Welcome to week 8 of season twenty-two of Dancing with the Stars. This is the Quarter-Finals. Six couples remain to compete in two rounds of dancing tonight before another elimination leaves us with our semi-fianlists. In round one, each couple will dance a regular individual routine to an unlearned style. Round two will see one judge assigned to three teams of two as they try and pull off a routine where the celebrities must dance with one another without their professional partners. In this round, the live viewing audience will also play a part in the judging. Before we get to the excitement of tonight’s events, let’s look at last week’s poll results.
37% of you picked Nyle & Peta for favorite partnership with Wanya & Lindsay at a close second with 22%. 21% went with the team of Paige & Mark. Our other couples were in single digits. 39% of the vote for favorite routine went to Paige & Mark while 26% went with Nyle & Peta. A strong 19% loved Ginger & Val. 56% of you were not feeling the love for Antonio & Sharna’s routine, while 20% of you went with Jodie & Keo. Team James Brown was the overwhelming favorite in the team dances with 83% of the vote. 65% of you felt both eliminations last week were right while 30% agreed with one boot but not the other. The episode itself managed to earn another A-/B+ rating. How about tonight’s elimination?
57% of you believe Antonio & Sharna are gone with 33% opting for Jodie & Keo. I agree that those two seem to be the most obvious couples who are in jeopardy but two things wouldn’s shock me tonight. The first would be the show placing a surprise couple in jeopardy, such as Paige & Mark or Nyle & Peta. The other thing that wouldn’t really surprise me would be a shocking boot. We are at that stage of the show where scores are really tight and audience votes (or lack of votes if you will) will make a huge difference. While I don’t feel comfortable enough to put any money on it, I am somewhat prepared to see one of the season’s leading couples sent packing, as unfortunate as that would be.
I am really excited to see how these team dances come off. Wanya will at some point dance with Ginger, Paige with Antonio, and Nyle with Jodie. I wonder if Jodie and Nyle have rehearsed enough to where she has picked up some cues from Peta in terms of dancing with Nyle. That should be interesting. Everyone has to pretty much bring their A-game now. There’s really no room for lackluster routines. If there was ever a time to pick up some casual voters, this is it. How will it all go down? Let’s find out…
Scary opening package. No one is safe! Dun Dun Dun. We begin with our pros and troupe members dancing in what looks like some edgy, nightclub with neon lights. A basic opening with the usual dancing choreographed by Mandy Moore. Quite short though, I am assuming because we have a lot to get to tonight. Here come the stars… Click to watch this week’s Opening Number VIDEO
And we start off the night with some results. PLOT TWIST. Nyle & Peta are SAFE and dancing first.
Nyle & Peta – Paso Doble
Peta is happy to be in first place again but it does come with pressure. Nyle wants his paso to be powerful. During the dance, the music will go silent for a bit so the viewing audience can see what it is like to dance without sound. The troupe isn’t used to not hearing music so this is going to be tough. Okay. I absolutely loved the silent section. That was perfect. A great idea and executed wonderfully. However, I had issues with the dance itself. This is the first time I saw Nyle having a real issue with the musicality. I know it isn’t something he can control but I have to critique it at this point in the competition. At many times during the routine, (and it shows a lot because the paso requires such on the beat movements), I noticed that the steps or arm movements were either slightly ahead or slightly behind the beat. Also, the frame could use a tad more work. If you are going to perfect a paso, it needs to be on point. All in all, a really solid routine but I think those issues could be the thing that keeps Nyle from a perfect score tonight and more than that, the championship. – Click to Watch Nyle & Peta’s Paso Doble Performance VIDEO
Len thought a little more shaping on occasion and he thought Nyle didn’t get his weight over his feet. He says Nyle dances with purpose and confidence and calls him amazing. Bruno loved the silent sequence. He says it was a moment in the show no one will forget. Carrie Ann (in tears) was touched profoundly.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Bruno- 10
Total: 29/30
You can vote for Nyle by calling 1-800-868-3409 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Time for more results…
Paige & Mark are safe!
In Jeopardy…
Jodie & Keo
Antonio & Sharna
No word yet on Wanya or Ginger. But on to the next routine…
Antonio & Sharna – Viennese Waltz
Antonio wants better than 8’s. Antonio has been coming in about a half hour early this week. Antonio can’t say viennese waltz (LOL). Sharna wants to strip everything and show how hard Antonio has been working. Antonio loves to be the underdog. A nice routine with a few awkward moments. On the plus side, this had good rise and fall, some nice extensions, and a decent hold. On the opposite end, some odd feet from time to time, almost a mistake toward the middle, and on occasion, clunky. But the spirit of the dance was there, which should earn some praise from the judges. It was good, just not perfect. – Click to Watch Antonio & Sharna’s Viennese Waltz Performance VIDEO
Bruno saw lots of attention to detail. He compliments everything. Carrie Ann says Antonio is the last football player standing. She calls him a dancer. She could tell the difference. She does mention some shoulder issues. Len mentions the posture. Len says little things in the dance impressed him.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 27/30
You can vote for Antonio by calling 1-800-868-3401 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Jodie & Keo – Jive
Jodie loved getting a 9 from Len last week. Keo had a leg cramp last week. He was really upset about it and doesn’t want to let Jodie down. Jodie thinks it is ridiculous for people to say Keo is holding her down. Fun! We are at church. That was probably Keo’s best actual choreography of the season. He really came up with a fun and energetic routine and theme. Props to him on that. And props to Jodie for keeping up with those kicks and flicks. Sure, it wasn’t the knock the socks off type jive that Paige gave us last week but it was a very fun, content oriented routine that showed Jodie off well. Click to Watch Jodie & Keo’s Jive Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann calls it her best dance ever and says her stock continues to rive. Len compliments the routine and says that as the competition has gone on, Jodie has flown. Bruno loved the creativity and calls it a tour de force.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30
You can vote for Jodie by calling 1-800-868-3405 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Paige & Mark – Viennese Waltz
Paige loved the jive last week- she knew she owned it. Mark has a big creative idea. He wants a blizzard in the ballroom. Lots of funny montages in this rehearsal package. You have to love Mark. He always attempts to bring a routine to life with so much visual content. Of course, that tends to be divisive because you either are in it or feel it is too much but no denying the dude can choreograph with the best of them. I admit that I couldn’t see Paige’s feet for a lot of this (the smoke) so it is tough to judge what I am unable to look at it. From what I did see, things looked good. It was a good routine and my only complaint (and it is a matter of taste), I would have liked a more traditional viennese waltz without that odd body contorting thing he had Paige do. But that’s just me. At least it was memorable. Click to Watch Paige & Mark’s Viennese Waltz Performance VIDEO
Len mentions an issue in hold. The audience boos. However, he says that Paige is a terrific dancer. Bruno called it chilling and thrilling. He thought it was a tough routine to do but they pulled it off. Carrie Ann called it amazing. She loved the dimensions of what Paige was doing.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 28/30
You can vote for Paige by calling 1-800-868-3410 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
More fun results… (sarcasm)
Ginger & Val are safe.
Wanya & Lindsay are in jeopardy.
Ginger & Val – Argentine Tango
Ginger was elated to get the first perfect score of the season. Ginger says her biggest challenge this week is the character. Ginger is frustrated at herself during rehearsal. Oh. Ginger making a case between last week and this week for getting to that finale. A really wonderful argentine tango. Filled with content, lots of sharp movements, great character, and just the right amount of danger. I loved that. It was simplistic in design but powerful in execution. – Click to Watch Ginger and Val’s Argentine Tango VIDEO
Bruno was totally smitten. He loved the partner work. Carrie Ann called it mind blowing. She goes in to some rambling until she comes back to critique. She thought it was amazing. Len loved the light and shade. He calls it one hell of a dance.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30
You can vote for Ginger by calling 1-800-868-3404 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Wanya & Lindsay – Jive
Wanya thinks he could have done better last week. Lindsay is feeling the pressure. Wanya has lost 22 pounds since week one and the jive helps with that. Lindsay got smacked around in rehearsal but she is proud of it. A battle wound, if you will. Damn. It was going so damn well until the last thirty seconds. Wanya got out of sync with Lindsay and wasn’t really able to recover. Another thing I must point out. I have been giving Lindsay kudos all season (and I still will) but Wanya is too good a dancer to be saddled with quirky routines too often. What I mean is, he doesn’t need over the top productions to stand out. I get that Lindsay wants to make it special but sometimes less is more. The jive content was great at the start without the extra trappings. I just wish Wanya was able to hold up through to the end. – Click to Watch Wanya & Lindsay’s Jive Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann mentions the mistakes but she had such a good time watching. Carrie Ann thinks Wanya needs to push himself harder. Len thinks Wanya came out all guns blazing. He loved the quirky moves. He calls it a great number. Bruno loved the kicking and jumping. Bruno thinks Wanya was over-energized.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 9
Total: 25/30
You can vote for Wanya by calling 1-800-868-3412 during the show and for 60 minutes after the broadcast in each time zone. You can also vote online at abc.com and/or https://apps.facebook.com/votedwts/ (voting is combined via this method) from the start of the East Coast show till 8PM the next day (Eastern).
Nyle & Peta and Jodie & Keo – w/help from judge Bruno – Argentine Tango
Bruno is hysterical. He is downright dirty. Bruno is amazed at Nyle and wants Jodie to be a sex bomb. Lots of same sex dancing. Bruno is making the dance very intricate. That was awesome. Seeing Nyle and Keo and Jodie and Peta dance together and it come off so well was great to see. I loved how it was a different argentine tango as compared to what we saw earlier but just as fierce. Well executed from start to finish. – Click to Watch Team Bruno Performance VIDEO
Len loved the concept. He loved Bruno’s bravery. He thought it was incredible. Carrie Ann calls out to Bruno. She says it was not an easy dance. She says it was engaging to watch. She loved how in-sync the four were.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
America- 9
Total: 29/30
Wanya & Lindsay and Ginger & Val – w/help from judge Len – Samba
Len calls it a dream team. Len is so excited for this dance. Len wants to make an appearance in the dance. This is a dance to a Len Goodman fantasy. LOL. So much damn fun. They say samba is a party dance, so let’s bring on the party. Some great stuff here. All the expected samba content and a nice section with Wanya and Ginger dancing together. It had a perfect blend of fun yet technicality. – Click to Watch Team Len Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann gives props to Len. She gives Wanya props and hopes the slip up from earlier doesn’t affect him. Bruno calls it samba-licious. He compliments both couples.
Carrie Ann- 10
Bruno- 10
America- 9
Total: 29/30
Antonio & Sharna and Paige & Mark – Paso Doble – w/help from judge Carrie Ann – Paso Doble
Carrie Ann loves the athleticism of both teams. Antonio brought Carrie Ann flowers. Paige thinks she and Antonio will compliment one another. Carrie Ann has very high expectations for this dance. And her expectations were met. 3/3 tonight in terms of going all out and nailing the routine. Loved the paso steps, loved the dancing that Paige and Antonio did together. I’m glad the theatrics (water) were kept away until the very end. It wasn’t necessary until then. Just let them dance. A very strong routine from our two athletes. – Click to Watch Team Carrie Ann Performance VIDEO
Bruno loved the concept. He loved the physicality. He calls it emotionally driven. He loved every second of it. Len thought it had so much purpose and imagination.
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
America- 9
Total: 29/30
So basically, the judges challenge was a wash. Everyone came up with the same score. LOL @ America being the toughest judge. I guess I had to expect that. Would any judge really give a lower score to a dance put together by their friend? Eh. It is what it is.
Now back to the business at hand.
The next couple who is safe is…
Antonio & Sharna
And with that, leaving us tonight, just a week short of the semi-finals is… – Click to Watch Jodie & Keo Leave the Competition VIDEO
Jodie & Keo
Jodie is so happy she got to go out on all 10’s. She starts production on her sitcom tomorrow. She thanks Keo for everything. She doesn’t look upset but instead, happy and thankful. Aww. I will definitely miss Jodie. She had an interesting ride on the show. I thought she was a finale lock when she was first announced as part of the cast but her dancing never really got to the point where it needed to be. However, Keo just made it the furthest he ever has on the show. So kudos to him. And Jodie should be proud of herself. She fought and fought hard.
OH BOY. Double Elimination AGAIN next week. VOTING is super important tonight as we are basically going to determine who makes the finale.
Judges Leaderboard Following Week 8 (Out Of A Possible 60)
Ginger & Val – 59/60
Nyle & Peta – 58/60
Paige & Mark – 57/60
Antonio & Sharna – 56/60
Wanya & Lindsay – 54/60
POLLS coming soon. Overall thoughts later this week in a new power rankings. Hope you all enjoyed watching/blogging along with me, as usual. Only two more weeks to go and this season is a wrap.
