Welcome to week two, night two of season twenty-five of Dancing with the Stars. It is “Latin Night,” which means the twelve couples will be tasked to only perform Latin routines- such as the cha-cha-cha and rumba. It is also the second elimination of the season, as another couple must hang up their dancing shoes.
Last night’s special all ballroom episode was the end of the line for Barbara & Keo. She was fun and her partnership with Keo was hysterical but she was obviously the weakest dancer in the competition. It was nice though that she went out after improving from week one and her positive attitude will be missed. As for the rest, it was a mixed bag overall. The judges were tough with their scores yet again, which is not such a bad thing because it makes everyone work harder and it is far better than over-scoring when it isn’t deserved. Of course, one can make a case that a few couples last night deserved either a point or two higher or a point or two lower.
The most interesting thing to note from last night is that we are slowly seeing some other couples emerge as competitors as opposed to just Jordan and Lindsey. Those two were still stellar and I believe are heading straight for the finale but I was pleasantly surprised to see so many other couples step it up. Tonight should give us an even better indication as to which pairings have the potential to go deep in the competition.
Let’s take a look at last night’s poll results. These were as of 7PM Eastern today. For favorite partnership, Jordan & Lindsay are first with 30%, followed by Lindsey & Mark with 19% and Frankie & Witney at 10%. Four couples ended up in double digits for favorite routine. At the top, Jordan & Lindsay with 26%. Lindsey & Mark managed 20% while Frankie & Witney took 14% and Victoria & Val had 12%. How about least favorite of the night? Terrell & Cheryl with an overwhelming 47%. Nick & Peta had 12%.
The majority of you, 59%, believe Terrell & Cheryl are gone tonight, with Debbie & Alan also earning some votes at 12%. Finally, the second episode of the season once again earned an above average grade, 50% of the voters giving it a “B.” I am with you guys on tonight’s boot. Between being in jeopardy last night and a less than flattering rehearsal package, I can’t see Terrell escaping tonight. His dance didn’t light up the floor either so he can’t count on that to be his saving grace. I would be really surprised if anyone else was eliminated instead. The more intriguing question is who might end up in jeopardy with him.
Here we go…
We start out with our pros and troupe members getting us into the Latin spirit with a fiery routine. Here come the celebs to join them. Hot! A nice short opening choreographed by Mandy Moore. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Nikki & Artem – Samba
Alright. Well, it was definitely sexy. My issue was- it was a little too slow and careful. It needed some more energy and fire. Artem went for a more sultry and “close together” samba which could be a hit or miss with the judges. It was nice to watch and Nikki looked gorgeous and did all the right steps but I wonder if this would have served her better (since she went first) if the routine had some more fire to it. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len didn’t like the beginning with the gyrating. He did like the samba content but wants Nikki to use her legs and feet a little more to get the samba bounce. Bruno feels a little bit of rhythm was lost and he believes it was due to her legs as Len said. The timing was a little off as well. Carrie Ann thought the connection was there but she needs to finish some of her movements. She felt it was so basic.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
You can vote for Nikki by calling 1 800 868 3409 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Victoria & Val – Rumba
That was okay. It needed some more hip action. Come on now, this is a rumba. Val tried to tell a story here but since the dances are so short, it made the routine feel even shorter. They didn’t get into the routine fast enough and once they did, it was over. Victoria did her best with the acting part of it. I just wanted more content and more actual rumba material. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno said it lost a little hip action and had a contemporary feel. Carrie Ann called it authentic. She liked that Victoria showed her legs. Oh, it is her birthday today. Happy Birthday Victoria. Len saw emotion but little else. He wouldn’t have known it was a rumba.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 6
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Victoria by calling 1 800 868 3413 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Derek & Sharna – Paso Doble
Not bad. The paso doesn’t fit too comfortably on Derek. He doesn’t give off that imposing vibe it needs. A little acting goes a very long way in a dance like this. He did a commendable job with it. The actual paso steps were fine. I appreciate that it was a true paso stylistically. It isn’t a dance I will remember at the end of the night but decent overall. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann feels like her comments were listened to from yesterday and even though some awkward arms are going on, she feels like he is growing. Len liked the determination. He tells him to watch his hands because they go flat. Bruno feels artistry gets lost when Derek gets too much into characterization.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
You can vote for Derek by calling 1 800 868 3403 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Sasha & Gleb – Samba
Sasha’s greatest asset so far on this show is her acting. She definitely knows how to tell a story, even in a short dance. But this routine brought me back to week one where she needs more energy. I am wondering if Gleb is hindering that in rehearsals. I just want to see her go for it more. She clearly wants to be here and looks to be working hard so I would love to see her just go full out in a routine. All in all though, a decent, if forgettable samba. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len liked it. He liked the sparkle and says that Sasha did a good job. Bruno felt the foot placement was well done. He wants her to not be shy. Sell it even more, he says. Carrie Ann sees her growing. She is all compliments.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 7
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Sasha by calling 1 800 868 3410 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Nick & Peta – Argentine Tango
Better than last night for sure. But the pattern I am seeing with Nick is that Peta does way too much of the work. Nick needs to step up more in all his dances. Sure, the argentine tango shows off the woman more but Nick could have been an even stronger leader in that. I don’t know if Peta is afraid he can’t do it and so she choreographs careful but it will not help him survive on this show if it continues this way. On the plus side, no glaring issues to note. – – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno appreciates going into character. He wants things sharper and he is still walking it instead of gliding. Carrie Ann saw more passion. She feels Nick is doing what he can. Len feels what was missing was the passion in the dance of guy trying to get the girl. He wants more character.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 6
Bruno- 6
You can vote for Nick by calling 1 800 868 3408 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Jordan & Lindsay – Samba
YES! You know how much I love me some samba rolls. And Jordan did them. That was a hot samba. It had flare, fire, all that samba action and great musicality. I loved Jordan’s expressions during the routine too- he is so into the dance. Three routines down for him and three successful dances. He’s the one to watch clearly. – – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann loves the partnership. She loved the nuances. Len has overlooked an issue with Jordan’s feet. He doesn’t want him to hit this peculiar leg action he does. Practice in the shoes, Len says. Bruno calls it exciting and fresh. He loves that Jordan puts his own style to it.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Jordan by calling 1 800 868 3406 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Drew & Emma – Rumba
I absolutely applaud Drew here for that hip action. It looked like a real rumba and Emma was smart to give him simplistic steps. I think Drew has a lot of potential. He isn’t the most natural dancer but I can see growth already from week one. Emma was flawless here by the way. Just divine to watch. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len thought the basic dance and choreography was good. He says it was his best dance so far. Bruno felt the lines were good and he maintained the flow of movement. Carrie Ann found it to be very expressive. She loves that he was in control and feels he has something very special. She feels he is still learning his body.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 7
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Drew by calling 1 800 868 3404 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Debbie & Alan – Argentine Tango
Debbie’s best dance of the season. A very sultry argentine tango with lots of good kicks and nice turns. Alan served Debbie well here. Nick should watch this dance and see what the man is supposed to do in an argentine tango. Debbie has sort of been off the radar for me since the beginning but hopefully this is a turn around for her. Keep it up! – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno enjoyed how naughty Debbie was. He just wants her to watch her feet when she extends her legs. Carrie Ann enjoyed seeing the aggression but she agrees, watch the legs. Len enjoyed the nightclub vibe. A little brittle here and there he says but does mention it was Debbie’s best dance.
Carrie Ann- 7
Len- 7
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Debbie by calling 1 800 868 3402 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Vanessa & Maks – Salsa
That was fun and very high energy. Good salsa steps and side by side dancing with Maks but a bit of a missed opportunity by wasting time at the top. I got the idea but in all honesty, in a few weeks, the dances will be longer and so that would be a better time to tell a story. At this point in the competition, just get to dancing. It seems like they only have a minute to really do it. Vanessa keeps doing well and I think she is much better than her husband. Now it is time for her to step into the next level and show she is a contender. She isn’t there yet. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann loved how in-sync it was. She felt Vanessa was controlling the dance. Len mentions a little incident but is overlooking it because he believes Vanessa is a contender. Bruno found it juicy and spicy. He says balance was a little lost toward the end but overall, very good.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Vanessa by calling 1 800 868 3412 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Terrell & Cheryl – Samba
No. Terrell. Terrell. If you are going to say you are so sexy in the package, you better look the part out there. This samba was weak. At times awkward, at other times, it was just Cheryl trying to make it work. I can appreciate him wanting to go all out but I would rather a safe and well done samba than a high energy messy one. This was messy. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Len hopes he is back next week. He calls him a sportsman. He enjoyed the posture and the determination. Bruno says the heat was turned on. But he wants more bounce on the legs. A little too stiff, Bruno notes. Carrie Ann says Terrell is a crowd favorite but she needs to see more. She wants to see him dance more- too compact she says.
Carrie Ann- 6
Len- 6
Bruno- 7
You can vote for Terrell by calling 1 800 868 3411 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Lindsey & Mark – Salsa
Damn. The energy in that was insane. So fast. But Lindsey kept up with the whole thing. Great salsa steps, in-sync when not in hold with Mark, lots of great enthusiasm, fun, and I especially loved those high kicks. This girl can dance. When I mentioned not wasting time at the start and just getting right to the dance because they are so short, this is a prime example of what I mean. It was a full on dance from beginning to end. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Bruno loved the energy and speed. And he loved how it was kept all the way through. Carrie Ann felt like Lindsey came out with a mission and she accomplished it. Len loved that there was no messing about. He calls it fabulous.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 8
You can vote for Lindsey by calling 1 800 868 3407 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Frankie & Witney – Cba-Cha-Cha
Solid dance. Like some of the others, Frankie is not a natural dancer and that shows. However, what also shows is his hard work. He has grown since week one and I am starting to see him not thinking too hard about the steps and just going for it. I think he will become more organic in his dancing as the season progresses. This was a fun cha-cha-cha though. And he needed a feel good routine. Solid. – Click to Watch Performance VIDEO
Carrie Ann feels Frankie has swagger. She enjoyed how it had technique as well. Len enjoyed it and called it a terrific entertaining routine. Len congratulates everyone on a hard week of two dances. Bruno loved how cheeky it was and he enjoyed the little things in there. He wants to see it again.
Carrie Ann- 8
Len- 8
Bruno- 9
You can vote for Frankie by calling 1 800 868 3405 (toll free). You can also vote online at ABC.COM and/or on FACEBOOK (voting is combined via this method when using the same email). Voting begins right at the start of each performance show on Monday nights. Check ABC.COM for details regarding voting window time and information about registering to cast your vote online.
Week Two Leaderboard (Out Of A Possible 30)
Nick- 25
Lindsey- 24
Jordan- 24
Vanessa- 23
Sasha- 22
Debbie- 21
Drew- 21
Victoria- 20
Terrell- 19
Nick- 19
Derek- 19
Nikki- 18
Elimination Time!!!
In jeopardy- Nick & Peta and Debbie & Alan
All other couples are safe.
The second couple leaving us this season are…
Debbie & Alan
Debbie says the show and Alan gave her her life back so she is thrilled and she wants to keep dancing. They go to the center of the ballroom for their goodbyes as Tom and Erin sign off telling us to tune in next week for a night of guilty pleasures. – – Click to Watch Elimination VIDEO
POLLS going up very soon!
