Dancing with the Stars – The Season 22 Semi-Finals
Welcome to week nine of season twenty-two of Dancing with the Stars. We have arrived at the Semi-Finals. In just 8 days, this season will come to a close and we will have our winner. Tonight’s competition scores and audience votes will be added to those next Monday to determine who comes in third, second, and first on Tuesday. In addition to two rounds of competition, we will also lose another two couples in the season’s second double elimination. Suffice it to say, tonight will be epic. Let’s take a look at last week’s poll results.
39% of you picked Nyle & Peta for favorite partnership, with Paige & Mark at 25%, Wanya & Lindsay at 19% and Ginger & Val at 12%. Antonio & Sharna only garnered 4% of the vote. At 37%, Nyle & Peta had the favorite individual routine of the evening. 28% went to Paige & Mark, 23% to Ginger & Val. On the opposite end, 38% of you were not feeling Wanya & Lindsay’s routine with 34% coming in for Antonio & Sharna and 13% for Ginger & Val. Team Bruno had the most votes for favorite team-up routine with 48%. Team Carrie Ann had 35% and Team Len had 17%. The majority of you didn’t love Team Len’s samba- a high 62% of the vote. Team Bruno and Team Carrie Ann tied with 19%.
55% of you felt the elimination was wrong and Jodie should have stayed. 45% of you thought it was the right choice. The quarter-final episode rated a solid B. So, what about tonight’s double boot? You guys are predicting the end of the road for Antonio & Sharna at 56% and Wanya & Lindsay at 25%. Ginger & Val have 11%. This is a tough one. Like I said in my rankings, I could see any of the five remaining couples exiting tonight just as I can see any of them actually winning the show. Well, with the exception of Antonio who I just can’t fathom would earn enough support at this late stage to take the trophy home. I feel semi-confident about an Antonio boot but the second one is a mystery to me. I’ll just take a pass at predicting and see what happens.
In round one tonight, the couples will dance in a trio to another routine they have never performed. We have seen the trio dances before. They are sometimes stellar and sometimes show off a bit of weakness in the celebrity as they have to dance with two pros. In round two, all five couples will perform another unlearned routine. We have a relatively strong final five, so the competition should be fierce at any rate. I’m both excited and nervous for tonight’s festivities, so let’s get it started.
Well, that was a quick opening. LOL. The pros and their celeb partners come out for a short little dance. Voting tonight goes toward deciding the champions. The trio round is up first and here we go…
Paige & Mark w/Alan – Samba
Paige and Mark picked Alan because she danced with him already. Rumors of a possible Paige/Alan relationship. Hmm. Mark wants chemistry for all three in the dance. Paige says she and Alan are friends and she is a bit preoccupied at the moment. Fun! A fantastic way to open the show. Look at that- a triple samba roll. That pleases me. You always get points for trying it and more points for nailing it. Great samba steps, lots of rhythm, and good solo dancing by Paige and partnering when she was with both men and with each individually. – Click to Watch Paige & Mark with Alan’s Samba Performance VIDEO
Len says tonight is important. Len says Paige started with a showstopper. Bruno says Paige was the undisputed queen of the jungle. He loved the confidence, beauty, and skill. Carrie Ann calls Paige unstoppable.
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).
Antonio & Sharna w/Hayley – Argentine Tango
Hayley joins Antonio & Sharna. Sharna wants another fierce woman to dance with Antonio. This argentine tango will be a bit more playful than a traditional one. Alright. A decent routine. I don’t quite get having Antonio open it with so much time doing nothing but taking off his hat, jacket, etc.. but I guess Sharna was trying to set a mood. The argentine tango steps was decent though at times, Antonio comes off awkward instead of like a leading man doing a proper ballroom routine. Sharna and Hayley were really the stars of that one with Antonio doing some light assisting, with the exception of a good and difficult lift. – Click to Watch Antonio & Sharna with Haley’s Argentine Tango Performance VIDEO
Bruno thought Antonio handled the dance beautifully. Carrie Ann thinks Antonio has made the longest journey of anyone. She enjoyed the nuances but wanted to see more elongated lines. Len is amazed how Antonio has developed as a dancer. Len says it was a great job.
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).
Wanya & Lindsay w/Witney – Paso Doble
Wanya was so disappointed in the error from last week. Wanya was feeling really down. Witney joins in and wants Lindsay wants Wanya to be happy and confident, win or lose. Very good! A wonderful comeback after last week. Loved the determination in Wanya’s face during this. All expected paso moves done very well. Wanya partnered with the girls transitioning from one to the other. It was a simple routine done well and I think Wanya can let out a big sigh of relief because that was a return to form. – Click to Watch Wanya & Lindsay with Witney’s Paso Doble Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann goes to hug Wanya. She gives props to Wanya while talking to him standing there. Len loved the steps. He says it is about this week and Len gives him a standing ovation. Bruno says it was the comeback we have all been waiting for.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30
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 w/Jenna – Jive
Jenna really wanted to be in this trio. Peta wants a happy, giddy, and playful routine that people haven’t seen Nyle do much of. Fun rehearsal footage. Ha. This is probably my favorite thematic dance so far. I love the concept Peta put together. Unfortunately, some sync issues cause Nyle to miss a few steps when it comes to those kicks and flicks. You notice it a whole lot more when watching a jive because of how fast-paced it is. Nyle is able to embody the character and the dance is fun and energized. It just wasn’t perfect. – Click to Watch Nyle & Peta with Jenna’s Jive Performance VIDEO
Len loved the blend of fun and energy. A couple of sync issues mentioned. Bruno enjoyed the choreography. He agrees some timing was lost. He mentions this was the most difficult dance Nyle has done. Carrie Ann agrees with her co-judges and gives Nyle credit for the difficulty.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 27/30
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).
Ginger & Val – w/Artem – Paso Doble
Ginger was very pleased with last week’s scores but this week is very important. Artem joins the team. Ginger says she will have to dance better than she ever has before. Val says that together, they make honey mustard for Ginger. Really strong routine yet again from Ginger. It was a different take on the paso- starting slow, seeming to feed more off of acting and theme (which Ginger did) before we saw the usual paso steps. Ginger lost control of her dress for a second, which almost tripped her up but she was able to rebound as if nothing happened. I think Wanya’s paso had a bit more content but this was good. – Click to watch Ginger & Val with Artem’s Paso Doble Performance VIDEO
Bruno calls it intense and surreal. He says Ginger lost a bit of shaping. Carrie Ann says Ginger looks stunning. She loved the drama but agrees with Bruno a bit. Len says Ginger was full of attack even though it was stormy in places.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 9
Total: 27/30
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).
Paige & Mark – Argentine Tango
Paige grew up in a small town with country roots. She danced until high school and then became a cheerleader. As a kid, a bit of a tomboy. She was bullied quite a bit. Her mind went to some dark places. Her family moved to Reno and things changed. Her dad was always a huge UFC fan. Paige wants people to think that if a small girl from a small town can make it, they can. A sexy, sultry, seductive routine from beginning to end. I absolutely applaud Mark’s choreography in that. He took a standard argentine tango and made it very memorable. The best part is- I don’t think the judges can fault him on not including enough argentine tango steps because they were all there because shared with this intense cat and mouse game of sex. Loved it. Click to Watch Paige & Mark’s Argentine Tango Performance VIDEO
Len loved the choreography and the dancing but the dance was a bit too hot and spicy for him. Bruno calls it nasty and naughty. Bruno loved the technique and thinks Paige deserves a place in the finals. Carrie Ann says it was sexy but calls Paige phenomenal. She loved the layers.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 9
Bruno- 10
Total: 29/30
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).
Antonio & Sharna – Contemporary
Antonio grew up in Florida. A lot of drugs, gang violence, etc. His dad was gone a whole lot. He and his mom divorced and Antonio changed drastically. Antonio had a lot of bitterness toward his dad. Antonio started as an underdog. Antonio is a really good dad and his mom says it is because of his experiences with his dad. His coaches all send their well wishes. It is amazing how contemporary routines always seem to bring out the best in people. I don’t know if it is emotion or lack of having to do specific technical moves but this type of genre is always a positive. I will say this- one of Antonio’s problems throughout the season is that no matter what dance, you can tell he is a student-dancer. As in, his moves all look like “okay, we practiced this and so we have to do this.” While I see folks like Wanya and Paige go from students to looking like actual dancers, Mr. Brown just remains that novice to me. But no denying, this was a strong routine. – Click to Watch Antonio & Sharna’s Contemporary Performance VIDEO
Bruno starts talking about Antonio’s body and Tom has to stop him to discuss the actual dance. LOL. Bruno calls it his best performances. Carrie Ann is almost at a loss for words. She says Antonio isn’t the best dancer left but his presence is magical. Len loved the lifts. He agrees a bit with Carrie Ann but calls Antonio a beautiful person.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 9
Bruno- 10
Total: 28/30
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 – Charleston
Wanya’s mom realized she could sing at a very young age. His grandmother said he got into everything. He was dubbed “Little Luther.” A lot of fun but some struggling in the neighborhood. Wanya thought being a star would be a way to help out his family. The boys of his group talk about how the band came to be. Even Babyface chimes in to give his thoughts. Lindsay says that Wanya makes her better. The charleston is such a fun old school dance. It has elements of jive, quickstep, lindy. It is so fun to watch. When choreographed the right way (as Lindsay did here) and executed well (as Wanya did here), it makes for such a joy to watch. Two for two tonight for Wanya. – Click to Watch Wanya & Lindsay’s Charleston Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann says Wanya has electric feet. She is so happy when someone makes a comeback like Wanya has. Len says if natural dance talent was in the dictionary, a picture of Wanya would be there. He hopes he is in the final. Bruno loved the show business flare of it. He compliments them both (Wanya and Lindsay).
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30
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 – Argentine Tango
Nyle’s mother says he is very determined. His ex-girlfriend said he majored in math. He wanted to be a math teacher. Nyle gives back to the deaf community. His brother says Nyle has blown his mind. Nyle says he needs to show that anything is possible so he is blindfolding himself. Tyra sends her well wishes (in a very fierce because I am Tyra Banks way). An amazing piece here. When I originally heard Nyle would be blindfolded, I thought it was just too much added pressure. But I get it. From the song to the theme of the dance to the execution, it worked. A great routine, simplistic in content, danced wonderfully. I think Peta has really grown the most this season than she ever has before on the show and Nyle should be very proud at what he has accomplished. – Click to Watch Nyle & Peta’s Argentine Tango Performance VIDEO
Len says Nyle never ceases to amaze him. Bruno said he was mesmerized by the performance. Carrie Ann compliments the quality of movement. She also says Nyle reminded us to push our boundaries.
Carrie Ann- 10
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 30/30
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).
Ginger & Val – Quickstep
Ginger grew up in Michigan. She was a shy kid with a really good childhood. Her parents divorced when she was seven. Ginger had to make new friends. She suffered from anorexia. She kept it hidden from so many people. She was chasing tornadoes. She got an internship and eventually worked her way up. She wanted to be in New York. Her co-workers send their praises. Leona Lewis is on hand live to perform during this. Good quickstep. I sort of wish Leona was placed on the backstage as opposed to the center of the ballroom because I feel like some of the dance was to her as opposed to the audience. But the quickstep moves were on point. Nice, flashy, and zooming around the floor. I thought I caught a little hiccup toward the end but I would have to re-watch to be sure. – Click to Watch Ginger & Val’s Quickstep Performance VIDEO
Bruno compliments Ginger and Leona (yes Leona). He compliments ALL the five semi-finalists and says all of them deserve to be in the finals. Carrie Ann loved the interpretation. She mentions an issue with the dress. I guess that’s what I thought I saw. Len says it was fantastic.
Carrie Ann- 9
Len- 10
Bruno- 10
Total: 29/30
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).
UGH. DOUBLE ELIMINATION TIME. I.HATE.THIS.TO.THE.MAX. – Click to Watch Tonight’s DOUBLE ELIMINATION VIDEO
The first couple IN THE FINALS is… Ginger & Val
Also dancing IN THE FINALS is… Nyle & Peta
And the third couple IN THE FINALS is… Paige & Mark
Eliminated tonight…
Antonio & Sharna & Wanya & Lindsay
And we have no time to talk to anyone. They are super crunched for time. But Wanya, Antonio, and their respective partners go to the center of the ballroom.
Judges Leaderboard Following The Semi-Finals (Out Of A Possible 60)
Paige & Mark – 59/60
Nyle & Peta – 57/60
Ginger & Val – 56/60
And there you have it. Antonio’s elimination was expected but I was totally clueless on who would go second. I guess those in jeopardy appearances for Wanya were legit and his fans did not rally. Or at least, not enough of them did. It was an outstanding night of dancing though and a great semi-finals. Paige Vs. Nyle Vs. Ginger should be one hell of a finale and I really do believe it is anyone’s game. I’ll be back with a new POLLS thread very soon and a set of semi-final rankings later on this week. For now, thanks to you ALL for watching, commenting, and joining in with me.
