Dancing With The Stars – Top 8 – Performance – VIDEO

By On 10/20/2008 · 36 Comments · In Uncategorized

I can’t watch the show until late, late tonight, due to the Monday night Patriot’s football game that for some effing reason my local Boston ABC affiliate thinks is more important than Dancing with the Stars.

So, no live blogging tonight. I’ll post some video later tonight. Rickey.org and Idolbloglive.com live blogs the show, you might want to check them out in the meantime. Peeps will be chatting in the chat room during the show–me too since I can’t watch–so check it out!

ETA: Brooke and Derek remain in the lead with 29 points. Brooke seems to be running away with this thing. Behind her tonight, are Cody and Julianne with 28. Tied for last place: Cloris and Corky and Lance and Lacey, both with 21. What’s wrong with THAT picture?

I’m picking Toni and Alec to go home this week. A combination of low scores and poor fanbase may send her packing.

Tomorrow night: Brian Setzer and his Orchestra.

ETA:Â   Video and re-cap after the JUMP…

Lance and Lacey – West Coast Swing – Lance admits that he almost got kicked out of Nsync because his dancing sucked. He feels he has much to prove. Lacey’s specialty is the West coast swing, and her Dad, who is considered the King of Swing drops by to help them out. Their performance is fine…until Lance slips and falls. Oops. But the judges hardly notice that, and instead harp on the fact that Lacey uses Lance as a prop, dancing around him rather than with him. Their scores suffer, unfairly, I think. – 21

Toni and Alec – West Coast Swing – Toni wants to make it to the Top 3 or 4, and Alec works with her on her posture and technique toward that goal. She needs the high scores, as she doesn’t seem to have much of a fan base. I thought she really improved this week, but the judges are not impressed at all. Bruno calls them out on some steps–like the moon walk–that aren’t part of West coast swing. Carol Ann tells Toni that her breakthrough is going to have to wait another week. That is, if Toni has another week. – 22

Susan and Tony – The Hustle – During rehearsal, the injury Susan sustained a few weeks ago flairs up, and she looks goes to the hospital to have it checked out. Turns out she fractured her ankle. Susan looks like she’d break in half if you blew on her, she looks so thin and frail. Her dancing, as usual is tentative and careful. The judges call her out on it. Len tells Tony not to treat Susan like a “China doll”. The scores reflect the judges lack of enthusiasm. Susan will be OK, she’s got her “All My Children” peeps to back her up. – 22

Warren and Kym – The Hustle – Warren is dragging and he asks Kym to push him, so she makes the choreography more challenging. Whoa, now that’s the hustle. Way more energetic and fun than Susan and Alec. Warren really knows how to move. And the judges agree. Lot’s of kudos for Warren. Only 25 points for that? Really? Even after all the gushing? – 25

Cloris and Corky -Â   The Salsa – Will Cloris be able to stay out of the bottom 2 this week? Corky coaches her on her acting, because, emphasizing the dancing really is pointless. As usual, Corky does all of the heavy lifting, but it still isn’t very good. And it’s not very amusing, either. At this point, the judges refuse to critique her, and like last week, the scores are too high, even if she was playing a “Skanky Ho.” – 21

Maurice and Cheryl – The Salsa – Maurice thought the scores were unfair last week. Cheryl is cranky, because she’s not comfortable with the salsa. She calls Maurice lazy. Bitch! The stress seems to help. Their salsa has some great choreography and moves! Very nice this week. The judges like it too, they call it energetic, flirtatious and self possessed. I thought Maurice was on the bubble last week, but with this week’s praise and good scores, he and Cheryl are back in the game. – 27

Brooke and Derek – The Jitterbug – Derek has never done the jitterbug so he uses instructions from the internet. Seriously. Derek, who thinks the jitterbug needs to look like a cartoon is way more animated than Brooke. What Brooke lacks in animation, however, she makes up in natural dance skills. As always, the judges heap praise on the couple, who can do no wrong in the judges eyes. Brooke comes out in the lead once again. – 29

Cody and Julianne – The Jitterbug – Ohh, let’s pit sister against brother! Like her brother, Julianne doesn’t know the jitterbug. Brooke and Derek stop by to spy. Look, it’s Lucy and Ricky! Literally. Cody has a tendency to look stiff and awkward when he dances, and tonight is no exception. However, the judges disagree with me! Cody gets props for his acting skills. What about the dancing? Looks like a fake competition is being set up between the siblings. 28

 
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  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    Aww, that sucks, MJ. Is chat down? I can’t get in!

  • KrazeeK120

    I can’t get in either! Help!

    ETA: WCS isn’t the same without the lifts.

    ETAA: I got into chat…

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Awww he didn’t quite get the “Schwimmer slide”… but a Rihanna song two weeks in a row? Seriously producers… come ON.

    ETA: KK, I agree. The lifts are my favorite part.

  • http://myspace.com/girlgeek mj

    Chat is up…

  • KrazeeK120

    Cloris/Corky = Lance/Lacey??

    WHAT????

    If I were scoring the judges, I’d give all of them 0′s. So ridiculous.

  • smartcookie

    Did Lance and Lacey fall down? I missed their dance, but it sounded like that’s what they were saying when Samoron was asking them questions afterwards.

    I think I liked Cheryl and Maurice the best tonight. I’m still not getting into Cody, who looks like he’s off-balance and off the music most of the time.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    Seriously, KK. *insert huge eyeroll*

    And, I totally called both Brooke/Derek and Julianne/Cody’s scores in chat. The unwritten rule of the season seems to be that no one can score higher than their golden child, Brooke, even if they deserve it. Thus Julianne and Cody must get a 28. And don’t even get me STARTED on how underscored Warren and Kym were.

    My faves at this point are still Lance and Lacey (partially because they’re usually being screwed over by the judges) and Cody and Julianne. They’re just a fun couple. I also like Maurice/Cheryl, Warren/Kym, and Toni/Alec quite a bit.

  • KrazeeK120

    I used all my phone votes for Warren. And then I gave Toni, Maurice, Warren, and Cody 2 votes each online.

    You couldn’t pay me money to vote for Cloris and Brooke, and Susan would be a big stretch. I don’t like her well enough to vote for her, and I don’t think the judges are screwing her so she doesn’t get pity votes from me either.

  • sunchick

    Now, I generally like the Houghs, but dang, could DWTS kiss their adorable butts any more? I kinda felt bad for Lacey. I mean, I get what the judges were saying, but it dawned on me that the showcase your partner and not yourself speech should have been given before the season started, not halfway through, and not when she was debuting her own speciality for the first time. And wow, the same score as Cloris? Lance slipped a little, got up, and went on like nothing happened. I remember Jenny Garth falling and they fawned over her bravery. Also didn’t get the judges’ harping on Toni and Alec doing a moonwalk. Felt a little bad for Alec, too.

    Loved the lifts, liked Warren a lot more tonight than I have so far, Hustle is sooo his dance, and Maurice was on fire. Good on Cheryl. Not getting the Brooke love again. Technically she’s great but she’s certainly lacking in the showmanship department.

  • abbysee

    Brooke is boring. The tongue bathing is just so over the top that I know something strange is going to happen to derail this, otherwise why continue watching?

    I mean Cloris can’t win this thing, can she? LOL.

    I really am not crazy about Maurice, but Kym brought out the best in him tonight.

    The best dance of the evening was Jody, this kid is a great dancer, period. His and Julianne’s or whatever her name is jitterbug was frenetic yet controlled yet cartoony. Brooke’s was cute.

    Tony and Lance can’t win, and it’s bugging the heck out of me. I understood that the choreography was more geared toward her, but he danced his ass off yet again. Sigh. Who knew I was fangirly for a retired boybander?

    Susan needs to learn how to bring some ummmph to her dancing, she is too controlled. She’s at risk.

    Still swooning for the big man. He Can Move. I lurves him. He is the only ‘star’ who really throws himself totally into the dance. He has no qualms about it, he just commits. He’s so damn fun to watch.

  • Dlynne

    Lance did slip and fall but he recovered so well, I wasn’t sure if he was supposed to fall or not.

    I really like Lance and Lacey and I do not understand what the judges have against them. It just makes me want to send them more votes to make up for the judges’ comments.

    As for who should go, well, as funny as Cloris is, it’s time. Susan Lucci is probably going to be safe at least for another week, but it’s time for her to go, too. That was the slowest hustle I have ever seen. I thought I was watching it in slow motion. I give her props for dancing at all with an injured ankle, though.

  • PokeSmot

    CODY & JULIANNE FOR THE WIN!! :clap_tb:

    They have had way more charisma and style than Brooke and Derek!

    Also really good was Warren and Kym.

    Off to watch the first two dances, since I missed them.

    Poke Smot! :clap_tb:

  • PokeSmot

    Just saw Lance and Lacey and they were really good. Even Lance’s slide was good. Off to vote for Lance & Lacey.

    Aw Toni & Alec were toooooo stiff; move Toni!!

    The Judges are sand-bagging the other contestants in favor of Brooke and Derek; BOOOOO!

    Peace Out and Poke Smot, Y’all!

  • dante

    Lance and Lacey are TOTALLY getting scr@wed by the judges week and week.

    My favs: Lance and Lacey
    Warren and Kym
    Cody and Julianne
    They should be final 3 IMO – They are charasmatic and good dancers.

    Brooke is technically good but the over scoring and pimping is turning me against her.

    Susan is just not flowing – she has to try too hard

    Maurice was good tonight but…

    Toni was great at the start but is not keeping up

    Cloris is actually improving and is great for her age but it is time for her to go.

    I am enjoying this season!

  • AZIdolFan

    when i saw lance and lacey i knew the judges were going to call her out about using her partner as a prop. (they told her that during sytycd.) he actually did a lot but she did more than she should have. and i think lacey took what they said hard. she seemed upset but was trying not to show it. i felt sooooo bad for her.

    brooke is doing well but not for the tongue bath they keep giving her.

    i voted for lance and lacey we shall see what happens.

  • hypertwink

    The problem with Lacey is that she wants to be the center of attention. It was like that in SYTYCD, and I’m not surprised that it’s happening here.

  • Grammie Kari

    Lacey does need to back off a bit. She showed why she’s a champion, but this isn’t the show to focus on ME. She’s got a terrific dancer with Lance, so let’s get going, Lacey. They still are my favorites.

    Derek is getting ‘championship fever’ and Brroke definitely has a chance. However, there is something missing.

    I loved the dances this week, but now Cloris must go. Is Toni vulnerable?

  • dancingqueen

    Don’t feel badly for Lacey at all; she’s the only pro who was given a dance style she’s a champ in, and messed it up.

    Bored with Toni & Susan. Maurice & Warren put more energy into their dances, than those two women. Warren & Kym should have received higher scores.

    Brooke & Derek were top, imo, and Cody got higher scores than he should have, because, everyone loves Julianne.

    Not sure I can take another week of Cloris – please send her home America!

  • t2

    If you compare the work that Brooke had to do in the jive vs. what Cody had to do in the jive — Brooke wins hands down. I am really surprised that the judges didn’t call Julianne on dancing around Cody the same way they called Lacey on dancing around Lance.

    Brooke and Derek best of the night for me. I really like that Derek threw in a trick or two of his own, but did not overdance Brooke. Derek could have easily done flips for the better portion of the dance (like Julianne), but chose not to.

    That said, the Hough Jitterbugs win the night. I applaud Kym for covering Warren’s lack of smoothness — she really knows how to choreograph for the big guys.

    My big, really big disappointment of the night was Toni and Alec. I really think that Toni just did not get the rhythm of the slow West Coast Swing.

  • http://stores.ebay.com/BookWomanBlues-Book-Nook Bobbi

    I felt badly for Lacey too, although I really thought the admonishment was justified. That dance definitely showcased her and that just isn’t the purpose of the show. Just was sad to me that it had to happen last night with her Dad in the audience.

    I thought Warren and Kym were fantastic last night! Maurice and Cheryl definitely put on their best dance. They were my favorites last night.

    Cloris and Susan both need to go. Susan has that soap opera fanbase though so I’m not sure she’ll be going anytime soon. I really hope tonight is Cloris’ last on the show.

  • KrazeeK120

    HELP!!!!

    I need help with interpretation of one of the bonus questions. It asks who will be the last person to find out that they are safe. Does that mean “last person not in the bottom 2″ or “last person not eliminated.” I took it to mean “last person not in the bottom 2″ since the bottom 2 are “in danger” but I’m not sure if that’s right. My answer is not the same depending on interpretation of the question. Anyone have any ideas?

    I guess I never said who my faves were either:
    Favorite was Warren and Kym…their routine was just so well-choreographed and fun! I also really enjoyed Cody and Julianne…Julianne had a lot of faith in Cody to let him throw her around like that when he’s not a professional dancer! I thought Maurice and Cheryl really stepped up their game this week too. I’m sure the salsa was hard for Cheryl to choreograph and she did a great job.

    I think it’s complete injustice that Cloris was given the same score as ANY of the other couples. Lance and Lacey may not have been at their best but at least they DID a West Coast Swing. I don’t know what Cloris and Corky were doing other than being creepy.

    I think Brooke is BO-RING. I thought her dance was good, but she has a bad habit of not finishing her arm movements all the way, and it just kind of lacked the spark and charm of Cody and Julianne’s. C/J weren’t just doing a dance, they had characters to portray and it just added that something special to the dance.

  • sunchick

    I am really surprised that the judges didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t call Julianne on dancing around Cody

    *nods* Julianne dances around her partner every season but the judges never mention it. Wasn’t quite so blatant with Apollo, but with Helio it was really obvious. In fact, last night Lance did a lot more dancing than Helio usually did IMO.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    KK, I took it to mean the last person not eliminated, but I’m not sure.

  • bigepaz

    Totally disagree with those calling out Helio and Apolo. But if that’s your perception, maybe it’s the choreography that the judges are responding to with Lacey. For me, her chroreography doesn’t hold a candle to Julianne, Cheryl, Kym, or Edyta. Last night Lance did nothing on stage. The judges were absolutely right in their assesment.

    Honestly for me, I was pretty underwhelmed with most of the dances last night with the exception of Warren, Brooke and Cody. At this point I think those are the top 3 dancers and everyone is bubbling underneath.

  • http://myspace.com/saltwatercures pj

    I was pretty underwhelmed with most of the dances last night with the exception of Warren, Brooke and Cody. At this point I think those are the top 3 dancers and everyone is bubbling underneath.

    I would agree.

    I also think Lacey got those comments because she failed to include any lifts in her WCS routine. I’m not sure if she just didn’t trust Lance to do them or not.

  • dante

    Wow – this is a hard week for the pool picks! I keep second guessing my choices and bonus question answers. I know who I think should go, but just have no clue about the fanbases etc.

  • http://www.dancin.ca dancin

    YA it definitely is a hard choice this week

    i love cloris but i know its soon time for her to go.. cuz i dont luv her for her dancing just the comedy she brings and for me that beats out boring uninspired susan lucci *have never undrstood the reviews the judges give her.. she is almost as boring as kim kardashian IMO

    rethinking my overall pick also lol

  • CRB

    None of the couples tonight was particularly great. I think 10′s were completely unwarranted considering the flaws. Leachman should go but Toni is definitely the biggest disappointment, she is starting to remind me of Kim K. in the way she is so deliberate….very tentative. Her days are numbered.

  • spritely

    I loved the Lance/Lacey performances that Len hated, and I am so glad they’ve been on the show to add something newish and cute, but last night I had to agree with the judges. I thought Lance looked incredibly uncomfortable and stiff all the way through. I’d love to see what Julianne or Cheryl could do with him as their partner.

    IMO, Toni would get a lot more votes if she’d just smile a lot more and look like she’s having fun. She always looks so deadly serious and scared of making a mistake.

    I love watching Brooke. I don’t think she should be punished for what the judges do/say.

    With a couple of exceptions, I’m not very impressed with the “progress” being shown this season.

    Mileage, and all that.

  • http://absinthedreamers.blogspot.com/ Starrlight

    Lance and Lacey are TOTALLY getting screwed. Len is a pooper.

  • http://www.myspace.com/swood1104 Sarah

    I don’t agree with any sentiment that Lacey “messed it up” with her own specialty. From what I understand about West Coast Swing, it is typically about showcasing the female dancer. Should she have put more spotlight on Lance? Sure. But at the same time, I don’t think it was wrong to showcase the actual DANCE. They did more than fine. The only flub was Lance falling, and even that wasn’t the worst screw up I’ve seen.

    Honestly it felt like that whole hand-slapping was completely scripted and no matter what had happened in the actual performance, the judges would have said the exact same thing.

    Also, for me with Brooke – as other posters have said, she is good, but not up to the level of the weekly tongue-bathing or scores that she receives. She’s the DWTS version of David Archuleta to me. Technically good, can do no wrong by the judges, getting a weekly tonguebath, but boring. The only difference is that while Archie learned to connect to the content of the songs he was singing, Brooke has yet to reach me emotionally with a dance.

    I think Brooke is BO-RING. I thought her dance was good, but she has a bad habit of not finishing her arm movements all the way, and it just kind of lacked the spark and charm of Cody and Julianneà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. C/J werenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t just doing a dance, they had characters to portray and it just added that something special to the dance.

    Ditto. I’ve picked up on Brooke’s habit of not finishing her moves for a couple weeks now. She’s good, but not good enough yet for 10′s, imo. *shrug*

  • baxter

    Brian Setzer…………….HOLY CRAP!!! I am soooooo watching tonight just for him….squeeeeeeee!!! I LURVE HIM!!!!!….sigh :)

    ( Did I just squee??? )

  • Grammie Kari

    Is it correct that Hip Hop will be the featured dance next week? I just can’t see Cloris doing it except for the humor. Also, we will find out the substitute judge for next week. I bet it is someone from SYTYCD.

    It’s great that DWRS are uping the game with new dances that also challenge the pros.

    I wonder how bad Susan’s facture is? Maybe her turn will be up next, too?

  • goldenlpb

    Toni and Alec got the boot this week.

  • Grammie Kari

    I thought both Toni and Susan were vulnerable.

    With the huge build up, I really did expect more from the Macy ‘Decade Dance”. The talking about it was longer than the dance. Please don’t get me wrong. It was good, but I thought it would be more spectacular.

    baxter, you should be very happy right about now! Great job from Brain!

    I would never have guessed the substitute judge. Really, this was an opportunity to get a minority judge in there and DWTS blew it, IMO.

  • bigepaz

    About Brooke:

    Sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s good, but not good enough yet for 10à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, imo. *shrug*

    Well, that’s too bad you think that because I believe she deserves it. The judges believe it, and I think a lot of the viewers do too. Since she’s getting all the praise, it’s easy for others (who prefer other couples) to say, “nah she’s not all that”. It funny how there’s always a camp that hates front runners (like Archie).

    I’m not convinced she’s gonna win (due to the fanbase and all), but she deserves her scores and I would be thrilled if she took home the mirrorball (or Warren or Cody).