorious." Carrie Ann asked if she could nitpick, but then admitted she couldn't because it was perfect. Scores: 10, 9, and 10. Total: 29
Cody & Julianne: A week after starting to find his mojo, according to Bruno, Cody Linley wanted to keep the momentum going. His partner Julianne Hough was also learning the dance for the first. In rehearsals, they were doing all kinds of crazy flips (when they weren't spying on Brooke & Derek). Could they pull it off? Bruno said it was "a firebug," and that he liked the slapstick they included. Carrie Ann said it was the perfect dance for Cody and said he's giving Brooke a run for her money. Len said it had quality, energy and he liked it very much. Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke Derek, 29
Cody & Julianne, 28
Maurice & Cheryl, 27
Warren & Kym, 25
Toni & Alec, 22
Susan & Lucci, 22
Lance & Lacey, 21
Cloris & Corky, 21
Tue, Oct 21, 2008
Thanks Ashton Kutcher for punking the millions of you who tuned in for an hour-long "recap" episode of "Dancing with the Stars" on Tuesday night before the regularly scheduled hour-long results show. Kutcher's family game show "Opportunity Knocks," which normally aired before the "Dancing" results on Tuesdays, was yanked from the schedule due to low ratings. It was replaced by a one-hour redux of the "Dancing" performances from Monday, with a handful of backstage reaction quotes from the dancers.
Here's the rundown of the hour, which included entire repeats of every performance and a commercial break between virtually every one of them:
Lance & Lacey danced. They got a 21. The judges ripped Lacey for taking Lance's spotlight. Lacey said backstage that the judges just didn't know that the West coast swing is meant to show off the woman.
Toni & Alec danced. They got a 22 even though the judges didn't like it all that much. Backstage, Toni wondered why people assume she can dance just because she's a singer. "People really think I can dance, like I'm a Janet or a Britney," she said, before going to her positive, happy place.
Susan & Tony danced. They got 22, with the judges praising Susan for her courage in dancing through her foot injury. Backstage, Tony was disheartened by the judges' comments because he thought they deserved better.
Warren & Kym danced and got a standing ovation. They scored 25. Warren was happy to have received a 9 from Bruno. Warren said that in football, at halftime, you come back out and make a statement. He's looking to score a touchdown in the second half of this competition.
Cloris & Corky earned legitimate praise for their salsa, which scored a 21. Backstage, Corky said he wanted Cloris to dance without an inhibition. He said she came out like a tiger.
Maurice & Cheryl roared back after a disappointing week with a 27 from the judges. Backstage, Maurice said "we had to go through that to get to where we're at," referring to Cheryl's explosion in which she called him lazy.
Brooke & Derek scored a 29 for their animated jitterbug. Backstage, Derek was very much into his hairdo, and they revealed that Brooke's foot was messed up.
Cody & Julianne showed off their own jitterbug, which scored 28. Backstage, Julianne lamented being one point behind her brother. Cody offered up a Bruno impression that was pretty solid.
Then they gave us a special preview of "High School Musical 3: The Senior Year."
Finally, the "real" results show started.
The judges gave their own backstage, post-show analysis. They thought some couples succeeded with the new dances and other were lost. Len's best comment of the post-show meeting: "I could not give a 10 to a jitterbug. It's like giving an Oscar to Mickey the Mouse." Is that what they call Mickey Mouse in London?
Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris announced that they were giving Len next week off, due to his impossible travel schedule. Michael Flatley -- yes, the Lord of the Dance guy -- will take his place.
The encore performance was from Cody & Julianne, who got a chance to reprise their jitterbug, which earned them their first 10 of the season.
Be our guest: Brian Setzer brought his orchestra to the ballroom to perform the Stray Cats' classic, "Rock This Town."
To the results: Tom finally got to the results, announcing that the first couple safe, in no particular order, was Warren & Kym, and Cloris & Corky. That meant Cloris & Corky were not in the bottom two.
Kiddie time: In the "Dancing" kids competition, Alisa and Anthony, 10 and 11, were the first to perform, doing a jive. The judges loved it. Mitchell and Maria, 12 and 13, looked to knock them off with a paso doble. Mitchell and Maria moved on to the next round.
Six-month project: There was a big introduction to the preparation that went into the biggest Macy's "Stars of Dance" performance of the season. A routine that would span dancing through the years -- the 1930s, '60s, '80s, and the future -- took more than 20,000 man-hours to create. It was pretty impressive.
Back to the results: After a little trash-talking segment, Tom revealed that Cody & Julianne would return next week, along with Maurice & Cheryl.
With four couples remaining, it was down to Toni & Alec, Brooke & Derek, Lance & Lacey, and Susan & Tony. The first couple safe was ... Brooke & Derek. The first couple in the bottom two was Toni & Alec. The next safe couple was Lance & Lacey, which meant Susan & Tony were also in the bottom two.
The couple going home was ... wait for it ... wait for it ... Toni & Alec. Toni said she was a bit disappointed, but that the competition helped her reach her goal, which was to get her heart in better condition for performing. She said she still has a way to go before she can sustain a 90-minute concert, but it was a good start.
Here's the rundown of the hour, which included entire repeats of every performance and a commercial break between virtually every one of them:
Lance & Lacey danced. They got a 21. The judges ripped Lacey for taking Lance's spotlight. Lacey said backstage that the judges just didn't know that the West coast swing is meant to show off the woman.
Toni & Alec danced. They got a 22 even though the judges didn't like it all that much. Backstage, Toni wondered why people assume she can dance just because she's a singer. "People really think I can dance, like I'm a Janet or a Britney," she said, before going to her positive, happy place.
Susan & Tony danced. They got 22, with the judges praising Susan for her courage in dancing through her foot injury. Backstage, Tony was disheartened by the judges' comments because he thought they deserved better.
Warren & Kym danced and got a standing ovation. They scored 25. Warren was happy to have received a 9 from Bruno. Warren said that in football, at halftime, you come back out and make a statement. He's looking to score a touchdown in the second half of this competition.
Cloris & Corky earned legitimate praise for their salsa, which scored a 21. Backstage, Corky said he wanted Cloris to dance without an inhibition. He said she came out like a tiger.
Maurice & Cheryl roared back after a disappointing week with a 27 from the judges. Backstage, Maurice said "we had to go through that to get to where we're at," referring to Cheryl's explosion in which she called him lazy.
Brooke & Derek scored a 29 for their animated jitterbug. Backstage, Derek was very much into his hairdo, and they revealed that Brooke's foot was messed up.
Cody & Julianne showed off their own jitterbug, which scored 28. Backstage, Julianne lamented being one point behind her brother. Cody offered up a Bruno impression that was pretty solid.
Then they gave us a special preview of "High School Musical 3: The Senior Year."
Finally, the "real" results show started.
The judges gave their own backstage, post-show analysis. They thought some couples succeeded with the new dances and other were lost. Len's best comment of the post-show meeting: "I could not give a 10 to a jitterbug. It's like giving an Oscar to Mickey the Mouse." Is that what they call Mickey Mouse in London?
Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris announced that they were giving Len next week off, due to his impossible travel schedule. Michael Flatley -- yes, the Lord of the Dance guy -- will take his place.
The encore performance was from Cody & Julianne, who got a chance to reprise their jitterbug, which earned them their first 10 of the season.
Be our guest: Brian Setzer brought his orchestra to the ballroom to perform the Stray Cats' classic, "Rock This Town."
To the results: Tom finally got to the results, announcing that the first couple safe, in no particular order, was Warren & Kym, and Cloris & Corky. That meant Cloris & Corky were not in the bottom two.
Kiddie time: In the "Dancing" kids competition, Alisa and Anthony, 10 and 11, were the first to perform, doing a jive. The judges loved it. Mitchell and Maria, 12 and 13, looked to knock them off with a paso doble. Mitchell and Maria moved on to the next round.
Six-month project: There was a big introduction to the preparation that went into the biggest Macy's "Stars of Dance" performance of the season. A routine that would span dancing through the years -- the 1930s, '60s, '80s, and the future -- took more than 20,000 man-hours to create. It was pretty impressive.
Back to the results: After a little trash-talking segment, Tom revealed that Cody & Julianne would return next week, along with Maurice & Cheryl.
With four couples remaining, it was down to Toni & Alec, Brooke & Derek, Lance & Lacey, and Susan & Tony. The first couple safe was ... Brooke & Derek. The first couple in the bottom two was Toni & Alec. The next safe couple was Lance & Lacey, which meant Susan & Tony were also in the bottom two.
The couple going home was ... wait for it ... wait for it ... Toni & Alec. Toni said she was a bit disappointed, but that the competition helped her reach her goal, which was to get her heart in better condition for performing. She said she still has a way to go before she can sustain a 90-minute concert, but it was a good start.
Mon, Oct 27, 2008
The competition grew twice as difficult this week on "Dancing with the Stars" as the remaining couples had to learn two dances -- their own routines, plus a group hip-hop performance. Michael Flatley sat in for Len Goodman, who was taking a break due to a busy travel schedule.
Maurice & Cheryl: After some turmoil last week, ex-Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene and his partner Cheryl Burke had to take on a traditional ballroom dance for the first time since Week 1 -- the Viennese waltz. Last time, they scored three 6's. What would happen this time? Michael called it "slow and graceful" but that sometimes the timing could have been a little better. Carrie Ann Inaba liked it but said that the couple had to work on its chemistry. Bruno Tonioli said it lacked fluidity and was a little bit "raggedy." Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass' partner Lacey Schwimmer took some heat from the judges last week for outshining him too much and not giving him a chance to take the spotlight. Lance got some advice from fellow NSyncer and ex-"Dancing" star Joey Fatone. Would it work on their jive? Bruno said "the Lance is back on target!" Michael said he didn't want to hear another word about lack of confidence from Lance, because he had it all. "You came out smoking," he said. Carrie Ann agreed with Bruno, giving a "Woo-woo!!" Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27.
Susan & Tony: Soap opera star Susan Lucci staved off elimination last week after finding herself in the bottom two, and partner Tony Dovolani tried to get her to let loose. She tried to get it going with the mambo, but still looked pretty stiff. Carrie Ann apparently liked it, thought, saying that Susan "broke the box." Bruno liked it, too, but said the timing was off and that she lost it "so many times. Michael agreed about the timing, but said there was no reason to dwell on it. Scores: 8, 8, and 7. Total: 23.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke remains the front-runner, but Brooke revealed that she had a foot injury. She stayed home to get treatment for her tendon strain, for which the doctor recommended a week's rest. She couldn't do that. Their rehearsal time was limited, and Derek wasn't sure how much he could push her. Would her performance suffer? They danced the rumba. Michael said "you took my breath away" and said, "I hope I have a card here big enough for your score." Carrie Ann said it wasn't Brooke's best dance and that her lines were a little awkward as the injury showed. Bruno agreed, saying the execution wasn't quite as sharp as they're used to seeing. Scores: 8, 10, and 8. Total: 26.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman and her partner Corky Ballas couldn't believe they were still around for another week. Corky wanted to do a vintage cha cha, but said he was at his wits end trying to teach her the dance. He brought in Cloris' ex-husband George Englund to help guide Corky through teaching her the dance. The performance drew another big ovation from the crowd. Bruno said Cloris has to be the only person in the world able to sell such nonsense "and they buy it," he said of the crowd. Michael called Cloris a legend and an inspiration to older people, adding, "my father told me not to say a bad word about you tonight." Carrie Ann said "we lost Toni Braxton for this, and that kind of makes me sad." Scores: 5, 5, and 5. Total: 15.
Cody & Julianne: After a week in which Julianne Hough got really sick, which cost them some practice time for their samba. Cody needed a spray tan and some darkened hair to get into character, but mostly ditched the get-up for the real performance. Carrie Ann called it "the most intense samba I've ever seen." She said she saw improvement every week in Cody. Bruno said there was no exuberance. Michael said there was good news and bad news. He said Cody has "everything it takes," but said the best was still to come from Cody. Julianne addressed her illness, endometriosis, and that she'd have surgery Tuesday to remove her appendix. Pro Edyta Sliwinska will take Julianne's place until Julianne is healthy enough to return. Scores: 8, 8, and 7. Total: 23.
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL star Warren Sapp impressed the judges last week with his hustle, but his partner Kym Johnson wanted to bring a romantic storyline with a rumba. Warren sought to take advantage of Brooke's injury, saying there was "blood in the water ... attack!" Michael called it very entertaining, although he would've liked to have seen Warren do a little more dancing. Still, he said it was "smokin'." Carrie Ann called it "pretty sexy." She said he reminded her of Emmitt Smith, but he has an added emotional quality. Bruno said Warren has a knack for getting the character right every time, but said Warren didn't quite kick in with the footwork as he usually does. Scores: 8, 9, and 8. Total: 25.
Group hip hop! The group learned a big hip-hop routine together for the first time, and Cloris walked in with a huge boom box, saying, "What's up, homies?" During the group performance, Cloris mostly stood back on the stage while the rest of the dancers showed their stuff, but she re-emerged at the end to finish with the classic, arms-crossed, hip-hop pose. Bruno said "some of you looked hip, and some of you looked 'hip replacement.'" Michael liked seeing them all work together. Carrie Ann took the opportunity to remind us that she was one of the Fly Girls on "In Living Color," doing similar moves back in the day.
SCOREBOARD:
Lance & Lacey, 27
Brooke & Derek, 26
Warren & Kym, 25
Susan & Tony, 23
Cody & Julianne, 23
Maurice & Cheryl, 21
Cloris & Corky, 15
Maurice & Cheryl: After some turmoil last week, ex-Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene and his partner Cheryl Burke had to take on a traditional ballroom dance for the first time since Week 1 -- the Viennese waltz. Last time, they scored three 6's. What would happen this time? Michael called it "slow and graceful" but that sometimes the timing could have been a little better. Carrie Ann Inaba liked it but said that the couple had to work on its chemistry. Bruno Tonioli said it lacked fluidity and was a little bit "raggedy." Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass' partner Lacey Schwimmer took some heat from the judges last week for outshining him too much and not giving him a chance to take the spotlight. Lance got some advice from fellow NSyncer and ex-"Dancing" star Joey Fatone. Would it work on their jive? Bruno said "the Lance is back on target!" Michael said he didn't want to hear another word about lack of confidence from Lance, because he had it all. "You came out smoking," he said. Carrie Ann agreed with Bruno, giving a "Woo-woo!!" Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27.
Susan & Tony: Soap opera star Susan Lucci staved off elimination last week after finding herself in the bottom two, and partner Tony Dovolani tried to get her to let loose. She tried to get it going with the mambo, but still looked pretty stiff. Carrie Ann apparently liked it, thought, saying that Susan "broke the box." Bruno liked it, too, but said the timing was off and that she lost it "so many times. Michael agreed about the timing, but said there was no reason to dwell on it. Scores: 8, 8, and 7. Total: 23.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke Burke remains the front-runner, but Brooke revealed that she had a foot injury. She stayed home to get treatment for her tendon strain, for which the doctor recommended a week's rest. She couldn't do that. Their rehearsal time was limited, and Derek wasn't sure how much he could push her. Would her performance suffer? They danced the rumba. Michael said "you took my breath away" and said, "I hope I have a card here big enough for your score." Carrie Ann said it wasn't Brooke's best dance and that her lines were a little awkward as the injury showed. Bruno agreed, saying the execution wasn't quite as sharp as they're used to seeing. Scores: 8, 10, and 8. Total: 26.
Cloris & Corky: Cloris Leachman and her partner Corky Ballas couldn't believe they were still around for another week. Corky wanted to do a vintage cha cha, but said he was at his wits end trying to teach her the dance. He brought in Cloris' ex-husband George Englund to help guide Corky through teaching her the dance. The performance drew another big ovation from the crowd. Bruno said Cloris has to be the only person in the world able to sell such nonsense "and they buy it," he said of the crowd. Michael called Cloris a legend and an inspiration to older people, adding, "my father told me not to say a bad word about you tonight." Carrie Ann said "we lost Toni Braxton for this, and that kind of makes me sad." Scores: 5, 5, and 5. Total: 15.
Cody & Julianne: After a week in which Julianne Hough got really sick, which cost them some practice time for their samba. Cody needed a spray tan and some darkened hair to get into character, but mostly ditched the get-up for the real performance. Carrie Ann called it "the most intense samba I've ever seen." She said she saw improvement every week in Cody. Bruno said there was no exuberance. Michael said there was good news and bad news. He said Cody has "everything it takes," but said the best was still to come from Cody. Julianne addressed her illness, endometriosis, and that she'd have surgery Tuesday to remove her appendix. Pro Edyta Sliwinska will take Julianne's place until Julianne is healthy enough to return. Scores: 8, 8, and 7. Total: 23.
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL star Warren Sapp impressed the judges last week with his hustle, but his partner Kym Johnson wanted to bring a romantic storyline with a rumba. Warren sought to take advantage of Brooke's injury, saying there was "blood in the water ... attack!" Michael called it very entertaining, although he would've liked to have seen Warren do a little more dancing. Still, he said it was "smokin'." Carrie Ann called it "pretty sexy." She said he reminded her of Emmitt Smith, but he has an added emotional quality. Bruno said Warren has a knack for getting the character right every time, but said Warren didn't quite kick in with the footwork as he usually does. Scores: 8, 9, and 8. Total: 25.
Group hip hop! The group learned a big hip-hop routine together for the first time, and Cloris walked in with a huge boom box, saying, "What's up, homies?" During the group performance, Cloris mostly stood back on the stage while the rest of the dancers showed their stuff, but she re-emerged at the end to finish with the classic, arms-crossed, hip-hop pose. Bruno said "some of you looked hip, and some of you looked 'hip replacement.'" Michael liked seeing them all work together. Carrie Ann took the opportunity to remind us that she was one of the Fly Girls on "In Living Color," doing similar moves back in the day.
SCOREBOARD:
Lance & Lacey, 27
Brooke & Derek, 26
Warren & Kym, 25
Susan & Tony, 23
Cody & Julianne, 23
Maurice & Cheryl, 21
Cloris & Corky, 15
Tue, Oct 28, 2008
For the first time this season, Brooke & Derek headed into a results show without the lead on the judges' scoreboard. Lance & Lacey held the unfamiliar top spot, and Cloris & Corky were in a distant last place. But what did the voters decide to do?
Most of the dancers were fans of guest judge Michael Flatley, who offered up some of the higher scores of the evening, including a "10" for Brooke & Derek while Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli gave them 8's.
Conspicuously absent from the highlight reel of Monday night's performance was Carrie Ann's scathing commentary about Cloris, when she said, "we lost Toni Braxton for this, and that kind of makes me sad."
Play it again: Unfortunately, the judges decided to ask the entire group to do the hip-hop performance as an encore.
To the results: The first two couples sent to safety -- in no particular order -- were Lance & Lacey and Cody (& Julianne).
Child's play: In the dancing kids competition, Craig & Samantha (13 and 12), a brother and sister team from New Jersey sought to impress the judges with their cha cha cha. The judges absolutely hated it. Oh, c'mon. I'm kidding. They loved it, of course. Their competition were Simon & Lucy (both 13) from San Jose, Calif., who promised to cook up an amazing samba. The judges love them, too. But who did they love more? Craig & Samantha in a clean sweep.
Be our guest: Missy Elliott and the Pussycat Dolls teamed up to perform "Whatchu Think About That?"
Substitute dancer: Cody shared that Julianne was home after a successful surgery and was resting. He also welcomed his new partner, Edyta Sliwinska, who said she was happy to fill in but wishing Julianne a speedy recovery.
Back to the results: Warren & Kym were the next couple sent to safety.
'His legs move about as if independent of his body': Michael Flatley tap-danced on a platform in the middle of the dance floor. Flames soon erupted from the edges of the small platform and just as Michael jumped off of it at the end of the routine, it exploded. Whew!
To the results: With four couples remaining, Brooke & Derek were sent to safety along with Maurice & Cheryl, which left Susan & Tony "in jeopardy" alongside Cloris & Corky. They weren't necessarily in the bottom two.
The couple with the lowest combined total was ... Cloris & Corky.
She took a seat on the floor as Samantha and Tom asked her about the experience. "I'm not leaving," Cloris said. She promised to get a pretty costume and be back next week.
Most of the dancers were fans of guest judge Michael Flatley, who offered up some of the higher scores of the evening, including a "10" for Brooke & Derek while Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli gave them 8's.
Conspicuously absent from the highlight reel of Monday night's performance was Carrie Ann's scathing commentary about Cloris, when she said, "we lost Toni Braxton for this, and that kind of makes me sad."
Play it again: Unfortunately, the judges decided to ask the entire group to do the hip-hop performance as an encore.
To the results: The first two couples sent to safety -- in no particular order -- were Lance & Lacey and Cody (& Julianne).
Child's play: In the dancing kids competition, Craig & Samantha (13 and 12), a brother and sister team from New Jersey sought to impress the judges with their cha cha cha. The judges absolutely hated it. Oh, c'mon. I'm kidding. They loved it, of course. Their competition were Simon & Lucy (both 13) from San Jose, Calif., who promised to cook up an amazing samba. The judges love them, too. But who did they love more? Craig & Samantha in a clean sweep.
Be our guest: Missy Elliott and the Pussycat Dolls teamed up to perform "Whatchu Think About That?"
Substitute dancer: Cody shared that Julianne was home after a successful surgery and was resting. He also welcomed his new partner, Edyta Sliwinska, who said she was happy to fill in but wishing Julianne a speedy recovery.
Back to the results: Warren & Kym were the next couple sent to safety.
'His legs move about as if independent of his body': Michael Flatley tap-danced on a platform in the middle of the dance floor. Flames soon erupted from the edges of the small platform and just as Michael jumped off of it at the end of the routine, it exploded. Whew!
To the results: With four couples remaining, Brooke & Derek were sent to safety along with Maurice & Cheryl, which left Susan & Tony "in jeopardy" alongside Cloris & Corky. They weren't necessarily in the bottom two.
The couple with the lowest combined total was ... Cloris & Corky.
She took a seat on the floor as Samantha and Tom asked her about the experience. "I'm not leaving," Cloris said. She promised to get a pretty costume and be back next week.
Mon, Nov 3, 2008
With the departure of Cloris Leachman, it could be argued that the competition really began Monday on "Dancing with the Stars" as the remaining six couples took on an individual dance and a team performance, which would count toward the scoring for the first time.
Due to ABC's election coverage on Tuesday night, the "Dancing" results show will air at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL star Warren Sapp was still lamenting his one missed step last week. As he learned the foxtrot, Kym took him to American Ballroom champion Nick Kosovich's dance studio to see what the dance is supposed to look like. Judge Len Goodman was back and said it wasn't a classic foxtrot and "it wasn't your best dance." Bruno Tonioli said that after a promising beginning, "the technique went into a recession." Carrie Ann Inaba asked Warren what the problem was and he admitted "My feet weren't right" because he wasn't wearing his own shoes. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21
Susan & Tony: After breaking through her box, soap opera star Susan Lucci wasn't taking anything for granted. During rehearsals, Susan told Tony he sounded upset with her when she made small mistakes. He said he was trying to get some frustration and anger out of her for the paso doble. Bruno said Susan could ride that bull like a pro in a rodeo." Carrie Ann said Susan has struggled with claiming her power before on the dance floor in the past, but Carrie Ann forced her to look at the camera and declare, "I am doing good." Len said it right up with Susan's best dances and she did "a great job." Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Maurice & Cheryl: Olympic champion sprinter Maurice Greene was lacking chemistry with his partner Cheryl Burke last week. Cheryl worried that Maurice was holding back because he was afraid of missing steps. He hyper extended his leg during the team dance rehearsal, but he was determined to fight through the injury. The couple performed their high-energy cha cha cha, but would it be enough to impress the judges? Carrie Ann said it was nice to see Maurice bring his "A game." Len said it was "dazzling" and that it was Maurice's best dance of the season. Bruno said "happy days are here again for Maurice." Scores: 8, 9, and 8. Total: 25
Cody & Edyta: "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley worked with pro Edyta Sliwinska for the first time because of Julianne Hough's recent surgery. Cody and Edyta visited Julianne, who was resting after surgery. Julianne suggested that Edyta get Cody into character for their Viennese waltz because that's when he excels. "Julianne, this one's for you," Cody said before his performance. Len said that as a couple, Cody & Edyta looked comfortable together, but that Cody didn't look comfortable doing the Viennese waltz. Bruno said "it was like watching a fledgling bird spreading his wings but not quite being able to take off." Carrie Ann thought it was great and that "Julianne would be proud." Scores: 8, 7, and 7. Total: 22
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass finally took the top spot last week, but would he and partner Lacey Schwimmer be able to ride the momentum. Lacey wanted to do their rumba barefoot, but Lance, who'd broken a toe earlier, said he wouldn't be able to do it. But Lacey became frustrated with Lance's "negative attitude." She apologized, but would their chemistry suffer? Bruno said "barefoot in the park has never been more seductive and romantic." Carrie Ann said she was skeptical about the barefoot thing, but she said it was "fantastic" and "a great payoff." Len said "I didn't get it. It didn't enhance the performance at all. It was a distraction." He went on to say, "you don't need all this nonsense. Cut it out." Scores: 9, 7, and 9. Total: 25
Brooke & Derek: Model Brooke Burke was finally bumped from the top spot last week and she and partner Derek Hough sought to regroup with their foxtrot. During rehearsals, Derek told Brooke there were moments when he felt like he was dancing with a professional. Carrie Ann was excited about it and said that Derek was right, that Brooke was getting as good as some of the pros. Len said it was "more than the sum of its parts, it was truly fantastic." Bruno called it a brilliant performance from start to finish. Scores: 10, 10, and 10. Total: 30.
Team dances: For the first time, the six couples were split into two teams of six dancers: Team Cha Cha and Team Paso Doble. The judges would score each team, and those team scores would be added to each couple's individual scores.
Team Cha Cha: Cody & Edyta, Lance & Lacey, and Susan & Tony made up Team Cha Cha. Cody thought their strength was that they were all performers. Susan worried that she lost rehearsal time in New York and some of the other team members were worried that they were being held back. Len said the group did an "excellent job" and said Lance & Lacey saved the day with their solo. Bruno said it was "on the brink of disaster" but Lance & Lacey rescued it. Carrie Ann said the unison was terrible. She said it was "brutal to watch." Scores: 6, 7, and 7. Total: 20.
Team Paso Doble: Maurice declared Team Paso Doble the super team because they had a Super Bowl champion (Warren), a supermodel (Brooke), and a super sprinter (Maurice). Bruno said the team looked "invincible" and said they always looked like a team. Carrie Ann agreed, saying it was total teamwork and they all did great on their solos. Len said it's easier to keep a formation in a marching dance (the paso doble) than a syncopation Latin dance (the cha cha cha), but that they did well. Scores: 10, 9, and 10. Total: 29
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 30 (plus 29 for the group) = 59
Maurice & Cheryl, 25 (plus 29 for the group) = 54
Warren & Kym, 21 (plus 29 for the group) = 50
Lance & Lacey, 25 (plus 20 for the group) = 45
Susan & Tony, 24 (plus 20 for the group) = 44
Cody & Edyta, 22 (plus 20 for the group) = 42
Due to ABC's election coverage on Tuesday night, the "Dancing" results show will air at 8 p.m. Wednesday.
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL star Warren Sapp was still lamenting his one missed step last week. As he learned the foxtrot, Kym took him to American Ballroom champion Nick Kosovich's dance studio to see what the dance is supposed to look like. Judge Len Goodman was back and said it wasn't a classic foxtrot and "it wasn't your best dance." Bruno Tonioli said that after a promising beginning, "the technique went into a recession." Carrie Ann Inaba asked Warren what the problem was and he admitted "My feet weren't right" because he wasn't wearing his own shoes. Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21
Susan & Tony: After breaking through her box, soap opera star Susan Lucci wasn't taking anything for granted. During rehearsals, Susan told Tony he sounded upset with her when she made small mistakes. He said he was trying to get some frustration and anger out of her for the paso doble. Bruno said Susan could ride that bull like a pro in a rodeo." Carrie Ann said Susan has struggled with claiming her power before on the dance floor in the past, but Carrie Ann forced her to look at the camera and declare, "I am doing good." Len said it right up with Susan's best dances and she did "a great job." Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Maurice & Cheryl: Olympic champion sprinter Maurice Greene was lacking chemistry with his partner Cheryl Burke last week. Cheryl worried that Maurice was holding back because he was afraid of missing steps. He hyper extended his leg during the team dance rehearsal, but he was determined to fight through the injury. The couple performed their high-energy cha cha cha, but would it be enough to impress the judges? Carrie Ann said it was nice to see Maurice bring his "A game." Len said it was "dazzling" and that it was Maurice's best dance of the season. Bruno said "happy days are here again for Maurice." Scores: 8, 9, and 8. Total: 25
Cody & Edyta: "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley worked with pro Edyta Sliwinska for the first time because of Julianne Hough's recent surgery. Cody and Edyta visited Julianne, who was resting after surgery. Julianne suggested that Edyta get Cody into character for their Viennese waltz because that's when he excels. "Julianne, this one's for you," Cody said before his performance. Len said that as a couple, Cody & Edyta looked comfortable together, but that Cody didn't look comfortable doing the Viennese waltz. Bruno said "it was like watching a fledgling bird spreading his wings but not quite being able to take off." Carrie Ann thought it was great and that "Julianne would be proud." Scores: 8, 7, and 7. Total: 22
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass finally took the top spot last week, but would he and partner Lacey Schwimmer be able to ride the momentum. Lacey wanted to do their rumba barefoot, but Lance, who'd broken a toe earlier, said he wouldn't be able to do it. But Lacey became frustrated with Lance's "negative attitude." She apologized, but would their chemistry suffer? Bruno said "barefoot in the park has never been more seductive and romantic." Carrie Ann said she was skeptical about the barefoot thing, but she said it was "fantastic" and "a great payoff." Len said "I didn't get it. It didn't enhance the performance at all. It was a distraction." He went on to say, "you don't need all this nonsense. Cut it out." Scores: 9, 7, and 9. Total: 25
Brooke & Derek: Model Brooke Burke was finally bumped from the top spot last week and she and partner Derek Hough sought to regroup with their foxtrot. During rehearsals, Derek told Brooke there were moments when he felt like he was dancing with a professional. Carrie Ann was excited about it and said that Derek was right, that Brooke was getting as good as some of the pros. Len said it was "more than the sum of its parts, it was truly fantastic." Bruno called it a brilliant performance from start to finish. Scores: 10, 10, and 10. Total: 30.
Team dances: For the first time, the six couples were split into two teams of six dancers: Team Cha Cha and Team Paso Doble. The judges would score each team, and those team scores would be added to each couple's individual scores.
Team Cha Cha: Cody & Edyta, Lance & Lacey, and Susan & Tony made up Team Cha Cha. Cody thought their strength was that they were all performers. Susan worried that she lost rehearsal time in New York and some of the other team members were worried that they were being held back. Len said the group did an "excellent job" and said Lance & Lacey saved the day with their solo. Bruno said it was "on the brink of disaster" but Lance & Lacey rescued it. Carrie Ann said the unison was terrible. She said it was "brutal to watch." Scores: 6, 7, and 7. Total: 20.
Team Paso Doble: Maurice declared Team Paso Doble the super team because they had a Super Bowl champion (Warren), a supermodel (Brooke), and a super sprinter (Maurice). Bruno said the team looked "invincible" and said they always looked like a team. Carrie Ann agreed, saying it was total teamwork and they all did great on their solos. Len said it's easier to keep a formation in a marching dance (the paso doble) than a syncopation Latin dance (the cha cha cha), but that they did well. Scores: 10, 9, and 10. Total: 29
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek, 30 (plus 29 for the group) = 59
Maurice & Cheryl, 25 (plus 29 for the group) = 54
Warren & Kym, 21 (plus 29 for the group) = 50
Lance & Lacey, 25 (plus 20 for the group) = 45
Susan & Tony, 24 (plus 20 for the group) = 44
Cody & Edyta, 22 (plus 20 for the group) = 42
Wed, Nov 5, 2008
After an historic election night, there were more votes to be counted Wednesday as "Dancing with the Stars: The Results" aired a day late to accommodate the Presidential election. Would we be in for a shock?
To the highlights: Warren Sapp's foxtrot tanked, forcing him to slap himself and say, "Fat boy no good, tonight." Susan Lucci, still struggling with confidence issues, had to be coached through saying "I know I'm good." Maurice Greene's cha cha propelled him back into the competition as Len called it his best dance of the season. Cody finished at the bottom of the pack, but his original partner, Julianne Hough, called him and told him she was proud anyway. Lance Bass went barefoot while Brooke Burke rejoiced at her perfect "30."
Play it again...: For an encore, judge Len Goodman passed up Brooke & Derek's perfect foxtrot in favor of the group paso doble that scored a 29 with the judges.
Flying solo: Samantha Harris revealed that next week's competition will include the stars doing a solo portion of their Latin routines.
Oh, what a feeling..: Lionel Richie stopped by to perform the single "Good Morning" from his upcoming album "Just Go." Lionel returned later in the show to perform his hit, "Dancing on the Ceiling."
To the results: In no particular order, Tom Bergeron announced that Maurice & Cheryl were safe for another week.
'DanceCenter': Some highlights of this installment of "Dance Center," featuring Kenny Mayne, Jerry Rice and Len Goodman...
* Jerry's Afro wig and bejeweled eyebrows, and his snapping at Kenny, "Don't piss me off" at the mention of whether Warren Sapp ever tackled him on the field.
* Kenny trying to plug his new show "Mayne Street" on ESPN.com, followed by Jerry's plugging of his "Jerry Curl" styling gel.
* Kenny telling Jerry that toward the end of his football career he was "crawling."
* Len saying he liked it when Maurice blew him a kiss.
* Kenny saying about Brooke Burke, "She is fertile!" And their replaying of footage from Brooke writhing on the sand at the beach, with Kenny saying, "These are just family photos, this isn't even a commercial."
* Kenny and Jerry's decision that Brooke's legs are actually "hideous" because they appear to bend backwards. Kenny said, "I will now repudiate everything I've said about Brooke Burke's beauty."
* "They say he's 18, looks about 12, and acts like he's 5 years old," Kenny said about Cody Linley.
* Len's ripping Kenny for thinking he's an expert on the tango after doing one poor cha cha cha on one episode of the show. "That's how easy it is in this country," Kenny said.
* Len giving Kenny lessons in the tango, and trying to line up the "bony knobs" in their hips. "That bony knob should be just behind my bony knob," Len said as Kenny tried not to giggle.
Oh, oh, oh, it's magic! Choreographer Dave Scott put together a smoking, magic-themed routine for the Macy's "Stars of Dance" series.
Back to the results: The next couple continuing to the next round was Brooke & Derek. And Warren & Kym followed them.
The three members of "Team Cha Cha" were left to find out their fates. Lance & Lacey were safe. That left Cody & Edyta and Susan & Tony.
After a dramatic pause, Bergeron announced that Susan & Tony were out.
To the highlights: Warren Sapp's foxtrot tanked, forcing him to slap himself and say, "Fat boy no good, tonight." Susan Lucci, still struggling with confidence issues, had to be coached through saying "I know I'm good." Maurice Greene's cha cha propelled him back into the competition as Len called it his best dance of the season. Cody finished at the bottom of the pack, but his original partner, Julianne Hough, called him and told him she was proud anyway. Lance Bass went barefoot while Brooke Burke rejoiced at her perfect "30."
Play it again...: For an encore, judge Len Goodman passed up Brooke & Derek's perfect foxtrot in favor of the group paso doble that scored a 29 with the judges.
Flying solo: Samantha Harris revealed that next week's competition will include the stars doing a solo portion of their Latin routines.
Oh, what a feeling..: Lionel Richie stopped by to perform the single "Good Morning" from his upcoming album "Just Go." Lionel returned later in the show to perform his hit, "Dancing on the Ceiling."
To the results: In no particular order, Tom Bergeron announced that Maurice & Cheryl were safe for another week.
'DanceCenter': Some highlights of this installment of "Dance Center," featuring Kenny Mayne, Jerry Rice and Len Goodman...
* Jerry's Afro wig and bejeweled eyebrows, and his snapping at Kenny, "Don't piss me off" at the mention of whether Warren Sapp ever tackled him on the field.
* Kenny trying to plug his new show "Mayne Street" on ESPN.com, followed by Jerry's plugging of his "Jerry Curl" styling gel.
* Kenny telling Jerry that toward the end of his football career he was "crawling."
* Len saying he liked it when Maurice blew him a kiss.
* Kenny saying about Brooke Burke, "She is fertile!" And their replaying of footage from Brooke writhing on the sand at the beach, with Kenny saying, "These are just family photos, this isn't even a commercial."
* Kenny and Jerry's decision that Brooke's legs are actually "hideous" because they appear to bend backwards. Kenny said, "I will now repudiate everything I've said about Brooke Burke's beauty."
* "They say he's 18, looks about 12, and acts like he's 5 years old," Kenny said about Cody Linley.
* Len's ripping Kenny for thinking he's an expert on the tango after doing one poor cha cha cha on one episode of the show. "That's how easy it is in this country," Kenny said.
* Len giving Kenny lessons in the tango, and trying to line up the "bony knobs" in their hips. "That bony knob should be just behind my bony knob," Len said as Kenny tried not to giggle.
Oh, oh, oh, it's magic! Choreographer Dave Scott put together a smoking, magic-themed routine for the Macy's "Stars of Dance" series.
Back to the results: The next couple continuing to the next round was Brooke & Derek. And Warren & Kym followed them.
The three members of "Team Cha Cha" were left to find out their fates. Lance & Lacey were safe. That left Cody & Edyta and Susan & Tony.
After a dramatic pause, Bergeron announced that Susan & Tony were out.
Mon, Nov 10, 2008
The stakes were raised once again as the remaining five couples on "Dancing with the Stars" as they had to learn two couples dances -- a ballroom and a Latin dance. Complicating things even more, each star would be required to perform a 15-second solo during the Latin routine.
Cody & Edyta: His Viennese waltz earned "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley his lowest score of the competition. He got a visit from some friends, who each wanted to have a dance with his fill-in partner Edyta Sliwinska, who took the place of Julianne Hough for a second week due to her recent appendix removal. On their foxtrot, judge Len Goodman was "pleasantly surprised." Bruno Tonioli said it was Cody's "most grown-up performance to date." Carrie Ann Inaba praised him for not only performing well, but also adjusting to a new partner. She also took off a point for an illegal lift. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Latin dance: Cody and Edyta did a mambo for their Latin dance, and Cody's solo included a jump onto the judges' table for the big finish. Carrie Ann said "it was a little erratic." Len said it was "a little bit stiff and angular," but said it was good. Bruno said it was herky-jerky but that they all appreciate the effort he put into it. Cody gave a Julianne update, saying she was doing great and was well rested. They also broke the news that Julianne would return next week if Cody makes it through, but she'll definitely perform on Tuesday's results show. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Brooke & Derek: Model Brooke Burke had to figure out how to follow up the first perfect score of the season and high praise from Carrie Ann, who said Brooke was reaching the level of the pro dancers. Brooke and her partner Derek Hough realized the pressure she was under as the only remaining woman in the competition. They performed a very serious tango that Bruno said they were "in tune like two instruments that have played together forever." Carrie Ann said "that is why you are the last woman standing" and called it "pitch perfect." Len called them "the dream team" but said it was "riddled with mistakes." Scores: 10, 8, and 10. Total: 28
Latin dance: Brooke & Derek danced a mambo and switched things up by having each of them do a quick solo. Len said it was a very ambitious and fantastic overall. Bruno said "you really are incredible." Carrie Ann appreciated that her solo didn't feel out of place, but said Brooke's posture at times was a little awkward. Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27
Maurice & Cheryl: Ex-Olympic sprinter bounced back last week with what Len called his best performance. His partner Cheryl Burke took advantage of the fact that they performed the paso doble in last week's group challenge so they could watch his performance and improve on his weaknesses. But first, they performed the quickstep. Carrie Ann said she liked it and praised Maurice for taking Cheryl's critique seriously. Len said he did a really good job. Bruno praised Maurice for keeping it going all the way through with aplomb. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Latin dance: Maurice & Cheryl's paso doble gave Maurice to show off a little cape action as he took on the role of the bullfighter. Bruno called it "strong, imposing, very, very powerful." Carrie Ann loved the intensity, but said in the future she wanted to also see more grace and elegance. Len said the solo really fit the dance and said Maurice did "a really good job." Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Lance & Lacey: Ex-NSyncer Lance Bass and his partner Lacey Schwimmer were still looking to impress Len, who gave them two points lower than all the other judges last week. Lance wanted to put more traditional steps into their routine to make Len happy. Lacey said Lance "put the 'fox' in 'fox trot.'" Would the judges agree? Len called it "a completely different Lance & Lacey" and said it was "very, very good." Bruno enjoyed that they did it by the book but maintained their unique style. Carrie Ann agreed, saying "you are truly a bright light." Scores: 9, 8, and 9. Total: 26
Latin dance: Lance & Lacey took on the samba for their Latin dance. Carrie Ann said the samba is one of the most difficult dances and said they did a really good job, but she made an odd point about Lance's eyes looking to high and making it look like he was dancing down on the judges. Len said he saw elements of the samba, but that the solo was "just, sort of, whatever sort of dancing that is." He told Lance to work on his footwork, which he called "atrocious." Bruno said he really held the solo well. Scores: 8, 7, and 9. Total: 24
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL star Warren Sapp was reeling last week after his performance earned him low scores, but he and partner Kym Johnson were looking to redeem themselves. They had to perform a jive, which was proving tough for Warren in rehearsal. First, though, they performed a tango. Bruno, continuing the James Bond theme of the song they danced to, said, "Watch out, James Bond." Carrie Ann called it fantastic and praised Warren for connecting with the audience. Len said "you're in it now." Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
Latin dance: Warren & Kym's second dance was a high-energy jive that brought the crowd to its feet. Len said it's "such a joyful thing to watch" other than his feet. "Words can't describe" how bad Warren's feet were, Len said. Bruno said Warren has the uncanny ability to release such a sense of fun that you can't dissect his dance too much. Carrie Ann agreed that his feet were flat at time, but she was also impressed that he kept hitting steps she thought he'd miss. Scores: 9, 8, and 9. Total: 26
SCOREBOARD (ballroom + Latin):
Brooke & Derek, 28 + 27 = 55
Warren & Kym, 28 + 26 = 54
Lance & Lacey, 26 + 24 = 50
Cody & Edyta, 24 + 24 = 48
Maurice & Cheryl, 24 + 24 = 48
Cody & Edyta: His Viennese waltz earned "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley his lowest score of the competition. He got a visit from some friends, who each wanted to have a dance with his fill-in partner Edyta Sliwinska, who took the place of Julianne Hough for a second week due to her recent appendix removal. On their foxtrot, judge Len Goodman was "pleasantly surprised." Bruno Tonioli said it was Cody's "most grown-up performance to date." Carrie Ann Inaba praised him for not only performing well, but also adjusting to a new partner. She also took off a point for an illegal lift. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Latin dance: Cody and Edyta did a mambo for their Latin dance, and Cody's solo included a jump onto the judges' table for the big finish. Carrie Ann said "it was a little erratic." Len said it was "a little bit stiff and angular," but said it was good. Bruno said it was herky-jerky but that they all appreciate the effort he put into it. Cody gave a Julianne update, saying she was doing great and was well rested. They also broke the news that Julianne would return next week if Cody makes it through, but she'll definitely perform on Tuesday's results show. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24.
Brooke & Derek: Model Brooke Burke had to figure out how to follow up the first perfect score of the season and high praise from Carrie Ann, who said Brooke was reaching the level of the pro dancers. Brooke and her partner Derek Hough realized the pressure she was under as the only remaining woman in the competition. They performed a very serious tango that Bruno said they were "in tune like two instruments that have played together forever." Carrie Ann said "that is why you are the last woman standing" and called it "pitch perfect." Len called them "the dream team" but said it was "riddled with mistakes." Scores: 10, 8, and 10. Total: 28
Latin dance: Brooke & Derek danced a mambo and switched things up by having each of them do a quick solo. Len said it was a very ambitious and fantastic overall. Bruno said "you really are incredible." Carrie Ann appreciated that her solo didn't feel out of place, but said Brooke's posture at times was a little awkward. Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27
Maurice & Cheryl: Ex-Olympic sprinter bounced back last week with what Len called his best performance. His partner Cheryl Burke took advantage of the fact that they performed the paso doble in last week's group challenge so they could watch his performance and improve on his weaknesses. But first, they performed the quickstep. Carrie Ann said she liked it and praised Maurice for taking Cheryl's critique seriously. Len said he did a really good job. Bruno praised Maurice for keeping it going all the way through with aplomb. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Latin dance: Maurice & Cheryl's paso doble gave Maurice to show off a little cape action as he took on the role of the bullfighter. Bruno called it "strong, imposing, very, very powerful." Carrie Ann loved the intensity, but said in the future she wanted to also see more grace and elegance. Len said the solo really fit the dance and said Maurice did "a really good job." Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Lance & Lacey: Ex-NSyncer Lance Bass and his partner Lacey Schwimmer were still looking to impress Len, who gave them two points lower than all the other judges last week. Lance wanted to put more traditional steps into their routine to make Len happy. Lacey said Lance "put the 'fox' in 'fox trot.'" Would the judges agree? Len called it "a completely different Lance & Lacey" and said it was "very, very good." Bruno enjoyed that they did it by the book but maintained their unique style. Carrie Ann agreed, saying "you are truly a bright light." Scores: 9, 8, and 9. Total: 26
Latin dance: Lance & Lacey took on the samba for their Latin dance. Carrie Ann said the samba is one of the most difficult dances and said they did a really good job, but she made an odd point about Lance's eyes looking to high and making it look like he was dancing down on the judges. Len said he saw elements of the samba, but that the solo was "just, sort of, whatever sort of dancing that is." He told Lance to work on his footwork, which he called "atrocious." Bruno said he really held the solo well. Scores: 8, 7, and 9. Total: 24
Warren & Kym: Ex-NFL star Warren Sapp was reeling last week after his performance earned him low scores, but he and partner Kym Johnson were looking to redeem themselves. They had to perform a jive, which was proving tough for Warren in rehearsal. First, though, they performed a tango. Bruno, continuing the James Bond theme of the song they danced to, said, "Watch out, James Bond." Carrie Ann called it fantastic and praised Warren for connecting with the audience. Len said "you're in it now." Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
Latin dance: Warren & Kym's second dance was a high-energy jive that brought the crowd to its feet. Len said it's "such a joyful thing to watch" other than his feet. "Words can't describe" how bad Warren's feet were, Len said. Bruno said Warren has the uncanny ability to release such a sense of fun that you can't dissect his dance too much. Carrie Ann agreed that his feet were flat at time, but she was also impressed that he kept hitting steps she thought he'd miss. Scores: 9, 8, and 9. Total: 26
SCOREBOARD (ballroom + Latin):
Brooke & Derek, 28 + 27 = 55
Warren & Kym, 28 + 26 = 54
Lance & Lacey, 26 + 24 = 50
Cody & Edyta, 24 + 24 = 48
Maurice & Cheryl, 24 + 24 = 48
Tue, Nov 11, 2008
Just five couples remained, but that number would be trimmed yet again after another hour-long results show on "Dancing with the Stars."
This 60 minutes of filler, which followed an hour-long recap of Monday night's episode, would include a performance from country singer Brad Paisley, a group dance that fans voted on, a performance from pro Lacey Schwimmer and her brother Benji, and a psychoanalysis of each remaining couple from Dr. Drew Pinsky.
First, though, we got a peek at the judges' post-show briefing on each of the couples. The highlights: Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out that Cody Linley was "resilient" and said she hoped he'd stay until his original partner Julianne Hough returned. Len Goodman held firm on Brooke Burke disappointing him with her footwork. Carrie Ann appreciated that Maurice Greene had been beaten down by the process but began rebuilding himself Monday. Len said Lance Bass was gradually winning him over because of his enthusiasm. Carrie Ann said Warren Sapp's routine was "so magical."
Play it again: Len called for Warren and his partner Kym Johnson to offer up their tango for a second time.
Be our guest: Brad Paisley performed his single, "Ticks," while the Schwimmers danced. Paisley returned a bit later to perform "Let the Good Times Roll" with some of the professional dancers from the live tour.
To the results: The first couple sent to safety was Warren & Kym, and joining them were Lance & Lacey.
The doctor is in: Dr. Drew, who you might know is a board-certified physician and addition-medicine specialist -- played the role of couples expert and sat down with each of the couples to see where their collective heads were at as they approached the finals.
Lance & Lacey: After having their first fight, Lance & Lacey talks through some issues with Lance's lack of self-confidence. Dr. Drew said they needed to let each other have their feelings and let that be OK.
Warren & Kym: Warren talked about how he didn't feel pressure the way he did in the NFL. Dr. Drew acknowledged Warren's busy schedule, which could make winning a burden.
Maurice & Cheryl: Maurice said Cheryl gets frustrated with him because he doesn't communicate with her. He said he gets in trouble when he over thinks his dances.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke and Derek relived with Dr. Drew the moment when they hit her boiling point. Derek talked about his "tough love" approach, which Brooke said sometimes leads to "insults and disrespect." Dr. Drew told Brooke to be clearer with Derek about where that line is.
Cody & Julianne: Cody talked about his roller coaster of emotions and he became emotional while talking about Julianne's goodness and ability to bring out the best in him. Julianne said what she loves most about the competition is the friendships that are made, and she told Cody he should never feel alone.
Julianne's back! Julianne Hough joined her brother Derek for the dance chosen by the fans, a high-energy jive that made one wonder how her performance was possible considering she had surgery just two weeks ago.
Back to the results: The next couple sent to safety, in no particular order, was Brooke & Derek. That meant Maurice & Cheryl, along with Cody & Edyta, were still in jeopardy.
After another commercial break, host Tom Bergeron revealed that Maurice & Cheryl were going home.
This 60 minutes of filler, which followed an hour-long recap of Monday night's episode, would include a performance from country singer Brad Paisley, a group dance that fans voted on, a performance from pro Lacey Schwimmer and her brother Benji, and a psychoanalysis of each remaining couple from Dr. Drew Pinsky.
First, though, we got a peek at the judges' post-show briefing on each of the couples. The highlights: Carrie Ann Inaba pointed out that Cody Linley was "resilient" and said she hoped he'd stay until his original partner Julianne Hough returned. Len Goodman held firm on Brooke Burke disappointing him with her footwork. Carrie Ann appreciated that Maurice Greene had been beaten down by the process but began rebuilding himself Monday. Len said Lance Bass was gradually winning him over because of his enthusiasm. Carrie Ann said Warren Sapp's routine was "so magical."
Play it again: Len called for Warren and his partner Kym Johnson to offer up their tango for a second time.
Be our guest: Brad Paisley performed his single, "Ticks," while the Schwimmers danced. Paisley returned a bit later to perform "Let the Good Times Roll" with some of the professional dancers from the live tour.
To the results: The first couple sent to safety was Warren & Kym, and joining them were Lance & Lacey.
The doctor is in: Dr. Drew, who you might know is a board-certified physician and addition-medicine specialist -- played the role of couples expert and sat down with each of the couples to see where their collective heads were at as they approached the finals.
Lance & Lacey: After having their first fight, Lance & Lacey talks through some issues with Lance's lack of self-confidence. Dr. Drew said they needed to let each other have their feelings and let that be OK.
Warren & Kym: Warren talked about how he didn't feel pressure the way he did in the NFL. Dr. Drew acknowledged Warren's busy schedule, which could make winning a burden.
Maurice & Cheryl: Maurice said Cheryl gets frustrated with him because he doesn't communicate with her. He said he gets in trouble when he over thinks his dances.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke and Derek relived with Dr. Drew the moment when they hit her boiling point. Derek talked about his "tough love" approach, which Brooke said sometimes leads to "insults and disrespect." Dr. Drew told Brooke to be clearer with Derek about where that line is.
Cody & Julianne: Cody talked about his roller coaster of emotions and he became emotional while talking about Julianne's goodness and ability to bring out the best in him. Julianne said what she loves most about the competition is the friendships that are made, and she told Cody he should never feel alone.
Julianne's back! Julianne Hough joined her brother Derek for the dance chosen by the fans, a high-energy jive that made one wonder how her performance was possible considering she had surgery just two weeks ago.
Back to the results: The next couple sent to safety, in no particular order, was Brooke & Derek. That meant Maurice & Cheryl, along with Cody & Edyta, were still in jeopardy.
After another commercial break, host Tom Bergeron revealed that Maurice & Cheryl were going home.
Mon, Nov 17, 2008
With just four couples remaining, it was down to the semifinals on "Dancing with the Stars" on Monday. Each couple had two dances to prove they were worthy of a spot in next week's finale. Host Tom Bergeron was so excited, he gave a Michael Jackson-like leg kick to accentuate the final note of the theme song.
In the first round, co-host Samantha Harris explained, the couples would perform the last dance style they haven't yet performed. The second round will feature one of this season's new dances.
Brooke & Derek: After holding a strong lead virtually all season, model Brooke Burke and her partner Derek Hough were finding it tough to come up with choreography that would wow the judges and viewers. They were going to dance the jive and the salsa, which posed two problems. In the jive, Brooke wanted to do something that would amaze the crowd the way Derek did with his sister Julianne Hough last week. In the salsa, Derek's unfamiliarity with the dance was stumping him in terms of choreography. How would it go? Judge Len Goodman said it was "a disaster." "It was just one of those nights, you messed up three or four times," he added. Bruno Tonioli said he was in "total shock" at how bad it was. Carrie Ann Inaba said what bothered her most was that Brooke went for a "blatant illegal lift" and said she found it "a bit disrespectful." Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Len's Master Class: Len wanted to work on Brooke's leg action, getting her to straighten them enough. He told her not to have her legs continuing to flex all the time. He said he'd be watching for the leg action.
Salsa: Brooke & Derek appeared to get their mojo back with a sizzling salsa. Bruno said, "Brooke is back! Thank you." Carrie Ann noted the number of lifts, but said they all worked. "No one wants to see someone fall from grace like you just did, but what a champion is is someone who rises above it and comes right back," Carrie Ann said. Len advised Brooke to work to her strengths, which are being crisp, clear, and having great technique. Scores: 9, 10, and 9. Total: 28
Cody & Julianne: "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley was finally reunited with his partner Julianne Hough, who returned after a two-week absence after getting her appendix removed. They first danced a military-inspired paso doble that forced Cody to put on his best scowl. Bruno said the Spanish lines were "non-existent, the timing was poor." He said that because it was the semifinal, he couldn't just let it go. Carrie Ann said that they'd get a 10 for determination, but that it wasn't quite good enough. Len said they were going to get their marching orders. He said it was just stiff and wooden and "just lacked dance quality." Scores: 8, 7, and 7. Total: 22
Len's Master Class: Len wanted to work on Cody's hip action. He said if Cody could work on his hip action, he could be a force to be reckoned with. He gave Cody a little tip that could help him out.
Salsa: Cody & Julianne came out with a salsa that featured lots of great moves, but seemed a bit clunky in parts. What did the judges think? Carrie Ann said "it was a lot of fun," but said a little bit of musicality was lacking. Len said the musicality was quite good and said he didn't realize Cody was "such a strong lad." Bruno said he went for it and had fun with it, but said he had to work on technique a little more to make the final. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Warren & Kym: Coming off his first 10 of the season, ex-NFL star Warren Sapp sought to build on his momentum with partner Kym Johnson. Warren struggled in rehearsal and said he was about at his wit's end, but ready to prove he deserved a spot in the final. In the middle of the dance, Warren tore off his jacket and tossed it aside, unveiling a shirtless vest look for the first time this season. Carrie Ann said he needed to kick it up a notch and said it was "a little lackluster." Len said Warren epitomized "go with what you know," which didn't include technique. He appreciated that Warren showed great personality. Bruno said Warren can get away with bad moves because he's so likable. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Len's Master Class: Len said Warren could, "as you Americans say, 'awesome,'" if he could solve Warren's footwork problem. They did that well enough, but then Len wanted Warren to show him how to work the bent-leg shoulder roll that Warren slipped into his solo last week.
Jitterbug: Warren & Kym offered up a high-energy, Vegas-themed jitterbug that sent the crowd into a tizzy. Len said Warren is a joyful person to watch, "you come out, full on, 100 percent and sell it. Well done." Bruno said Len's master class didn't work because Warren's feet were all over the place. Carrie Ann said she loved it. Scores: 9, 8, and 8. Total: 25
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer were looking to make a move for the final, but they'd have to get the mambo and jitterbug down, which Lacey called "crazy-hard dances." Lance had his grandfather and father come out from Mississippi so his grandfather, who served in World War II, could see his jitterbug. First, though, they danced the mambo. They seemed to close out the first half of the evening with a winner, but what did the judges think? Bergeron said, "If they don't like that, I'm leaving with you." Len said he'd been tough on Lance & Lacey, but said, "In this competition, it's not where you start, it's where you finish, and that's the best dance so far." Bruno said, "Now this is semifinal material" and said, "Finally, we're in business." Carrie Ann called it a showstopper and said it was their best dance. Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
Len's Master Class: Len sought to solve Lance's pigeon-toed problem. Len said he used to have the same problem. Len showed Lance how to turn his hip out just enough to get rid of the pigeon-toe. It seemed to work.
Jitterbug: Lance finally got a chance to perform his jitterbug for his grandfather. Lance was decked out in a sailor outfit, as promised. Lance lost a shoe in the middle of the dance (ironic note: this time, the footwear removal was unintentional). The crowd went nuts. Bruno said, "Shoes off or shoes on, that was brilliant." He said it was "so well referenced -- a joy, a real joy." Carrie Ann agreed said they hit it perfectly. "Once in a while magic happens on the dance floor, and that was magic." She then added, "Grandpa Bass, you must be proud!" Len said he had to salute Lance & Lacey on "two fabulous dances." Scores: 10, 9, and 10. Total: 29
SCOREBOARD (first dance + second dance):
Lance & Lacey, 28 + 29 = 57
Warren & Kym, 24 + 25 = 49
Brooke & Derek, 21 + 28 = 49
Cody & Julianne, 22 + 24 = 46
In the first round, co-host Samantha Harris explained, the couples would perform the last dance style they haven't yet performed. The second round will feature one of this season's new dances.
Brooke & Derek: After holding a strong lead virtually all season, model Brooke Burke and her partner Derek Hough were finding it tough to come up with choreography that would wow the judges and viewers. They were going to dance the jive and the salsa, which posed two problems. In the jive, Brooke wanted to do something that would amaze the crowd the way Derek did with his sister Julianne Hough last week. In the salsa, Derek's unfamiliarity with the dance was stumping him in terms of choreography. How would it go? Judge Len Goodman said it was "a disaster." "It was just one of those nights, you messed up three or four times," he added. Bruno Tonioli said he was in "total shock" at how bad it was. Carrie Ann Inaba said what bothered her most was that Brooke went for a "blatant illegal lift" and said she found it "a bit disrespectful." Scores: 7, 7, and 7. Total: 21.
Len's Master Class: Len wanted to work on Brooke's leg action, getting her to straighten them enough. He told her not to have her legs continuing to flex all the time. He said he'd be watching for the leg action.
Salsa: Brooke & Derek appeared to get their mojo back with a sizzling salsa. Bruno said, "Brooke is back! Thank you." Carrie Ann noted the number of lifts, but said they all worked. "No one wants to see someone fall from grace like you just did, but what a champion is is someone who rises above it and comes right back," Carrie Ann said. Len advised Brooke to work to her strengths, which are being crisp, clear, and having great technique. Scores: 9, 10, and 9. Total: 28
Cody & Julianne: "Hannah Montana" star Cody Linley was finally reunited with his partner Julianne Hough, who returned after a two-week absence after getting her appendix removed. They first danced a military-inspired paso doble that forced Cody to put on his best scowl. Bruno said the Spanish lines were "non-existent, the timing was poor." He said that because it was the semifinal, he couldn't just let it go. Carrie Ann said that they'd get a 10 for determination, but that it wasn't quite good enough. Len said they were going to get their marching orders. He said it was just stiff and wooden and "just lacked dance quality." Scores: 8, 7, and 7. Total: 22
Len's Master Class: Len wanted to work on Cody's hip action. He said if Cody could work on his hip action, he could be a force to be reckoned with. He gave Cody a little tip that could help him out.
Salsa: Cody & Julianne came out with a salsa that featured lots of great moves, but seemed a bit clunky in parts. What did the judges think? Carrie Ann said "it was a lot of fun," but said a little bit of musicality was lacking. Len said the musicality was quite good and said he didn't realize Cody was "such a strong lad." Bruno said he went for it and had fun with it, but said he had to work on technique a little more to make the final. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Warren & Kym: Coming off his first 10 of the season, ex-NFL star Warren Sapp sought to build on his momentum with partner Kym Johnson. Warren struggled in rehearsal and said he was about at his wit's end, but ready to prove he deserved a spot in the final. In the middle of the dance, Warren tore off his jacket and tossed it aside, unveiling a shirtless vest look for the first time this season. Carrie Ann said he needed to kick it up a notch and said it was "a little lackluster." Len said Warren epitomized "go with what you know," which didn't include technique. He appreciated that Warren showed great personality. Bruno said Warren can get away with bad moves because he's so likable. Scores: 8, 8, and 8. Total: 24
Len's Master Class: Len said Warren could, "as you Americans say, 'awesome,'" if he could solve Warren's footwork problem. They did that well enough, but then Len wanted Warren to show him how to work the bent-leg shoulder roll that Warren slipped into his solo last week.
Jitterbug: Warren & Kym offered up a high-energy, Vegas-themed jitterbug that sent the crowd into a tizzy. Len said Warren is a joyful person to watch, "you come out, full on, 100 percent and sell it. Well done." Bruno said Len's master class didn't work because Warren's feet were all over the place. Carrie Ann said she loved it. Scores: 9, 8, and 8. Total: 25
Lance & Lacey: Lance Bass and Lacey Schwimmer were looking to make a move for the final, but they'd have to get the mambo and jitterbug down, which Lacey called "crazy-hard dances." Lance had his grandfather and father come out from Mississippi so his grandfather, who served in World War II, could see his jitterbug. First, though, they danced the mambo. They seemed to close out the first half of the evening with a winner, but what did the judges think? Bergeron said, "If they don't like that, I'm leaving with you." Len said he'd been tough on Lance & Lacey, but said, "In this competition, it's not where you start, it's where you finish, and that's the best dance so far." Bruno said, "Now this is semifinal material" and said, "Finally, we're in business." Carrie Ann called it a showstopper and said it was their best dance. Scores: 10, 9, and 9. Total: 28
Len's Master Class: Len sought to solve Lance's pigeon-toed problem. Len said he used to have the same problem. Len showed Lance how to turn his hip out just enough to get rid of the pigeon-toe. It seemed to work.
Jitterbug: Lance finally got a chance to perform his jitterbug for his grandfather. Lance was decked out in a sailor outfit, as promised. Lance lost a shoe in the middle of the dance (ironic note: this time, the footwear removal was unintentional). The crowd went nuts. Bruno said, "Shoes off or shoes on, that was brilliant." He said it was "so well referenced -- a joy, a real joy." Carrie Ann agreed said they hit it perfectly. "Once in a while magic happens on the dance floor, and that was magic." She then added, "Grandpa Bass, you must be proud!" Len said he had to salute Lance & Lacey on "two fabulous dances." Scores: 10, 9, and 10. Total: 29
SCOREBOARD (first dance + second dance):
Lance & Lacey, 28 + 29 = 57
Warren & Kym, 24 + 25 = 49
Brooke & Derek, 21 + 28 = 49
Cody & Julianne, 22 + 24 = 46
Tue, Nov 18, 2008
After a wild semifinal, it was time to determine which three couples would be vying for the glitter ball trophy on "Dancing with the Stars." In next week's season finale.
But first, Aretha Franklin took the stage to offer up her classic, "Chain of Fools." Aretha returned later to perform "Respect" with current champions Mark Ballas and Kristi Yamaguchi dancing along.
Leona Lewis stopped by to perform her hit single, "Bleeding Love," with a dance accompaniment from Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff. Julianne Hough also performed her single, "My Hallelujah Song," with Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Lacey Schwimmer dancing along. John Legend also performed "Green Light."
To the highlights: Brooke Burke was still reeling from her messed up jive. "I screwed up the very beginning, and then it just went downhill from there," she said.
Lance Bass was still rejoicing over his 10, "and a 9 from Len," Lance said. "That's like a 12 for us."
Family matters: A fun little feature about halfway through the night showed Cody's mom, Warren's mom, Lance's grandfather and Brooke's fiancé talking about the experience of watching their loved ones participate and grow throughout the competition.
To the results: After what seemed like an eternity, host Tom Bergeron finally announced that Lance & Lacey and Brooke & Derek had secured spots in the finals.
That left Cody & Julianne and Warren & Kym to wait and wonder. After another commercial break, Tom announced that Cody & Julianne were leaving.
But first, Aretha Franklin took the stage to offer up her classic, "Chain of Fools." Aretha returned later to perform "Respect" with current champions Mark Ballas and Kristi Yamaguchi dancing along.
Leona Lewis stopped by to perform her hit single, "Bleeding Love," with a dance accompaniment from Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff. Julianne Hough also performed her single, "My Hallelujah Song," with Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Lacey Schwimmer dancing along. John Legend also performed "Green Light."
To the highlights: Brooke Burke was still reeling from her messed up jive. "I screwed up the very beginning, and then it just went downhill from there," she said.
Lance Bass was still rejoicing over his 10, "and a 9 from Len," Lance said. "That's like a 12 for us."
Family matters: A fun little feature about halfway through the night showed Cody's mom, Warren's mom, Lance's grandfather and Brooke's fiancé talking about the experience of watching their loved ones participate and grow throughout the competition.
To the results: After what seemed like an eternity, host Tom Bergeron finally announced that Lance & Lacey and Brooke & Derek had secured spots in the finals.
That left Cody & Julianne and Warren & Kym to wait and wonder. After another commercial break, Tom announced that Cody & Julianne were leaving.
Mon, Nov 24, 2008
With just three couples remaining in the "Dancing with the Stars" final performance night, and 90 minutes to fill, it was time to rehash the many weeks that led up to the big finish.
Each couple was given a chance to present their case to the audience by highlighting their best ballroom and Latin dances -- introducing the replay of each -- as well as making one plea for votes.
Up first were Brooke Burke & Derek Hough, who introduced their best ballroom dance of the season, which they agreed was the quickstep. Their best Latin dance of the season, they said, was the paso doble. Derek said if the voters are going on sheer dancing ability, Brooke would be the clear choice after pulling in the only perfect 30 of the season, and 12 perfect "10" marks.
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer felt their best ballroom dance was the tango. Lance said their best Latin dance was the mambo, which they didn't initially expect to be very good. Lacey made the case for Lance, saying he deserves to win because he is the most improved dancer on the show and he was the only star to have beat Brooke -- twice.
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson said their best ballroom dance was the Viennese waltz, which Kym said showed Warren's surprising ability to glide across the floor. They picked their "Matrix"-inspired paso doble as their best Latin dance. Kym said Warren should win because he "captures the essence of what the show is," and keeps the audience happy with his dances. She said they came into the final as the clear underdogs, having never finished in first.
The Junior Champions: Craig and Samantha were named the winners of the "Dancing with the Stars" junior championship, and they danced a celebratory jive.
'Anything can happen': After 30 minutes of time killing, the competition was finally set to begin. It was an awkward re-introduction of the show, with the theme song being played again as the couples were introduced anew.
Judge Len Goodman said the judges agreed the best three couples made it to the final and he was so excited about the final, he needed to run to the restroom.
Samba smackdown: All three couples started the final competition with a group samba in which every couple would dance to the same song. Some rehearsal footage showed the couples all rehearsing together and not wanting to give up their super-secret moves.
Brooke and Derek went first, followed by Lance & Lacey, and Warren & Kym, before a group finish. All six dancers clapped and hugged after pulling it off.
Len said all of the couples performed better than when they each danced the samba during the show. He thought Warren was fantastic, despite some concern about his footwork. He said Lance had to work a bit on the finesse. He said Brooke was the one to beat in Week 1 and she's still the one to beat.
Bruno Tonioli started with Brooke, saying she was a "dazzling, sexy, sizzler of a dancer." He said Lance was so tight and so clean and had come up "leaps and bounds" with his confidence. He called Warren "irresistible."
Carrie Ann said Lance has momentum and there was "nothing really bad" to say. She said Warren was "definitely the most improved." She said Brooke brings the technical nuances to the dance, but that she was just a hair ambitious with the samba.
Smackdown scores: Brooke & Derek scored a 9, 9, and 10, for a total of 28; Lance & Lacey scored a 9, 8, and 9, for a total of 26; Warren & Kym scored a 9, 7, and 9, for a total of 25.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke was trying to bounce back from her worst performance of the season, which she "couldn't believe" happened in the semifinal. They decided to go with some serious lifts in the freestyle, which they practiced in a swimming pool. They pulled off some spectacular tricks and lifts while dancing to "You're the One that I Want" from "Grease." They danced on the judges' table for a good stretch and worked in all kinds of throws, flips and tumbles. Bruno said, "You're the one we all want!" She said they took on "positions that I've only seen in the Kama Sutra." He said it was one of the best freestyles he'd ever seen. Carrie Ann said they "brought it." Len said it was the best freestyle he'd ever seen." Scores: 10, 10, and 10. Total: 30.
Lance & Lacey: After finishing a clear first place last week, Lance & Lacey looked to keep themselves in the running. They decided to go with a hip-hop routine without any lifts. It was a high-energy routine that included a shout out to Lance's lost shoe a week earlier, and somewhat forced bit of cha cha. Carrie Ann said it was fantastic, but the cha cha section just threw it off. Len said he liked that song, singing a bit of it, and said he liked the cha cha bit. Bruno called it "youthful, vibrant, exciting." Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27.
Warren & Kym: Feeling like he had something to prove with the freestyle, and he was looking forward throwing Kym around a bit. They promised to do something that hadn't been seen before on the "Dancing" floor. Len said "each season someone comes along right out of the blue and is an absolute star ... and, as an entertainer, you have no one that touches you." Bruno said that with Warren, "all resistance is futile; just sit back and enjoy the ride." Carrie Ann said it was her favorite routine of the night, but said Warren gave away a mistake with his face. Scores: 9, 10, and 9. Total: 28
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek: 28 + 30 = 58
Lance & Lacey: 26 + 27 = 53
Warren & Kym: 25 + 28 = 53
Each couple was given a chance to present their case to the audience by highlighting their best ballroom and Latin dances -- introducing the replay of each -- as well as making one plea for votes.
Up first were Brooke Burke & Derek Hough, who introduced their best ballroom dance of the season, which they agreed was the quickstep. Their best Latin dance of the season, they said, was the paso doble. Derek said if the voters are going on sheer dancing ability, Brooke would be the clear choice after pulling in the only perfect 30 of the season, and 12 perfect "10" marks.
Lance Bass & Lacey Schwimmer felt their best ballroom dance was the tango. Lance said their best Latin dance was the mambo, which they didn't initially expect to be very good. Lacey made the case for Lance, saying he deserves to win because he is the most improved dancer on the show and he was the only star to have beat Brooke -- twice.
Warren Sapp & Kym Johnson said their best ballroom dance was the Viennese waltz, which Kym said showed Warren's surprising ability to glide across the floor. They picked their "Matrix"-inspired paso doble as their best Latin dance. Kym said Warren should win because he "captures the essence of what the show is," and keeps the audience happy with his dances. She said they came into the final as the clear underdogs, having never finished in first.
The Junior Champions: Craig and Samantha were named the winners of the "Dancing with the Stars" junior championship, and they danced a celebratory jive.
'Anything can happen': After 30 minutes of time killing, the competition was finally set to begin. It was an awkward re-introduction of the show, with the theme song being played again as the couples were introduced anew.
Judge Len Goodman said the judges agreed the best three couples made it to the final and he was so excited about the final, he needed to run to the restroom.
Samba smackdown: All three couples started the final competition with a group samba in which every couple would dance to the same song. Some rehearsal footage showed the couples all rehearsing together and not wanting to give up their super-secret moves.
Brooke and Derek went first, followed by Lance & Lacey, and Warren & Kym, before a group finish. All six dancers clapped and hugged after pulling it off.
Len said all of the couples performed better than when they each danced the samba during the show. He thought Warren was fantastic, despite some concern about his footwork. He said Lance had to work a bit on the finesse. He said Brooke was the one to beat in Week 1 and she's still the one to beat.
Bruno Tonioli started with Brooke, saying she was a "dazzling, sexy, sizzler of a dancer." He said Lance was so tight and so clean and had come up "leaps and bounds" with his confidence. He called Warren "irresistible."
Carrie Ann said Lance has momentum and there was "nothing really bad" to say. She said Warren was "definitely the most improved." She said Brooke brings the technical nuances to the dance, but that she was just a hair ambitious with the samba.
Smackdown scores: Brooke & Derek scored a 9, 9, and 10, for a total of 28; Lance & Lacey scored a 9, 8, and 9, for a total of 26; Warren & Kym scored a 9, 7, and 9, for a total of 25.
Brooke & Derek: Brooke was trying to bounce back from her worst performance of the season, which she "couldn't believe" happened in the semifinal. They decided to go with some serious lifts in the freestyle, which they practiced in a swimming pool. They pulled off some spectacular tricks and lifts while dancing to "You're the One that I Want" from "Grease." They danced on the judges' table for a good stretch and worked in all kinds of throws, flips and tumbles. Bruno said, "You're the one we all want!" She said they took on "positions that I've only seen in the Kama Sutra." He said it was one of the best freestyles he'd ever seen. Carrie Ann said they "brought it." Len said it was the best freestyle he'd ever seen." Scores: 10, 10, and 10. Total: 30.
Lance & Lacey: After finishing a clear first place last week, Lance & Lacey looked to keep themselves in the running. They decided to go with a hip-hop routine without any lifts. It was a high-energy routine that included a shout out to Lance's lost shoe a week earlier, and somewhat forced bit of cha cha. Carrie Ann said it was fantastic, but the cha cha section just threw it off. Len said he liked that song, singing a bit of it, and said he liked the cha cha bit. Bruno called it "youthful, vibrant, exciting." Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27.
Warren & Kym: Feeling like he had something to prove with the freestyle, and he was looking forward throwing Kym around a bit. They promised to do something that hadn't been seen before on the "Dancing" floor. Len said "each season someone comes along right out of the blue and is an absolute star ... and, as an entertainer, you have no one that touches you." Bruno said that with Warren, "all resistance is futile; just sit back and enjoy the ride." Carrie Ann said it was her favorite routine of the night, but said Warren gave away a mistake with his face. Scores: 9, 10, and 9. Total: 28
SCOREBOARD:
Brooke & Derek: 28 + 30 = 58
Lance & Lacey: 26 + 27 = 53
Warren & Kym: 25 + 28 = 53
Tue, Nov 25, 2008
All of the stars returned for the season finale of "Dancing with the Stars" as the Super Bowl champ, the "magnificent model" and the "ballroom rebel" vied for the title. It was going to be a long two hours as all of the stars from this season returned to contribute to the big send-off.
Each of the couples talked about wanting to do their best to impress the judges by reproducing their favorite dance of the season. Then, there was a Cloris Leachman sighting as they had the elder stateswoman of the season do a man-on-the-street poll of "Dancing" voters, one of whom was a young woman who said she couldn't vote because she wasn't a citizen. Now, I haven't read -- as host Tom Bergeron suggested on a weekly basis that I do -- all of the details of the voting process on abc.com, but I can't imagine citizenship is one of the voter requirements.
Recent American Music Award winner Alicia Keys stopped by to perform her single "I Need You." Miley Cyrus would swing by later to sing "Fly on the Wall."
Memory Lane: Comedian Jeffrey Ross, the first star eliminated this season, returned with partner Edyta Sliwinska to perform the quickstep. The next two eliminated couples followed, with Ted McGinley and partner Inna Brayer doing the foxtrot, and Kim Kardashian and partner Mark Ballas performing the mambo.
Misty May-Treanor and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy returned, with Misty saying her Achilles tendon was healing well and she was walking again. Misty said she was looking forward to returning to the dance floor because she had some business to finish. Rocco DiSpirito and partner Karina Smirnoff came back to dance the mambo.
Toni Braxton and her partner Alec Mazo returned, but Toni was unable to dance, having recently undergone an undisclosed minor surgery. But she did announce she would participate in the tour. Cloris and her partner Corky Ballas came back to dance the tango. Cloris received one last standing ovation from the grateful crowd.
Susan Lucci and partner Tony Dovolani returned to dance the paso doble. Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene and partner Cheryl Burke came back to offer up a little salsa.
Skewered Stars: Jeffrey Ross, the "Roast Master General," took a hand at poking some fun at the three finalists, Cloris, and himself. The best line: Brooke "gave birth to her 15th child three hours ago, backstage. And, congratulations, I hear Lance is the father. Hey, maybe the baby will come out of the womb and the closet on the same day!"
Back to Memory Lane: Cody Linley and Julianne Hough provided the final returnee performance of the night their Lucy & Ricky inspired jitterbug.
One last dance: The couples danced for the judges' scores one last time. The judges' scores from Monday and Tuesday would make up half of the scoring total, with America's vote making the other half.
Warren & Kym: Warren talked about times when he didn't think he could make it through the competition. Warren said he was nothing without Kym in this competition and told her he loves her. The performed The Hustle. Len Goodman said Warren "may not be the judges' champion, but you are the public's champion." Bruno Tonioli said Warren was "the craftiest" of all the hustlers he's come across. Carrie Ann Inaba said Warren & Kym make people want to dance, "and that's hot." Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27
Lance & Lacey: Lance said the show helped him get over being self-confident and Lacey thanked him for the entire season, saying she didn't want it to end. Lance & Lacey gave their World War II-era jitterbug, which included what looked like an incomplete cartwheel. Lance kept both shoes this time. Bruno said, "no doubt about it, you have become a great showman." Carrie Ann said she noticed the struggle with the lift, but praised the couple for never taking the safe road. Len said he wouldn't have believed Lance would be in the final if someone asked him after the first couple of weeks, but said he deserved to be in the final. Scores: 9, 9, and 10. Total: 28
Brooke & Derek: Brooke talked about some of the intensity of the experience and some of the bumps along the way with her partner Derek Hough. They danced the Viennese waltz as their sendoff. Carrie Ann said "Brooke, you are a star." She was a little emotional and said, "You guys deserve that trophy more than anyone else." Len said when he first saw their Viennese waltz he thought it was the best dance of the season, "and nothing I've seen tonight has made me change my mind about that." Bruno said Brooke truly was "the jewel in the crown of this really grand finale." Brooke's finance was shown tearing up as he watched in the audience. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. Total: 30
SCOREBOARD (total from Monday and Tuesday):
Brooke & Derek: 88
Lance & Lacey: 81
Warren & Kym: 80
To the results: Tom revealed the couple that finished in third place. That couple was ... Lance & Lacey. Lance said, "Joey will never let me live it down that I came in third, not second," about his former NSync bandmate Joey Fatone, who took second place on the show. Lacey said she "couldn't be more proud" of Lance.
And the winner is...: With Warren & Kym and Brooke & Derek anxiously awaiting the result, Tom finally announced that the winners of the seventh season of "Dancing with the Stars" were ... BROOKE & DEREK!
Brooke said it felt "unbelievable!"
Warren said he felt absolutely wonderful, "I didn't do any disrespect to the football guys."
The confetti fell from the rafters and Derek and Brooke took their places atop the shoulders of Mark and Corky Ballas to celebrate and hold up the mirror ball trophy.
Each of the couples talked about wanting to do their best to impress the judges by reproducing their favorite dance of the season. Then, there was a Cloris Leachman sighting as they had the elder stateswoman of the season do a man-on-the-street poll of "Dancing" voters, one of whom was a young woman who said she couldn't vote because she wasn't a citizen. Now, I haven't read -- as host Tom Bergeron suggested on a weekly basis that I do -- all of the details of the voting process on abc.com, but I can't imagine citizenship is one of the voter requirements.
Recent American Music Award winner Alicia Keys stopped by to perform her single "I Need You." Miley Cyrus would swing by later to sing "Fly on the Wall."
Memory Lane: Comedian Jeffrey Ross, the first star eliminated this season, returned with partner Edyta Sliwinska to perform the quickstep. The next two eliminated couples followed, with Ted McGinley and partner Inna Brayer doing the foxtrot, and Kim Kardashian and partner Mark Ballas performing the mambo.
Misty May-Treanor and partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy returned, with Misty saying her Achilles tendon was healing well and she was walking again. Misty said she was looking forward to returning to the dance floor because she had some business to finish. Rocco DiSpirito and partner Karina Smirnoff came back to dance the mambo.
Toni Braxton and her partner Alec Mazo returned, but Toni was unable to dance, having recently undergone an undisclosed minor surgery. But she did announce she would participate in the tour. Cloris and her partner Corky Ballas came back to dance the tango. Cloris received one last standing ovation from the grateful crowd.
Susan Lucci and partner Tony Dovolani returned to dance the paso doble. Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene and partner Cheryl Burke came back to offer up a little salsa.
Skewered Stars: Jeffrey Ross, the "Roast Master General," took a hand at poking some fun at the three finalists, Cloris, and himself. The best line: Brooke "gave birth to her 15th child three hours ago, backstage. And, congratulations, I hear Lance is the father. Hey, maybe the baby will come out of the womb and the closet on the same day!"
Back to Memory Lane: Cody Linley and Julianne Hough provided the final returnee performance of the night their Lucy & Ricky inspired jitterbug.
One last dance: The couples danced for the judges' scores one last time. The judges' scores from Monday and Tuesday would make up half of the scoring total, with America's vote making the other half.
Warren & Kym: Warren talked about times when he didn't think he could make it through the competition. Warren said he was nothing without Kym in this competition and told her he loves her. The performed The Hustle. Len Goodman said Warren "may not be the judges' champion, but you are the public's champion." Bruno Tonioli said Warren was "the craftiest" of all the hustlers he's come across. Carrie Ann Inaba said Warren & Kym make people want to dance, "and that's hot." Scores: 9, 9, and 9. Total: 27
Lance & Lacey: Lance said the show helped him get over being self-confident and Lacey thanked him for the entire season, saying she didn't want it to end. Lance & Lacey gave their World War II-era jitterbug, which included what looked like an incomplete cartwheel. Lance kept both shoes this time. Bruno said, "no doubt about it, you have become a great showman." Carrie Ann said she noticed the struggle with the lift, but praised the couple for never taking the safe road. Len said he wouldn't have believed Lance would be in the final if someone asked him after the first couple of weeks, but said he deserved to be in the final. Scores: 9, 9, and 10. Total: 28
Brooke & Derek: Brooke talked about some of the intensity of the experience and some of the bumps along the way with her partner Derek Hough. They danced the Viennese waltz as their sendoff. Carrie Ann said "Brooke, you are a star." She was a little emotional and said, "You guys deserve that trophy more than anyone else." Len said when he first saw their Viennese waltz he thought it was the best dance of the season, "and nothing I've seen tonight has made me change my mind about that." Bruno said Brooke truly was "the jewel in the crown of this really grand finale." Brooke's finance was shown tearing up as he watched in the audience. Scores: 10, 10 and 10. Total: 30
SCOREBOARD (total from Monday and Tuesday):
Brooke & Derek: 88
Lance & Lacey: 81
Warren & Kym: 80
To the results: Tom revealed the couple that finished in third place. That couple was ... Lance & Lacey. Lance said, "Joey will never let me live it down that I came in third, not second," about his former NSync bandmate Joey Fatone, who took second place on the show. Lacey said she "couldn't be more proud" of Lance.
And the winner is...: With Warren & Kym and Brooke & Derek anxiously awaiting the result, Tom finally announced that the winners of the seventh season of "Dancing with the Stars" were ... BROOKE & DEREK!
Brooke said it felt "unbelievable!"
Warren said he felt absolutely wonderful, "I didn't do any disrespect to the football guys."
The confetti fell from the rafters and Derek and Brooke took their places atop the shoulders of Mark and Corky Ballas to celebrate and hold up the mirror ball trophy.