Welcome to what could be one of the most fierce weeks of Dancing With the Stars this season. Tonight, the show presents a first. We are going to see something dubbed as the “Trio Challenge.” The six remaining couples have picked one professional that has either been eliminated or participates in the dance troupe. This third person will perform with the couple in their latin routine. The latin routine will see the couples dancing to any unlearned latin style. I am really excited to see how the regular professional choreographs his or her celebrity partner and a third person in an attempt to make a memorable routine. It should also be interesting to see how the celebrity deals with not only one, but two dancers on the floor with them.
In the other round of competition, the couples must pick any unlearned ballroom style. So, we get to see a latin and a ballroom this week from everyone. What makes things even more intriguing? This is a double elimination week. Two couples will exit the show tomorrow night, which brings us right down to the final four, or in other words, the semi-finals. This is being done because as you all remember, we didn’t lose anyone in the first week and because of that, need to double up if the show is to end when it was originally scheduled to.
I can only imagine the amount of stress that the couples are going through knowing they no longer have a dance duel to potentially save their spot on the show but also, realizing that they have an even greater chance of being eliminated than ever before. Now, for Donald, Katherine, and Maria… I would say they have nothing to worry about. I imagine the judges will continue to praise them and the audience votes will come in regardless of what they do tonight. I still believe those are the three finalists this season. But Melissa, Roshon, and William need to give it their all because it seems very likely that two out of those three will be exiting the show tomorrow night. In fact, thanks to what seems to be a huge fanbase, could Melissa just book her ticket now to the semi-finals confirming a Roshon/William exit? We shall see. But much luck to all of them and let’s get this exciting week of DWTS started… :D
Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd – Tango
To vote for Donald & Peta, call 1-800-868-3403. You can send the word “Vote” to 3403 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Donald and Peta are performing a fast and energetic tango. This is a bit different as it doesn’t have all the usual passion and aggression but Peta instead choreographed it to be fun and for Donald to be dominant on the floor. I love the way Donald is just in the zone when it comes to being together with Peta. They have the chemistry down pat and Donald’s footwork is fabulous for a tango. I also need to compliment his frame as everything in hold with Peta looks crisp. If anything, I enjoy the more angry type tango but with the music choice and types of steps here, I can see how this is quite unique. A great start for Donald tonight.
Len says it was a first round knockout. Bruno thought he would need to call a marriage counselor. He called it a touchdown. Carrie Ann complimented Donald’s shapes. Her only point was wanting to see a bit more drama. And so, Donald runs up to give her a little kiss. Bruno interjects and tells Donald to watch his shoulders because that’s the issue- not a lack of drama.
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 27/30.
Maria Menounos & Derek Hough – Viennese Waltz
To vote for Maria & Derek, call 1-800-868-3401. You can send the word “Vote” to 3401 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
A bit of “pretend” reality show orchestrated drama in the rehearsal footage. The ballroom is getting dosed with smoke as this is one of those dream-like dances. Maria has really worked hard on getting the “acting” part of the routine down and it shows here. This is a very convincing dance. The steps are elegant and everything is flowing beautifully. That was fast. Did they chop off time from that? I guess it was really good in my eyes because it was over way sooner than I anticipated. Well, another fantastic job from Maria as she continues to peak on this show at the absolute right time.
Bruno says it was heavenly fluidity. He compliments her emotional involvement as well and calls it amazing. Maria is crying because she loves the dance and the music. Carrie Ann says this dance sang to her. She loves the relationship developing between Maria and Derek. Len says that Derek missed a chance to push Maria more while in hold. The ballroom (and the other judges) obviously disagree and are being vocal about it.
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 8, Bruno- 10 for a total of 28/30.
Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Foxtrot
To vote for Melissa & Maksim, call 1-800-868-3407. You can send the word “Vote” to 3407 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Melissa is impressed by how the fans are keeping her around. Don’t be too surprised- a combo of the judges being harsh and Maks being Maks is really helping here. And we have some more ridiculous footage of arguments, crying, and making up. I haven’t a clue what type outfit they put on Melissa for this but it doesn’t seem right for a foxtrot. Melissa is doing a good job by her own standards. I mean, let’s face it. She doesn’t have the skills as the other dancers but this was okay. I think she had a few errors in the beginning with her footwork and things got somewhat awkward but it got back on track fast. I also saw less of Maks dragging Melissa around the floor, so that’s a major positive. As usual, Melissa has an easier time with the more slow to average speed dances.
Carrie Ann calls it her best dance ever. She mentioned a few mistakes but is very happy. Len says potentially it was Melissa’s best but a few incidents hurt it. Bruno thought it was her best presentation and she should be very proud. All three judges mention the little mistakes but concur that this was Melissa at her best.
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 8, Bruno- 8 for a total of 24/30.
Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas – Viennese Waltz
To vote for Katherine & Mark, call 1-800-868-3410. You can send the word “Vote” to 3410 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Katherine started all the way up the stairs looking out a window and had to run down to get to Mark. They are going for some princess and pauper type feel here. As expected, Katherine is great with her steps and tackles an especially difficult spin on the floor. However, for the second week in a row, I am missing something when it comes to the emotion. I would really love to see Katherine let go a bit more because that might be what she needs for the emotion of a dance to come through more. Everything she does is always so nice to look at that you end up judging whether or not the dance moves you. If she gets that part of it down, we are gold. But back to the dance itself. As usual, really good stuff from Katherine.
Len loved the content. The only thing he didn’t like was the spin. But the rest was terrific. Bruno complimented Katherine’s technique but mentioned that after the floor spin, she went off a bit. Carrie Ann feels like Katherine was off her footing a bit and she needs to be careful. The judges are arguing and it is almost impossible to understand what they are saying as they talk over one another. Instead of trying to make sense of it, Tom sends us to a commercial.
Carrie Ann- 8, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 26/30.
Roshon Fegan & Chelsie Hightower – Foxtrot
To vote for Roshon & Chelsie, call 1-800-868-3405. You can send the word “Vote” to 3405 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Roshon’s grandmothers arrive at rehearsal to watch him. Of course, they are thrilled but one grandma has an actual critique. She has issue with Roshon keeping his feet together. I’m laughing like crazy here. That was adorable. The adorable doesn’t end with rehearsal as Chelsie has choreographed one of the cutest routines of the season. This foxtrot is supremely cute and I don’t see any errors to speak of. Everything seemed to work perfect here. This was definitely the type of dance Roshon needed and Chelsie did him all the favors in the world by making it appropriate for him both in style and idea. I really felt the connection with that foxtrot and was highly entertained. Really good job!
Bruno is impressed by how much Roshon has accomplished in a week. Carrie Ann is extremely proud. Len called them two little dancing munchkins and once again gave Roshon the “good job, dog” critique. The judges are very pleased.
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 9, Bruno- 10 for a total of 29/30.
William Levy & Cheryl Burke – Foxtrot
To vote for William & Cheryl, call 1-800-868-3408. You can send the word “Vote” to 3408 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
William brought Cheryl flowers for her birthday. He doesn’t like dances with so many rules because a whole lot can go wrong. Oh. William worked on his emotion for this one. I love the gentleman like attitude he is putting on here. Cheryl, as I always say, is a pretty great choreographer because she gives her partners things to do that absolutely show them off. This was one of William’s best dances of the season and like Roshon, made me feel something. I saw no errors with footwork or frame and could only compliment the dance and especially the overall feeling of the routine.
Carrie Ann thought it was a sexy pink panther. She compliments William’s movements and what he brings to his dances. Len thought it was a mix of care and flare and he liked it. Bruno has just about nothing to say other than saying he hates William even more. In a good way, of course.
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 10, Bruno- 10 for a total of 30/30.
Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd – Jive with Karina Smirnoff
To vote for Donald & Peta, call 1-800-868-3403. You can send the word “Vote” to 3403 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Wow! What an epic amount of fun this is. That was a jive times ten. Donald, Peta, and Karina were all on fire. That had energy, crisp footwork, and joy from beginning to end. Great kicks, arms, and coordination between the three. Even if I didn’t think Donald did so before, he absolutely locked himself into the finale tonight. Between his first dance and this joy fest, I am sure the votes are going to come pouring in. The jive is all about having fun and this was without question, fun.
Len liked it and enjoyed how much fun it was. Bruno was impressed with how well Donald kept up. Carrie Ann screams and loved Donald’s three way. That was the second three way type comment made as of course, Bruno made one as well. The three of them loved it.
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 28/30.
Maria Menounos & Derek Hough – Samba with Henry Byalikov
To vote for Maria & Derek, call 1-800-868-3401. You can send the word “Vote” to 3401 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
This is a Bollywood inspired samba. Derek is another amazing choreographer. This isn’t easy. A samba where you need to include the basic samba steps while coming up with a theme and you need to work a third person in as well. As expected because they are the pros, the men are better and Maria has a few moments where it looks as though she is having trouble keeping up. This idea is great but I think a bit more practicing would have really helped. It wasn’t bad at all but just needed some polishing. I will say though, like Donald’s dance, that made smile a whole lot.
Bruno loved the dance creatively and how Maria was kept at the center of attention. However, timing was lost a few times. Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno that the number was perfect but a few slip ups happened with Maria. Len loved it if it was a Bollywood routine but saw next to nothing that represented the samba. He feels as though it was false advertising.
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 7, Bruno- 9 for a total of 25/30.
Melissa Gilbert & Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Samba with Val Chmerkovskiy
To vote for Melissa & Maksim, call 1-800-868-3407. You can send the word “Vote” to 3407 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Is it possible to watch the Chmerkovskiy boys do a samba without Melissa? I kid. Somewhat. Melissa did well here but the attempt at being overly sexual are very awkward for me. It just doesn’t sit right with me to see her gyrating. But get this…having Melissa do in hold type steps with both brothers is helping. She is able to have fun and let loose. And Maks and Val are able to do enough on their own where your eyes go away from Melissa a few times. That isn’t a bad thing. In addition, I believe this is the first time Melissa has done well with a fast paced dance. I am sure that Len will approve of the technique especially because this had loads of samba steps.
Carrie Ann said it was Melissa’s best number by far. Len agrees. It was her best dance. Bruno says it takes two to get the best out of Melissa. The judges all agree this was her best- which is exactly what they said about her first dance tonight, so I guess we can conclude that Melissa had a really solid evening of dancing.
Carrie Ann-9, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 27/30.
Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas – Cha-Cha-Cha with Tristan MacManus
To vote for Katherine & Mark, call 1-800-868-3410. You can send the word “Vote” to 3410 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
Wow. I am little surprised here. This wasn’t Katherine’s best for me. First, Mark and Tristan were too good to concentrate on Katherine. Second, some of her steps were off. Third, she had a little clothing error because the bottom of the pants on one of her leg’s did not come off. I think this is one scenario where the trio dancing hurt more than helped. If this was a regular dance with just Mark, I think Katherine could have done a much better job. Let me give her some props though. She coped with the pants leg well, had some good moments of letting go, and yes, I did feel a little something here. It was fun. I think Katherine’s “on a pedestal” type dance critiques are getting to even me because I seemingly expect greatness from her each and every time.
Len thought it was clean, clear, and clever. Bruno called it sexy and cool. Carrie Ann thought Katherine brought the fire this time around. She compliments her for dancing with the clothing issue. Obviously, I am completely alone as the judges adored this from start to finish. Well, we all have opinions. :)
Carrie Ann- 10, Len- 9, Bruno- 10 for a total of 29/30.
Roshon Fegan & Chelsie Hightower – Paso Doble with Sasha Farber
To vote for Roshon & Chelsie, call 1-800-868-3405. You can send the word “Vote” to 3405 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
For half the dance, Sasha disappeared. And I think that was a wise choice. It gave Roshon the ability to do a great Paso Doble with Chelsie on his own. And Chelsie put some good stuff in there. It had the usual moves you see in this type of routine. And Roshon did very well with having to be dominating. I especially loved Roshon’s floor crawl that you see in a Paso because he is super fast and energetic. It just comes off really well. I must compliment Chelsie on what she did with this routine. She really did serve Roshon well and he should be quite proud of having a solid night. Between that and his cute foxtrot from earlier, I am pleased.
Bruno complimented everything other than losing sync with Sasha from time to time. Carrie Ann loved the routine and the idea but yes, Roshon went off. Len compared it to two skinny fries getting the ketchup. He loved it.
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 27/30.
William Levy & Cheryl Burke – Paso Doble with Tony Dovolani
To vote for William & Cheryl, call 1-800-868-3408. You can send the word “Vote” to 3408 to text a vote. Finally, head over to ABC.COM with a registered email and vote online. 6 votes allowed per phone/text/email in this 8th week.
I love the masculinity in this. Tony and William are sort of fighting for the affections and attention of Cheryl here. And it works. Cheryl adds in the usual Paso Doble moves. At one point toward the end, William and Tony are not totally together in their movements. But when the three of them are up and dancing, we have a really strong routine. Tony is a very good pro and always up for a challenge and it was a smart idea to bring him on for this since he and Cheryl are really the veterans of this show along with a few other pros. If you mix in William to that, you have a nice trio of dancers. I’ll especially point out the moments William was in hold with Cheryl as being very strong.
Carrie Ann complimented William’s lines but mentioned he went out of sync once and she didn’t like the beginning. Len loved how it all came together and called out all three for a job well done. Bruno couldn’t ask for more with performance value. He agrees with Carrie Ann in pointing out that William lost sync a bit.
Carrie Ann- 9, Len- 9, Bruno- 9 for a total of 27/30.
Final Judges Leader-board:
William & Cheryl- 30 + 27 = 57/60
Roshon & Chelsie- 29 + 27 = 56/60
Donald & Peta- 27 + 28 = 55/60
Katherine & Mark- 26 + 29 = 55/60
Maria & Derek- 28 + 25 = 53/60
Melissa & Maks- 24 + 27 = 51/60