Welcome everyone… :)
It is “TV Week” on Dancing with the Stars. This makes the geek television fan (or couch potato) in me very excited. We are going to see our remaining couples dance to a wide range of television theme songs. As previously reported, we are going to hear the themes from shows like “The Golden Girls” to “Mad Men.” Each couple will of course be dancing in a yet to be danced style. In addition, “America’s Funniest Home Videos” host and season nineteen DWTS winner, Alfonso Ribeiro will be on hand to guest judge. We will also have some special guest Muppets show up. Hooray for network synergy.
Last week, Victor & Karina were the second couple eliminated, with Gary & Anna once again in jeopardy. Like the previous elimination though, it wasn’t made clear whether he was actually in the bottom. How did you guys feel about last week’s show? Let’s take a look at some poll results.
We had a much closer race this time around for favorite routine. Around 30% of you loved Bindi & Derek but only 10% away from them were both Nick & Sharna and Tamar & Val. Also in double digits were Alek & Lindsay. With an overwhelming 57% of the vote, Gary & Anna turned out to be your least favorite routine of the night. With much lower percentages (but still double digits), we have Paula & Louis and Kim & Tony.
Does our “Favorite Overall Partnership” poll reflect what might end up being our finale? It looks like it could as nearly 40% of you love Bindi & Derek with Alek & Lindsay and Nick & Sharna behind them. Our last two polls concentrated on eliminations. Almost 64% of you agreed with last week’s boot and nearly 59% of you think Gary & Anna are toast. Only Paula & Louis and Kim & Tony are in double digits in that poll.
I have to agree with you guys this week. Whether or not Gary Busey has legit been in the bottom in the last two eliminations likely doesn’t matter. It seems to be his time to go. Many feel as though he has gone from being funny and entertaining to watch to just annoying and grating. He is arguably the weakest dancer left while others have shown at least minimal improvement.
But what about Kim’s status on the show? The reality star suffered a mini-stroke last week and then had a heart procedure done before being released from the hospital. Various reports say she will not continue with the show and hasn’t even been cleared to leave Atlanta. So, how exactly does this shake out?
Does this mean everyone gets an extra week as the show doesn’t eliminate anyone this week? Or will they eliminate someone anyway and perhaps give the couples a free week later on? If it is the latter, expect your votes and the scores from the judges given last week to carry over to tonight for next week’s elimination. So, many questions need to be answered tonight but let’s enjoy some dancing. I’m just bummed no one picked the theme from “Lamb Chop’s Play Along” to dance to. I kid. Here we go…
The cast of The Muppets start us out in the control room. Funny. The pro women and troupe members are out performing a number choreographed by Mandy Moore and Jeremy Hudson. Tom is joined by… not Erin Andrews but Miss Piggy. Alfonso is ready to judge. Here come the celebs… OMG at some of these costumes. You have to see what this show has put some of the celebrities in.
Click to Watch DWTS Week 3 Opening Group Number VIDEO
Carlos and Witney – Jazz
Carlos admits that it wasn’t his best dance last week. They are dancing to the theme from “The Golden Girls.” Carlos and Witney are trying to control being friends and being teacher/student. I never in a million years I thought I would see that theme done to a jazz routine but it worked for the most part. At least this will be one of Carlos’ more memorable routines. Unfortunately, it isn’t his best from a technical standpoint. This is cute and all and totally in character but Carlos needs to pick up that spark and work a little harder on nailing his movements. I actually thought the judges were tough on him last week but last week, for me, was stronger than this week. Hmm. Seems Carlos, who I really dig, may have actually peaked in his first dance and is starting a downward trend.
Click to Watch Carlos and Witney’s Jazz VIDEO
Alfonso thought it was really good. But he wants a bit more energy. He feels like it is a little safe at times. Julianne likes the look but maybe Carlos got into character a bit too much. Overall though, she thought it was fun and creative. Bruno liked the partnership and how in-sync they were. Carrie Ann still isn’t impressed as she wasn’t last week. She agrees with what Alfosno and Julianne said.
Carrie Ann- 7
Alfonso- 8
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 31/40
You can vote for Carlos and Witney by calling 1-855-234-5605 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).
Paula & Louis – Samba
Time for a “Gilligan’s Island” dance. Paula talks about the difficulties of being on the show- physically and emotionally. A bit of excuses during rehearsal. Louis tells her to go rest. Damn. Talk about easy choreography. That may have been the easiest samba steps I have ever seen in my life. Louis really went easy on Paula in this one. And even though it is simplistic, some of it is still messy. This would be a routine you see from someone learning the samba day one in rehearsals. A few missed steps from time to time as well. The dance is fun in terms of getting into the feeling of the show they are honoring but I think we have hit that stage in the competition where we have seen the best that Paula can do.
Click to Watch Paula and Louis’ Samba VIDEO
Julianne felt like the choreography may have gotten away from Paula. She wants her to remember her steps more. Bruno says the samba got a bit stranded. He also said that the bounce action was not there- it was too flat. Carrie Ann did love the spirit of the television show. Alfonso is proud of Paula.
Carrie Ann- 5
Alfonso- 5
Julianne- 5
Bruno- 5
Total: 20/40
You can vote for Paula and Louis by calling 1-855-234-5611 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).
Tamar & Val – Tango
Val agrees with the judges. He doesn’t feel like the chemistry is there. LOL. Tamar is once again not happy with the story Val has come up with for the dance. She does not like that every dance is Val being unfaithful. I’m not sure if Tamar is coming off good or bad in this rehearsal packages. “Mad Men” is the perfect theme for a tango. The music just fits like a glove. I see better chemistry here. Tamar looks hot. She is giving it with sexy faces and intense stares. Good (if rather simple) tango choreography but it was definitely on point for what this particular dance called for. Another good dance for Tamar. Without question, Tamar is the definition of consistency thus far on this show.
Click to Watch Tamar and Val’s Tango VIDEO
Bruno says the two of them mean business. He just wants her to be careful of top line. Carrie Ann calls it must see television. Carrie Ann is unsure if a lift occurred. Alfosno calls Tamar a frontrunner. He wants Tamar to let Val lead. Julianne loves that Tamar is fierce. She found the dance refreshing.
Carrie Ann- 8
Alfonso- 9
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 33/40
You can vote for Tamar and Val by calling 1-855-234-5612 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).
Alexa & Mark – Jazz
The theme from “Breaking Bad” is on tap for this routine. Mark has gone completely over the top with his obsession of the show. All in good fun though! The costumes are hysterical. Completely and totally on point. You can tell Mark had a lot of fun choreographing that one. And Alexa is keeping up with some very tricky moves. The beginning was very cool and once they really got into the jazz stuff, it was a lot of fun and engaging. Mark more than likely had the best theme to dance choreography thus far tonight. Good stuff. If the show wants to continue the husband/wife competition, Alexa wins this week for sure.
Click to Watch Alexa and Mark’s Jazz VIDEO
Carrie Ann calls it genius. She loved she couldn’t tell who was who. Alfonso calls it awesome and fantastic. He wants her to remember that she and Mark can win but she and Carlos cannot win. Julianne said tonight was the first time she really felt like Alexa and Mark are a team. She loved it. Bruno says nothing was bad about that. He loved it.
Carrie Ann- 9
Alfosno- 9
Julianne- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 36/40
You can vote for Alexa and Mark by calling 1-855-234-5602 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).
*BTW, the change up is back in two weeks. You can go on twitter right now and start pairing up the pros with new partners. I’m not exactly a fan of the change up but I guess it adds some nice spice to the competition to see some new partnerships, even if just for a single week.
*And not to be outdone by the ladies, the pro guys and troupe members get a little of their own dancing in. And Miss Piggy shows up to flirt with Derek. LOL.
Andy & Allison – Quickstep
“American Bandstand” is the theme for this quickstep. Andy could definitely see himself on that show years ago. He is still on tour during the show so at this point, they are exhausted and just doing the best they can. Finally! Andy has arrived. This is his best dance. Who knew it would take a fast dance like a quickstep to get him there? But he is totally doing fabulous with Allison, keeping up with the fast paced requirements of this. It might not be a perfect quickstep but it is miles better than some of his previous routines.
Click to Watch Andy and Allison’s Quickstep VIDEO
Alfonso doesn’t think the posture was quite right. Julianne agrees but she thought it was fun and she could tell he worked hard. Bruno felt Andy captured the time of the dance. He wants him to finish off the moves. It needs to be cleaned up. Carrie Ann found it entertaining but she still feels Andy is in his head too much.
Carrie Ann- 7
Alfonso- 7
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 7
Total: 29/40
You can vote for Andy and Allison by calling 1-855-234-5603 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).
*Wow, I couldn’t disagree with the judges more on that one. I don’t think they gave Andy enough credit. He has showed potential in previous dances and this one delivered. Some surprising critiques there.
Gary & Anna – Tango
Ready for some action courtesy of “The Addams Family.” Gary was bummed about his scores last week. Anna finds that Gary is pushing himself more than ever this week. LOL. I think back to quite a few seasons ago when Cheryl Burke and Rob Kardashian really stood out by dancing a tango to this theme. While this version isn’t nearly as strong, Gary deserves some props here. He is actually doing a proper tango. Sure, the steps are rather easy but Anna knows exactly what she is doing with this choreography. For the first time in this competition, Gary isn’t just flailing around the ballroom hitting less than fifty percent of the steps. Good for him.
Click to Watch Gary and Anna’s Tango VIDEO
Julianne was entertained and she feels Gary definitely improved. Bruno thought it was perfectly cast. He says that Gary actually did a tango. Carrie Ann found Gary very handsome tonight. She saw a new found elegance. Alfonso is in love with Gary because he is so much fun to watch.
Carrie Ann- 6
Alfonso- 7
Julianne- 6
Bruno- 6
Total: 25/40
You can vote for Gary and Anna by calling 1-855-234-5607 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).
Alek & Lindsay – Tango
The “True Blood” theme is the inspiration for this tango. Alek doesn’t find himself to be a sexy guy. I disagree. Humility and a bit of awkward charm is sexy. Lindsay tries to make Alek feel sexy in a funny skit with… I think audience members who were planted thee. I don’t know. Very cool. I am impressed, yet again. This is a totally committed tango. Great footwork. Great frame. He is in character and Lindsay has choreographed beautifully. I don’t know if this is technically the best dance of the night but so far, it is my favorite. There is something totally wonderful about seeing a complete non-dancer work his way toward becoming a standout.
Click to Watch Alek and Lindsay’s Tango VIDEO
Bruno found it compelling. He is really impressed how well Alek is improving. Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno that there was a minor mistake but she loves watching him dance. Alfonso said Alek danced like a hero tonight. Julianne didn’t see the mistake and she thought it was perfection. Julianne thinks Alek has the best technique of anyone in the competition and she praises Lindsay as well.
Carrie Ann- 8
Alfonso- 8
Julianne- 9
Bruno- 8
Total: 33/40
You can vote for Alek and Lindsay by calling 1-855-234-5601 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).
Now it is time to see what has happened to Kim & Tony. Kim wasn’t feeling well twelve hours after her dance. The left side of her body went numb. She had a blood clot which caused a mini stroke. She was totally freaked out by what happened. So this week, Tony is going to perform the dance with troupe member Jenna. Of course, this is great. Wonderful samba. No judges for obvious reasons. Kim joins us on skype. Kim feels great. Unfortunately, the rules of the competition state that Kim must withdraw. Tony wishes Kim well and her health comes first.
Click to Watch Kim Announce her Withdraw from the Competition, plus Tony and Jenna Perform VIDEO
And so, Kim & Tony are out of the competition. I agree with the sentiments of Tony. Her health is definitely more important. I also agree with the producers that the rules are the rules. Having Kim come back next week after not dancing this week would be unfair to the rest of the couples. Will we still have an elimination tonight? We shall see.
Bindi & Derek – Quickstep
Bindi had to deal with switching music very late in rehearsal. They originally had The Jetsons. But the song wasn’t cleared and so, “The Jeffersons” is in and so is a quickstep. Neither have seen the show and they are a bit stressed with the change. She is also in pain. You wouldn’t know it though by watching. It is so impressive that even with the song change and different style, Derek still choreographed a totally proper quickstep and Bindi nailed it. Fast moving, in sync, in character, and fun from start to finish. Bindi and Derek continue to shine.
Click to Watch Bindi and Derek’s Quickstep VIDEO
Alfonso loves Bindi. He just wants her to make sure she keeps the posture. Julianne doesn’t think it was her best dance. She thought too much space between them. Bruno loved the energy. He didn’t like the bounce throughout. Carrie Ann mentions a few mistakes but calls Bindi a solid competitor.
Carrie Ann- 8
Alfonso- 8
Julianne- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 32/40
You can vote for Bindi and Derek by calling 1-855-234-5604 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).
*Again, this blogger disagrees with the judges. But I’m not an expert at the quickstep so looking back, there was some space between them. I didn’t notice posture issues and from an entertainment level, I really loved it. All that noise and then a good score.
Nick & Sharna – Viennese Waltz
Nick is pleased he got a chance to dance again on Tuesday. Time for some “Downton Abbey.” Sharna wants the characters played right. Nick expresses his emotions internally and he wants to get out of his head. He wants to do the best job he can. Sharna, in addition to being a great choreographer, is a fabulous actress in a dance. This is very elegant and classical. I love the little foxtrot fusion that is coming into play here. Gorgeous moves throughout and it is completely in theme and mesmerizing to watch.
Click to Watch Nick and Sharna’s Viennese Waltz VIDEO
Julianne calls Nick a leading man. She calls it the best dance of the night. Bruno could see the dramatic arc. He called it masterpiece theater. Carrie Ann loved it. Alfonso called it near perfect. He wants Nick to remember to relax because it is a marathon, not a sprint.
Carrie Ann- 9
Alfonso- 9
Julianne- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 36/40
You can vote for Nick and Sharna by calling 1-855-234-5610 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).
Hayes & Emma – Jive
“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” is the theme for this jive. Emma says a lot is going on in this jive. Hayes is putting in a lot of work. Hayes doesn’t like it when he can’t get the dance right from the start. Ha. So cool. I thought the costume Hayes has on would get in the way but it didn’t. Very appropriate jive from him. However, he needs to work on those kicks and flicks. A little weak. Maybe too much was going on in the dance. He has some great things happening in this but it is a jive and I expect to see those basic jive moves done. But Emma continues to be the perfect partner for him, choreographing very suitable routines and Hayes continues to run with it showing that he is here to compete.
Click to Watch Hayes and Emma’s Jive VIDEO
Bruno loves Hayes focus. Bruno does say the kicks and flicks needed work. Carrie Ann felt that the mask made it seem like he was out of breath. She says it wasn’t his best performance. Alfosno agrees and says that midway through the routine, some energy is lost. He wants him to finish his movements. Julianne admires that the side by side moves were hit. She wants Hayes to be more aware of Emma.
Carrie Ann- 7
Alfonso- 8
Julianne- 7
Bruno- 8
Total: 30/40
You can vote for Hayes and Emma by calling 1-855-234-5608 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).
Judge Leaderboard After Week Three
Nick & Sharna- 36/40
Alexa & Mark- 36/40
Alek & Lindsay- 33/40
Tamar & Val- 33/40
Bindi & Derek- 32/40
Carlos & Witney- 31/40
Hayes & Emma- 30/40
Andy & Allison- 29/40
Gary & Anna- 25/40
Paula & Louis- 20/40
ELIMINATION TIME…
Andy & Allison are in jeopardy.
Paula & Louis are in jeopardy.
…and SHOCKER! No one is leaving this week because of Kim’s exit. Everything will carry over to next week. Interesting that the show even opted to do a “who is in jeopardy” unless they want Andy fans to vote. I can’t imagine they are doing that for Paula though. Hmm.
Did you guys enjoy “TV Week?” What did you make of our guest judge Alfonso? Who impressed you? Who let you down? What do you make of what happened with Kim? Are you glad no one was eliminated this week?
We are going to have some polls up in a brand new post very soon. I thank you for watching with me tonight! :)
