DWTS 22 Week 7 Live Blog and Performance Videos

It was a dead heat for favorite partnership, with 30% voting for Wanya & Lindsay and 29% for Nyle & Peta. A respectable 17% went to Paige & Mark. Wanya & Lindsay earned 31% of the vote for favorite routine. Paige & Mark came out with 25% and Nyle & Peta earned 17%. With 12%, Jodie & Keo made the favorite list in double digits as well. On the opposite end, 30% of you were not feeling Ginger & Val, 19% went with Von & Witney, 17% to Kim & Sasha, and 11% to Nyle & Peta. 98% of you agreed with last week’s elimination, and the episode on a whole was graded B+/A-. Now, turning to tonight’s elimination…

34% of you believe Von & Witney are gone with 30% going for Kim & Sasha. Only Jodie & Keo had double digits as well with 13%. So, the majority of you believe Von & Kim will be tonight’s casualties. I think you guys are on the money with those three being the possibilities. I know people think Ginger could be in danger but I just don’t see it happening- at least not in week seven. But the reasonings behind thinking Von, Kim, and Jodie are in danger are strong and I expect two out of the three to get the boot tonight. But we shall see.

We have some interesting questions to be answered tonight. Will the show and/or Nyle address the “controversy” from last week’s rehearsal footage package even though it was pretty much covered online? Can Wanya once again place himself as the probable winner of this season? Can Paige come out her jeopardy scare from last week? Will Antonio continue to surge? This is an important week and I am really looking forward to seeing the team dances to see how the female celebs work together against the males. With all that being said, let’s start this thing…

And we are off and are live at a disco! Yep, disco ball and “Last Dance” playing as our pros and troupe get down. Mandy Moore choreographed that routine. Here come our stars. – Click to Watch “Last Dance” Group Number VIDEO

Jodie & Keo – Quickstep

Jodie thinks she deserved higher scores last week. She isn’t sure what has to do. Keo concentrates on Jodie’s frame during rehearsal but Jodie is still feeling the effects from last week. Keo is happy with how far he has gotten this season but doesn’t want it to end. Solid routine. Keo choreographs a very content driven and standard quickstep, which should please Len very much. Lots of fast footwork, good hold, and a nice breeze around the ballroom. Good job opening the show from Jodie here. – Click to Watch Jodie & Keo’s Quickstep Performance VIDEO

Len loved the commitment and attack. He mentions some lost body contact but loved that Jodie gave it all she has. Bruno enjoyed the freedom of movement despite a couple of mistakes. Carrie Ann loved Jodie’s aura. She gives Jodie credit for dancing with minimal contact and even goes as far as to say Keo missed a step and Jodie had to power through. She mentions some sync issues as well but wants Jodie to stay.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 26/30
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).

Kim & Sasha – Samba

Kim is a bit sick and pissed off regarding the scores. Sasha wants to take the critique and use it. Kim is a childhood friend of Janet Jackson, so she is thrilled to perform one of the Jackson 5 songs. Decent number. A bit on the careful side for a samba if you ask me. I would have liked some more attack and perhaps an attempt at some samba rolls. But Kim kept up with the choreography and we didn’t have any glaring mistakes, so job well done. – Click to Watch Kim & Sasha’s Samba Performance VIDEO

Bruno enjoyed the dance. He had no real critique for Kim. Carrie Ann enjoys when Kim gets pissed. She thought Kim killed the routine. Len calls it Kim’s best dance.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 27/30
You can vote for Kim by calling 1-800-868-3406 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 – Foxtrot

Peta loved the quickstep but the judges did not. Nyle says last week wasn’t him and he wants to represent the deaf community better. Peta is upset because she feels Nyle’s words were taken out of context and he is being super quiet in rehearsals, which is not like him. Nyle says he needs to continue getting better due to the double elimination. Gorgeous stuff here. Similar to Jodie’s routine, this is a very simplistic and driven by content dance. Len should appreciate the foxtrot material (rise and fall, nice turns, decent hold, elegant ease of movement). At the very least, I would assume the judges think this is a step up from last week. – Click to Watch Nyle & Petra’s Foxtrot Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann thought it was amazingly free and had a lot of elegance. Len thought Nyle’s bum stuck out a bit in hold and his shoulders got hunched on one part. He does say though, the show is hard and while others climb hills, Nyle climbs mountains. Bruno enjoyed that some romance was brought out of a rock anthem. He loved the turns.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 28/30
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).

*Again with the messing up of scores when it comes to Nyle? Tom is saying Bruno wrote down a 9 but held up a 10. Tom holds up a paper showing that Bruno indeed write 9 even though he held up a 10 and so, Nyle’s correct score is 10,9,9 for a total of 28/30. How odd for this to happen to Nyle twice this season.

Antonio & Sharna – Tango

Antonio loved last week and how well he and Sharna are working together. Antonio is practicing hard this week and wants to show a different side this week due to the song and theme of the dance. Well, aren’t we being “subtle” with the darkness theme? Antonio has an angry expression, we have what looks to me like druids, and Sharna’s hair is something out of Bride Of Frankenstein. But it works. They definitely committed to the style. A few of the steps were a bit “dancing by the numbers” (as in, first we do this and then we do that) but you can tell Antonio’s stock is rising on the show. – Click to Watch Antonio & Sharna’s Tango Performance VIDEO

Len loved the attitude but noticed a few mistakes. But he loved the spirit and determination. Bruno loved the intensity. But he mentions the footwork was wrong in quite a few sections. Carrie Ann thinks the speed worked against Antonio this week. She wants him to learn to finish his moves.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 24/30
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).

Wanya & Lindsay – Foxtrot

Wanya is thrilled to be alone at the top of the leader board. Wanya had a few obligations this week so he will be missing some rehearsal time. Wanya would rather just be doing this show but he has commitments. Cute. Well no, I think adorable works. A lovely opening where Lindsay and Wanya are dancing in two different places before Wanya knocked on her door to dance with her. Lindsay is sure firing on all cylinders with the choreography, huh? A really strong foxtrot filled with nice rise and fall, a commendable hold, and a fun, bubbly flow on the dance floor. – Click to Watch Wanya & Lindsay’s Foxtrot Performance VIDEO

Bruno calls it beautiful. Carrie Ann feels like Wanya brought his stride last week but this week, it was just nice. Len thought it was full of joy. He says Wanya lost his neck in parts but he thought it was so joyful.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 27/30
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).

Ginger & Val – Viennese Waltz

Ginger was upset that she was at the bottom of the leader board last week. Val was driven by the criticism last week. Ginger says yes, Val is being harder on her this week. Val gives her a pick me up speech. Okay, so something I am noticing. Ginger does a whole lot better with slow, more content driven dances as opposed to the quick ones where she needs to get down. As opposed to last week, this routine had Ginger right on the money with the connection with Val, the attention to detail, the lovely viennese waltz steps, and the commitment to the character. Strong routine. – Click to Watch Ginger & Val’s Viennese Waltz Performance VIDEO

Carrie Ann calls it powerful, elegant, and perfection. Len calls it a cool breeze on a warm summer’s day. He compliments Val and Ginger. Bruno calls it impeccable and calls it her best 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).

Von & Witney – Salsa

Von says it wasn’t fun being in jeopardy last week. A lot of traveling this week for Von as well. Witney is a bit clueless when it comes to Elvis. LOL. Time for some crazy lifts this week because Von is very strong. Note to Witney- just because you have a strong partner doesn’t mean you should go for crazy lifts. Those transitions in and out of them were a bit sloppy. I wish they stuck to a more conventional salsa. Von is charming and cool but when he tries to inhibit a character, it comes off a bit corny. The positive is that he kept up with the dancing and had some solid hip action going. – Click to Watch Von & Witney’s Salsa Performance VIDEO

Len calls it a pizza. Crusty at the base but good on top. Bruno calls it different but effective. Carrie Ann called it rough around the edges. She is happy to see Von have such a good time.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
Total: 24/30
You can vote for Von by calling 1-800-868-3411 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 – Jive

Paige loved the routine last week- especially getting the 10. But she didn’t like being put in jeopardy. Mark gives her a pep talk. Mark says this dance needs stamina and Paige can do it. Awesome! Fast, fun, on point (kicks and flicks), tons of energy, tons of flare, and lots of character. My favorite dance of the night thus far with just the team dances to go. So, my favorite individual routine of the night. Great job. – Click to Watch Paige & Mark’s Jive Performance VIDEO

Bruno calls it beautiful from a technical point of view and she was was right up there with Mark. Carrie Ann calls it ridiculous. She tells Paige that everyone loves her. Len calls it UFC (under full control).
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30
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).

*Team dances time. These are always a challenge to blog because so damn much is always going on. I shall do my best.

Team Dance – Freestyle (Team James Brown)
Nyle & Peta, Antonio & Sharna, Wanya & Lindsay, Von & Witney
A bit of a tough rehearsal for the men. It started out okay. But since Wanya had to miss rehearsal, he didn’t get the second day of really seeing the choreography. Nyle is also feeling the pressure with so many other people dancing that he must keep up with. Damn. They made that whole rehearsal footage look like this is going to be a mess. Let’s see if the men can pull it out. Wow. They sure as heck worked it out. Each couple did a really solid job of bringing their own important vibe to the routine. I enjoyed all the individual parts and actually thought the parts where everyone danced together was even better. Nyle was absolutely in-sync with the others (tough job with this amount of people) and Wanya brought that entertainment value at the end with his part. They should all be proud of themselves. – Click to Watch Team James Brown’s Freestyle Performance VIDEO

Len has called the whole night amazing. He salutes them all for a tough night. Bruno commended Wanya and also commends everyone for bringing their personalities. Carrie Ann loved how it was totally in-sync. She mentions how at one point how Nyle was ahead of the music and everyone joined him to make it work.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 10
Total: 28/30

Team Dance – Freestyle (Team Beyonce)
Jodie & Keo, Kim & Sasha, Ginger & Val, Paige & Mark
Val and Mark headed up the choreography. The women were sort of watching and took over the wardrobe. During the second rehearsal, the women were a bit nervous. Paige says the girls just need to channel Beyonce and do it. The girls rehearsals look solid. Based on that footage, this should be a win for the girls. I’m not exactly sure but I think Kim made a mistake at the start when everyone got together. It caused some sync issues with the team. Nice individual moments- especially from Paige, Jodie, and Ginger. But if I am being totally honest, I think the men were a bit more on point as a team and had a stronger number. We will see. – Click to Watch Team Beyonce’s Freestyle Performance VIDEO

Bruno says they all looked stunning. A couple of sync issues he says. Carrie Ann says they all brought the nastiness out. She liked the difficult choreography and styles. She does mention some mistakes. Next week is the quarter finals, Len says and he has no clue who will take home the victory. He compliments them all.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 9
Total: 25/30

DOUBLE ELIMINATION TIME. (CUE SCARY SCARY SCARY MUSIC)

In Jeopardy
– Kim & Sasha
– Wanya & Lindsay (nope, I don’t buy that one)
– Von & Witney

One of these couples is safe, says Tom and the other two have the lowest combined total. So, the two couples going home are… – Click to Watch Von & Witney & Kim & Sasha’s Elimination VIDEO

Von & Witney & Kim & Sasha

Von says it has been so much fun and the competition was tough. Kim didn’t see the elimination coming but she calls it a blessing. They go to the center of the ballroom.

You guys were on point with thinking Kim and Von were toast. I absolutely believe Wanya was just placed in the bottom for (a) dramatic effect and (b) a way to pump up his votes. I can’t imagine he was in any real danger.

Judge Leaderboard Following Week 7 Dances (Out of a possible 60)
Nyle & Peta – 56/60
Wanya & Lindsay – 55/60
Ginger & Val – 55/60
Paige & Mark – 55/60
Antonio & Sharna – 52/60
Jodie & Keo – 51/60

And with that, “Icons Night” comes to a close. I’ll have more to say on the couples, routines, and competitions later in the week in a new power list.

Next week – We at home become the 4th judge and it is the quarter-finals. For now though, get ready for a new POLLS thread which will be up soon.