Here’s how things shook out tonight: Nicole and Evan are tied for first place with a total of 59 points apiece. Erin is next with 56. Chad is last with 52. Nicole and Evan in the final is pretty much a foregone conclusion. That last spot is a toss-up between Erin and Chad. I hope Erin gets it, because she’s the better dancer. But, never underestimate the power of a football player’s fanbase…
Chad has a fun personality, but really isn’t a very good dancer. The judges are trying to create an improvement arc for him, but I’m not seeing it.
Erin seems like a really cool chica and she dances really well, I’m just not seeing a lot of charisma when she performs. Evan’s dancing is hit and miss, depending on the dance. Tonight’s Foxtrot was pretty awesome, but don’t ask him to shake his hips. And as an ice nerd, used to performing as a solo, he’s had trouble connecting to his partner.
Nicole is a professional dancer, so of course her routines are fabulous. But, where is the fun in that? I don’t see the point in bringing professionals on the show.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m not blown away by anybody who’s left. I’m gonna be alright with anybody out of the Erin/Nicole/Evan triumvirate.
Check out my live blog and VIDEOS after the jump.
It’s the Semi finals! The final 4 stars battle it out for a place in next week’s final. Each of these couples have led in viewer votes, says Tom.
Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Viennese Waltz – Very pretty. Erin usually does pretty well, but she doesn’t stand out for some reason. Lack of charisma? Charm? Something like that. Len says, “You just made a giant step through the door…well done” Bruno says, “Like a symphony in blue, you’ve improved so much. A minuscule stumble, but wonderful” Carrie Ann says, “Watching you take this next step, you were a little nervous, but you are doing wonderfully.” Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9, Bruno – 9 – 27 – Total – 56 – 1-800-868-3403 Oops, Bruno almost raised the wrong paddle. – VIDEO
Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough – Argentine Tango – Uh oh. Derek is injured. Will he be able to dance? He’s going to try. Well the good thing is, Nicole is a talented dancer–she can do a lot of the heavy lifting. And so, Derek’s injury doesn’t seem to be affecting their routine. Nicole dances well like the professional dancer she is. Bruno says, “You were like a divine enchantress! Enslaved by you, enchanted by the dance!” Carrie Ann says, “You brought me to tears…it’s so profound, it was so amazing.” Carrie Ann is choked up. Nicole hugs Carrie Anne and Bruno. Len says, “All I can say is, it was more delicious than my grandmother’s apple pie. fantastic.” I smell a 30!!! Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 10, Bruno – 10 – 30 Total – 59 – 1-800-868-3408 – VIDEO
Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke – Waltz – To be honest, if Chad weren’t a football player (for some reason, they are really popular on DWTS) he would have been gone long ago. He’s not a very good dancer at all. Though, his little romance with Cheryl is fun to watch. Carrie Ann says, “Chad just nailed the waltz! This new Chad with the new posture…where did he come from?” Len says, “You are the only one without any dance experience…you’ve climbed mountains. Fantastic.” Bruno says, “We’ve been so harsh because we knew there was something for us to see. You showed it to us. You are a star.” Eh. I guess we’re grading on a curve, now. – Carrie Ann – 9, Len – 9 Bruno – 9 – 27 – Total – 52 – 1-800-868-3401 – VIDEO VIDEO
Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya – Foxtrot – Anna is trying to help Evan “connect.” He is a bit of a technocrat–a cold fish. Aw, Evan is smiling his face off! Maybe a little too much, but it’s cute. OK, this is very charming! Now I’m smiling. It’s like watching a Hollywood musical. Go Evan! Len says, “We saw a completely different side–it was absolutely wonderful.” Bruno says, “You’re as high as a kite over there! Like Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney” “I really felt the connection tonight. Thank you for listening to my pleas.” Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9, Bruno – 10 – 29 – Total – 59 – 1-800-868-3406 – VIDEO
In the next round, each of the stars is required to dance a solo. The video packages reveal some biographical information about each of the contestants.
Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Paso Doble – Erin took dance classes when she was a kid. She signed a contract with ESPN with she was 24. She also discusses the stalker that took peephole videos and put them on the net. Go Erin! That was pretty fierce. There was a little mistake at the end–Maks almost fell over. Bruno says, “You are a hot chick with an attitude! I cannot believe the standard of dance.” Carrie Ann says, “That’s what it feels like to be in your power” Len says, “I don’t know what to make of it…I’m a traditionalist…this was a funky monkey paso. I don’t know whether to to with the talent or the dance.” Maks stripping! Yay! Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9, Bruno – 10 – 29 – VIDEO
Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough – Cha cha cha – Guess what? Nicole was a fantastic dance student! Nicole bought her mom a home in Hawaii. Aw. Oh look! A shout out from Diddy! OMG this solo is like something she’d do for the Pussycat Dolls! Oh boy, this is pretty sexy and slick. I bet Nicole gets another perfect score. She’s so going to win this whole thing. Carrie Ann says, “It all comes so naturally for you…I congratulate you.” Len didn’t think her solo had much cha cha cha in it, but that she needed to be in the finals next week. Bruno calls her “sexylicious.” It’s Derek’s birthday! Carrie Ann – 10, Len – 9, Bruno – 10 – 29 – VIDEO VIDEO
Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke – Samba – Chad came up poor and was raised by his grandmother. He used sports as his way out. He went to 3 colleges. Terrell Owens says he doesn’t think Chad knew how tough DWTS would be. Chad is a great dad! Cheryl strips off Chad’s shirt for the solo. The shirtless deal will help with the votes. Len says, “You’ve got a rough deal tonight, for a really tough dance you did a great job.” Bruno says, “I’m torn between admiration and bitter envy. You got it right, I had fun with it.” Cheryl says, “Your technique hasn’t quite matured, but your charisma lights up the room.” Carrie Ann – 8, Len – 8, Bruno – 9 – 25 – VIDEO
Tom says tonight has been one of his favorite shows–of all 10 seasons…”It’s been an amazing show, ” he says.
Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya – Paso Doble – Evan is a very driven, detail oriented person. Of course he is. He’s a champion. He’s also really shy. Scott Hamilton says, a lot of skaters are shy, because they spend so much time rehearsing alone. Evan rips off Anna’s skirt and uses it as a cape during his solo. This is better than I expected, but I’m not getting the “big stud” vibe from Evan. That big kiss he gave Anna at the end was pretty lulzy. Bruno says, “Strong yet artistic. A paso with passion, and you’ve got balls!” Carrie Ann says, “Tonight your movements were powerful, guttural. I loved. it.” Len says, “The man should dominate. You did it, you came out and attacked, aggression.” Carrie Ann, 10, Len – 10 Bruno – 10 – 30. – VIDEO
