Dancing with the Stars 22 – Week Three Power List

Time for the third power list of the season! After an emotional “Most Memorable Year” night, we really didn’t have much of a shake up in terms of the the scores from the judges. Things look very similar to last week with quite a few couples all lumped together at around the same score. That means the audience vote is really important when it comes to next week’s elimination. We are slowly seeing the front-runners emerge, though I have to say that this is looking like one majorly competitive season. But did any couple do anything to either move up or down the power list? Let’s take a closer look…

10th – Doug & Karina (No Change)

I like Doug. He’s a really nice guy with a good word ethic. His back story last week was a tough one to watch. Unfortunately, his waltz didn’t do him any grand favors. It was on the sloppy side and he nearly fell twice during the routine. He lacks musicality, which makes it tough for him to get on the beat of any song. And that makes just about every possible dance routine difficult to pull off. He is in 11th this week because he ended up in jeopardy and I don’t think his stock rose all that much from last week’s paso. That being said, his memorable year story coupled with being a nice guy who tries could potentially buy him another week in the competition.

9th – Marla & Tony (No Change)

I asked Tony to give Marla to do and he did. Okay, so he didn’t really know I asked but that’s not the point. I just wanted to see Marla tackle more than Tony’s simplistic choreography because I feel as though she can. Her jive impressed me. It had high energy, some great kicks and flicks, and was loaded with content. Good on her. Unfortunately, we are coming close to that point in the competition where her exit could just be inevitable due to either strength of other dancers or their popularity as compared to hers. And that’s why I can’t place any higher than 10th this week.

8th – Von & Witney (Previously 5th)

Von takes a huge dive this week, dropping 3 spots. There’s a combination of reasons. First, his contemporary routine wasn’t very good. Witney did the heavy dance work and Von did the heavy lifting. And by that, I mean actual lifts. But other than showing he is strong, I didn’t see much in that dance to get excited about. Second, he is becoming really forgettable among this year’s crop of dancers. That’s not a good sign. You are either fantastic on this show or bad in a fantastic way. The middle of the road “you did okay but nothing to write home about” dancing is not going to pull in votes. And yes, I know he is the reigning Super Bowl MVP but even in that respect, he is splitting votes with two other football players. He could find himself in jeopardy this week. Heck, I wouldn’t even be totally shocked by an elimination.

7th – Antonio & Sharna (Previously 8th)

Yep, I am still waiting for Antonio to break away from the pack with a great routine. This week was okay, and I loved seeing a side to him I didn’t before. He finally came off well in his rehearsal package, talking about his children and dancing with his son. That was nice to see. And I’m sure little Antonio brought in a couple of votes. But Antonio is still not bringing it as most people expected him to before the season started. Even the judges are making mention that he isn’t on the level they expect. Is it a lack of effort? A lack of good choreography? Or is this just the best he is capable of? The jury is still out. I think he will be fine this week though.

6th – Kim & Sasha (Previously 7th)

Kim takes a step up this week. A really fun routine that must have put smiles on the faces of many viewers. It helps that she also danced it well and continues to bring a fresh and fun vibe to the show. Sasha really is the perfect partner for her in so many ways. A very safe middle of the pack performer, I think Kim bought herself at the very least, two to three weeks of safety with that routine. And who knows, perhaps she can even grow a bit and become a stronger dancer.

5th – Jodie & Keo (Previously 6th)

I am really happy to move Jodie up a step this week. She had her best routine of the season. Keo was finally able to choreograph something unique for her. Yes, the routine was more a fusion contemporary/foxtrot but I would rather a strong and emotional dance that mixes two styles over one set style choreographed in a very basic way. Jodie really let us all in on her personal story this week and I bet it hit home with people enough to earn her some extra support from casual viewers she may not have had before. Keep up the good work Jodie.

4th – Ginger & Val (No Change)

Ginger keeps her ranking. She did an adequate contemporary piece. It actually looks better post-show because Von didn’t have such a good contemporary dance. On top of that, she has that “every-woman” vibe going for her in that she’s a working girl with a husband and new baby and she’s trying to juggle all those things. It is a relatable story. She had her usual coverage this week on GMA, meaning she continues to have a platform that puts her at an advantage over her opponents. Has she had a really fantastic dance yet? No. But does she need to have one right now or risk being in trouble? No. She is safe.

3rd – Paige & Mark (Previously 2nd)

A wonderfully choreographed routine by Mark danced well by Paige. Len had a real problem with the choreography but I don’t think viewers will agree. Paige needs routines like this. She needs big dances that stand out so people can vote for her. And Mark is the perfect partner to give that to her. Despite Len saying the dance had too much of a contemporary feel. I saw a lot of familiar paso doble steps. And the whole vibe of the dance was a battle- which is the definition of a paso. Sp for me, it worked. And I believe it did for viewers too.

2nd – Nyle & Peta (Previously 3rd)

Nyle had a strong week and moves up a placement. That was a really good tango. Not only did he do well in hold, but he and Peta sizzled and danced on the beat with solid musicality. I loved how Peta was protective of Nyle (but not in a disrespectful to Carrie Ann way) and I’m glad Ms. Inaba clarified her critique from the previous week. If you notice, Len always has something to say about Nyle’s dances that he doesn’t like. I can’t put my finger on whether he just isn’t “into” Nyle as much as others or if he holds him at some high standard expecting more. I hope it is the latter because I would hate to see Nyle underscored by Len this season.

1st – Wanya & Lindsay (No Change)

Yep, Wanya remains safely at the top. This was the third week in a row where he aced a routine. But this week, he aced a routine to the National Anthem! That’s a definite crowd pleaser. He and Lindsay looked great too, both dancing together and in their costumes. As I said Monday, the only critique to be made this week was in respect to a few moments when Wanya had to maintain hold. But for him, I doubt it was even something the audience noticed. Lindsay could help him improve that in no time at all. I saw no reason this week to drop him from his first place spot. Still an absolute guaranteed finalist.

What do you guys think of this week’s rank? Do you agree that Wanya remains in first? Any surprise that Wanya, Nyle, and Paige remain the dynamic trio right now? Could Von be in real danger? Has Doug done enough to perhaps knock Marla or someone else out of the competition? Sound off in the comments if you like and remember, Dancing with the Stars is live this coming Monday, April 11th, @8 Eastern with “Disney Night,” which will include guest judge Zendaya and the third elimination of the season! See you then!